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

January 3, 2025

18 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25

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

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.
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.
President Biden awarded several honors today to recognize bravery and exceptional service, focusing on the contributions of military personnel and public safety officers.

December 23, 2024

18 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24

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

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.
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.
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.

January 4, 2025

18 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25

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

It's okay to take a break and step away from everything. Sometimes you just need a night off to recharge.
Coming back to things after a break can give you a fresh perspective. Tomorrow can be a better day to tackle challenges.
Taking care of your mental health is important. Moments of rest help you stay strong and focused.

November 4, 2024

18 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political parties Voter Turnout Political strategy

The intelligence agencies have warned that foreign adversaries, like Russia, are trying to undermine public trust in U.S. elections. It's important for people to get information from reliable sources.
Trump's campaign has shifted focus to energizing his loyal base rather than trying to attract new voters, which has resulted in less support among some groups, especially women. His approach has created division rather than unity.
In contrast, Kamala Harris is running a positive campaign that encourages voter turnout and hopes for a fresh start in politics. Her message focuses on community and hope for the future.

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.

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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.

November 24, 2024

18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24

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

Trump claims a big win in the election, but he actually won by a very small margin. Many people didn't even vote for him, which shows he doesn't have a strong hold on power.
His team wants to push through some very unpopular ideas and appoint questionable people to important roles. These plans are likely to face resistance because most people don’t agree with them.
Power in Washington is still unstable. There's a chance that Congress or other officials might take control away from Trump, especially since he's trying to force his agenda without real support.

December 7, 2024

18 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Political theory Governance Social Issues

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.
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.
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 20, 2024

18 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24

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

Trump's team is planning to use the Office of Management and Budget to push their agenda, and they might appoint Russell Vought, a key figure in their strategy.
Right-wing leaders are trying to grab power from Congress and alter government regulations, claiming they have a mandate despite not having majority voter support.
Billionaires Musk and Ramaswamy want to cut government programs and regulations, seeing the government as too bloated and inefficient, and they believe they can make significant changes without being elected.

December 13, 2024

18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Public Policy Government Institutions Political appointments

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.
His presidency may emphasize revenge on political enemies and personal gain, with appointments that reflect loyalty over competency. This approach could damage American institutions.
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.

January 11, 2025

18 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Current Events Civic engagement Public Opinion Social Issues

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.
Taking time to rest and relax is important. It’s okay to take a break and recharge after being busy.
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.

October 31, 2024

18 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Health Policy Voter Demographics Political Commentary

House Speaker Mike Johnson admits that Republicans want to significantly change the Affordable Care Act, even laughing about getting rid of it entirely. This shows their plan may be more aggressive than they let on.
In early voting in Pennsylvania, more seniors and women are leaning towards the Democratic side, which could pose problems for Trump's campaign. His campaign is trying to address these trends and the concerns of offended voters.
High-profile endorsements for Kamala Harris are coming in, including from celebrities like LeBron James and big names like former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. These endorsements highlight a growing support for Harris as the election approaches.

January 10, 2025

17 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Economy Justice

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.
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.
Biden's administration is actively looking out for immigrants and combating climate change, while Trump proposes controversial actions that many Americans may not support.

December 20, 2024

17 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Political crisis Bipartisanship Republican party Debt Ceiling

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.
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.
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 5, 2024

17 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Gun Violence Insurance Industry Corporate Power Public Sentiment

The assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has sparked outrage and debate about the power that big insurance companies have over people's lives. Many people feel anger towards these companies for prioritizing profits over patient care.
UnitedHealthcare is facing numerous lawsuits and criticism for denying coverage and using flawed algorithms that frequently reject claims. This raises serious concerns about the practices of health insurance companies.
There is growing public frustration with how government and big businesses interact, which is highlighted by this incident. People are starting to push back against the influence of wealthy executives on healthcare and regulations.

November 12, 2024

17 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Military Policy Political appointments

Republicans in the Senate are about to vote secretly for a new majority leader, which could significantly impact Trump's legislative goals. This vote highlights the division within the party between traditional Republicans and the MAGA faction.
Trump is planning to create a board to review military leaders and remove those he sees as disloyal. This has raised concerns that it could turn the military into a group of Trump loyalists, which could undermine its effectiveness.
Trump has proposed replacing top government officials with people who align with his views, including a Fox News host as Secretary of Defense. This approach worries many in the defense community about the direction the military and government may take.

November 21, 2024

17 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political appointments Political Scandals Public Policy

Matt Gaetz stepped down from the attorney general race amid new allegations of misconduct involving a minor, highlighting ongoing concerns about his behavior.
Trump's cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, lack the necessary qualifications for their roles, raising fears about their ability to manage crucial government functions.
There is a noticeable shift in Republican views on the economy, with some crediting Biden while others remain loyal to Trump's narratives, suggesting a divide among supporters.

January 2, 2024

17 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Civil Rights Economic Policy Government actions Culture Wars

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.
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.
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.

January 8, 2024

17 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25

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

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.
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.
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.

November 25, 2024

17 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Economy Administration Legislation

President Biden's economic policies focus on investing in infrastructure and creating jobs, aiming to grow the economy from the middle out rather than the top down.
The incoming Trump administration plans to cut taxes for the wealthy and reduce regulations, which could shift the tax burden onto lower-income families.
Many of Trump’s administration picks are billionaires, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether policies will favor the ultra-wealthy over ordinary Americans.

November 5, 2024

17 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24

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

Today is Election Day, and people are awaiting the results with hope. It's a significant day for many, filled with anticipation.
No matter the outcome of the elections, tomorrow will still come, reminding us that life continues. It's important to keep a positive outlook.
Staying connected with others and sharing thoughts during this time can help manage feelings and foster community.

November 29, 2024

17 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government History Social justice

President Biden made a historic trip to visit Tribal Nations, highlighting significant federal investments aimed at improving Native American communities.
Biden apologized for the federal Indian boarding school policies that harmed Indigenous children and their families, acknowledging the trauma caused by these practices.
The Federal Boarding School Initiative aims to uncover the history and impact of these schools, suggesting that the U.S. government formally recognize and apologize for its role in forced assimilation.

January 6, 2025

17 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Congress Political parties

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.
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.
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.

January 14, 2025

17 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

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

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.
The report concluded that Trump could be charged with various crimes, but did not pursue an insurrection charge due to its complexity and rarity.
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.

October 30, 2024

17 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Healthcare Immigration Government

If Trump wins, Elon Musk wants to cut a ton of government spending, which could hurt programs people rely on, like education and housing.
The economy is currently doing well, but some believe that Trump's plans could cause serious problems down the line, despite initial growth.
Trump's campaign is worried about losing support, especially with past decisions on healthcare and women’s rights making some voters uneasy.

January 16, 2025

17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Wealth Inequality Government Regulation Political Leadership Social justice

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.
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.
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 8, 2024

16 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24

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

Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen after over a decade of civil war, leading to excitement and celebrations in the streets. This change opens up hope for a new future for Syria's people.
The U.S. is taking actions to prevent ISIS from becoming stronger in Syria now that Assad is gone. They hit many ISIS targets to ensure that group doesn't regain power.
The loss of Assad shows that no dictator is safe forever. It gives people hope that change is possible, both in Syria and in other places with similar regimes.

November 26, 2024

16 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Immigration Trade policy Public Health Foreign Relations

Trump announced he wants to impose high tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada, and China, blaming them for drug problems and immigration issues. This could hurt trade and raise prices for everyday things.
There has been a recent decline in drug overdose deaths and illegal border crossings, which contradicts Trump's claims. Most fentanyl cases are linked to U.S. citizens, not immigrants from other countries.
Biden successfully helped negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after ongoing violence. He aims for lasting peace in the Middle East while calling for better treatment of Palestinian issues.

December 21, 2024

16 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Bipartisanship Political Influence

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.
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.
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 18, 2024

16 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Authoritarianism Political Commentary

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.
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.
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 4, 2024

16 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government Regulation Social Welfare Political Ideologies Elections

The debate over wealth distribution in America has been ongoing, with some believing that the wealthy shouldn’t have to support the poor, while others insist that government should ensure fair opportunities for everyone.
From the early 20th century to around 1981, there was a consensus that government regulation and support were necessary to help the middle class thrive and to prevent major economic crises.
The economic policies under recent administrations have shifted back towards deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, with significant implications for social programs and the middle class.

December 15, 2024

16 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Public Health Legislation

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.
Despite this law improving water quality, many people still face challenges. Millions live in areas where water doesn't meet safety standards.
Currently, new investments are being made to fix water systems, but ongoing challenges like funding and pollution from industries still threaten water safety.

December 11, 2024

16 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Political speech Tax policy Government Regulation Employment

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.
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.
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.

January 13, 2025

16 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Legislation Elections Political parties Media

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.
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.
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.

December 2, 2024

16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24

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

Trump's pick for defense secretary has a troubled history, facing serious accusations like financial mismanagement and misconduct at previous jobs. This raises concerns about his fitness for such an important role.
President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, covering multiple charges, including taxes and firearms. This decision has sparked debate about its legitimacy, especially in light of how similar cases have been handled in the past.
Media coverage seems to be more focused on Biden's actions rather than the controversial appointments and incidents surrounding Trump. This shows a pattern where Republican missteps are downplayed while Democratic actions are heavily scrutinized.

December 9, 2024

16 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Media influence Government Critique

Trump still hasn't provided a real plan for healthcare, despite claiming he has ideas. His past attempts at replacing the Affordable Care Act haven’t produced anything concrete.
He spread a false claim about thousands of murderers being released in the U.S. in the last three years, ignoring the facts and creating a narrative of danger to gain support.
There’s growing opposition to Trump’s choices for key positions, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, with experts warning he could harm public health due to his past actions and beliefs.

December 17, 2024

15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Trump Congress Regulation Economy

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.
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.
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.

January 17, 2025

15 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Civil Rights Public Policy

Biden has taken steps to boost cybersecurity, requiring software companies to meet certain security standards before the government buys their products.
The Equal Rights Amendment is being pushed for certification after more states ratified it, although there are ongoing legal challenges regarding its status.
Biden also shortened sentences for many people imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses, addressing a past law that unfairly treated people based on race.

January 7, 2025

15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Elections Environmental justice

President Biden has created new national monuments in California, protecting nearly 848,000 acres of land. This helps safeguard important natural and cultural sites.
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.
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 10, 2024

15 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Civil Rights International relations Government Policy Social justice

Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th to remember the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This declaration sets a standard for basic rights every person should have.
The UDHR emphasizes that all people are born free and equal, and it includes important rights like freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to education. These rights protect individuals from abuse.
Today, the U.S. government reaffirms its commitment to human rights through various initiatives, including supporting women, LGBTQ+ rights, and those facing human rights abuses worldwide.