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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

February 6, 2024

11 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Impeachment Foreign Relations Media
  1. MAGA Republicans attempted to block a national security bill by demanding border security measures, hoping to avoid support for Ukraine and blame Democrats for the border crisis.
  2. Democrats prioritized aid to Ukraine over other measures and compromised on the border security issue to secure the bill.
  3. Former President Trump influenced Republican lawmakers to reject the national security bill, leading to its likely failure, while facing legal challenges regarding immunity from criminal prosecution.

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

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 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.

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.
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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.

February 12, 2024

11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics NATO National Security Foreign Aid Supreme Court Republican party
  1. Trump's statements regarding NATO and Russia have been met with strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, with concerns about potential consequences for national security.
  2. NATO is an alliance designed for collective defense where each member agrees to aid one another if attacked, based on the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all.
  3. There is ongoing bipartisan support in Congress for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, despite opposition from Trump-aligned Republicans.

Audio version of Letters from an American

10 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Audio Information Election
  1. Audio versions of 'Letters from an American' by Heather Cox Richardson are now available after years of requests.
  2. The audio versions will be free and accessible on Substack, Apple Podcast Channel, and other platforms.
  3. This initiative will be tested for three weeks, aiming to provide solid information leading up to the election.

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 13, 2024

10 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Impeachment Elections Security
  1. President Biden is emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine and passing a national security supplemental bill.
  2. There is bipartisan support in the Senate for funding Ukraine, but there are challenges in the House, particularly related to far-right opposition.
  3. Former President Trump's influence is causing divisions within the Republican Party and impacting crucial legislative decisions.

February 2, 2024

10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Iran Sanctions Middle East Conflict
  1. The U.S. military conducted strikes on multiple targets in Syria and Iraq connected to attacks on U.S. personnel, aiming to degrade capabilities and send a message to stop the attacks.
  2. Targets were selected carefully to avoid civilian casualties, showing a strategic approach to the military action.
  3. The U.S. administration seeks to prevent conflicts with Iran by responding to attacks on U.S. troops, imposing sanctions, and cutting off funding for paramilitary groups.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 3, 2024

9 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations
  1. US and British forces launched strikes against 13 military targets in areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthis, to defend international shipping and vessels
  2. National Security Council spokesperson confirmed additional responses to attacks on U.S. troops, signaling a strong stance against threats to national security
  3. The coalition targeted deeply buried weapons, missile systems, air defense systems, and radars in Yemen, emphasizing the commitment to safeguard lives and maintain smooth commerce in vital waterways

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 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.

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.

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.

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2 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Instructions Platforms
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