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

Cardi B Is Right to Be P*ssed about Inflation

39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
  1. Cardi B criticized rising prices and inflation on Twitter.
  2. Inflation affects the poorest the most, and Cardi B spoke out about the harmful effects.
  3. Cardi B's comments highlight the importance of monetary policy and controlling inflation.

Want a Viking Funeral? It's Legal in One US State

39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
  1. Viking funerals are legal in one US state, where open-air cremation is allowed on dry land
  2. Traditionally, individuals had more freedom to choose burial practices before state regulations were imposed
  3. The state's role in dictating burial methods raises questions about personal freedoms and government control

Former FBI Lawyer Appears to Have Censored Hunter Biden Story Knowing It Was True

39 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
  1. Former FBI lawyer appears to have censored true Hunter Biden story on Twitter.
  2. Many former FBI employees are working at Twitter, raising concerns about censorship and influence.
  3. Evidence shows the FBI general counsel led censorship efforts despite knowing the Hunter Biden story was true.

Montaigne’s Tip on Book Reading

39 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
  1. Research shows benefits of book reading, but many struggle due to distraction and fatigue.
  2. Montaigne advises not to persist in reading if it's difficult or unengaging; try another book.
  3. It's better to switch to a more engaging book than force yourself through an unstimulating one.
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Ron Paul Saw the FBI Threat Back in 1988

39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
  1. The FBI was involved in an expansive censorship campaign with Twitter.
  2. Ron Paul warned about the FBI's potential threat back in 1988.
  3. The FBI's history includes numerous civil rights abuses and the recent secretive involvement in censoring online content.

What Rudolph Gets Right about Individualism (and We Get Wrong)

39 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. Teaching children sound ideals, philosophy, and moral principles is essential.
  2. Nonconformity and individualism are important themes to learn from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.
  3. It's crucial to offer children strong ideals and principles, instead of relying on a confused culture or government.

Tim Pool Shows the World How to Handle Racists and Controversial Ideas

39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. Tim Pool handled controversial figures by debating their ideas instead of deplatforming them
  2. Civil discourse and debate can be more effective in tackling racist and controversial views
  3. Engaging in discussions with controversial figures may shed light on their ideologies and behaviors

What Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings Teach Us about Power

39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
  1. Tolkien and Rowling both emphasize the dangers of power and its corrupting influence.
  2. Tolkien's allegory about the corrupting influence of power remains relevant today.
  3. The Founders of the American system understood the dangers of power and created checks and balances to prevent its abuse.

Can America Survive Without Individualism?

39 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
  1. Individualism is a key part of America's identity, emphasizing equal rights and nonconformity.
  2. Classical liberalism played a significant role in shaping individualism and paved the way for abolition of slavery and women's rights.
  3. Historical warnings against faction and group identity highlight the importance of valuing individuals over collective identities.

The Riddle of Steel, Explained

39 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
  1. Conan the Barbarian teaches about power and coming-of-age through a thrilling journey.
  2. The Riddle of Steel in the movie symbolizes the mystery and power of ideas over force.
  3. Thulsa Doom's explanation of the riddle aligns with Ludwig von Mises' view that power comes from ideologies and the ability to influence.

Wading Into the Anarchy Debate

39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
  1. There's a debate on whether a prosperous civilization needs a state or not.
  2. The state is seen as a protector of individual rights by some.
  3. Society's prosperity may not be solely attributed to the state.

George Washington Bought 47 Gallons of Beer for Election Day in 1758

19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
  1. Money has always played a role in American elections, even before the US was established.
  2. Campaign finance has been a controversial issue, especially after the Citizens United decision in 2010.
  3. George Washington's expensive purchase of alcohol for an election shows that resources and spending have long been part of political campaigns.

Meet 'the Mother of the American Valentine'

19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
  1. Esther Howland revolutionized the Valentine's Day card industry with creativity and business savvy.
  2. She brought handcrafted valentines to the masses at an affordable price.
  3. Howland's legacy includes empowering women through employment and expressing love through creativity.

The Dangerous Ethics of Killing Baby Hitler

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
  1. Questions about killing Baby Hitler prompt moral dilemmas
  2. The Baby Hitler scenario reveals differing opinions on moral philosophy
  3. Committing evil acts for a perceived greater good has dangerous implications

The Real Meaning of the Christmas Truce

19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
  1. The Christmas Truce during World War I shows that peace is possible even between enemies.
  2. The truce revealed that people can come together when they reject violence and embrace common humanity.
  3. Leaders often profit from war while soldiers, who see the true cost, can see the value of peace.

The Awesome, Tragic Story Behind ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’

19 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
  1. The song 'Do They Know It's Christmas' was written to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia, which was man-made.
  2. Despite the success of raising millions for relief, administering aid effectively proved to be more challenging.
  3. Ultimately, economic freedom is crucial in lifting countries out of poverty, more so than just relying on humanitarian aid.

12 Thoughtful Quotes on Self-Reliance from Ralph Waldo Emerson

19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the importance of non-conformity for true individuality.
  2. Self-reliance leads to inner peace and the triumph of principles.
  3. Embrace your own thoughts and trust yourself for true genius.

How a Third-Grade Teacher Incentivized My Son to Overcome His Reading Struggles

19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
  1. Competition can be a positive and motivating force, especially in learning.
  2. For some individuals, competition can lead to significant improvements and growth.
  3. Recognize that competition, whether in sports, academics, or economics, can be a healthy and beneficial aspect of life.

Why China's Covid State Is (Finally) Collapsing

19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
  1. Protests erupted in China against the ruling Communist Party's zero-Covid policy.
  2. The World Cup may have triggered the mass demonstrations in China by showing maskless fans while the country remained under strict lockdowns.
  3. The exposure of hypocrisy within the Chinese Communist Party regarding Covid policies has contributed to the collapse of the Covid state in China.

Why Black Friday Is Called Black Friday

19 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
  1. Many people do not know why Black Friday is called Black Friday despite its popularity.
  2. The term Black Friday has different origins, including being a day for playing hooky, a day of chaos and consumerism, and a day when stores finally make profits.
  3. The historical narratives and opinions about Black Friday differ, with some seeing it as exploiting workers while others view it as a day for good deals and free-market competition.

The ‘Mount Rushmore’ of TV Dramas: Deadwood, Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Game of Thrones

19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Breaking Bad is considered the best TV drama ever because it got better each season and left viewers satisfied in the end.
  2. Game of Thrones, despite a disappointing final season, is praised for successfully adapting a fantasy masterpiece and telling a great story.
  3. The Wire stands out as one of the best TV dramas for its deep exploration of societal systems and Baltimore's streets, despite a forgettable final season.

5 Takeaways From the 2022 Midterms

19 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
  1. Biden defied historical trends by holding onto the Senate during the midterms.
  2. DeSantis had a great night in Florida's reelection, while Trump seemed irked by his success.
  3. Drug legalization measures saw victories in various states, including for possession of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms.

Coming soon

19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
  1. Jon Miltimore has a newsletter called 'The Take' about movies, liberty, and making sense of the world.
  2. The newsletter will be available on jjmilt.substack.com.
  3. The post encourages sharing on social media platforms like Facebook.

14 Signs of Totalitarianism

6 HN points • 13 Dec 22
  1. Dissent is equated to violence and power is exerted to quash dissent
  2. State control over media and a legal system co-opted by the state
  3. Rights are contingent on compliance, mass conformity is demanded, and power is concentrated in elite institutions

A New Christmas Classic That’s Actually Funny

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
  1. Daddy's Home 2 is a funny Christmas classic with a great cast
  2. The movie explores different parenting styles and family dynamics
  3. DH2 presents weighty questions in a fun and entertaining way