@blanksslate
This essay, part of a series inspired by the late David Boaz, is of a piece with what I recently discussed with Aaron Ross Powell on his podcast ReImagining Liberty: freedom without basic equality is an illusion, and a dangerous one. Selective readings of history provide a liberty without context, and thus justify it without merit.
The Expansion of Liberty makes America Great | Online Library of Liberty
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oll.libertyfund.org
In actions against private citizens and institutions, Trump’s greatest weapon is not the true force of law, but reluctance of his opponents to fight back. My latest for the Bulwark
Popular Resistance to Trump Is Working
Whenever one more institution or individual stands up to the administration, everyone benefits.
open.substack.com
For the Bulwark, I wrote a piece contemplating the functional destruction of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division
One Justice Department Office Is Key to Trump’s Authoritarian Plans
The Civil Rights Division used to be the “crown jewel” of the department. Not anymore.
thebulwark.com
From my latest: “What happens in schools, businesses, places of worship, and public spaces, however, is where most good people need to stand up. Immigrants and trans/non-binary people are likely most at-risk, but the backlash against perceived beneficiaries of DEI is broad: women, ethnic and religious minorities, the disabled, etc. When anonymous bankers are celebrating the use of “retard” and “pussy” in the workplace as a personal victory, it falls to good people to do what is right.”
Now comes the hard part
Making the country a better place starts with being a better American
open.substack.com
A young man in my hometown was killed by police during a traffic stop. Although activists were quick to blame the officer, what happened was a result of personal negligence and, perhaps, gun laws that encourage reckless behavior with firearms.
A hard conversation about police violence and gun control
A robust Second Amendment right comes with deadly serious responsibilities
open.substack.com
Last week, a friend shared a piece by Kat Rosenfield on the culture war fights in the public library. I respond from a perspective inside the library.
Vague criminal laws are worse than book bans
A writer blames the targets of the culture war raging in our public spaces
theblanksslate.substack.com
“Unless and until libertarians—as individuals and as institutions—prioritize separating themselves from racists, they will continue to find themselves in bed with and greatly diminished by them.” From my latest
This week in implausible deniability
The power of denial and we continue to reap the whirlwind of GOP capitulation to Trump
open.substack.com
A short post remembering Sinéad O’Connor and commenting on Jason Aldean’s cynical exploitation of “real America.”
“And the Requiem Bell Rang Mournfully and Clear”
Reflecting on the righteous and the wicked in music news
open.substack.com
As a person who passes for white and spends a considerable amount of time in predominantly white spaces, I've found I can't always deal with racism head on. It's too damned exhausting.
The Art of Passing
Some battles just aren't worth fighting
theblanksslate.substack.com
My first essay at The Blanks Slate, my free Substack. Please let me know what you think.
Soiling Old Glory
For this Memorial Day, a reflection on service, the flag, and America's mixed record of expanding its promise of freedom
theblanksslate.substack.com
