These are the times that try men's souls (Steele Notes)
I'll share some things I found useful this week below, but first there are some other things I need to say.
"These are the times that try men's souls..." So begins "The Crisis" by Thomas Paine. These words were true in December 1776, and they are true again, in these United States of America, in January 2026. Open corruption, authoritarianism, and, yes, fascism are on the rise in the USA like never before.
If you haven't been paying attention, and you think my previous sentence is overblown, I would direct you to reputable news sources (give Ground News a look, if you haven't already) and the recent writings of Timothy Snyder and Heather Cox Richardson. Or watch this recent video from Heather Cox Richardson.
Hell, if you're really short on time, just look at today's Minnesota Star Tribune front page. Might appear in the history books, someday.
There are SO many things that have happened in just the past year that it's difficult to summarize. But, as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, I am particular concerned by actions of DHS/ICE and the demonization and mistreatment of immigrants (and now citizens, particularly non-White ones, those who disagree with the government, etc.).
As I wrote this past week in "Romans 13 is Not a Blank Check for Cruelty":
This is what authoritarianism looks like. And the fact that many "evangelical" Christians support these things--or look the other way--makes me sick to my stomach.
The Bible's witness on immigrants, the poor, and the powerless is consistent from Leviticus through Matthew 25: God stands with the vulnerable, and his people are commanded to do the same.
If you care about a Christian perspective on these things, I've written on Romans 13, what the Bible says about immigrants, and how to read Romans 13 alongside Matthew 25, as it were. I've also written about what the book of Proverbs, specifically, has to say about poverty, as well as an argument for "downward mobility" when it comes to Christians and wealth.
And, even if you don't care about the biblical/theological arguments above, I've compiled ways that you/we can resist fascism here: joshuapsteele.com/resist. And I've also drafted "A Citizen's Manifesto" with what I'm calling "working principles" (as in a work in progress) for reviving and restoring democracy.
OK, some things I found useful this week:
- Therapy. I've gone to therapy, on and off, since I had the following thought as a Ph.D. student: 🚩 "Well, at least if this truck hit me, I wouldn't have to finish my dissertation." 🚩 It's been immensely helpful for dealing with my depression and anxiety, as well as just getting some more clarity on my life. Should you go? Let this be your nudge, if you need one!
- The Feelings Wheel. Sure, it sounds and feels a little silly, sometimes. But I've got a physical Feelings Wheel that I keep on my desk, and it's a tool I regularly revisit with my therapist. Getting better at accurately and honestly describing your emotions can be a game-changer.
- The Library. I buy too many books and too many tools. BUT, this past week I (A) requested a fiction book a friend recommended ("Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver) and (B) got two versions of this screwdriver handle for my Harbor Freight ICON "meme tool" sets 3D-printed, for $2.40! They were so helpful about the 3D printing process that I definitely plan to be a repeat customer. What does your local library offer that you could take better advantage of?
That's all for now.
As always, feel free to reply to this email and it will go straight to my inbox. Also, if you've got a friend that you think would enjoy "Steele Notes," please forward it to them! You can also send them to this sign-up link: buttondown.com/joshuapsteele.
Stay safe out there!
~ Josh