Thank you for visiting my political journal. This journal serves as a comprehensive outlet for all the ideas I have about politics and society (or, at least, the ones I've finished writing down). It is in a perpetual state of construction, growing more and more as I discover new concepts and dive deep into a web of tangential thoughts. I am trained neither as a writer nor a political scientist. Considering this, it may be overly optimistic to hope that my writing is *illuminating,* but I do at least hope you find it informative, and perhaps even interesting. I can assure you there *will* be mistakes, and I encourage you to reach out if you have amendments to make or constructive criticism to provide. A final disclaimer I would like to make before sending you on your way: **I am a liberal.** My frame of view is rooted in secular liberal democratic values, and though I am aware that this creates certain blindspots for me, I am not foolish enough to think I can discover all such blindspots without outside help. So, I would implore you again to contribute any additional perspective you may have. If you have questions, comments, or any other feedback, please reach out to me via email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Sincerely, Lowell A. Thoerner