The Take (by Jon Miltimore)

The Take by Jon Miltimore explores societal and political issues, focusing on the consequences of government actions, individual rights, censorship, and manipulation. It critically examines historical and contemporary events, advocating for skepticism, liberty, and the dangers of centralized power and political correctness.

Societal and Political Issues Government Actions and Individual Rights Censorship and Information Control Historical Analyses Economic Observations and Critiques Media and Cultural Criticism Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of The Take (by Jon Miltimore)

And their main takeaways

My Visit to Starbucks and the Decline of Good Manners and Service

904 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. The decline in good manners and service can be observed in everyday experiences, like Starbucks running out of coffee, burgers, fries, and buns.
  2. The decrease in service quality and manners may be linked to broader societal changes, like a shift towards centralization and bureaucracy.
  3. Cultivating good manners is essential for a healthy society, as they are interconnected with societal norms and values.

The FBI deliberately shredded the 4th Amendment in an $86 million cash grab

373 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. The FBI violated the constitutional rights of safe-deposit box holders by seizing property without probable cause.
  2. The FBI planned a massive asset forfeiture operation to seize the contents of safe-deposit boxes, regardless of whether the individuals were criminals.
  3. FBI agents and U.S. attorneys behaved in a questionable, mafialike manner during the raid, demanding excessive information from box holders to return their rightful belongings.

Mr. Milei Goes to Davos

294 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. Javier Milei criticized global leaders at Davos for favoring collectivism over individual freedom.
  2. Milei highlighted the failures of collectivist economic systems in Argentina and emphasized the importance of free-market capitalism.
  3. He advocated for the principles of libertarianism, stressing the significance of respecting others' life projects and defending rights to life, liberty, and property.
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How a Meddling Socialist Trust-Fund Baby Killed the L.A. Times

255 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. Nika Soon-Shiong's involvement impacted the Los Angeles Times negatively.
  2. Journalistic objectivity is crucial, especially in matters like war coverage.
  3. Experience and expertise matter in managing newspapers effectively.

Are Student Loans a Scam? Well ...

196 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Student loans in the US are seen as part of a dysfunctional system due to rotten incentives.
  2. Higher education is criticized for high costs and mediocre education provided.
  3. Government involvement in student loans has led to the system's issues.

Why Usher Will Get Paid $0 to Headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show—and Why That's OK

176 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics Entertainment Marketing Negotiation Value
  1. Artists like Usher may headline the Super Bowl halftime show for free, but they benefit from increased record sales and exposure.
  2. The NFL's unique arrangement with performers makes sense from an economic perspective, as the exposure during the halftime show can lead to millions of dollars worth of value for the artists.
  3. Despite not receiving payment from the NFL, artists still have direct financial incentives to perform due to the significant spike in record sales and other subsequent opportunities.

The Chilling Historical Roots of ‘Political Correctness’

294 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Political correctness originated among Communists in the 1930s, prioritizing party's interest over reality.
  2. Progressives aim to fix a broken society by achieving cultural hegemony through political correctness.
  3. Political correctness is a tool to enforce obedience to the ruling class and humbling the rest, rather than promoting true societal progress.

An Announcement—and a Word on Keep Dystopia at Bay

255 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Jon Miltimore joined the American Institute of Economic Research as a Senior Writer.
  2. FEE and AIER are two of the oldest free market institutions in America.
  3. Organizations like FEE and AIER play a crucial role in preventing dystopian societies.

Can America Survive Without Individualism?

334 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
  1. Individualism is a fundamental idea in America, emphasizing equal rights for all individuals.
  2. Classical liberalism led to the abolition of slavery and women's rights, based on the principles of individualism.
  3. Factions based on group identity can lead to despotism and societal division, making a return to individualism crucial.

SBF Told Cleaning Lady to 'Shut the F*ck Up' After She Greeted Him in His Office

334 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. It's important to treat people well regardless of their status or what they can offer you.
  2. The way powerful individuals treat those in service roles can reveal a lot about their character.
  3. Reflecting on how we treat others, no matter their position, is crucial for personal growth and moral development.

6 Things I Never Knew about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

334 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
  1. There is no character named Igor in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
  2. Mary Wollstonecraft died giving birth to Mary Shelley, the author of 'Frankenstein'.
  3. The novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley can be seen as anti-death penalty.

Linzi Smith's Ban From St James’ Park Is Proof the World Has Lost Its Mind

157 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Linzi Smith was banned from a soccer stadium for expressing her opinion on transgender women.
  2. The Premier League monitored social media posts of fans and launched investigations for 'wrongthink.'
  3. Efforts to control speech can be rooted in dogmatism and a thirst for control over others.

3 Real-Life Inspirations for George Orwell’s 1984

196 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Orwell was inspired by totalitarianism and state propaganda in real life.
  2. Communism played a significant role in shaping Orwell's dystopian novel.
  3. The Spanish Civil War's propaganda influenced Orwell's fear of truth fading in a world of misinformation.

Will America Choose Javier Milei or Hugo Chavez?

255 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
  1. Hugo Chavez's nationalization in Venezuela led to economic disaster
  2. Argentina elected Javier Milei who promotes privatization over nationalization
  3. Milei aims to deregulate and increase privatization to revive Argentina's economy

Why NPR Says the $34 Trillion Debt Is Definitely Not a Problem

196 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. NPR's Stephanie Kelton believes a $34 trillion debt is not something to fear.
  2. Modern Monetary Theory challenges the idea that taxes pay for government spending.
  3. History shows that excessive money printing can lead to hyperinflation.

The Magic of Ennio Morricone's Music

176 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. Ennio Morricone's music creates deep emotional connections for listeners.
  2. His music has the power to transport individuals to different times and places.
  3. The tie between music and film adds an extra layer of impact and nostalgia to Morricone's compositions.

Ford's Big Bet on EVs Is Starting to Look Like a Disaster

275 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
  1. Despite tax incentives, consumers are not adopting EVs as quickly as analysts projected
  2. Massive capital investment in EVs may have been a mistake due to plunging demand for electric vehicles
  3. EV market struggles highlight trade-offs, environmental downsides, and the importance of consumer demand in a free-market economy

The NeverEnding Story Is Turning 40—and I Finally Figured Out What the Nothing Is

294 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. The NeverEnding Story conveys a message about forces in the world wanting people in despair.
  2. The Nothing in The NeverEnding Story symbolizes a consuming emptiness akin to despair and nihilism.
  3. The film suggests that individual empowerment and creativity are key to overcoming despair and meaninglessness.

The Walls Are Closing in on Anthony Fauci

294 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
  1. A scientist helped Fauci discredit the lab leak theory and now feels guilty for it.
  2. Initial discussions about COVID-19 originating from a lab were dismissed as conspiracy theories.
  3. There is suspicion around Fauci's efforts to suppress evidence on the origin of COVID-19.

'The Man Who Was Thursday': G.K. Chesterton's Greatest Novel

117 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
  1. The novel 'The Man Who Was Thursday' by G.K. Chesterton deals with the themes of loneliness and struggle with the universe
  2. The book is an allegory that contrasts order and faith with relativism and anarchism
  3. Chesterton's novel explores the fear of moral anarchism in a postmodern world

Communism Delivered the Worst Car in History: The Trabant

157 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. The Trabant was a notoriously terrible car produced in East Germany from 1957 to 1990.
  2. The Trabant had many issues like a weak engine, poor materials, and lack of basic amenities.
  3. Despite its flaws, the Trabant showcased the failures of Communism and has a lasting legacy.

6 Books That Will Rewire Your Brain (in a Good Way)

235 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. Books have the power to shape who we are and reveal hidden truths.
  2. Reading books like 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand can change how you see society and individual struggles.
  3. Works like 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' by George Orwell can provide important insights into surveillance, power, and truth.

Why Did a Future CIA Director Hide Evidence of the Holocaust During WWII?

176 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
  1. Allen Dulles, future CIA director, showed little interest in reports of the Holocaust during WWII, puzzling historians.
  2. Schulte and Kolbe's attempts to share information on the Final Solution with Dulles were met with disinterest.
  3. Dulles may have prioritized rebuilding post-war Germany over addressing the atrocities of the Holocaust, complicating his role and motives.

The (Economic) Story Behind ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’

216 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
  1. The song 'Do They Know It's Christmas' was written to raise money for Ethiopians during a severe famine in 1984.
  2. A man-made famine in Ethiopia prompted Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to create the charity supergroup Band Aid to raise funds for relief efforts.
  3. The success of 'Do They Know It's Christmas' highlights the power of art, celebrity, and mass media in generating life-saving relief efforts, but also underscores the importance of peace and expanding economic freedom in alleviating poverty in the long term.

The Riddle of Steel, Explained

196 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
  1. Conan the Barbarian is a coming-of-age movie with a powerful message about finding strength in difficult circumstances.
  2. The 'Riddle of Steel' in the movie refers to the idea that true power comes from ideas and the ability to influence others.
  3. The character Thulsa Doom's explanation of the 'Riddle of Steel' aligns with the concept of power through ideology as discussed by Ludwig von Mises.

Stephen King's Best Writing Tips

137 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
  1. Be brief and remove all unnecessary elements in your writing.
  2. Embrace rejection and keep persevering with your writing.
  3. Don't wait for inspiration, actively seek out and recognize good story ideas around you.

Argentina’s Inflation, Explained (in One Chart)

216 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. Inflation in Argentina is primarily a monetary issue, affecting prices and driving people to hoard US dollars.
  2. Dollarization could combat Argentina's severe inflation issues by eliminating the problematic peso.
  3. The root cause of inflation in Argentina, and globally, is the expansion of the money supply by governments and central banks.

The Meaning of the Christmas Truce of 1914

176 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. The Christmas Truce of 1914 shows that peace is possible even between enemies.
  2. The Christmas Truce highlights the common humanity and camaraderie that can emerge amidst conflict.
  3. The story of the Christmas Truce suggests that rejecting violence and embracing our common humanity can lead to peace.

How the Federal Government Poisoned Americans During Prohibition, Killing Thousands

176 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. During Prohibition, the federal government intentionally poisoned alcohol to discourage drinking, leading to the deaths of thousands of Americans.
  2. The poisoning program was a dark and strange law enforcement initiative that resulted from government overstepping its true moral purpose of protecting life, liberty, and property.
  3. Revisionist history is important to uncover events like the poisoning program, which may have been overlooked or deliberately ignored by mainstream narratives.