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

60 Minutes Guest Supported Forced Sterilization for Indians

79 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
  1. Forced sterilization was supported by prominent figures like Paul Ehrlich in the past.
  2. International organizations like the UN and the World Bank financially backed India's sterilization efforts.
  3. Challenging policies like forced sterilization is important to prioritize ethical means over ends.

What John Locke Can Teach Americans about True Tolerance

79 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
  1. Locke advocated for extending Christian tolerance and goodwill to all people.
  2. Tolerance is not just about refraining from violence but also showing charity and goodwill in general.
  3. Locke's ideas on tolerance are relevant today in an increasingly divided society.

How the Federal Government Poisoned Americans During Prohibition, Killing Thousands

79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
  1. The Prohibition Era led to a surge in organized crime and the poisoning of industrial alcohols by the federal government to deter illegal drinking.
  2. The federal poisoning program during Prohibition resulted in the deaths of thousands and was a dark and bizarre chapter in US history.
  3. The lack of awareness about the government's poisoning program highlights the importance of questioning historical narratives and the true moral purpose of the law.

8 Signs of a Thriving Child

59 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
  1. Teaching children important rules is crucial
  2. A thriving child gets along with others and performs well in school
  3. Obedience, honesty, and facing new adventures are signs of a thriving child
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The Most Beautiful Passage on Pain, Loneliness, and Sorrow in Literature

79 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
  1. Jerome Jerome's 'Three Men in a Boat' has a powerful, beautiful passage exploring pain, loneliness, and sorrow in literature.
  2. The author adeptly transitions from humor to deeper exploration of the human experience in the book.
  3. The passage in the book reflects on the comfort and strength found in the night, offering solace from pain and sorrow.

Why Biden Broke His Promise to Prohibit New Oil Permits on Federal Land

59 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
  1. Biden broke his promise to prohibit new oil permits on federal land
  2. Despite scrapping the Keystone XL pipeline, Biden approved the Willow project for drilling on federal land
  3. The approval of the Willow project is seen as crucial due to the need for a consistent oil supply amidst global tensions

Congress Is Forcing Biden’s Contract Down the Throat of Railroad Workers

79 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. Congress and the President are pushing railroad workers to accept a contract they do not want, despite moral concerns.
  2. Railroad workers face pressure due to potential economic impact if they strike, highlighting the complexities of labor negotiations.
  3. The current system of negotiations undermines voluntary agreements between workers and employers, impacting freedom of association.

Jeffrey Sachs: Of Course the US Blew Up Nord Stream 2

59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
  1. Jeffrey Sachs believes the US government blew up Nord Stream 2 to isolate Russia.
  2. The US government has a history of covert military actions and interference in geopolitics.
  3. Sachs highlights the role of the CIA in carrying out covert operations like blowing up infrastructure.

6 Things I Never Knew about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

79 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
  1. Dr. Frankenstein's assistant Igor doesn't actually appear in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
  2. Mary Shelley, the author, was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft who died giving birth to her.
  3. The novel Frankenstein is a cautionary metaphor for the consequences of creating something you can't control, akin to the power of the state.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Says He Knows What the ‘Mystery Object’ Was the US Military Shot Down Over Alaska

59 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
  1. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh claims US military shot down its own weather monitoring device over Alaska.
  2. US officials called off search for balloon objects shot down by fighter jets over Alaska and Lake Huron.
  3. Speculations arose about aliens or surveillance devices but the most plausible explanation points to a government mistake.

'It Was Like a Maoist Struggle Session': NYT Staff Writer on Freakout Over Tom Cotton Op-Ed

59 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
  1. The article discusses the controversy surrounding an op-ed by US Senator Tom Cotton in The New York Times in response to the riots following George Floyd's death.
  2. Staffers at The New York Times had a strong reaction to the op-ed, leading to resignations and a significant internal uproar.
  3. One former NYT reporter described the reaction to the op-ed as similar to a Maoist struggle session, highlighting the intense atmosphere within the news organization.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Strange Alternate Ending to ‘The Lord of the Rings’

59 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien's epic 'The Lord of the Rings' is highly regarded for its captivating conclusion.
  2. Tolkien's original ending concept included Frodo and Sam fighting Nazgul on Mount Doom, which was ultimately changed.
  3. Despite uncertainties in the planning process, Tolkien successfully delivered a powerful and resonant ending to his story.

Even Karl Marx Opposed 'Free' College

39 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
  1. College tuition costs have tripled in the past three decades, making higher education less affordable for Americans.
  2. Despite President Biden's scrapped plan for free community college, some states like New Mexico are moving forward with free tuition initiatives.
  3. Interestingly, Karl Marx, a famous collectivist, was actually opposed to the concept of free college.

The Frightening Reason Most Men Cheat

59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
  1. European and American perceptions of cheating differ, with Europeans being more sexually promiscuous.
  2. The primary reason most men cheat is because the other person is physically attractive.
  3. Marital success may hinge on resisting the temptation posed by physical attractiveness.

‘Paw Patrol’ Might Be the Most Libertarian Kids Movie Ever

59 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
  1. The movie 'Paw Patrol' conveys an economic lesson through a story of a villainous politician causing chaos with top-down decision-making.
  2. The plot of 'Paw Patrol' can be seen as a lesson in central planning gone wrong and public choice theory, showcasing the dangers of self-serving actions.
  3. Overanalyzing children's cartoons like 'Paw Patrol' can lead to dark places; sometimes it's best to just enjoy the entertainment.

Lockdown Queen Jacinda Ardern Departs With a Nixon-Like Approval Rating

59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
  1. Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, won't seek reelection due to lack of energy
  2. Ardern has low approval ratings comparable to former President Nixon before Watergate
  3. Ardern's resignation was not a surprise due to her unpopularity in New Zealand

Bud Light’s Sales Implosion, Explained

39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Bud Light's sales fell significantly due to a controversy over transgender politics.
  2. Despite efforts to boost sales with ad blitzes and marketing gimmicks, the decline continued.
  3. Critics were surprised by the public reaction, highlighting the unpredictability of consumer response.

What Dr. King Taught Us about Nonviolence

59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
  1. Dr. King taught us that nonviolence can lead to a society at peace with itself.
  2. He emphasized the importance of love over hate and violence.
  3. Violence does not solve social problems and nonviolence is the answer to overcoming oppression.

Nancy Pelosi’s Other Legacy: A Mountain of Debt for Our Children

59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
  1. Nancy Pelosi accumulated 80% of the federal debt in U.S. history since taking a leadership role in Congress
  2. Pelosi's tenure saw a massive increase in national debt, despite her tough talk on deficit spending rules
  3. Pelosi's embrace of omnibus bills and refusal of floor amendments led to unprecedented deficit spending during her time in office

The New Fletch Movie Is Actually Pretty Good

59 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
  1. The new Fletch movie, 'Confess, Fletch', is surprisingly well-written.
  2. The humor in the movie is witty and enjoyable.
  3. While not as good as the original, it's still a funny and rare comedy caper worth watching.

The Best Nonfiction Novel Ever Written

59 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
  1. The Executioner's Song is considered the best nonfiction novel ever written.
  2. Norman Mailer is praised for perfecting the nonfiction novel genre.
  3. The book captures a deep and dark portrayal of society and human nature.

Obama: Misinformation 'No Match' For Free Speech and Truth

59 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
  1. President Obama emphasized the importance of free speech and truth over misinformation.
  2. Free speech has been consistently supported by presidents throughout history.
  3. There is a growing trend towards regulating speech to combat misinformation.

What Game of Thrones Teaches Us about Wealth Creation

39 implied HN points • 05 May 23
  1. Wealth creation depends on peace, easy taxes, and justice, as observed by Adam Smith.
  2. The rise in material wealth over the last 250 years coincided with the global rise of capitalism.
  3. In a land like Westeros, where power rules and individual rights are non-existent, achieving peace, easy taxes, and justice for wealth creation is challenging.

12 Karl Popper Quotes That Will Make You Think

59 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
  1. Karl Popper was a great thinker of the 20th century with a broad mind.
  2. Popper's writing encourages critical thinking and responsibility.
  3. His quotes touch on topics like rationality, truth seeking, and political freedom.

Leo Tolstoy on Truth, Violence, and Government

59 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. Leo Tolstoy's ideas reflect a blend of Christian pacifism, asceticism, and anarchism.
  2. Tolstoy believed that violence is rooted in governments forcing individuals to act against their will.
  3. Tolstoy's quotes emphasize the importance of truth, love, and self-improvement in society.

Meet the Man Who Called Out FTX’s Smoke and Mirrors Before Anyone Else

59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
  1. Marc Cohodes noticed FTX's CEO couldn't answer basic questions about his money.
  2. Cohodes raised concerns about the lack of transparency in FTX's executive leadership.
  3. FTX's questionable acquisitions and lack of clarity raised suspicions among investors.

19 Quotes From Famous Historic Figures That Are Sure to Make You Uncomfortable

39 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. Presentism distorts historical realities by removing them from their context
  2. Many historical figures have expressed offensive or morally dubious views by today's standards
  3. It's important to consider historical context when judging famous figures for their controversial statements

Could Exorcism Actually Be Real?

39 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
  1. Exorcism is a practice that some experts believe is real and thriving in recent times.
  2. The debate over exorcism challenges the beliefs of materialism and religion.
  3. The question of whether exorcism is real reveals differing worldviews and belief systems.

9 Books the Catholic Church Banned That Were Literary Masterpieces

39 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
  1. The Catholic Church had a list of banned books called the Index Librorum Prohibitorum.
  2. Famous authors like Hugo and Dumas had their works banned for political and religious reasons.
  3. Book banning is not limited to the Church, as other regimes and systems have also censored works throughout history.

Why Super Bowl Halftime Performers Get Paid $0 to Play

39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Super Bowl halftime performers do not get paid in cash, only having expenses covered.
  2. Artists benefit from increased record sales and exposure after performing at the Super Bowl.
  3. The exchange between the NFL and artists during halftime shows is mutually beneficial.

Idi Amin's Response When Told Uganda Was Out of Money

39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. Idi Amin suggested printing more money as a solution to having no money in Uganda.
  2. Amin's economic policies caused severe damage by expelling Ugandan Asians and expanding the public sector.
  3. Increasing money supply leads to devaluation and economic problems, as seen in past examples like Venezuela.

Yes, Americans Really Are Getting (Much) Fatter. Here's the Proof

39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
  1. Obesity rates in the United States have surged, with not one state having a rate below 20% in 2022.
  2. Factors like breakdown of community and increased screen time may contribute to the rise in obesity.
  3. Government policies, including food assistance programs and non-judgmentalism culture, could be fueling the increase in obesity rates.

The NYT Explains Why the Minimum Wage Should Be $0.00

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
  1. Raising the minimum wage by a substantial amount could price working poor people out of the job market.
  2. There are economists who believe the minimum wage is an outdated idea.
  3. The New York Times argues that a higher minimum wage may harm the very people it aims to help.