Timeless Wisdom: Mastering 2023 with Ancient Teachings

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According to the Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a mind filled with anxiety about the future and unhappiness before misfortune strikes is a calamity. It will never find peace and, consumed by worry, it will miss out on the present joys it could have experienced.

A significant political figure in ancient Rome, Seneca faced numerous challenges and enjoyed wealth and prominence. He managed to provoke the ire of three emperors: Caligula, who came close to sentencing him to death; Claudius, who banished him; and Nero, his former student, who eventually ordered him to take his own life.

For those who are unable to follow Seneca's guidance to overcome anxiety, there is an abundance of worries in our modern era. These concerns range from immediate issues such as the ongoing Ukraine war, labor strikes across different industries, and the potential of a US government shutdown to larger existential threats like climate change and nuclear weapons.

There are now more contemporary voices that provide us with guidance. Who can forget Bobby McFerrin's message in his popular song from 1988, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," where he reminds us that "In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double"? However, there is something comforting about a voice that echoes through time, spanning 2,000 years. It belongs to someone who faced challenges in a world vastly different from ours, yet strangely familiar in certain aspects.

Interestingly, there has been a significant number of individuals contemplating the ancient Roman civilization. Historian David M. Perry highlighted a viral trend on TikTok, involving women asking their partners how frequently they think about the Roman Empire. Surprisingly, many responded with claims of thinking about the ancient empire every day or at least once every week or two. This trend evolved into a widespread meme (can you even be in a relationship if she hasn't questioned you about the Roman Empire?), spreading to various other social media platforms, and even gaining attention from several news outlets. It appears that conversations about the Roman Empire are now omnipresent.

Jo Ellison, writing in the Financial Times, reveals that men on TikTok express admiration for the accomplishments of the Romans. They are fascinated by the Romans' complete domination and their expertise in all aspects of civilization, as well as the sudden decline of their power. Some even draw metaphorical parallels, wondering if we are on the brink of another significant era ending. Additionally, the influence of Marcus Aurelius, an unexpected influencer, is evident through the millions of men who subscribe to apps offering his wisdoms.

David Perry acknowledges that the appetite for Greek and Roman history is constantly being satisfied through podcasts, books, and movies. He highlights the abundance of material available, particularly regarding the late Roman Republic and early empire, which is both thrilling and available in affordable paperback translations.

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Trumps new risk

is a prime example of the impact of program and faculty reductions in the field of languages and other disciplines. As stated by Paula M. Krebs, the executive director of the Modern Language Association, the budget cuts imposed on the liberal arts sector at WVU will significantly limit educational opportunities not only for West Virginia students pursuing humanities majors but also for those in STEM and business fields. Language studies, writing instruction, and the comprehensive research and analytical skills cultivated in introductory and advanced literature and culture courses are invaluable assets that enhance job prospects and enrich the lives of all students.

Donald Trump, the former President, faced a challenge in his pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination recently. His attempt to formulate a stance on abortion that would appeal to conservatives while still maintaining the support of independent voters necessary for winning a general election was met with difficulty during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."

SE Cupp noted that Trump's criticism of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban has caused concern among many right-leaning individuals. These individuals caution the potential 2024 frontrunner against alienating a voter base that played a key role in his initial election as president.

During the interview, Trump declined to endorse a specific timeline for when abortion would be deemed illegal and refrained from committing to a federal prohibition. Instead, he assured that both sides would unite, allowing us to finally resolve an issue that has persisted for 52 years.

However, Cupp observed that the pro-life movement did not receive this positively. They are not interested in finding a middle ground through compromise or negotiations. The movement is determined to persist in the argument and continue the fight, rather than reaching a resolution or moving on from the issue.

In his role as president, Trump appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices who subsequently played a significant role in overturning Roe v. Wade. This achievement is something he proudly highlights. However, as he contemplates another presidential campaign, Trump is beginning to recognize the potential drawbacks of this victory. Cupp posed the question, "Is Trump now inclined to distance himself from his previous stance in light of the unintended consequences of the GOP's highly restrictive abortion legislation? Alternatively, will he align himself with his core supporters and support the actions they elected him to carry out, such as appointing pro-life judges, overturning Roe v. Wade, and advocating for the criminalization of abortion?"

For more:

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Bill Bramhall/Tribune Content Agency

Rupert Murdoch

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch announced on Thursday that he would step down from his position as the head of the company that owns Fox News, taking on the role of chairman emeritus instead. Taking his place will be his son, Lachlan Murdoch, who is 52 years old.

According to media critic David Zurawik, the cable TV landscape in the 1990s had the potential for a channel that showcased conservative voices. However, from its very beginning, Fox News, under the leadership of Murdoch and Roger Ailes as chief executive, operated primarily as a political entity rather than a journalistic one. Ailes, who played a pivotal role in Richard Nixon's successful presidential campaign in 1968, specialized in utilizing media for political purposes.

Murdoch granted Ailes full autonomy to establish Fox News as a prominent force, but we must also acknowledge his significant contribution to the proliferation of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation in cable news. Moreover, he established the blueprint for a formidable right-wing communication apparatus. Consequently, in our current predicament, as we grapple to identify trustworthy media platforms, we attempt to comprehend unprecedented events like the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, or the ex-president's refusal to facilitate a peaceful transition of power.

Shutdown looming?

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy dismissed his divided group of Republicans for the weekend after his attempt to gather enough backing for a plan to avert a government shutdown next weekend fell short.

"That McCarthys best effort wasnt actually very good hardly matters," wrote Democratic strategist Max Burns. "Former President Donald Trump had already made clear to his loyalists that he expected them to reject any continuing resolution to fund the government. In todays MAGA-fied Republican Party, Trumps directive proved more than enough to derail the legislative process ... The fact that shutdown threats are now a fact of political life in Washington is not a failure of government, but a failure of the Republican Party to police its own extremism."

"That McCarthy's subpar performance holds little significance," stated Democratic strategist Max Burns. "Former President Donald Trump had already conveyed to his supporters that he anticipated their refusal to endorse any ongoing resolution for government funding. Within today's MAGA-influenced Republican Party, Trump's directive proved sufficient to derail the legislative process... The prevalence of shutdown threats in Washington now exists not as a government failure, but rather as a failure of the Republican Party to address its own extremism."

Clay Jones

Casual dress code

Bill Bramhall/Tribune Content Agency

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defiantly declared his intention to persist in wearing a suit, despite the growing acceptance of casual attire within the legislative body, which has always upheld strict dress codes. Initially, culture writer Elena Sheppard expressed her disapproval of Schumer's statement.

I envisioned elected officials casually dressed in cargo shorts and Carhartt sweatshirts, also known as "Western PA business casual" by Sen. John Fetterman, or even wearing pajamas while casting their votes. I contemplated how this relaxed dress code would diminish the significance of this legislative body and their duty towards American citizens.

However, I soon came to the realization that my concerns were unfounded. Fashion trends constantly change, politics continuously evolve, and the adoption of more casual attire is an enduring complaint…

"Throughout the years, the Senate has witnessed several dress code modifications without any negative consequences. In 1993, female senators were finally granted permission to wear pants while on the Senate floor. In 2019, a long-standing rule preventing female senators from exposing their shoulders was discontinued."

Furthermore, Fetterman pledged to don a suit while on the Senate floor, under the condition that Republicans cease their efforts to shut down the government and provide unwavering support to Ukraine."

The sister

During Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia's far east to meet with President Vladimir Putin, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, gained attention. Sung-Yoon Lee, a long-time North Korea observer, has authored a new book titled "The Sister" focusing on her.

Kim Yo Jong is a significant and influential female figure who has emerged in the oppressive, male-dominated political realm of North Korea, which has been under the rule of the Kim family for 75 years. According to him, she has been effectively serving as the second most powerful member of the dynasty since 2020, second only to her brother, Kim Jong Un.

The son

Ms. Kim, is a charismatic and astute individual who exudes a magnetic presence. With a sharp tongue, she wields an impressive level of authority, often utilizing vehement rhetoric to make her point. Renowned for her propensity to issue threats of nuclear retaliation against the South, she undoubtedly holds the title of the most influential woman in present-day North Korea.

Hunter Biden is not the first child of a president to face challenges, as noted by Alexis Coe. Even President George Washington's stepson displayed troublesome behavior, leading his tutor to describe him as "exceedingly lazy and surprisingly indulgent." Furthermore, the first president himself found additional flaws in his stepgrandson.

James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush all had children who encountered difficulties in various forms. However, what sets Hunter Biden's situation apart is the manner in which the opposing party has attempted to exploit his struggles as a means to criticize his father.

Republicans are placing their bets on the belief that Hunter, the first problematic child of a sitting president to face charges from the Justice Department, will greatly harm his father's chances in the political realm. However, looking back at American history, we see that troublesome presidential offspring have existed since the nation's inception, yet adversaries have never considered exploiting them as a means to win an election. Whether Hunter Biden's troubles will genuinely impact President Joe Biden's electoral prospects remains uncertain.

An Iran deal

President Biden faced Republican criticism regarding the terms of his deal with Iran to secure the release of five American prisoners. Notably, Peter Bergen highlighted how former Vice President Mike Pence, a 2024 Republican presidential primary candidate, condemned Biden for agreeing to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds in exchange for the prisoners.

It should be noted that Pence's criticism fails to acknowledge that the $6 billion of Iranian funds actually belongs to Iran as a result of its overseas oil sales. Furthermore, the unfrozen funds will not be given directly to Iran, but will instead be administered by the Qatari government for exclusive use in humanitarian endeavors within Iran, as stated by officials from the Biden administration.

The reality, as stated by Bergen, is that Biden had no choice but to attempt to reach an agreement since "the utmost duty of the US commander in chief is to safeguard American citizens ... Take into account that four of the Americans released on Monday were imprisoned in the notorious Evin prison, where torture is widespread, as reported by Amnesty International. Three of these individuals had been held captive by the Iranians for over five years."

Lisa Benson/GoComics.com

Addiction crisis

America is facing a severe addiction crisis, resulting in over 109,000 deaths from overdoses in the span of 12 months, ending in April.

Martin Sheen and Melissa Fitzgerald, known actors, have borrowed a line from A.R. Gurney's play "Love Letters" for their current performance at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington. The character Melissa, who shares the same name as Fitzgerald, depicts a woman who has battled with substance abuse and depression. In her letter to Sheen's character, Andy, she expresses, "They claim I am teetering on the brink of an abyss. It might be wise for you to keep your distance, as I fear I may bring you down with me."

Addiction is often described as a loss of connection, eroding trust and detachment from the community. It is a profound abyss for individuals and their loved ones, seemingly insurmountable in its devastation.

However, amidst the darkness, there is also hope. We have witnessed the unmistakable joy of life in recovery, a joy that extends far beyond the individual and positively impacts families, friendships, and communities. With over 20 million people currently living in recovery, their resilience becomes a testament to the strength of the human soul. They serve as beacons, illuminating the path for others and reminding us of the essential empathy and support every struggling soul deserves.

Ukraine wars stakes

After a year and a half since the initiation of the Ukraine conflict, the gravity of the situation continues to be immense. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Biden cautioned, "If we permit Ukraine to undergo partition, can we guarantee the sovereignty of any country? I humbly propose the response is negative."

According to Michael Bociurkiw, Biden's main message was that if Russia is not held accountable for its aggression in Ukraine, and if world leaders ignore what's happening and allow the rules-based order to collapse, progress on climate change, poverty alleviation, and other issues will be hindered.

Bociurkiw also highlighted that in an interview on CBS, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his frustration with the slow pace of western military assistance and concerns that Moscow was intentionally prolonging the conflict until the next US election, hoping for a change in US leadership that would not favor Ukraine.

Despite visiting Washington after his General Assembly speech, Zelensky failed to make any progress with House Republicans who were skeptical about increasing aid. It was found in a CNN poll that 60% of Republicans believed that the US had already done enough for Ukraine, with only 30% in favor of providing additional weapons to Kyiv.

According to Chen, the blame partly lies with the Ukrainian leadership for not clearly communicating their plans and transparently accounting for the use of existing US aid. However, Republican leaders should also take responsibility for not adequately explaining to their own voters why continued involvement in Ukraine is important, considering the numerous fiscal and substantive challenges our nation faces.

For more:

Keir Giles: Itll take more than wonder weapons to defeat Russia

Jennifer Wexton

Democrat Jennifer Wexton speaks at her election night party after defeating Rep. Barbara Comstock, on November 6, 2018, in Dulles, Virginia.

Alex Brandon/AP

Despite successfully flipping a district that had been Republican for almost four decades, Representative Jennifer Wexton of Virginia, aged 55, has decided not to run for reelection. Recently, she was diagnosed with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy, a devastating neurological disorder, and her response to treatment has been unfavorable. Throughout her career, Wexton has dedicated herself to serving others and advocating for the vulnerable and less fortunate. Her impactful contributions have made a lasting impression on both her state and her nation.

Migrant surge

Wexton is now taking a step back from her purpose-driven journey to prioritize her family. According to reports, her two sons make a weekly visit from college to spend time with her, while her supportive husband and a network of colleagues and friends constantly surround and support her. These genuine connections are not easily forged, and they serve as the foundation for a fulfilling life. The fact that Wexton is choosing to devote her remaining days to her loved ones instead of her job or the pursuit of power speaks volumes about her character and her understanding of what truly matters.

Bill Bramhall/Tribune Content Agency

The influx of approximately 100,000 migrants from the southern border arriving in New York City is straining the relationship between two prominent Democrats: President Biden and Mayor Eric Adams, as noted by Julian Zelizer.

On Wednesday, Biden took action to streamline the process for Venezuelans residing in the US to obtain work permits. However, it is crucial for the president and congressional Democrats to go further and demonstrate how they can provide a compassionate and economically beneficial alternative to the hardline approaches of the GOP. While former President Donald Trump focused on erecting barriers and forcibly separating migrant families, Biden must lead the Democrats in illustrating how the United States has historically been and can continue to be an embracing safe haven for individuals escaping political persecution and financial hardship.

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AND…

The fight for the soul of country music

Maren Morris performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Maren Morris sings on her latest release, expressing, "I always strive to give my best, but as I spend more time in this industry, I find myself caring less." Nicole Hemmer astutely points out that Morris' critique of country music, cleverly conveyed through two well-crafted country songs, reflects a sense of detachment and disillusionment with an irreparably damaged industry.

Morris, a highly successful country singer with numerous chart-topping hits and multiple awards, delivered a deeply impactful farewell amidst the spotlight on the political landscape of country music. Notably, songs like Jason Aldean's "Try That In a Small Town" and Oliver Anthony's "Rich Men North of Richmond" have garnered significant support from conservative audiences. Hemmer, acknowledging the significant anti-government message conveyed in "Rich Men," highlighted its immense value to the right. In fact, Fox News even utilized the song as part of their opening question during the inaugural Republican presidential primary debate in August. Surprisingly, this alignment with conservative values frustrates Anthony, who expressed his annoyance at being associated with them, stating, "It's aggravating to see people on conservative news trying to identify with me, as if I am one of them."

Maren Morris' stance is evident in Hemmer's observation that beyond individual songs, there is a larger conflict taking place in the country music industry. On one side, there are those aiming to strengthen the industry's connection to right-wing politics, while on the other side, there are individuals like Morris who are striving to establish a space for a more inclusive, representative, and historically grounded version of Americana, folk, and country music.