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

January 16, 2025

17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Wealth Inequality Government Regulation Political Leadership Social justice
  1. President Biden warned that a rich and powerful elite, or oligarchy, is threatening democracy in America. This means that a small group is gaining too much control over the government and people's lives.
  2. Economic inequality has grown significantly since the 1980s, with more wealth moving to the top 1%. This shift has made it harder for everyday Americans to get ahead.
  3. The American public is increasingly unhappy about this inequality, as shown by recent events. People are starting to recognize the dangers of extreme wealth concentration and are looking for change.

December 31, 2024

30 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Public Opinion Political History Civic engagement
  1. The best part of the year was meeting many people while traveling across the country. Connecting with others made the year feel special and meaningful.
  2. Gratitude is important, and the support from others is deeply appreciated. It highlights the value of community and shared experiences.
  3. The red skies at sunset can be seen as a sign of hope. Looking forward, it's good to stay positive and hopeful for the future.

December 28, 2024

33 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Indigenous Peoples Historical Events
  1. The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic event where many Lakota people were killed by soldiers after a tense situation escalated. It all started over a fight for a gun that symbolized survival for the Lakota.
  2. On the day before the massacre, the Lakota leader Sitanka urged his people to surrender for their safety. This moment was crucial and could have led to a peaceful resolution instead of violence.
  3. Reflection on history shows that while we can't change the past, we always have the power to shape a better future and learn from our mistakes.

January 12, 2025

19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Party Politics Judiciary
  1. North Carolina's recent elections show a divide: while Trump won the presidency, Democrats gained important state offices. This has led to ongoing political struggles.
  2. Republican lawmakers are accused of changing laws to limit the new Democratic governor's power, which raises concerns about fairness and democracy in the state.
  3. Gerrymandering has long affected North Carolina's representation, with maps being drawn to favor one party, making it tough for the majority's voice to be heard.

January 9, 2025

21 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leaders Historical Events
  1. Jimmy Carter's funeral brought together all five living former presidents and many others, showing his impact on American politics and society.
  2. Carter was remembered for his commitment to human rights, integrity, and environmental issues, with many speakers highlighting his leadership style and strong character.
  3. His legacy includes significant contributions to women’s rights, climate action, and public health, with a focus on community and partnership to solve global issues.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

January 17, 2025

15 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Biden has taken steps to boost cybersecurity, requiring software companies to meet certain security standards before the government buys their products.
  2. The Equal Rights Amendment is being pushed for certification after more states ratified it, although there are ongoing legal challenges regarding its status.
  3. Biden also shortened sentences for many people imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses, addressing a past law that unfairly treated people based on race.

January 14, 2025

17 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legal Political parties Civil Rights
  1. The Justice Department's report shows that Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election results using illegal methods, which included pressuring officials and spreading lies.
  2. The report concluded that Trump could be charged with various crimes, but did not pursue an insurrection charge due to its complexity and rarity.
  3. Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, lacks traditional qualifications and has controversial views, raising concerns among Democrats about his suitability for the role.

January 11, 2025

18 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Civic engagement Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Coming home after a trip can feel cozy and warm, especially with a light snowfall. It’s nice to enjoy the little moments, like an evening of playing games with friends.
  2. Taking time to rest and relax is important. It’s okay to take a break and recharge after being busy.
  3. Supporting local artists by visiting galleries is a great way to appreciate creativity in your community. It helps connect you with the art and the people behind it.

January 13, 2025

16 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Legislation Elections Political parties Media
  1. The incoming Trump administration is trying to fill key roles in national security with people who are loyal to him. This raises concerns about national security because experts are being replaced by those who may not have the necessary experience.
  2. Republicans are working on a big budget deal that includes cuts to social programs while trying to raise the national debt limit. This could be complicated because they still need support from members who don't want to increase the debt.
  3. A new media outlet called 'The Contrarian' has been created by journalists who want to provide honest news and analysis opposed to the current political climate. They aim to defend democracy and criticize the influence of wealthy owners on traditional media.

January 10, 2025

17 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Economy Justice
  1. Under Biden, the U.S. economy created 16.6 million jobs and had the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. It shows the economy bounced back better than expected after the pandemic.
  2. Trump continues to spread false claims about Democrats and various issues, and his supporters rally around these narratives. This makes it hard for them to accept reality.
  3. Biden's administration is actively looking out for immigrants and combating climate change, while Trump proposes controversial actions that many Americans may not support.

January 5, 2025

20 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Elections Federal Government
  1. A military member expressed his frustrations about America's political and social issues through extreme actions, thinking he could wake others up to the problems he sees.
  2. Despite some negative views, the country is actually doing better in many ways, such as lower crime rates, higher job creation, and a growing economy.
  3. A long-standing belief exists that the government is the problem, which has led some to call for drastic actions against it, revealing a deep divide in American politics.

December 27, 2024

26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Election Dynamics Cultural Issues
  1. There is a split among MAGA Republicans. Traditional MAGAs focus on anti-immigrant views, while new MAGAs, led by tech billionaires, want less government regulation, especially in business.
  2. Elon Musk is facing backlash from traditional MAGA supporters for hiring immigrants and foreign workers for tech jobs. They believe these positions should go to American workers instead.
  3. The friction between these two MAGA factions indicates trouble for Trump’s administration. Their conflicting interests show that the coalition may not hold together once he takes office.

January 8, 2024

17 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Legislation Government Response Elections Climate Policy
  1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant devastation, killing people and forcing many to evacuate. High winds and dry conditions are contributing to the fire’s rapid spread.
  2. President Biden is actively supporting California's firefighting efforts with federal resources, including the deployment of helicopters and funds for recovery. In contrast, Trump has been critical of the state leadership during the crisis, blaming them for the fires.
  3. Biden's administration has made strides in addressing medical debt, while Trump is focusing on controversial policies and making accusations against Biden. There's a clear difference in their approaches to pressing issues affecting Americans.

January 6, 2025

17 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Congress Political parties
  1. The electoral votes were counted smoothly, marking the peaceful transfer of power as a key aspect of democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of counting votes and respecting the election results.
  2. Despite the peaceful transfer, former President Trump, who previously attempted to overturn the election results, is set to take office again. This highlights a shift in attitudes among some Republicans who previously condemned his actions.
  3. A Supreme Court ruling has granted Trump immunity from legal accountability as a sitting president, raising concerns about fairness and the rule of law. This decision signals a significant change in how laws may be applied to powerful individuals.

December 29, 2024

22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Civil Rights Human Rights Economic Policy Environmental Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, dedicated his life to human rights and was a significant figure in American politics.
  2. During his presidency, Carter focused on civil rights, environmental protection, and human rights in foreign policy, making many impactful reforms.
  3. After leaving office, he continued to promote peace and health through the Carter Center, showing a commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

January 1, 2025

20 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy History Economy Technology
  1. Twenty-five years ago, programmers worked hard to fix the Y2K bug, preventing potential chaos as the year changed to 2000. Their successful efforts showed the importance of preparation and problem-solving.
  2. Despite fears of disaster, social panic, and even scams around the new millennium, everything went smoothly because people prepared in advance. The success made many forget there was ever a real threat.
  3. As we move into a new year, one of the big questions is whether people appreciate the government's hard work in managing challenges, especially when it benefits them, like lowering drug costs for seniors.

December 24, 2024

25 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Social Issues Public Policy Community
  1. Holidays can be a time for gratitude. It's nice to appreciate what we have, like a warm home and good food.
  2. Not everyone feels the joy of the season. Some people struggle during the holidays, and that's important to remember.
  3. Christmas symbolizes hope and renewal. It's a time when the days start getting longer, reminding us that brighter times are ahead.

January 3, 2025

18 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political parties Government Legislation
  1. A new Congress has started with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, but they are facing challenges in electing a speaker and uniting their party.
  2. Speaker Mike Johnson is caught between the demands of far-right members and the Democrats, making it unclear how he will navigate upcoming budget decisions.
  3. President Biden awarded several honors today to recognize bravery and exceptional service, focusing on the contributions of military personnel and public safety officers.

January 7, 2025

15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Elections Environmental justice
  1. President Biden has created new national monuments in California, protecting nearly 848,000 acres of land. This helps safeguard important natural and cultural sites.
  2. Biden also protected millions of acres of ocean from oil drilling to ensure the health of coastal economies and ecosystems. Even though oil companies aren't showing much interest now, this law prevents future drilling.
  3. There's a push among some Republican lawmakers to transfer federal lands to state control, which could lead to privatization and might hurt public access to these lands. Keeping public lands protected is vital for jobs and local economies.

December 30, 2024

19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Immigration Legislation Elections Government Affairs
  1. There's a big clash happening within the MAGA movement. Some want strict immigration policies, while others, like Elon Musk, support more skilled worker visas.
  2. Trump seems to be aligning more with tech-focused interests now, despite previously opposing such policies. This shows a shift in his strategy as he faces challenges from within his own party.
  3. The fight isn't just about MAGA versus DOGE; it's also about control in Congress. With new lawmakers coming in, there could be more chaos as they struggle to agree on important issues like the debt ceiling.

January 2, 2024

17 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Civil Rights Economic Policy Government actions Culture Wars
  1. President Biden gave the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 Americans who have shown great service to their country, focusing on civil rights and community service.
  2. Biden emphasized unity and progress in response to a tragic attack in New Orleans, while Trump and Musk are trying to deepen cultural divides in America.
  3. The political scene is shifting again as Trump returns to hardline stances on immigration and culture wars, while Democrats continue to focus on economic recovery and workers' rights.

December 26, 2024

19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Elections Sovereignty Geopolitics
  1. Social media posts, especially by leaders like Trump, can be confusing and may seem more like entertainment than serious political statements. They blend truth and falsehoods, making it hard for people to know what's real.
  2. Trump's recent claims about taking over parts of other nations show a shift from his previous promises, like lowering grocery prices. This change highlights a focus on bold statements rather than actionable plans.
  3. The ongoing tension with Russia and its attacks on Ukraine threaten international peace and the rules that countries have respected since World War II. Leaders like Biden emphasize the need for global cooperation to support Ukraine against aggression.

December 22, 2024

19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Military History Political History Art history Cultural History
  1. George Washington willingly resigned his military power after the Revolutionary War. This showed his commitment to democracy and his belief that no one should hold too much power.
  2. Washington's resignation was a significant moment in American history, highlighting the importance of peaceful transitions of power. It set a strong example for future leaders.
  3. John Trumbull's painting of Washington's resignation now hangs in the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of this crucial decision in establishing a nation based on freedom and respect for governance.

December 14, 2024

23 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis History Current Events Government Social Commentary
  1. Spending time with family and friends is valuable and can make for a lovely day. It's important to prioritize connections with loved ones.
  2. Winter sunrises can be incredibly beautiful and are worth appreciating. Nature has a way of providing stunning views that can lift spirits.
  3. An early bedtime can be refreshing and a good way to end a nice day. Taking care of yourself is important for wellbeing.

December 23, 2024

18 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Ethics Government
  1. Former representative Matt Gaetz was found to have engaged in significant unethical behavior while in office, including sexual misconduct and drug use. The Ethics Committee concluded he violated laws and House rules.
  2. The Republican Party's support for Gaetz, despite the findings, highlights a troubling trend where party loyalty overrides accountability. This situation shows how problematic behavior can be overlooked when one party has excessive control.
  3. Trump's recent comments about reclaiming territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland raise concerns about his approach to foreign policy. Such statements could undermine established principles of national sovereignty and global diplomacy.

December 19, 2024

18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Political Philosophy
  1. During tough times, it's important to stay committed to a cause, even when things look bad. This was true for the American patriots during the Revolutionary War.
  2. The fight for independence was about more than just defeating the British; it was about creating a government that values everyone’s rights equally. This idea of equality was a driving force for the patriots.
  3. Small victories can boost morale and confidence. The success at Trenton showed that persistence pays off, leading to more support for the revolutionary cause.

December 16, 2024

19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Historical Figures Women's Rights Government Structure
  1. Frances Perkins was the first female Cabinet secretary, and she pushed for important things like unemployment insurance and minimum wage. Her work helped shape the modern American government and support workers.
  2. Despite her success, Perkins faced opposition, especially from groups that didn't want changes that promoted equality. This opposition grew over the years, especially against women's rights.
  3. President Biden is working to honor Perkins by creating a more inclusive government and recognizing women's contributions. He emphasized that a good government should support all its people, not just property owners.

December 20, 2024

17 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Political crisis Bipartisanship Republican party Debt Ceiling
  1. The House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure to keep the government running and provide disaster relief. This shows ongoing division within the Republican Party and their struggle over government spending.
  2. Elon Musk influenced Republican lawmakers to reject a bipartisan agreement, which raises concerns about an unelected billionaire having significant power over government decisions. Many people worry about what this means for democracy and accountability.
  3. Despite challenges, House leadership found enough support to pass the funding measure with both Republican and Democratic votes. This situation reveals that cooperation is necessary to prevent a government shutdown and support important programs.

December 21, 2024

16 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Bipartisanship Political Influence
  1. The Senate passed a bill to fund the government until March, avoiding a shutdown. President Biden highlighted this as a compromise that protects essential functions while rejecting certain tax benefits for billionaires.
  2. Elon Musk influenced the negotiations, leading to key provisions being removed from the final bill that would have restricted investments in China. This shows how powerful individual interests can impact government decisions.
  3. Bipartisan support emerged for issues like Social Security benefits for public workers and funding for childhood cancer research. This suggests that lawmakers will listen to public pressure on certain critical issues.

December 6, 2024

23 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History War history Democracy Fascism Civil Rights
  1. Doris Miller showed incredible courage during the Pearl Harbor attack, stepping up to serve and protect others despite his lack of training in combat. He became a symbol of bravery and equality.
  2. The fight during World War II was not just against fascism but also for democracy and equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Many diverse groups fought together to defend these ideals.
  3. Today, there are concerns that democracy is once again under threat by leaders who aim to impose their will and suppress others. It's important to recognize the value of equality and stand against such actions.

December 18, 2024

16 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Authoritarianism Political Commentary
  1. A report by Congressman Loudermilk aims to alter the narrative about January 6, 2021, trying to blame Liz Cheney while defending Trump. It claims Cheney might have broken laws, which many see as an attack on those who oppose Trump.
  2. Trump is unhappy with a government funding deal and is using his influence to pressure Republicans against it. He and his supporters believe the deal gives too much power to Democrats and want to block it.
  3. There are concerns about Trump's authoritarian tendencies, especially with him and Elon Musk influencing political decisions. Critics worry this chaos could hurt the country and undermine democratic processes.

December 13, 2024

18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Public Policy Government Institutions Political appointments
  1. Trump's recent campaign seemed more like a performance for voters than a plan for real governance. He focused on attention-grabbing promises rather than practical policies.
  2. His presidency may emphasize revenge on political enemies and personal gain, with appointments that reflect loyalty over competency. This approach could damage American institutions.
  3. Trump appears to use his inauguration fund as a way for wealthy donors to influence his administration without any required transparency on how the money is spent.

December 15, 2024

16 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Public Health Legislation
  1. The Safe Drinking Water Act was created 50 years ago to ensure clean and safe drinking water in the U.S. It set rules for how much contamination is allowed in our water.
  2. Despite this law improving water quality, many people still face challenges. Millions live in areas where water doesn't meet safety standards.
  3. Currently, new investments are being made to fix water systems, but ongoing challenges like funding and pollution from industries still threaten water safety.

December 17, 2024

15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Trump Congress Regulation Economy
  1. Trump's recent press conference highlighted his usual style of making big threats and claims without a solid understanding of the issues. This often keeps the media focused on him.
  2. Business leaders supporting Trump are more interested in tax cuts and less regulation. They seem to not worry about his more extreme promises like deportations or tariffs, seeing them as just talk.
  3. Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, is pushing back against some of Trump's radical ideas. He wants to protect important policies and believes in keeping a strong role for the Senate.

December 7, 2024

18 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Political theory Governance Social Issues
  1. Barack Obama emphasizes that pluralism in democracy means working together with people who are different from us. It's not just about tolerance but creating alliances to tackle common issues.
  2. Obama explains that the U.S. Constitution supports pluralism by allowing diverse groups to negotiate and share power. This system helps protect minority rights and encourages collaboration.
  3. When faced with political challenges, Obama believes it's crucial to stand firm and seek support from unexpected allies. Common experiences and values can help bridge divides and rebuild trust in democracy.

November 27, 2024

22 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Historical Analysis American history Political Events
  1. Thanksgiving started as a shared celebration between Pilgrims and Indigenous people, but many stories about its origins have been forgotten over time.
  2. The holiday took on new meaning during the Civil War as President Lincoln encouraged Americans to give thanks while acknowledging the struggles of the country.
  3. Lincoln's thanksgivings were about uniting the nation and celebrating progress, including the end of slavery and a growing economy, even amid war.

November 22, 2024

24 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Presidency Political History Social movements Legislation
  1. President Kennedy's visit to Texas in 1963 was meant to unite the Democratic Party amidst tensions regarding civil rights. He faced strong opposition from white supremacists for supporting Black rights.
  2. The violent protests at the University of Mississippi highlighted the intense backlash against federal support for civil rights, which many equated with communism at the time.
  3. The tragic events of November 22, 1963, not only marked Kennedy's assassination but also revealed the personal pain of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who insisted on showing the world the brutality of the attack.

December 11, 2024

16 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political speech Tax policy Government Regulation Employment
  1. Biden contrasted his economic approach with Trump's supply-side economics, highlighting the success of creating over 16 million jobs during his term. He believes growth should come from the middle and bottom of the economy.
  2. He emphasized that the previous supply-side policies mostly benefited the wealthy and left the middle class struggling, suggesting that tax cuts primarily helped the rich while public investment was cut.
  3. Biden warned that if Trump reinstates old policies, it could harm economic progress made in recent years, urging voters to recognize the positive effects of his administration's investments in the American people.