Letters from an American | Revenue & Trends

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

December 12, 2024

13 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24

President Biden's recent trip to Angola highlights the importance of Africa's future and the U.S. involvement in strengthening relationships with African nations. The U.S. aims to gain trust from African countries that have historical reasons to be skeptical.
The Lobito Corridor project, which involves building a railway to help transport minerals, is a key investment effort that benefits local economies and global supply chains. It will significantly decrease travel time for transporting goods, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
The changing political landscape in the Middle East, particularly the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, could affect Russia's influence in Africa. This instability offers new opportunities for the U.S. and its allies to support democratic leadership in African countries.

History Extra for November 3, 2024

1 implied HN point • 04 Nov 24

💾 History American history Civil Rights Political History Legal history

Abraham Lincoln used math to challenge the idea of slavery. He argued that if one person can claim the right to enslave another, then the enslaved person can claim the same right to fight back.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act and its impact were significant factors in the lead-up to the Civil War. This act showed how divided the nation was over the issue of slavery.
Lincoln’s thoughts on slavery reflect a deeper moral question about rights and freedom. It sparked important conversations about who holds power and who should have rights.

History Extra for October 30, 2024

1 implied HN point • 01 Nov 24

💾 History Civil Rights Social justice U.S. History Economic History

On February 1, 1968, two sanitation workers in Memphis tragically died due to a malfunction in their garbage truck.
This event sparked outrage among the 1300 Black sanitation workers, leading them to take action for better working conditions.
Their struggle highlighted the need for labor rights and social justice during a critical moment in history.

History Extra for October 31, 2024

1 implied HN point • 02 Nov 24

💾 History American history Culture Traditions Food history Holidays

Candy corn is the first American candy made for Halloween, introduced in the late 1800s.
It was initially called chicken feed and looked like corn kernels to fit the farming lifestyle at the time.
Halloween used to be less about candy; its early traditions were more connected to European origins.

February 25, 2025

0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Economy Taxation

There is a big debate about how the U.S. should collect and spend money. Democrats want to tax based on what people can afford, while Republicans prefer less taxation and less government involvement.
Republicans face challenges because past tax cuts haven't boosted the economy as promised, leading to big budget deficits. They are now divided between wanting tax cuts for the wealthy and not hurting popular government programs.
The current budget proposal cuts benefits for lower-income Americans to provide tax breaks for the rich. Democrats are pushing back, arguing that these cuts are unfair and harmful to families relying on these programs.

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