Forever wars in the Middle East - 7.16.2026

The Trump administration's approach toward Iran has, strengthened rather than weakened opposition to the United States. Many Iranians remember a long history of Western intervention, beginning with the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after the nationalization of Iran's oil industry, followed by decades of support for the Shah's authoritarian rule before the 1979 revolution. Acknowledging this history is essential if lasting peace is ever to be achieved.

Instead of learning from past mistakes, the United States continues to rely on threats, sanctions, and military force. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports of civilians, including children, being killed and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank continuing. These developments deserve serious international scrutiny and renewed efforts to protect civilian lives and uphold international law.

Encouragingly, an increasing number of Members of Congress are questioning continued military assistance to Israel. Diplomacy, accountability, and respect for human rights—not endless conflict—offer the only path toward a just and lasting peace.

The Cost of Silence: Justice for Mothers and Children Separated by the Church - 7.16.2026

The Catholic Church’s past involvement in taking babies born out of wedlock from their mothers raises serious questions about power, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable families. Reports featured in the first segment of the latest 60 Minutes CBS program examined cases where unmarried mothers were separated from their children and adoption systems benefited financially while families suffered profound loss.

No institution, regardless of its religious standing, should be above scrutiny. Every child deserves dignity, and every parent deserves honesty, compassion, and due process. If abuses occurred, they must be fully investigated, victims must be heard, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Faith communities can provide great compassion and service, but trust is built through transparency, humility, and respect for human rights. The painful stories of mothers and children separated by past practices should remind us that protecting families must always come before institutional reputation or financial interests.

Israeli settler terrorists attack U.S. Journalists - 7.15.2026

The attack on a convoy of journalists by Israeli settlers, with the support or protection of some IDF soldiers, along with the unresolved killing of the father of a Palestinian American one year ago, demands a full and independent investigation. Violence against journalists, civilians, and human rights defenders cannot be tolerated. Those responsible — whether settlers or members of the IDF — must face justice.

Across America, growing numbers of people are demanding accountability and an end to impunity. If the United States is unwilling to confront settler violence and protect human rights, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee should be recalled. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must accept responsibility for policies that have enabled continued suffering, violence, and the erosion of the rule of law, and he should resign.

The United States must end unconditional political and military support that enables violations of human rights. When journalists, civilians, or American citizens can be attacked without consequences, it represents a dangerous failure of accountability.

Israeli settlers and any individuals, including members of the IDF, who are found responsible for crimes must be investigated and prosecuted. Justice must apply equally to all. The world needs leaders who defend human dignity, international law, and peace — not impunity.

Rubio Serving as De Facto Viceroy of Venezuela - 7.14.2026

Why are we compounding the wrongs committed in Venezuela by taking actions that many see as depriving its people of their national wealth? If the United States truly supports democracy, sovereignty, and the rule of law, it should pursue those principles consistently.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is serving as the de facto "viceroy" of Venezuela. Whether one agrees with that characterization or not, it raises troubling questions about U.S. policy toward another sovereign nation. Long-standing sanctions, economic pressure, and disputes over Venezuelan assets have imposed significant hardship while doing little to resolve the country's political crisis.

America should be guided by diplomacy, respect for international law, and the self-determination of nations—not policies that deepen suffering or fuel resentment. Lasting peace and stability come through dialogue and cooperation, not coercion.

It is time to replace confrontation with constructive engagement and respect for Venezuela's sovereignty.

A Nation Must Reject Fear And Embrace Human Dignity - 7.14.2026

The killing of LORENZO SALGADO ARAUJO in HOUSTON and the concerns raised by LULAC about ICE enforcement should force our nation to ask serious questions about immigration policies and accountability.

No community should feel hunted or targeted because of its ethnicity. The use of billions of taxpayer dollars for immigration enforcement must come with strict oversight, transparency, and respect for human rights. The absence of body cameras during operations raises troubling concerns about accountability and the public’s right to know what happened.

Families are suffering. Children are going to bed without their fathers, and spouses are separated from their loved ones. Meanwhile, many farmers and industries face labor shortages that could be addressed through humane and practical immigration reforms.

Our nation’s moral traditions and religious teachings repeatedly call us to “welcome the stranger” and treat every person with compassion. Security and humanity are not opposites. America can enforce its laws while still protecting dignity, justice, and the fundamental rights of every person.

The World Must Not Look Away: Accountability and Justice in Gaza - 7.14.2026

Why are our governments attempting to silence the voices exposing alleged crimes in the Israel-Gaza war? 

The world must not ignore the suffering of Palestinians facing death, starvation, and displacement. 

The policies of Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU and far-right officials must be subject to independent investigation and accountability. Reports of Palestinians being held without charge, abused, and tortured in detention demand urgent international attention. 

The case of DR. AHMED ABU SAFIY, who reportedly suffered severe abuse while in custody, highlights the need for transparency and respect for human rights. 

The announcement by Secretary of State MARCO RUBIO of plans to “systematically disable” the INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT raises serious concerns about whether powerful nations are trying to avoid accountability. 

Justice cannot depend on the identity of the victims or the perpetrators. Human rights, international law, and the dignity of every person must be defended equally. Silencing investigators and courts only weakens the global fight against atrocities.

The Case Against Endless Intervention: Examining Lindsey Graham’s Record - 7.14.2026

It is sad that throughout his life, Lindsey Graham has shown an endless embrace of war

The pattern is impossible to ignore: Lindsey Graham has repeatedly supported military interventions and aggressive foreign policies with little apparent concern for the human cost. As JEREMY SCAHILL has argued, Graham has become a symbol of politicians who too often view war as the first option rather than the last resort.

America needs leaders who understand that every war means lives lost, families shattered, communities destroyed, and taxpayers burdened. True strength is not measured by how quickly leaders call for military action, but by their ability to pursue diplomacy, prevent conflict, and protect human life.

After decades of costly wars, the United States should have learned that endless intervention rarely creates lasting peace. Congress must demand accountability, prioritize diplomacy, and reject the idea that military force is the answer to every global challenge.

The American people deserve leaders who seek peace before war and wisdom before escalation.