In today’s Thought of the Day (August 26, 2025), Nate Charles reflects on the relentless cycle of absurd and distracting announcements coming from the Trump White House—ranging from culture-war attacks on restaurant logos to constitutionally dubious executive orders.
These constant provocations aren’t random. They’re designed—intentionally or not—to overwhelm the public, exhaust resistance, and normalize authoritarian overreach.
Drawing on his military experience in Afghanistan, Nate explains why sustainable resistance requires balance: just as soldiers on long deployments need rest and recovery to sharpen their tools and return stronger, citizens must also step back, recalibrate, and reengage with clarity and conviction.
This isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. Don’t get numb. Don’t burn out. Find your recovery, then come back swinging.
By Nathan M. F. Charles — Former federal prosecutor and Navy SEAL officer; Managing Partner at Charles International Law. I write on national security, democracy, and the rule of law from the front lines of litigation and experience.
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