In today's polarized political landscape and contentious social media environments, a manipulative response pattern called DARVO has become increasingly prevalent. Understanding this tactic is essential for navigating contemporary dialogue with clarity and protecting yourself from psychological manipulation. I had someone pull a DARVO move on me this past Saturday, on Facebook.   A woman made a post in a county wide group.  I noted right away that she is a group moderator.  I commented (first...

* Rev. Martin Luther King Please listen to the video stream above (it is about 40 minutes long) before or after reading this essay, if you wish to receive a more rounded context and message.  There are no visuals, so this is ideal for streaming via Carplay or Android Audio while commuting. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Martin Luther King Jr. asked this of us, and the question reverberates with a new ferocity today, echoing through the...

The State of Democracy in the Americas The 2025 CIVICUS Monitor report reveals a sobering reality: civic freedoms across the Americas are experiencing a dramatic rollback. Approximately 60 percent of the population now lives in obstructed civic space environments, while another 30 percent faces closed or repressed conditions. This represents not merely statistical decline, but a fundamental assault on the democratic foundations that enable citizen participation in governance. The United...