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Robert Koehler

Robert Koehler

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The Department of Peace Will Live Again

It’s hard to avoid noticing, and internally screaming over, the Trump administration’s proposed military budget upgrade to $1.5 trillion annually...

14.05.2026 2

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Humanity’s Journey to Peace

Yes, I’m still trying to write a book. Meanwhile, horrific wars rage and the outrage I feel quietly morphs into helplessness and then, after a...

13.05.2026 5

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

God, War, and the Media

Perhaps theologian Walter Wink can help us understand Pete Hegseth, America’s self-declared “secretary of war” and spokesman, for God’s sake ....

04.05.2026 8

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

How Do We Transcend War?

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” Let’s listen again to these viral words, as they hover over the planet...

16.04.2026 8

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Radical Empathy: A Force Beyond War

Boys will be boys. Just ask the president. At a gathering of Republicans a few days ago, Donald Trump talked nonchalantly about the recent sinking of...

26.03.2026 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Reclaiming a Disposable Planet

Hey, want to read a poem with me? Warning: It opens several disturbing doors, the least disturbing of which is the “crazy old coot” part, i.e.,...

23.02.2026 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Is ICE Trump’s Gestapo?

“Renee sparkled. She literally sparkled. I mean, she didn’t wear glitter but I swear she had sparkles coming out of her pores. All the time. You...

15.01.2026 20

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Pain: My Least Favorite Teacher

Can I turn pain into wisdom? I suppose that’s what I’m trying to do right now, as I sit with a notebook on my lap. I’m not feeling optimistic...

08.12.2025 20

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Words are the First Weapon of War

I sit here at my desk, looking out the window – and see someone walking through the parking lot. This is the most ordinary of moments. I shrug...

24.10.2025 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

‘It Felt Like Telling the Truth’

I’m planning to put my house on the market, which means I have to empty it out. No big deal, right? Go through the stuff, get rid of most of it....

18.08.2025 30

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Knock, Knock: Tomorrow’s Here

Life goes on, right? I’m not as certain about that as I used to be – or maybe I no longer understand the term “goes on.” I’ve been pondering...

24.07.2025 20

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Death, Humor and the Looming Unknown

Let’s call it the human guessing game. There comes a point in life when we find ourselves playing it whether we want to or not. Hallelujah for a...

17.07.2025 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Strength, Purpose, Belonging

I thought I knew myself pretty well, but then this old-age thing hit . . . hard. Both physically and psychologically. I’m still in Appleton,...

02.07.2025 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Protest From the Soul

Shouts and cheers, honking horns, people banging on drums. Oshkosh! No kings – at least not today. I’m with my sister and great nephew, attending...

20.06.2025 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler

Freedom of Speech: Keeping Sanity Alive

Freedom of speech is kind of like eggs nowadays – too expensive! For Columbia University, the cost imposed on it by the Trump administration was...

03.04.2025 10

CounterPunch

Robert Koehler