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

‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Environmental Policy Ethics Health Policy
  1. When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
  2. The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
  3. Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.

A Shocking Fact about Bobby Kennedy's Assassination You Probably Don't Know

198 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Assassination Conspiracy History Government Justice
  1. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the medical examiner for RFK, claimed he never declared Sirhan Sirhan as the killer. This raises questions about the official narrative of the assassination.
  2. Many eyewitnesses believe that Sirhan could not have fired the shot that killed RFK, with the fatal shot coming from behind him. This suggests the possibility of a second gunman.
  3. There seems to be a pattern of ignoring inconvenient facts about RFK and JFK's deaths. Some people, like RFK Jr., feel strongly about uncovering the truth behind these assassinations.

Andrew Sullivan Calls on Rachel Levine to Resign Over Trans Children Research Coverup

812 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Transgender Issues Legal issues Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. A significant number of minors have undergone gender transition treatments in recent years, which raises concerns about the long-term effects on their health and wellbeing.
  2. There are serious doubts about the informed consent process for young children undergoing major surgical procedures, as they may not fully understand or appreciate the consequences.
  3. Critics argue that political motives have influenced health policies regarding transgender care for children, with calls for accountability from those involved in these decisions.

Scream's Hidden Message: Victimhood is Deadly

178 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Mental health Victimhood Philosophy
  1. The Scream movies show that people need to take responsibility for their actions. Blaming others doesn't help anyone grow or heal.
  2. Characters who see themselves as victims often end up causing harm to others, while those who empower themselves can overcome their struggles.
  3. The main character, Sidney, learns to control her life and refuses to be defined by her past traumas, showing that self-reliance leads to true strength.

Stephen King's 'Creepiest' Short Story

198 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Short Stories Authors Narrative
  1. "The Raft" is a short story by Stephen King that tells about four friends who go swimming and end up trapped on a raft with a dangerous creature below them.
  2. The characters have typical young adult problems like love and jealousy, making their doom even more relatable and scary.
  3. The story is not just about the creature, but it's also about the darker sides of human nature lurking beneath the surface.
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What Socrates Can Teach Marxists about Justice

257 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Justice Critical Theory
  1. Justice can be seen as just the interest of those in power, but this idea is challenged by the belief in natural law, which says that rights come from a higher authority and are not just human-made rules.
  2. The belief that justice is defined by who has power, like that of Karl Marx, contrasts sharply with the view that justice is linked to truth and moral principles.
  3. Understanding what someone thinks about justice can reveal a lot about their political ideas, like whether they believe in equality under the law or that power should dictate what is just.

'Something Terrible Has Happened': Carl Sagan Saw What US Schools Were Doing to Children Decades Ago

594 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🚌 Education School System Child development Government Role
  1. Young children are curious and ask deep questions about the world, but as they grow older, that curiosity often fades away. This change happens during their school years.
  2. Simply throwing more money at schools does not solve the problem. Good schools need choices and options that meet students' needs rather than just more funding.
  3. Many believe that schools should be run more by the people and less by the government. This could help create better learning environments for children.

How Diocletian’s Persecution of Christians Began

237 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💾 History Ancient Rome Christianity Persecution Militarism Legislation
  1. Before Diocletian, Christians in Rome mostly lived without fear of government attack. They experienced a time called 'the little peace of the Church.'
  2. Diocletian's edicts led to a serious crackdown on Christians, starting with public office removals and destroying churches. He aimed to get rid of Christianity but ended up fueling more violence.
  3. The actions of a soldier named Marcellus sparked significant persecution, but many historians think it was part of a larger struggle between old Roman beliefs and the growing Christian faith.

How the Star of 'Wicked' Just Sabotaged Her Own Movie

356 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Entertainment Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. Cynthia Erivo reacted strongly to a fan's edited poster of 'Wicked', claiming it was offensive and degraded her. Many thought her response was an overreaction and not necessary.
  2. This kind of response from Hollywood actors is becoming more common. Some stars seem to let their egos get too big, which can harm their own films.
  3. There's a growing trend where people in entertainment see themselves as victims of oppression. This makes it hard to enjoy their work when they focus on perceived grievances instead of celebrating their art.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at CBS Reveals Journalism in a Death Spiral

515 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📰 News Journalism Media Trust Ethics Corporate
  1. Recent events at CBS have shown a lack of clear leadership and professionalism in journalism. It seems like the environment there is chaotic and not focused on real journalistic practices.
  2. Trust in media is at an all-time low, partly because of how CBS handled a situation with journalist Tony Dokoupil. He was reprimanded for asking tough questions, while another journalist was praised for preparing her interviewee in advance.
  3. The internal reactions at CBS were intense, with reports of shouting and tears. This highlights a deep dysfunction within the newsroom, which makes it hard to maintain trust in media organizations.

Why Tim Walz Received an 'F' in Cato's Fiscal Report Card, Ranking Dead Last of 50 Governors

356 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Tax policy Fiscal Responsibility
  1. Tim Walz received an 'F' for poor fiscal management, ranking last among all US governors. His spending increased substantially while taxes were raised significantly.
  2. Despite a budget surplus of $18 billion, Walz overspent and added more taxes, which has led to predictions of future budget deficits for Minnesota.
  3. High-income earners are leaving Minnesota due to these fiscal policies, worsening the state's economy and reducing tax revenue as people seek better conditions in states with lower taxes.

How ‘Puss in Boots' Reveals the Key to Human Happiness (Seriously)

158 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Philosophy Happiness Society Literature
  1. Appreciating what you have is key to happiness. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, think about the good things in your life.
  2. The characters in 'Puss in Boots' show that friendship and love matter more than wishes. Sometimes, you realize what you want is already around you.
  3. Envy not only makes you unhappy, but it can also lead you down a dark path. Being grateful helps you enjoy life better.

15 Highly-Effective Strategies for Mass Manipulation

416 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Media Public Opinion Manipulation Ideology
  1. Mass manipulation often uses emotional appeals instead of logical arguments. This makes it easier to sway people's opinions.
  2. Controlling media and education helps spread propaganda effectively. When one side dominates information, it limits the public's understanding.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals can tune out mass media, think critically, and stick to their principles. It's about being aware and questioning what's presented.

George Orwell and the Freedom to Say 2+2 = 4

456 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Political themes Freedom of Speech Philosophy
  1. George Orwell's _1984_ shows how totalitarian regimes deny truth to control people. The idea that '2 + 2 = 4' is a powerful symbol of freedom.
  2. Politics influences every part of life, even the most personal actions. This can make us feel like we’re constantly being watched and limited in our choices.
  3. To truly find and value truth, we need to embrace free speech and open discussions. Suppressing ideas only hinders our search for what is real.

Daughter of Stanley Kubrick Responds to Trump 'Full Metal Jacket' Political Ad: 'I Believe My Father Would Approve'

456 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media War Ideology Public Opinion
  1. Vivian Kubrick thinks her father would support using scenes from 'Full Metal Jacket' in a political way, even if it seems strange since the film is anti-war.
  2. She believes it's important for the military to focus on strong training and not be influenced by what she calls 'wokism'.
  3. Vivian sees a big difference between past racism/sexism and today's America, saying that many people overlook how much progress has been made.

How Experts Created a Peanut Allergy Epidemic

356 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Nutrition Allergies Medical Guidelines
  1. Experts once recommended avoiding peanuts during pregnancy and for young children. This led to a big increase in peanut allergies.
  2. Initially, there was no strong evidence for the peanut avoidance advice, which caused more harm than good.
  3. Now, it's suggested that introducing peanuts early can actually help prevent allergies, showing that previous guidelines were misguided.

I Live in Minnesota. Let Me Tell You about Tim Walz's COVID Snitch Line

793 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Civil Liberties Public Health Social Behavior Political critique
  1. Tim Walz's COVID snitch line encouraged people to report their neighbors for breaking pandemic rules. This created a culture of distrust and fear among citizens.
  2. The phenomenon of reporting on others echoed historical events where citizens informed on each other, like during the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthy era, but here it focused on pandemic-related behaviors instead.
  3. Many reports to the snitch line seemed motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for public health. This reflects how people can lose a sense of personal freedom and try to control others in tightly regulated environments.

California Lawmakers Admit Their Plastic Bag Ban Backfired

257 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Regulation Legislation Public Health
  1. California's ban on plastic bags didn't work as planned. Instead of reducing waste, plastic bag trash increased significantly.
  2. When states copy California's ban, they often see similar problems, like using more heavy-duty plastic bags that aren't recycled properly.
  3. New policies can have unexpected effects, like increased energy use from washing reusable bags, which might lead to health issues if not maintained correctly.

Norway’s Wealth Tax Is Backfiring. Are Americans Paying Attention?

277 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economic Impact Wealth Inequality Regulatory issues
  1. Norway's increased wealth tax led to many rich people leaving the country. This departure caused the government to lose significant income.
  2. The wealth tax was supposed to bring in more money, but it ended up costing the government much more than expected. The wealthy took their money elsewhere, leaving a big gap in revenue.
  3. Similar wealth tax proposals are being considered in the U.S., but if they mirror Norway's experience, they could drive wealthy individuals out of the country too.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

‘Am I a Racist?’ Is Brilliant. More Importantly, It's Funny

456 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural critique Media Analysis Race relations
  1. Matt Walsh's documentary 'Am I a Racist?' uses humor to criticize the DEI industry and its practices. It shows how some people profit from creating racial tensions.
  2. The film exposes the contradiction in some anti-racist beliefs, where individuals are seen only through their group identity. Walsh highlights the absurdity of these ideas while making the audience laugh.
  3. Alongside the mockery, the film also presents positive examples of people who view others as individuals, suggesting a more constructive way to address racism.

Why the Term 'Porn Star' Should Go

218 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Language Media Society Feminism Sexuality
  1. The term 'porn star' is misleading because most performers aren't actually stars, just regular actors in adult films.
  2. Using euphemisms like 'porn star' can distort the truth and make serious topics less clear, which isn't helpful.
  3. The glamorization of pornography through phrases like 'porn star' raises questions about how we view and talk about these actors in society.

'First Blood,' Individual Rights, and the Subversion of the Law

337 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Civil Rights Police Reform Social justice Crime Prevention
  1. The film 'First Blood' shows how misinterpretations of the law can lead to violence. It highlights that police encounters aimed at enforcing minor laws can escalate badly.
  2. Rambo's experience reminds us that police are people who can make mistakes. This stresses the idea that policing should focus on real crimes rather than petty behaviors.
  3. When the law is used to infringe on individual rights, it loses its true purpose. The film teaches us to question the role of police in everyday situations.

The War Film That Turned Dietrich Bonhoeffer Away From Nationalism

237 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💾 History War Nationalism Theology Cinema
  1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer changed his views on nationalism after watching the antiwar film 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' It made him see the harsh realities of war and question the idea that fighting for one's country is a noble cause.
  2. Alongside a French theologian, Bonhoeffer felt sad and moved by a scene where a German soldier comforts a dying French soldier. This moment helped him understand the deep connections between people, beyond national borders.
  3. Bonhoeffer believed that being a Christian should come before national loyalty. He saw nationalism as a dangerous idea that could harm human values, showing that real bravery means standing up against harmful beliefs, not just fighting in wars.

The Ancient Greek Play That Hilariously Mocked Collectivism and Democracy

138 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Comedy History Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes' play "The Assemblywomen" cleverly mocks democracy and the absurdities of life in Ancient Athens. It shows how sometimes people in power can be foolish and self-serving.
  2. The play presents a humorous twist where women take over the political scene, highlighting the chaos that can come from trying to enforce equality and collectivism.
  3. The humor exposes the flaws of democracy—where not everyone making decisions may have the best interests of society in mind, showing how majorities can be just as dangerous as tyrants.

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

912 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

376 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

297 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.

Can America Survive Without Individualism?

337 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

337 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

337 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.

The Chilling Historical Roots of ‘Political Correctness’

297 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.

How a Meddling Socialist Trust-Fund Baby Killed the L.A. Times

257 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.

An Announcement—and a Word on Keep Dystopia at Bay

257 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.