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

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

277 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

Will America Choose Javier Milei or Hugo Chavez?

257 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

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

297 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

297 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.

Are Student Loans a Scam? Well ...

198 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.
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3 Real-Life Inspirations for George Orwell’s 1984

198 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.

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

178 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.

'Surreally Good': The Economic Dishonesty of Paul Krugman

376 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. Median household income in the U.S. has been declining, with the sharpest drop in 2023.
  2. Economist Paul Krugman insists the economy is thriving, despite data showing household incomes falling due to inflation.
  3. Inflation is causing a disconnect between economic realities and public perception, with many Americans feeling financially squeezed.

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

198 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 Most Chilling Paragraph I've Read in Years

356 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. Various institutions such as media, schools, and corporations have been influenced by neo-Marxism.
  2. Influential individuals like Coleman Hughes have faced backlash for promoting messages that go against this ideology.
  3. There is concern that the spread of neo-Marxist ideology may lead to societal division and potential unrest.

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

237 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.

The Magic of Ennio Morricone's Music

178 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.

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

158 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.

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

218 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.

Why Ghostbusters Might Be the Most Libertarian Movie of the '80s

277 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. Ghostbusters presents a cautionary tale about empowering clueless bureaucrats over individuals with local knowledge.
  2. The movie demonstrates the importance of decision-making based on localized knowledge rather than centralized control.
  3. The film serves as a humorous reminder of the consequences of delegating economic planning to state officials instead of individual actors.

Carl Sagan's Prophetic Warning about 'Charlatans' in Government Running Our Lives

396 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
  1. It's important for citizens to practice skepticism, educate themselves, and question authority to avoid being run by the government.
  2. Sagan warned about the danger of a society built on science and technology when people don't understand or question it.
  3. Science is not about blind trust; it requires skepticism, questioning, and challenging authority to prevent manipulation.

Argentina’s Inflation, Explained (in One Chart)

218 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 Riddle of Steel, Explained

198 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.

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

178 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.

Assistant to Top Illinois Covid Official RESIGNS After Newspaper Inquires about $1 Million in Payments

237 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. An assistant to a top Illinois Covid official resigned after questions about $1 million in payments, causing embarrassment for Illinois officials.
  2. Congress's $5 trillion federal spending spree during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to fraud and abuse, with cases of fraud amounting to billions of dollars.
  3. The story highlights the opportunity cost of government spending, emphasizing economics' principle of scarcity and the dismal science of acknowledging wasted resources.

The U.S. Has the Fattest Poor People in the World. Why?

297 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. Low-income people in the US are more likely to be overweight due to consuming too many calories.
  2. Government policies, such as food stamp programs, may be contributing to the obesity epidemic.
  3. Increased food stamp assistance has coincided with a rise in US obesity rates, prompting questions about the impact of federal food assistance policies.

Communism Delivered the Worst Car in History: The Trabant

158 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.

Can Taylor Swift Upend Hollywood? (and more)

257 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Taylor Swift's deal with AMC may have a big impact on entertainment.
  2. Pfizer's new Covid vaccine is 500% more expensive.
  3. Coaching youth football can be a rewarding experience.

History's First Libertarian?

277 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Zhuang Zhou was possibly the first thinker to understand that force doesn't build a harmonious society.
  2. Karl Marx and Adam Smith had predecessors like Francois-Noel Babeuf and Anders Chydenius respectively.
  3. Zhuang Zhou, a Chinese philosopher, can be seen as history's first libertarian, advocating for spontaneous order and emphasizing laissez faire economics.

The Meaning of the Christmas Truce of 1914

178 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.

Dying Words From 7 Founding Fathers

396 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. George Washington's last words were 'Tis Well.'
  2. Alexander Hamilton told his wife to remember she's a Christian before he died.
  3. Benjamin Franklin said to his daughter, 'A dying man can do nothing easy.'

The Dystopias of Orwell and Huxley Had One Big Thing in Common

337 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
  1. Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World both shared a government that controlled society.
  2. Both Orwell and Huxley saw a powerful, centralized government as dangerous.
  3. American founding fathers also distrusted centralized power, creating a government with checks and balances.

How the Federal Government Poisoned Americans During Prohibition, Killing Thousands

178 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.

Justin Trudeau Is Lying about Inflation

237 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
  1. Canadian grocers are not responsible for the high food prices; Justin Trudeau and the Bank of Canada are.
  2. Inflation in Canada is attributed to policies by politicians and the money printing by the central bank.
  3. Blaming corporations like grocers for inflation is a deflection from the real causes.

Author on the 'Single Biggest Determiner' of Being a Good Mother

237 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Having a supportive partner is crucial in being a good parent.
  2. Being a parent is demanding and requires a lot, so having support is important.
  3. Creating a nurturing environment for children involves the support of both parents.