Letters from an American $5 / month

'Letters from an American' is a newsletter by Heather Cox Richardson that delves into the historical context behind current political events and societal changes. It emphasizes the importance of community, democracy, and personal reflections on nature, peace, and heroism, while also documenting the author's personal experiences and thoughts amidst the political landscape.

Political History Democracy and Society Personal Reflections Community Engagement Historical Perspectives on Current Events

The hottest Substack posts of Letters from an American

And their main takeaways

March 15, 2024

16 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Policy Leaders Events
  1. Prominent Republicans are rejecting Trump as the Republican presidential nominee, creating a significant division in the party.
  2. Historical events in America, like the Maine statehood in 1820, can have enduring national repercussions and shape political landscapes.
  3. The story of Maine's statehood highlights the power of ordinary people coming together to influence democracy and shape history.

March 16, 2024 (Saturday)

12 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Friendship is important and can be found anywhere, even when traveling.
  2. Taking time off and spending it with friends, old or new, can be refreshing.
  3. Details about a painted sign listing Maine town names and where it was spotted.

March 17, 2024

11 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Conservatism Dictatorship Authoritarianism Policy
  1. Journalist Casey Michel highlighted how Hungarian prime minister Orbán's visit to a right-wing think tank was significant, shedding light on potential influence and alliances.
  2. Project 2025, led by Heritage Foundation, aims to reshape the U.S. government with far-right ideologies, targeting areas like family, government workforce, international relations, and personal liberties.
  3. The document envisioned by Project 2025 outlines extreme measures like purging civil service, dismantling international relationships, and concentrating power, posing a threat to democracy and equality as outlined by the Founding Fathers in 1776.

March 13, 2024

12 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Legislation National Security
  1. The 2024 election is shaping up to be a Biden-Trump rematch, but the political landscape has significantly changed since 2020.
  2. Trump has transformed the Republican Party into one that supports Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, diverging from traditional GOP values.
  3. Biden has shown a strong focus on passing legislation to benefit ordinary Americans, contrasting sharply with Trump's extreme ideas and dangerous plans for the future.

March 9, 2024

13 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
📰 News Current Events
  1. The author suggests taking a break to regroup for the next day
  2. The post conveys a need for calm and relaxation after a busy week
  3. It encourages stepping back to unwind and recharge
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

March 8, 2024

13 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Abortion rights Gender Roles
  1. President Biden and Senator Britt presented contrasting views on women's rights during the State of the Union, emphasizing the ongoing tension around reproductive freedom and gender roles.
  2. The history of women's rights in the U.S. highlights the long-standing cultural and political backlash against gender equality, linked to issues such as abortion rights and gender roles.
  3. The portrayal of women in politics has evolved over time, with significant shifts in ideology and representation, seen notably in the contest between Trump and Clinton in 2016.

March 11, 2024 (Monday)

11 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations National Security Legislation Economic Policy
  1. Authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary visited former president Trump in Florida, expressing support for stopping aid to Ukraine, even as U.S. officials stress its importance.
  2. President Biden's proposed budget for 2025 includes funding for Ukraine, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits, with an aim to reduce the deficit by taxing the wealthy and corporations.
  3. Historical analogies from FDR's era underscore the significance of providing aid to allies, as seen in the Lend-Lease Act during World War II, highlighting the critical nature of supporting democratic nations against dictatorships.

March 10, 2024

11 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Republicans Biden Trump Immigration Government
  1. The Republican Party faced a significant week marked by controversies and internal changes.
  2. There is a growing shift towards Trumpism within the Republican Party, aiming to align with the MAGA movement principles.
  3. Biden continues to leverage the momentum from his State of the Union address, gaining endorsements and support from key political action committees.

March 12, 2024 (Tuesday)

10 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Investigation Congress Media Legislation
  1. Democratic voters in Georgia and Republican voters in various states have chosen their candidates for the presidential nomination, shaping the upcoming election.
  2. Special Counsel Robert Hur's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee highlighted the Democrats' strategy to counter Republican tactics during investigations.
  3. The hearing regarding President Biden's handling of classified documents showed a contrast between Biden and Trump, with Democrats using media time to emphasize this contrast.

March 7, 2024

12 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential campaign Foreign Policy Party Dynamics
  1. The Republican Party is solidly behind Trump, with previous contenders suspending their campaigns and key figures endorsing him.
  2. President Biden continues to emphasize unity and reaching out to a broad range of supporters, while also highlighting the contrast between MAGA Republicans and other groups.
  3. Biden delivered a strong State of the Union address outlining key challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, domestic issues like the attack on the Capitol, and the need to address climate change and income inequality.

March 14, 2024

9 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel United States Democracy Alliances
  1. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer urged Israelis to call new elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to his prioritization of personal political survival over the best interests of Israel.
  2. The recent U.S. ambassador to Hungary criticized Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for embracing Russian President Putin, undermining support for Ukraine, and openly supporting the return of former U.S. President Trump, warning of the risks of damaging relationships with democracies.
  3. In both Israel and Hungary, there is growing discontent with current leadership, signaling a potential shift towards more moderate government choices and renewed focus on democratic values and global alliances.

March 6, 2024

12 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Rights Civil Rights Movement Legislation Supreme Court Government
  1. In the 1960s, Black organizers in Selma, Alabama, led efforts to register Black voters, supported by civil rights organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
  2. The violent events of Bloody Sunday, including the attack on peaceful marchers by law enforcement, played a significant role in gaining national attention and governmental action towards passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  3. Continued challenges to voting rights since the Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013 have led to the reemergence of voter suppression tactics, underscoring the ongoing importance of protecting and advancing voting rights legislation.

March 2, 2024

13 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Policy Reform Economy
  1. J.P. Morgan orchestrated the creation of the billion-dollar United States Steel Corporation in 1901, which was a significant event in the history of big business in America.
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's ascension to the presidency after McKinley's assassination led to a shift towards reining in the power of big business through legal actions like going after the Northern Securities Company.
  3. Roosevelt's belief in the need for a strong federal government to regulate and control corporations marked a turning point in American economic policy.

March 5, 2024 (Tuesday)

11 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Election Legal Immigration Money
  1. The Biden administration has put an $8 cap on credit card late fees, which is expected to save Americans around $10 billion a year.
  2. There is a new 'strike force' aimed at fighting unfair pricing practices by certain corporations to prevent consumer exploitation.
  3. Super Tuesday marked a crucial day for primary elections, where Trump is expected to secure the Republican presidential nomination amidst tensions with challenger Nikki Haley.

March 4, 2024

10 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Congress
  1. The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot remove Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot, leading to a unanimous decision.
  2. The court avoided defining the events of January 6, 2021, as an insurrection and went beyond the necessary scope in their ruling.
  3. The court's decision hinted at a larger issue where courts are involving themselves in lawmaking rather than just judicial review.

December 31, 2023

42 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Authorship Community Books
  1. The letters written for 'Letters from an American' have been collected into volumes.
  2. The community built around the project has been instrumental in its success.
  3. The volumes represent a significant record of the past four years.

February 24, 2024

13 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📰 News
  1. The author suggests taking a break from the news and enjoying the full moon on February 24, 2024.
  2. The author mentions the beauty of the full moon and invites readers to appreciate it if they have a clear view.
  3. The author indicates a brief absence and mentions returning the following day.

February 28, 2024

11 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Republican party Policy Leadership Legal issues
  1. There is a major realignment happening in US politics as the Republican Party is being taken over by Trump and his supporters.
  2. Trump's control over the party has led to radicalization and significant changes in party principles, causing a rift with the majority of Americans.
  3. The party's ties to Trump, his legal issues, and its departure from past ideologies are affecting public opinion and leading to internal conflicts within the party.

March 1, 2024

10 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Budget Taxation Social Security Corporate Government
  1. President Joe Biden signed a resolution giving lawmakers more time to finalize government funding bills, as Republicans have been stalling by inserting cultural demands and seeking budget cuts.
  2. There are discussions about creating a 'debt commission' to address the budget deficit, even though it faces opposition from 70% of voters.
  3. The ITEP report revealed that many profitable corporations paid very low effective tax rates due to loopholes, raising questions about the fairness of the tax system.

March 18, 2024

5 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Health Environment Social Issues Foreign Relations
  1. The American economy has been showing strong growth compared to other major economies like the European Union, Japan, and Britain, with a significant increase in entrepreneurship and real wage gains benefiting those who need them most.
  2. The Biden administration has been taking steps to improve various aspects of American life, such as reducing out-of-pocket costs for inhalers, banning asbestos, and advancing women's health research initiatives.
  3. Former President Trump's recent actions and statements, including financial struggles, desperate rhetoric, and connections to individuals like Paul Manafort, reflect a contentious and tumultuous political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.

March 3, 2024

9 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Republican party Elections
  1. Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing for a ceasefire in the Middle East, putting forward a six-week deal that Israel has reportedly accepted, waiting on Hamas' response.
  2. Former SC governor Nikki Haley won a Republican primary, showing soft support for Trump, who has upcoming financial and legal challenges.
  3. Super Tuesday could solidify Trump's Republican nomination while he faces financial obligations, with the Republican Party potentially facing a dilemma as Trump gains control amidst legal problems.

February 11, 2024

16 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💾 History American history Civil War Equality Presidents
  1. Abraham Lincoln believed in the principle of equality and fought to preserve American democracy during a tumultuous period.
  2. Lincoln challenged the arguments that limited equality to certain groups by emphasizing the importance of equality before the law for all individuals.
  3. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln highlighted the critical need for the nation to uphold the values of equality and government of the people, by the people, for the people.

February 25, 2024

11 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Election Foreign Relations Democracy Party Politics
  1. Republicans are distancing themselves from a controversial Alabama Supreme Court decision regarding embryos and IVF, recognizing that it could impact the upcoming election.
  2. The connection between the Alabama decision and larger anti-abortion efforts within the Republican Party is evident, with the push for personhood laws and bills to grant full rights to embryos.
  3. There are concerns about the Republican Party's support for Ukraine, Putin's actions, and the impact on the international order, highlighting global implications of political decisions.

February 17, 2024

13 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia USA Elections Sanctions
  1. The events in Ukraine on February 18, 2014, were crucial in shaping the current geopolitical landscape.
  2. Paul Manafort's role in Ukrainian politics and connection to Russian interests had significant repercussions in US presidential campaigns.
  3. The continued conflict in Ukraine and Russia's invasion highlight the ongoing impact of past political decisions.

February 23, 2024

11 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia United States International relations National Security
  1. Two years ago, the passionate plea from Ukraine's president Zelensky to Russians for peace was followed by a Russian invasion despite it.
  2. Ukraine stood firm against the Russian invasion, with President Zelensky rejecting offers to leave and instead choosing to defend the country.
  3. Republicans are facing challenges due to their stance on abortion and IVF, affecting their public support and media attention on critical issues like the Russian disinformation case.

February 29, 2024

9 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Border Security Political Dynamics Government funding
  1. MAGA Republicans are struggling in negotiations to fund the government and pass the national security supplemental bill, with Biden trying to weaken them by highlighting their role in preventing new border security legislation.
  2. House Republicans backed off expecting a shutdown and instead passed a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding deadlines, showing divisions within the party.
  3. The struggle for control between Biden and Trump was evident in their contrasting views on immigration in Texas, with Trump blaming Biden for migrant-related issues while Biden emphasized the need for government action to address the situation.

February 22, 2024

11 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Government Constitution History Democracy
  1. The Alabama Supreme Court's decision on embryos for in vitro fertilization as children affects popular IVF programs.
  2. There's a growing intersection of religion and government, with calls for a biblically sanctioned government by some Republican leaders.
  3. Historically, the US defended democracy by separating religion from government, but there are current concerns about a minority imposing religious views on the majority.

January 23, 2024

22 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. Trump won the New Hampshire primary with Nikki Haley a close second.
  2. Sometimes it's good to take a break from politics for peace of mind.
  3. The author shared a calming photo from Maine to bring a sense of peace.

February 21, 2024

11 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Christian nationalism Election Influence Political Rhetoric
  1. Accusations of the Bidens accepting bribes were based on false information from a source tied to Russian intelligence.
  2. History shows the GOP using extreme rhetoric to win elections, now overlapped with plans to impose Christian nationalism in the country.
  3. Efforts to reshape the nation to reflect Christian values may lead to minority rule and align with authoritarian ideology.

February 8, 2024

15 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Politics Policy
  1. The author was on the road and faced an emergency while writing, but there was no breaking news to report.
  2. The author shared a picture from a past experience in Florida, likening it to a committee meeting.
  3. The author reassured that they would be back to writing the next day, despite the current setback.

February 27, 2024

9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security Impeachment
  1. The House of Representatives is facing challenges with passing crucial legislation due to the influence of MAGA Republicans, especially in relation to the farm bill and appropriations bills.
  2. The farm bill, which expired and was extended to September 2024 as a stopgap, needs to be passed, along with appropriations bills to fund the government for fiscal year 2024.
  3. National security measures, including a bill to aid Ukraine and other critical regions, are stalled due to House Republicans' demands and House Speaker Johnson's reluctance to act, impacting national security.

February 26, 2024

9 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics NATO Middle East Gaza International Aid
  1. The United States appointed a special envoy for Sudan to address the civil war and refugee crisis in the country, showing commitment to ending hostilities and supporting humanitarian efforts.
  2. NATO expanded with the approval of Sweden, influenced by Hungary's negotiation tactics; this addition signifies evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
  3. There are ongoing complexities in the Middle East, such as the resignations within the Palestinian Authority, discussions on a postwar settlement, and the challenges surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations.

February 9, 2024

14 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Media Coverage Public Opinion
  1. Special Counsel Robert Hur did not find any criminal charges warranted against President Biden regarding handling of classified documents.
  2. The media focused more on Hur's insinuations about Biden's age and memory rather than the main finding of no criminality.
  3. Historically, investigations have been weaponized by politicians to smear opponents, influencing public opinion through media coverage.

February 18, 2024

11 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Civil War
  1. Abraham Lincoln faced immense challenges and skepticism in 1864, with critics both from his own party and the opposition, questioning his leadership and ability to win reelection.
  2. Lincoln's decision to continue with the election despite expecting to lose it was crucial for maintaining free government and demonstrating resilience against the uprising rebel forces.
  3. Lincoln's reelection in 1864 signified a commitment from voters to continue fighting until victory, showing support for the government's measures and determination in the Civil War.

February 14, 2024

12 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💾 History Personal Story
  1. The personal tragedy Theodore Roosevelt faced in losing his wife and mother to diseases of filth and crowding spurred his interest in urban reform and improving living conditions for workers.
  2. Roosevelt's transformation from a grieving husband to a western rancher with a cowboy image helped him gain political success and led to his impactful reforms during the Progressive Era.
  3. The historical events surrounding Theodore Roosevelt's personal struggles highlight how personal experiences can shape political identities and influence significant societal changes.

February 20, 2024

10 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Global Affairs National Security Political parties Elections Legislation
  1. Global affairs are affected by not stopping the aggression of Russia's president Vladimir Putin, with Trump's MAGA Republicans inadvertently strengthening Putin's position.
  2. MAGA Republicans have delayed a national security bill providing aid to Ukraine, despite bipartisan support, reflecting potential consequences on Ukrainian security and pressure on democracies to oppose dictatorships.
  3. International responses to Russian actions in Ukraine include aid packages, calls for more sanctions, and also highlight the reluctance of some House Republicans to commit aid, contrasting with broader American support for involvement.

February 16, 2024

11 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Russia Corruption Opposition Republicans
  1. Vice President Kamala Harris defended global engagement at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the importance of upholding international rules, norms, and alliances for American strength and security.
  2. Harris highlighted support for Ukraine as a stand for freedom and democracy, stressing the need for severe consequences on Russia to deter other authoritarians worldwide.
  3. The recent events surrounding Russian opposition leader Navalny's death tied the Republicans to Putin's regime, leading to distancing efforts and calls for accountability within the party.

February 19, 2024

10 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Law Immigration Civil Rights Policy
  1. Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1942, led to the forced imprisonment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.
  2. The laws and court decisions of the early 20th century, such as the _Thind_ case, restricted citizenship and property rights for Asian immigrants based on race and ethnicity.
  3. After facing discrimination and a loss of rights, Asian Americans, including Japanese Americans, fought to serve their country during World War II, leading to changes in citizenship laws and the eventual closure of internment camps.

February 15, 2024

11 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Congress Elections Impeachment National Security
  1. House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) canceled votes & sent House into recess until Feb 28 over national security funding disagreement
  2. Delay in passing national security measures puts critical aid for Ukraine at risk & demonstrates political gridlock
  3. Chaotic environment in the House, with discussions about appropriations delays, Homeland Security secretary impeachment, and escalating power of Trump's base