The Conscience of Rusty Bowers: An Arizona Politician's Odyssey Through the Trump Era

The story of Rusty Bowers, a politician who served as the Republican speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, and his harrowing experience with the radical far right during the 2020 presidential election, is a powerful testament to the importance of conscience and the fragility of democracy.

In November 2020, shortly after the election, Rusty Bowers received a call from Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump, asking him to convene a committee to investigate voter fraud claims and replace Arizona's Biden electors with a pro-Trump slate. Knowing that the request was illegal, Bowers refused, despite facing fierce backlash from his colleagues and peers. He was bombarded with threats and vitriol, but he stood by his decision, knowing that it could have repercussions for him and his family.

The experience led him to reflect on the vulnerability of democracy and the delicate balance between legality and conscience. Despite the hardships he faced, Bowers continued to uphold his moral and legal obligations, refusing to be swayed by those who ignored the Constitution. His story serves as a warning for the future of American democracy and the dangers of political extremism.

Title: The Most American City: Searching for the Nation's Future in Phoenix, Arizona

Content: The story of Phoenix, Arizona, is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of humans in the face of environmental challenges. Located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has been built by carving out a place for itself through the intelligent use of water resources.

The city's growth has been fueled by its ability to provide water via complicated systems of canals and dams, despite the persistent threat of drought. However, this same growth has led to environmental concerns as the city's expansion has come at the expense of its surroundings. As the population continues to rise, so too do the demands on the city's infrastructure and resources, creating a precarious balance between progress and sustainability.

The story of Phoenix is a microcosm of the challenges and choices that face all of America as it struggles to balance economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental responsibility. As the most American city, Phoenix serves as a guide for the nation's future, reminding us of the need to prioritize the health of the planet and the people who inhabit it.

Title: A Desert on Fire: The Crisis of Climate Change in the Southwest

Content: The crisis of climate change is nowhere more evident than in the American Southwest, where a decades-long drought has unleashed hellish temperatures, spurring massive wildfires, threatening agricultural livelihoods, and displacing wildlife. This crisis is not just a problem for the future but is already here, impacting people's lives, livelihoods, and the environment.

As global temperatures rise, the Southwest suffers from extreme heat, reduced water availability, and air quality declines due to increased pollution from desert cities. These factors create a dangerous and unsustainable environment for residents.

This is not just an issue for the present but also for the future, as the region's water supply is further threatened by climate change. The Southwest's water scarcity is already leading to competition for resources, causing conflicts between states and within communities. Without action, the situation will only worsen, and the region's inhabitants will face an increasingly uncertain future.

The crisis of climate change in the Southwest underscores the need for urgent action to address this global problem and mitigate its impacts on people and the environment.