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

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February 24, 2025

20 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25

Ukraine has managed to resist Russia's invasion for three years, showing strong determination and military growth despite heavy losses.
Russia's economy is struggling due to sanctions and military losses, while the U.S. has recently shifted its stance on supporting Ukraine.
European leaders are stepping up to fill the gap left by the U.S. under Trump's leadership, as they seek to strengthen their position against Russia.

Unauthorized Use of my Name

44 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Opinion Media Ethics Activism Political Identity

The author has not supported or endorsed any events using their name. They want to make it clear that they do not know the event organizers.
If the author decides to support something, they will personally announce it through their own social media or posts.
The author is addressing confusion among people who are reaching out and clarifying their stance on the unauthorized use of their name.

February 23, 2025

29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Political Analysis

People are starting to see through the lies of powerful figures like Trump and Musk, realizing their true goal is personal gain over the public good.
Despite public backlash, Trump and his allies are intensifying their actions, showing a disregard for the law and popular opinion.
Senators and historians warn that we are facing a serious threat to democracy and the Constitution, urging Congress to act to protect our government from becoming an unchecked power.

February 22, 2025

22 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Military Political culture

Trump has removed several top military leaders and replaced them with people he views as loyal to him. This raises concerns about the independence and integrity of the military.
The idea of having a military that answers only to one leader, rather than to the Constitution, can lead towards authoritarianism. It's worrying when military leaders are replaced simply for being critical or not compliant.
There is a troubling shift toward portraying military actions and immigrant deportation as something entertaining or pleasurable. This reflects a broader disrespect for the values of humane treatment in warfare and governance.

February 21, 2025

26 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Polls Public Opinion Policy

Elon Musk's influence in Trump's administration seems to be unpopular with many Americans. A lot of people think he's overstepping and worried about privacy issues.
Trump's approval ratings are low, with many Americans disapproving of his actions, like budget cuts and treatment of immigrants. Even some Republicans oppose his pardons for Capitol riot offenders.
State governors are pushing back against Trump's approach, asserting the need for rule of law and refusing to comply with his directives like those affecting transgender athletes.

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February 20, 2025

24 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Public Policy Health care

The current stability in America has allowed extreme views to grow. Some people don't realize how bad life could be without the freedoms and health protections we have.
Cuts to government jobs under the Trump administration are affecting many, including veterans. These cuts contradict the claims that the government is wasting money.
Recent actions in politics show that some lawmakers are not recognizing the dangers of authoritarianism. This could lead to serious issues if people aren't aware of the past mistakes made regarding freedom and democracy.

February 19, 2025

22 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government International relations Defense

The U.S. is shifting its support away from Ukraine and leaning towards Russia, which is causing concerns about international alliances. This change in support reflects the interests of former President Trump rather than the American people's wishes.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia have started, but Ukraine is being excluded from these talks. This raises questions about Ukraine's future sovereignty and whether peace can be achieved without their involvement.
American military and political leaders are worried that Trump's approach is weakening NATO and could lead to further Russian aggression in Europe. There is a call for stronger unity among European nations to counter this threat.

February 18, 2025

20 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Data Privacy Political Activism

Elon Musk is identified as an advisor in the Trump administration but has no official power to make decisions on his own. His role is mainly to advise the President and communicate directions.
There's controversy around Musk's team having access to sensitive government data and databases, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse of information.
Mass firings of federal employees have been happening without proper legal grounds, complicating the effectiveness of government agencies and their ability to operate.

February 16, 2025

24 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies International relations Government Policy Political Commentary

JD Vance delivered a strong critique of European values at the Munich Security Conference, claiming they're under threat not from outside forces, but from within.
There are rising concerns about the push towards far-right ideologies in the U.S. and abroad, with influential figures like Elon Musk supporting these movements.
The current U.S. administration's stance on Ukraine is unclear, with some leaders expressing support for Ukraine while others seem to align with Russian interests.

February 17, 2025

18 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents History Democracy Elections

Presidents Day celebrates George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and it's a reminder of the qualities we expect from our leaders. Washington set a standard for honesty and integrity as a president.
The cherry tree story about Washington was popularized to teach children the importance of honesty in leadership. It became a symbol of the virtues that citizens should look for in their leaders.
Running a democracy relies on leaders being honest with the public. Trust is essential for good governance, and history shows us how damaging lies can be in politics.

February 15, 2025

25 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Regulation Elections Public Opinion

After WWII, most Americans wanted more government involvement to support businesses and civil rights, but some groups pushed against this idea. They argued that helping minorities was unfair to hardworking white taxpayers.
Many voters still support government programs like Social Security and education, despite claims of government waste and inefficiency. Polls show a majority believe the U.S. should spend more on these services.
Recent federal job cuts, ordered by Trump and Musk, are impacting vital programs, including those that help farmers and healthcare. This could hurt many supporters, especially in Republican areas that rely on these services.

February 14, 2025

25 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Justice Elections Corruption Public Policy

There are serious issues in the Department of Justice about whether to follow the law or support Trump. Many lawyers have resigned due to pressure to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The chaos in the DOJ is similar to a past event where officials resisted orders from the president to protect the law. It shows the tension between doing what is right and protecting political interests.
Protests are happening because the Trump administration removed certain references to LGBTQ+ rights from a historic monument's website. Activists are standing up to keep the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ persons recognized.

February 11, 2025

27 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Elections Political parties Social Issues

Abraham Lincoln believed that government should help people do things they can't do alone, like building roads and schools. He thought a strong government could support democracy and protect everyone's rights.
Progressive leaders, like Theodore Roosevelt, expanded government roles to protect people from big businesses that harmed them. They aimed to ensure individuals had access to education, health care, and a clean environment.
Over time, some people began to reject the idea of an active government, claiming it was un-American. Today, there are ongoing debates about how much the government should help everyday people versus the interests of the wealthy.

February 12, 2025

22 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Legislation Foreign Relations

Elon Musk now has significant control over parts of the U.S. government due to a new executive order that lets his department manage hiring and firing in various agencies.
The U.S. government is facing potential funding cuts, which might affect programs like Social Security and aid for low-income individuals, while tax cuts for wealthy people are planned.
There are worrying shifts in U.S. foreign policy, including a possible move away from supporting Ukraine and towards closer ties with Russia, which could undermine international alliances.

February 13, 2025

18 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political parties Governance Political Accountability

Senate Republicans acquitted Trump during his second impeachment trial even though many, including some Republicans, thought he was guilty. The decision required a two-thirds majority to convict, which they did not reach.
Trump's administration is facing significant pushback, with several prosecutors resigning in protest over orders to drop corruption charges against New York City's mayor. It raises concerns about political influence affecting legal decisions.
Governors are taking action against the Trump administration, like Pennsylvania's governor suing to release blocked federal funds that are meant for important state programs. Courts have ruled against the administration's hold on these funds.

February 8, 2025

28 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Funding Government Efficiency Political Accountability Public Health

The NIH has changed its funding policy, now limiting indirect costs to 15%, which could hurt research universities.
States heavily reliant on federal grants, especially Republican states, might face large funding losses due to these new caps.
Federal workers emphasize their significant roles in society, sharing personal stories that highlight their contributions to public safety and welfare.

February 9, 2025

25 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Constitution Legislation Judiciary Political parties

The Second Amendment is seen by some as essential for protecting all rights, but the right to vote for lawmakers is really the foundation of our freedoms.
Despite having the power to change laws, some leaders are choosing to make decisions without involving Congress, which undermines democratic processes.
There's a growing concern that certain individuals, like Elon Musk and political leaders, are trying to consolidate power for their own interests, which could harm public services and protections for citizens.

February 10, 2025

20 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Law Government funding Political Accountability

President Trump's administration has frozen government funding, causing problems for farmers who relied on promised financial aid. This has left them in tough situations after they've already made investments based on those promises.
The courts are stepping in to challenge Trump's actions by enforcing the rule of law. Judges are ordering that frozen funds be released and blocking some of his controversial policies.
There are growing concerns about Trump's approach to government and law, including his recent firings of key officials. Many are worried that this could undermine the system designed to keep checks and balances in place.

February 7, 2025

26 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Constitution Elections Political parties Legislation

People are really upset and making a lot of calls to their representatives about how Trump and Musk are changing government rules and invading privacy. The number of calls has skyrocketed from 40 to 1,600 per minute.
Senator Angus King is worried that the current government actions are damaging the U.S. Constitution. He believes the system was designed to prevent too much power from being in one place, and right now, that balance is at risk.
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from putting thousands of USAID workers on leave, which highlights concerns about the legitimacy of claims against that agency. There are fears about data security and oversight in the government.

February 6, 2025

21 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Disinformation Government Foreign affairs

The U.S. government is using misleading tactics, like altering old press releases to create a false impression of mass deportations. This manipulation affects public perception of immigration policies.
Disinformation is rampant, with political leaders making false claims to maintain power and their followers often believing these lies. This creates a divide in how people view facts and reality.
Changes in government policies under the current administration may weaken U.S. national security and support foreign interests, particularly allowing other countries to take advantage in global dealings.

February 4, 2025

25 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political parties Civil Rights

A young engineer gained access to crucial U.S. government systems, which could allow him to disrupt major government payments. This raised serious concerns about security and control over federal funds.
Elon Musk's team is planning to use AI to change government software, which might lead to security risks. There are worries that using AI could unintentionally create vulnerabilities in sensitive systems.
There is increasing tension over Musk's influence on government programs and potential illegal actions. Protests and legal efforts are rising to push back against what many see as an overreach of power.

February 3, 2025

27 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Billionaires Federal Agencies Constitution

Elon Musk is gaining unprecedented control over U.S. government functions, bypassing Congress and making cuts to important programs. This raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a private citizen.
Recent actions by Musk's team have compromised security in various government departments and accessed sensitive information about citizens and businesses. This could threaten both privacy and national security.
Trump’s announcement of tariffs has caused economic turmoil, with market reactions showing significant concern. This has led to uneasy agreements with neighboring countries to avoid immediate crisis, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his economic strategies.

February 5, 2025

22 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political parties Policy

Trump is back in office and is removing people he thinks are against him from key government positions. This includes the Department of Justice and the FBI.
Elon Musk appears to be gaining control over various federal systems, raising concerns about his influence on important data and potential conflicts of interest.
Protests are occurring as people are worried about the government's power being taken over by Musk and Trump, especially with cuts to vital services that affect rural voters.

February 2, 2025

25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Elections Political parties International relations

Elon Musk's team has taken control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, which manages a lot of money and financial info. This raises serious questions about security and who has access to sensitive government data.
Musk's group, made up of young engineers with little experience, seems to have bypassed legal authority to take over government functions. This situation feels like a serious threat to democracy and government integrity.
Trump has initiated a trade war by imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which is causing a backlash from those countries. This could lead to higher prices and job losses for Americans due to retaliatory measures.

January 31, 2025

28 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social movements History Legislation Government actions

Julia Ward Howe wrote the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' during the Civil War, capturing the fight for freedom and defining it as a holy cause. It became an anthem for the Union troops.
On February 1, 1960, students protested against segregation at a Woolworth's lunch counter, sparking the sit-in movement that led to desegregation in public spaces.
February 1 was later recognized as the first day of Black History Month, but by 2025, the U.S. government's stance on diversity and inclusion programs showed the ongoing struggles for equality.

February 1, 2025

26 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Elections Legislation Civil Rights Political parties

Donald Trump's supporters are trying to dismantle the federal government. They want revenge on anyone who held him accountable, making it hard for him and his allies to face the law.
There's a group that wants to change how the U.S. government treats its citizens, favoring certain groups while discriminating against others. This includes targeting transgender individuals and limiting rights based on race and gender.
Elon Musk and other wealthy backers aim to control government resources for their own needs. They're pushing for big cuts to federal aid and trying to access sensitive government systems, which raises concerns about security and legality.

January 30, 2025

24 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Government Elections Public Safety Trump administration

An American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., leading to a tragic crash with no survivors. It's a reminder of how quickly life can change.
President Trump blamed others for the crash instead of taking responsibility, saying it was due to poor decisions made by previous administrations. This reflects his ongoing criticism of government regulations.
The Trump administration has made significant changes to federal positions and safety protocols, with reports indicating that critical air traffic control operations were understaffed at the time of the accident.

January 26, 2025

28 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Political Rhetoric Civil Rights

Abraham Lincoln warned that the biggest threat to the U.S. comes from within, not from outside forces. He believed that if we let the rule of law slip away, we might end up destroying our own democracy.
Lincoln emphasized the importance of respecting the law and said that while some laws may be bad, the overall structure of law is essential for a functioning society. He called for Americans to protect the rule of law as if it were a sacred duty.
He also noted that success can lead to complacency. Ambitious individuals might seek fame through destruction instead of building, making it vital for everyone to use reason and moral judgment to maintain democracy.

January 19, 2025

40 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights History Social justice Leadership Activism

Heroism isn't about being perfect or doing grand things; it's about regular people choosing to help others, even when it's hard.
Great figures in history, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank, acted bravely in dangerous situations without seeking fame.
We still have heroes today who quietly do the right thing in their everyday lives, even if we don't always see them.

January 28, 2025

24 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Electoral Politics Civil Service Executive Power Foreign Aid

Trump's Project 2025 aims to turn federal agencies into places with loyal supporters instead of nonpartisan civil servants. This plan seeks to expand presidential power and promote a strong executive control over the government.
The new rules from Trump's administration allow him to remove civil service protections for many federal workers, forcing them to follow his orders or risk losing their jobs. This is seen as a significant threat to the independence of federal agencies like the Department of Justice.
The Trump administration has paused federal grants and loans, creating uncertainty for many programs that aid communities. Critics argue this move undermines important services and threatens lives, showing a blatant disregard for laws established by Congress.

January 29, 2025

21 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election politics Government Policy Public Opinion Media influence

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to shift blame for rising egg prices to Joe Biden, even though they started increasing well before his presidency. This shows how political blame games can distract from real issues.
Trump's team is using tactics from past administrations, like Nixon's, that polarize people against their opponents, making it a strategy to rally their base, even if it risks hurting a lot of Americans.
Recent actions, like Trump's funding freezes on important programs, highlight how some leaders prioritize political battles over helping people, causing confusion and fear among citizens about essential services.

January 24, 2025

28 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25

💾 History Military World War II Democracy Civil Rights Political Movements

The Battle of the Bulge was a major World War II fight where the German army tried to break through Allied lines. General McAuliffe famously replied 'NUTS!' when asked to surrender, showing strong resistance.
After the war, the Allies worked to promote democracy and prevent fascism, creating institutions like the United Nations and NATO. They also invested in American citizens through programs like the G.I. Bill to support education and employment.
In recent times, there has been concern about the dismantling of democratic principles and civil rights established post-war. Political decisions have raised fears of a shift away from the inclusivity and equality the U.S. fought for during World War II.

January 25, 2025

25 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Political Analysis Political parties

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host with questionable background, has become the Secretary of Defense. His confirmation shows how politics may override qualifications in important government roles.
Trump's actions of firing multiple inspectors general raise legal concerns. These watchdogs help keep departments accountable, and their removal could signify a dangerous trend in political power use.
A recent poll indicates that many people, even some Republicans, think relying on billionaires for advice is bad. This suggests that concerns about class influence in politics are becoming relevant again.

January 27, 2025

22 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Trade Foreign Policy National Security Political Conflict

Trump started a trade war with Colombia after they refused to let U.S. military planes land. This affected tariffs and migration agreements between the two countries.
Migration patterns changed due to economic struggles in South America, pushing many migrants toward the U.S. after the pandemic. New agreements have been set up to manage these migration flows.
The relationship between the U.S. and Colombia is strained, as Trump's actions risk losing a key ally in Latin America's efforts against drug trafficking and migration.

January 23, 2025

23 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Judiciary Political parties

President Trump recently defended his pardons for January 6 rioters, but many judges and reports reveal the violence at the Capitol was severe, with numerous officers injured. This has raised concerns about the legitimacy of these pardons.
Trump's pardons seem to encourage January 6 rioters to pursue political positions, showcasing how loyalty to Trump may be used as a badge of honor in upcoming elections.
There are ongoing legal challenges against Trump's executive orders, including attempts to end birthright citizenship. Many judges and states are pushing back against policies they view as unconstitutional.

January 22, 2025

23 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Civil Rights Political Commentary Law enforcement Legislation Government actions

Trump recently pardoned many people involved in the January 6 riots. This has caused fear in victims, like Jackson Reffitt, whose father is now free and made threats against him.
The Trump administration has shut down programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the federal government. Some long-standing civil rights efforts are being paused, affecting many communities.
Trump's plans for the future involve a mix of pulling back existing programs and vague promises. He seems focused on making changes quickly, but it will be tough to actually enforce these plans.

January 20, 2025

23 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Corruption Public Policy Presidency

Trump launched his own cryptocurrency right before his inauguration, making billions almost overnight. This raised big questions about ethics and how money can flow directly to a sitting president.
During his inaugural speech, Trump repeated many of his campaign's false claims and made promises to take drastic actions like pulling the U.S. out of international agreements. This showed he plans to stick with his original agenda.
Biden granted pardons to several individuals caught up in political controversies, emphasizing the importance of protecting reputations during investigations. This was a notable move right before leaving office.

January 21, 2025

21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Opinion Policies

Jacob Chansley, the so-called QAnon shaman, celebrated receiving a pardon from Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, reflecting how some supporters believe the system is corrupt.
Trump's recent actions, like firing a top military leader and renaming geographical features, show his intent to push a specific right-wing agenda, even as these moves lack broad public support.
Trump is trying to change birthright citizenship laws, which has led to multiple lawsuits against his administration, showing a strong reaction from various states and organizations.

January 18, 2025

19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Surveillance

The FTC found that companies often change prices based on personal information about customers, like where they live and what they buy. This means people might pay different prices for the same product.
Trump's team is starting mass deportations soon, aiming to focus on cities with many immigrants. However, this plan may change due to backlash after it leaked.
The U.S. is facing issues like rising egg prices due to avian flu and a looming debt ceiling. Solutions will need quick action and smart politics to avoid further problems.

January 15, 2025

20 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Legislation Political Commentary Government Structure

Joe Biden announced a significant ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after months of negotiations, focusing on humanitarian efforts and returning hostages.
In his farewell address, Biden reflected on his administration's achievements, emphasizing job creation, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure modernization.
He warned about the dangers of wealth concentration and misinformation in America, urging reforms to protect democracy and ensure fairness for all citizens.