From the trenches to academia and back

This meme is one reason I switched from academia to political rhetoric. It's much more base* and in the bloody trenches,** where I came from. And to where I return, now armed with the weapon of words mightier than any sword.

* I love the multiple meanings of this word and intend all of them: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/base

** The base of the apt word trenchant, a necessary weapon in this war. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trenchant