News

Stephan ‘Bax’ Baxter might have started with the best intentions, but his involvement in the Kelly Thomas case—a tragic incident involving the fatal beating of a schizophrenic homeless man by police officers—quickly spiraled into a cautionary tale about ego, narcissism, and the pitfalls of misplaced activism. When Kelly Thomas, a man struggling with schizophrenia, was brutally killed by police officers in Fullerton, California, it was Bax Baxter who first drew attention to the case. Recognizing the grave injustice and fueled by a desire for retribution, Baxter rallied the community, organizing protests and calling for accountability. At first, Baxter’s efforts seemed...

Drama used to be a perfectly good word. It conjured up images of Shakespeare, high-stakes conflict, and, of course, way too much eyeliner. But in the twisted world of 12-step programs, drama has taken on a whole new—and far more sinister—meaning. I first encountered this bizarre usage in an AA meeting in Hollywood, where "drama" was used to dismiss seriously violent situations as if they were no more than tabloid gossip. Someone spoke about child abuse, and someone else waved it away as “drama.” And just like that, real trauma is trivialized and swept under the rug. 12-step programs have...

The word "respect" once carried weight, symbolizing admiration, trust, and honor earned through actions and integrity. Today, it feels like a cheap commodity, tossed around by everyone from corrupt cops to criminals, each demanding it as though it’s something you hand out at the door like candy on Halloween. In a world where abusive authoritarians in the criminal justice system, mobsters, and street criminals all claim to own "respect," the concept has been diluted beyond recognition. Respect Isn’t Earned Anymore – It’s Demanded We’ve reached an age where respect is no longer a badge of honor earned through good deeds...

Hey everyone, it’s Dan here, and I’ve got some exciting news to share with you all today. My PenPal Pastor has officially claimed the top spot on the Dan Joyce Art Blog! That's right—move over, art critiques and philosophical musings, because Pastors Jerry and Donald are stealing the spotlight! I know, I know—you’re probably thinking, “But Dan, you’ve got a whole blog dedicated to art, humanism, and mental health! How does a pastor fit in?” Well, let me tell you—this newfound friendship has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s like an unexpected plot twist in the novel of life, and...

The System Is a Machine Made of Too Many Humans Who Do Not Behave Humane: A Critical Look at the Criminal Justice, Psychiatric, and Educational Systems In theory, our societal systems are designed to protect, rehabilitate, and educate. However, in practice, they often fall short, becoming cumbersome machines that sometimes fail to act with humanity. This blog post explores how the criminal justice, psychiatric, and educational systems, despite being driven by individuals, often operate in ways that lack compassion and effectiveness. Criminal Justice System: A Machine of Punishment Over Rehabilitation The criminal justice system is intended to uphold the law...