Question
I have several red Cordylines behind a short wall.  I want to keep them short so I
see mostly leaves, not stalks.  Is there any way to trim/cut them to keep them
short while not damaging the plant?

Answer
I'm not familiar with this Pacific Island tropical, especially as an outdoor plant...but here are two websites that may be of use:

http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/folcord.html

They say that propigation can occur by stem cuttings and stem section cuttings...similar to the Jade Plant, Hydrangeas, or Orchids.  You should be able to cut off stems below a leaf bud, dip in a rooting hormone (available at most nurseries), and stick into a growing medium (vermiculite, potting soil, etc.) , wait for root growth (2-3 weeks), and off you go.

I don't know about "trimming" them, but keeping them constantly "replanted" is one way to keep them low.
Here is a nursery in Queensland that does just this & sells the excess rooted cuttings:

http://www.palmfascinations.com/tour8.html

Hope it helps.  Even I learn stuff by answering these questions!  Thanks for asking -Marc