Empire, Stability, and the Smokescreen of Morality

Let us be honest—brutally honest, the way history demands and empire resents. What is unfolding in Venezuela, and across the wider Caribbean basin, has little to do with democracy, human rights, or some sudden moral awakening in Washington. It has everything to do with power—raw, unapologetic, strategic power—and the anxiety that sets in when that power feels challenged. The United […]

Straight Talk in Philadelphia: Section 8, Gentrification, and the Politics of Belonging

Journal Article: Straight Talk in Philadelphia: Section 8, Gentrification, and the Politics of Belonging By Renaldo C. McKenzie, Author of Neoliberalism, Creator and Host of The Neoliberal RoundGuests: Keeana Centy and Randolph Travis Subheading From housing assistance to voter turnout, our unscripted conversation traces how policy, culture, and power collide on the block—and why “apolitical” still means politics happens to […]

Street Vibes with Phil Butler: Walking the Talk in Philadelphia’s Urban Pulse By Renaldo McKenzie, The Neoliberal Journal

“This Philadelphia city got character, but it’s breaking people.” — Phil Butler In this electrifying street-side dialogue, author and professor Renaldo McKenzie meets Phil Butler—Philadelphia’s own voice of the people—at the corner of grit and grace. Recorded in the heart of the city, this conversation is more than an interview; it’s a window into lives shadowed by systems, yet radiant […]

John Anthony Castro Files Motion to Strike: It Was Rigged from the Start

  Introduction In the age of algorithms and autocrats, John Anthony Castro was a digital David, slinging lawsuits at political Goliaths with the audacity of a revolutionary and the credentials of a statesman. Born to Mexican-American military parents, he carried not only the pride of his lineage but the burden of a system he believed was breaking. A tax attorney […]

The Penn Relays Begin at Penn: A Tradition Rooted in Speed, Culture, and Diaspora Pride

The Penn Relays have officially begun at the University of Pennsylvania—my alma mater—and once again, the historic Franklin Field is alive with the spirit of one of the oldest and most prestigious track and field events in the Americas. Hosted annually by Penn Athletics, the Relays are more than just a sporting event—they are a cultural moment, especially for the […]

Hollow Justice in Holy Week A Prophetic Reflection on Power and Hypocrisy in a Globalized World

Holy Week Reflection by Rev. Renaldo Mckenzie 1/ Isn’t it ironic, duplicitous and Pharisaical that our President Mr. Donald Trump expects compliance with executive orders… yet POTUS struggles to comply with court rulings & our Constitution? 2/ We can arrange prisoner swaps like Kseniya Karelina from Russia… But we can’t bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador? 3/ Trump is […]

Crime or Crisis? The Attack on Gov. Shapiro and What It Really Means on The Neoliberal Round

🎙️ Podcast Episode Script for The Neoliberal Round Episode Title: Crime or Crisis? The Attack on Gov. Shapiro and What It Really MeansHost: Renaldo McKenzieEpisode Length: ~10 – 11 minutes 🎧 INTRO “You’re listening to The Neoliberal Round. I’m your host, Renaldo McKenzie, and today I want to share a quick but important thought about the recent attack on Pennsylvania […]