AI Is A Gateway To The Welfare State
October 6, 2026 |
Keith Giles
As the calendar flips to a new year, we often carry with us the hope for fresh starts. Yet, if the recent news is any indicator, the weight of our unresolved societal struggles is heavier than ever. From systemic injustice to political hypocrisy, the challenges we face demand collective reflection and action.
The late Jimmy Carter exemplified humility, faith, and integrity in both his public and private life. Carter’s approach to Christianity stood in stark contrast to the politicized, weaponized faith practiced by many today. His life demonstrated that faith need not be a cudgel but a guide for compassion and justice. The backlash from fundamentalist circles to Carter’s legacy underscores a troubling trend: the demonization of decency by those claiming moral superiority.
2025 began with two devastating terrorist attacks, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas. Both perpetrators, one an Army veteran and the other an active-duty Green Beret, highlight a growing issue: the radicalization of military personnel. While pundits rushed to blame immigration, the attackers’ status as U.S. citizens exposes the baselessness of these narratives. Instead of addressing the root causes of domestic terrorism, these tragedies are exploited for political gain, perpetuating scapegoating and division.
The rise of Christian nationalism continues to threaten progress and inclusivity. Proponents of this ideology, often lauding regressive policies, seek to erase hard-won rights under the guise of establishing a “Christian nation.” This agenda includes overturning landmark rulings like Obergefell v. Hodges and restricting access to contraception, revealing a dangerous conflation of faith and authoritarianism.
Christian nationalism’s flawed theology ignores the example of Jesus, who deconstructed oppressive systems and challenged exclusionary practices. The false narrative that equates Christian governance with moral superiority must be resisted to protect the pluralistic values foundational to democracy.
The stark disparities in Missouri’s justice system provide a chilling illustration of systemic racism. Governor Mike Parson’s recent decisions—refusing to commute the sentence of Marcellus Williams, a likely innocent Black man executed in 2017, while pardoning a white police officer convicted of killing Cameron Lamb—underscore a justice system that values some lives over others. Lamb’s children will grow up without their father, while his killer walks free, shielded by a system that perpetuates inequality.
Despite the heaviness of these realities, there are reasons for hope. Activist groups and compassionate organizations continue to fight for justice and equity. Whether combating fascistic policies or supporting vulnerable communities, grassroots efforts embody the spirit of resistance and solidarity necessary to confront today’s challenges.
The words of the prophet Amos remain a timeless call to action. Amos denounced societal injustice and performative religiosity, urging his audience to let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. In an era where faith is often weaponized for political gain, Amos’s challenge to pursue genuine justice resonates louder than ever.
As we navigate the year ahead, maintaining hope, cultivating love, and protecting one’s peace are radical acts of resistance. The fight for equity, dignity, and compassion is worth every effort. Joy and justice are intertwined, and by embracing both, we can continue to push for a better world.
