Robin Galiano Russell

Are we great enough yet, MAGA? Americans need benefits, not ballrooms

In what universe is it OK to build a ballroom for wealthy guests while Americans go hungry and can’t afford healthcare? Marie Antoinette couldn’t have shown more disdainful irony.

Hope, solidarity will dismantle facism Massive protests show our better nature in painful times

There comes a time when you have to take a stand for basic human dignity and respect that transcends politics. Protesters didn’t seem angry; they seemed resolved. Some things just boil down to right and wrong, rather than left and right.

Protest as patriotism We protest MAGA's overreach because we love America

None of this is normal. What recourse do we have? We shouldn’t have to comply with cruelty and falsehoods. What’s left for ordinary citizens is to gather and use our voice through public protest as a visible sign that all is not well in America.

MAGA’s Orwellian tactic Speaking truth is not fomenting violence

In his second term of hyper-focused vengeance, Trump is ratcheting up the language of demonization with increasingly unhinged rants.

Glimpses of hope in MAGA era Americans show up for truth, freedom

No wonder the powers-that-be want to hinder our freedom of speech at the very time we most need clarity—and a few good laughs. We need to find common ground if our country is to survive all this.

Reflections on an assassination The shooting of a MAGA activist helps no one

No one deserves to die for speaking about their political beliefs, especially in a country whose constitution guarantees freedom of speech. We need reasoned political dialogue, not dangerously violent polarization.

MAGA can’t force us to comply How to defy an unlawful government

When we comply with unlawful authority, we give it power over us. I know from experience that none of us should cede our power unwisely.

Can’t we be done with MAGA? Finding emotional and spiritual resiliency for the long haul

We each have a part to play. We are living in a historic time, one that will be studied for generations to come. What will future generations learn about how we lived through this time?

MAGA governor bends the knee Texans are living in an abusive state

It’s like we Texans are in an abusive marriage that we can’t escape with our state leadership. Take it from a survivor of domestic violence: Control is a key element of abusive behavior.

MAGA racism in DC White nationalists need a better theology

It’s important to recognize the racist roots of what motivates Trump and his cadre of white Christian nationalists. When MAGA Christians are willing to tolerate such rhetoric and beliefs in exchange for a privileged status, it shows they not only need better politics, they need better theology.

Heroism in this MAGA era Superman makes us yearn for decency

Superman is not so powerful that he can’t be hurt. His particular weakness of Kryptonite is actually shards of a world he had loved and lost. That’s something we can all relate to as our democracy is under assault.

MAGA evangelism at work Federal employees now urged to proselytize

Anyone who’s ever stepped inside a Christian bookstore knows that there already are scores of books about discreetly sharing your faith in the marketplace. But a government-endorsed version of evangelism in the workplace during the MAGA era is especially cringe-worthy. What could go wrong?

Wilderness lessons in MAGA era Solo trek provides needed refreshment for long haul

Being in the thin place of the high desert has always given me what I need. I usually come away with a God-given image or idea that sustains me for the next leg of the journey.

Being there for MAGA neighbors Embracing grace above human instincts

Just as I accompany hospice patients on their final journey regardless of their political views, I can show kindness to neighbors who displayed a Take America Back sign last fall.

MAGA forces a line in the sand When our theology goes awry, political chaos happens.

MAGA Christians see themselves as the standard-bearers for biblical values. To their way of thinking, anyone who criticizes this administration clearly hates America and is being influenced by Satan. I wish I were making this up, but their loyalty knows no bounds.

MAGA overreach in LA Those who protest injustice take the heat for violence

Any woman who has been on the receiving end of domestic violence recognizes the controlling tactic of blaming victims for the violence they endure.

MAGA era stirs grief, too A bittersweet loss helps me notice the sadness we carry

It reminded me how important it is to really feel the grief and sadness we carry. That includes the weight of political grief many of us have felt in this MAGA era after barely losing by a popular-vote margin of just 1.5 percent.

Reality-show presidency Trump’s TV image doesn’t hold up

This presidency is a warning about what happens when we put greater value in what entertains us over what is true. We may wake up one day to realize we’ve lost what we truly valued.

Narcissism in the White House Abused partners know you don’t have to live like this.

We can’t fix this sort of madness, but we don’t have to submit to it.

How MAGA distorts the gospel Pope Francis modeled what it’s like to follow Jesus.

It’s essential in this MAGA era to highlight models of authentic Christian faith; Trump supporters have hijacked it for far too long.

Disappearing people? MAGA Christians' empathy only goes so far.

MAGA Christians need to rethink their loyalty and reclaim their empathy.

The joy of (unpaid) protest Showing America's better side in the MAGA era.

It’s our time, folks. Our mostly white demographic elected Trump; it’s only fitting that we are the ones to show America’s better side.

Hope in the MAGA era Spiritual reality awaits beneath the chaos

Where do we find hope if we can't fix the cruel agenda unfolding?

MAGA’s long-held grudges Trump can’t seem to play nice with anyone

Trump never admits he’s wrong, even when he puts the country in danger, and his grudges have no expiration date.

How MAGA dehumanizes Abuse survivors know better than to submit to bullies

Abusers see others as objects, as less than human, and therefore not worthy of humane treatment. Dehumanizing someone deprives them of their humanity and individuality. That often leads to oppression and cruelty.

Empathy in the MAGA era Tending to one another's pain helps us survive cruel times

I have to be somewhat grateful for the depth of my sorrow. It comes from having empathy for those suffering already under this heartless administration. There is a distinct lack of that character quality in the Oval Office.

“Disrespect” in the Oval Office Abuse survivors know what that kind of language means.

Abusers see any disagreement as "disrespect," and that deserves to be punished. Abused wives know this dynamic well.

The courage to resist Reclaiming our power and our voice

Like abuse survivors who recover, break away, and move on, some Americans are starting to say enough is enough.