Gabriel Mahia

  When you cast your vote, read a court decision, or even flip through the news, you're dancing to a tune you might not even hear. But oh, it's playing, and it's a melody that's been fine-tuned over centuries. Let's explore the silent symphony that holds the chaos at bay: our institutions. You ever have one of those days where everything just works? The coffee tastes just right, your emails are poetic masterpieces, and your meetings end not only on time but with everyone nodding in agreement. That's your personal institution at work—habits and routines you've fine-tuned to make your life, well, livable. Now, expand that to an entire nation, throw in some jazz, a dash of rock 'n' roll, and baby, you've got the music of democracy. But who's listening? Pause right there. Tomorrow, when you sip your morning coffee, consider this: that cup of Joe is more than caffeine; it's a comforting ritual, a silent guardian of your sanity. Now, let's ...

On a same-day visit to both the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my world view shifted dramatically. The urgency of history, coupled with the current political climate and social unrest, compelled me to write. The time for complacency is over; it's time to engage, learn, and act. Christopher Browning’s Cautionary Tales: Ordinary Men and Extremism—this title alone sends chills down my spine. You might think it's about a historical event detached from our present, but don't be fooled. It mirrors our daily lives, reminding us that extremism isn't always a distant concept. It's close; sometimes too close for comfort. You could be scrolling through social media one moment, and the next, stumble upon a post that makes you question the very core of your beliefs. That's when it hits you. You're not just a spectator; you're a participant in a drama that has been unfolding for centuries. So, how can you gra...