Voices Today: The Cost of Lawless Power

Labor Day has passed, but the struggle for democratic accountability is intensifying. As we look at today’s landscape, we see a presidency increasingly willing to bypass traditional oversight, whether through unilateral military action in our waters or the deliberate degradation of the U.S. Postal Service—a vital public good now being treated as a political weapon.

Progress requires more than just defending existing institutions; it demands a critical look at how power is wielded in our names abroad and how our justice system often fails to protect the most vulnerable. Today's curated selections examine the intersection of foreign policy blunders, the shifting dynamics of political influence, and the ongoing fight for workplace equity and civil rights.

What the columnists are saying today

Creating the Perfect Female Monster

The Atlantic — An exploration of fictional vengeance against real-world predators and the cultural appetite for justice in an unequal system.

Trump’s Neocolonialism Will Backfire

The New Yorker — The administration's aggressive pursuit of Venezuelan oil deals risks destabilizing regional relations and triggering significant global blowback.

One of My Co-Workers Is Too “Scared” to Do a Crucial Part of Her Job

Slate Magazine — A look at the complications of workplace labor distribution and the personal anxieties that shift burdens onto colleagues.

Look, John Roberts Actually Did an Unambiguously Good Thing for Once!

The New Republic — Analyzing a rare moment of procedural restraint from the Chief Justice regarding the controversial White House construction project.

Is the Israel Lobby Doomed?

Thenation.com — Daniel Levy examines the weakening grip of traditional lobbying forces on U.S. foreign policy amid changing generational perspectives.

Trump Condemned for 200+ Extrajudicial Killings After Yearlong Murder Spree at Sea

Common Dreams — Human rights advocates mark a grim anniversary of unilateral maritime strikes that bypass international law and basic due process.

The Postal Service’s Destruction of Democracy

The American Prospect — New whistleblower revelations suggest a deliberate effort to dismantle the USPS, threatening our ability to conduct fair elections.

These pieces highlight a common thread: the urgent need for transparency and the protection of our public infrastructure. Which of these issues do you believe represents the greatest threat to our democratic future? Write to us and let us know.