Great Discussions Myerstown

10/08/2026

T O N I G H T !

10/01/2026

09/21/2026

Holy Spirit Parish and its Migrant Justice Ministry announce “A Path Towards Justice: A Prayer Service Honoring the Many Journeys that Shaped America” in solidarity with our local migrants, refugees, and immigrants.

Sunday, September 27

The event will take place at
Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 300 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA

Social & Refreshments start at 6:30PM; Program starts at 7:00PM
in our Outdoor Pavilion weather permitting. (In case of inclement weather, in the main church)

The service falls on the 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-04/world-day-migrants-refugees-title-children-2026-pope-leo-message.html) and is adapted from the program of the same name by the USCCB. We invite all to join us to acknowledge the enduring contributions and sufferings of those who have come and still come to our nation to find safety and a new life. The program features Scripture, ritual prayer, music, and communal reflection. In addition, the program will incorporate realities and testimonials of migrant and refugee neighbors in our area.
Contact: [email protected] for more details.

Pope Leo XIV releases the theme for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which focuses on the need for pastoral care for minors on the move.

09/18/2026

I'm hoping you will all come out tomorrow for the Peace Fest with Shane Claiborne author (Rethinking Life, The Irresistible Revolution, Jesus for President) Peace Advocate, Co-Founder RAW Tools Philly, Founder of The Simple Way, Red-Letter Christians.

Shane has worked with Mother Theresa and served all over the world including war zones. He's lectured all over the world including at many colleges, universities and seminaries, was interviewed by CNN, NPR, Christianity Today, Time and the Wall Street Journal. He was awarded the prestigious King Center's Beloved Community Award for Social Justice from Dr Bernice King.

09/15/2026

Please come to this good debate and discussion. Talking is good for all of us.

09/14/2026

You're all invited!

05/24/2026

President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs were struck down as illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, but his administration continues to pursue them under narrower legal authorities. While average tariff rates fell following the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has implemented new temporary 10% duties on imports while planning for targeted, industry-specific measures.

04/17/2026

America First versus Liberal Internationalism

The following information was AI generated and provides a basic understanding of the discussion topic.

America First and liberal internationalism represent opposing U.S. foreign policy paradigms: one prioritizing unilateral, transactional nationalism, and the other favoring multilateralism, alliances, and a rules-based order. America First emphasizes sovereignty and reducing foreign entanglements, while liberal internationalism promotes global stability through institutions and democratic solidarity.

America First
Core Philosophy: Prioritizes immediate, tangible U.S. interests, often viewed through a zero-sum, transactional lens.

Methods: Unilateralism, skepticism of international organizations (like NATO or WTO), and a tendency toward protectionism.
Goal: To strengthen American power directly and avoid the "free-rider" problem of allies not contributing to security.
Approach to Allies: Allies are often seen as partners that must pay their fair share; "America First" is willing to abandon multilateral commitments.

Liberal Internationalism
Core Philosophy: Believes U.S. interests are best secured by fostering a stable, democratic, and rules-based international system.

Methods: Multilateralism, diplomacy, alliance maintenance, and promoting free markets and democracy.
Goal: To ensure long-term stability and security through collaborative efforts and shared global responsibilities.
Approach to Allies: Allies are considered essential partners (force multipliers) to maintain global influence and manage threats collaboratively.

Key Contrasts
Alliances: America First often questions alliances, while Liberal Internationalism views them as the cornerstone of U.S. security.
Global Order: America First is willing to dismantle existing international structures if they are seen as restrictive; Liberal Internationalism seeks to maintain and lead them.
Ideology: America First focuses on tangible "power politics," while Liberal Internationalism often emphasizes democratic values and norms.

While liberal internationalism dominated post-1945 U.S. foreign policy, America First emerged strongly to contest it, highlighting a "deep, enduring rupture in the global order".