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

Dostoyevsky’s Powerful Prophesy on the Rise of Socialism

178 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
  1. Dostoyevsky's prophecy warns about a future where society prioritizes material needs over spiritual values.
  2. The novel 'The Brothers Karamazov' delves deep into human psyche, metaphysics, and theology.
  3. Dostoyevsky critiques socialism for focusing on material wealth rather than spiritual growth.

The Greatest Antiwar Song Ever Written

79 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. The song 'Travelin' Soldier' by Bruce Robison is highlighted as a powerful anti-war song that tells a tragic story of love and loss.
  2. Violence tends to beget more violence, as observed by philosopher Hannah Arendt, with wars leading to further conflicts and suffering.
  3. The acceptance of state-wielded violence in the twentieth century has changed the perception of government from a protector of rights to a force for good, contributing to a more violent world.

What George Will Gets Wrong about Cocaine Legalization

118 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
  1. There should be a presumption of liberty when it comes to drug legalization.
  2. Prohibition of drugs can lead to more potent and dangerous substances due to the illegal market.
  3. Drug prohibition can corrupt law enforcement and lead to invasive policing practices.

How 'First Blood' Foreshadowed America’s Policing Problem

178 implied HN points • 25 May 23
  1. Policing encounters can quickly escalate and lead to violent situations, as shown in 'First Blood' and real-life incidents like Philando Castile and Sandra Bland.
  2. Unnecessary policing of minor infractions can violate individual rights and pervert the law's true purpose of protecting rights.
  3. Police should have a narrow role focused on enforcing laws against crimes with victims, rather than policing behavior and causing potential harm.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why Legacy Media Won’t Cover the CIA’s Election Meddling

178 implied HN points • 19 May 23
  1. Progressive journalists see themselves as 'soldiers' rather than 'scouts'
  2. Former CIA chiefs used intelligence to influence elections with little mainstream news coverage
  3. A new wave of young journalists view themselves as activists, impacting news coverage

The Genesis of the Term 'Snowflake'

138 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
  1. The term 'snowflake' is often used to describe coddled, sensitive young people.
  2. The term originated from Chuck Palahniuk's book 'Fight Club'.
  3. There are differing views on the term, with some associating it with the alt-right and others discussing societal trends.

7 of Thomas Jefferson’s Favorite Books From His Fiction Reading

138 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. Thomas Jefferson enjoyed reading fiction and found it useful for cultivating virtue.
  2. Some of Thomas Jefferson's favorite books included works by Molière, Cervantes, Swift, and others.
  3. Jefferson's literary preferences showcased a wide range of genres and styles.

Superman Director on How the Man of Steel Made Him Rethink His Politics

138 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
  1. Superman's philosophy signifies traditional individual character and virtue.
  2. Superman served as a symbol for virtues like truth and justice that are dwindling in modern times.
  3. Superman's significance lies in teaching individuals how to be better.

The 1970s Movie That Revealed the True Terror of a Deep State

178 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. The movie 'Three Days of the Condor' showcases paranoia and uncertainty, making viewers question who to trust.
  2. The film reveals a story of a deep state fundamentally controlled by information and impervious to accountability.
  3. The true terror of a deep state is its ability to manipulate information, leaving even those with knowledge vulnerable.

What Socrates Can Teach Marxists about Justice

138 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
  1. Justice is not just about the interest of the stronger but embodies virtue and wisdom.
  2. Natural law theory asserts that rights exist apart from the state and are inherent and transcendent.
  3. The views on justice being linked to truth or power can heavily influence one's political beliefs and ideas on the role of government.

The Feds likely have a case file on Oliver Anthony already, Edward Snowden Says

118 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
  1. The FBI keeps files on famous individuals who are considered agitators or promoters of subversive ideas.
  2. Oliver Anthony's song 'Rich Men North of Richmond' has gained massive popularity and sparked controversy for its economic populism.
  3. Edward Snowden suggested that Oliver Anthony might have caught the attention of the FBI due to his outspoken views, hinting at the possibility of a case file on him.

Socialists Are Actually (Way) More Materialistic Than Capitalists

138 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
  1. Spiritual cultures thrive under capitalism as they see work as spiritual, not just healthy.
  2. Some cultures, like Confucian, Jewish, and Protestant, are more inclined towards capitalism due to certain values.
  3. Capitalism benefits from a view of work as a noble, spiritual calling, contrasting Marx's perspective.

Why Forcing People to Drive EVs Won't Save the Environment

178 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
  1. Several states are considering banning gas-powered cars to combat climate change.
  2. Politicians promoting EVs may overlook practical issues and tradeoffs.
  3. It's important to consider both pros and cons of different energy sources.

On AOC’s Call to Liberate Sunscreen

118 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
  1. AOC advocates for deregulating sunscreen in the US to improve options for consumers
  2. United States regulates sunscreen as a drug, not a cosmetic, potentially affecting quality
  3. Comparisons show US sunscreens may offer less protection than European options

Gavin Newsom's New 'Gas Price-Gouging Law' Flunks Basic Econ

138 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. California's high gas prices have better explanations than just 'price gouging.'
  2. Consumers in California pay high gas prices due to taxes and fees.
  3. Legislation monitoring the gas industry aims to prevent overcharging.

Why Sweden's Vindication on Lockdowns Needs to Be Celebrated

178 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
  1. Sweden's approach to the pandemic was vindicated after being initially mocked and attacked.
  2. The Swedish strategy of mitigation without coercive measures was recognized as effective.
  3. Learning from pandemic mistakes is crucial for saving lives, preserving freedom, and finding happiness.

New Studies Show Two Ways Masks Failed During the Pandemic

178 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
  1. Public officials lacked knowledge to make rational decisions during the pandemic
  2. Studies revealed masks were ineffective in reducing spread of Covid but had health harms
  3. Economics highlights the dangers of acting with insufficient knowledge

Get Ready to Kiss Your Credit Card Rewards Goodbye

99 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Big retailers are teaming up with the government to potentially impact credit card rewards for consumers.
  2. The Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan legislation, could threaten credit card rewards.
  3. Consumers may soon see changes in credit card rewards due to legislative actions.

How AI Helped Me Debunk a Fake Sigmund Freud Quote in a Nanosecond

99 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. Artificial intelligence can help debunk fake quotes quickly and efficiently
  2. Despite concerns, AI can be beneficial for streamlining processes and improving efficiency
  3. Embracing AI technology and finding ways to incorporate it can be beneficial for workers and businesses

Animal Testing Labs in China Are STILL Receiving US Tax Dollars

118 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. Animal testing labs in China are still getting US tax dollars.
  2. The Wuhan lab was removed from receiving funding for animal testing in response to public scrutiny.
  3. Many other Chinese laboratories conducting animal testing can still receive US tax dollars.

How J.R.R. Tolkien’s Destitute Mom Gave Her Son an Amazing Education

158 implied HN points • 14 May 23
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien's mother, despite extreme poverty, provided him with a rich and diverse education.
  2. Mabel Tolkien taught her son languages, arts, and introduced him to various literature early on.
  3. Despite financial hardship, Mabel Tolkien's efforts inspired her son to become a renowned author who brought beauty and imagination to the world.

Why Children Should be Encouraged to Read Fantasy Fiction

138 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
  1. Fantasy fiction can serve as a gateway to more advanced literature.
  2. Reading novels, including fantasy, has positive effects on brain activity.
  3. Fantasy books can spark creativity and a love for storytelling in children.

Jordan Peterson's Most Important Rule for Life

178 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
  1. Jordan Peterson's message is about taking responsibility for your life in the face of injustice.
  2. Peterson emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and control in navigating life's challenges.
  3. It is crucial to focus on owning and fixing oneself instead of solely seeking to eradicate external injustices.

The Historian Who Correctly Predicted What the Internet Would Do to Humanity

138 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
  1. Jacques Barzun predicted the impact of the internet on humanity back in 2000.
  2. Barzun foresaw the isolation, confusion, and misinformation that the internet would bring.
  3. The internet was forecasted to lead to individuals becoming more isolated and reliant on abstract information.

Examining the Jobs Numbers of ‘Bidenomics’

118 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. Disability claims are rising under 'Bidenomics'.
  2. White House highlights 13.2 million jobs created during Biden's term.
  3. Unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in June under Biden administration.

The Myth That the Polar Bear Population Is Declining

178 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
  1. The myth of declining polar bear population is not supported by current data.
  2. The number of polar bears has actually increased significantly since the 1950s.
  3. Images of starving polar bears do not reflect the overall thriving population.

The Spy Who Tricked Hitler and Won D-Day for the Allies

138 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
  1. There were numerous heroes from D-Day, many unknown but deserving recognition.
  2. Juan Pujol Garc \/ a played a pivotal role in deceiving the Germans during World War II.
  3. Through Operation Fortitude, Agent Garbo helped secure the success of D-Day for the Allies.

Disney's at it AGAIN.

118 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
  1. Disney has a history of minimizing black actors on movie posters in other countries.
  2. Previous incidents include decreased representation of actors in Chinese marketing campaigns.
  3. Despite promoting inclusivity, Disney has faced criticism for prioritizing profit over diversity.

How Anne Sullivan Achieved Her Miracle with Helen Keller

138 implied HN points • 28 May 23
  1. Anne Sullivan succeeded in teaching Helen Keller by prioritizing obedience.
  2. Outdoor learning was an essential part of Helen Keller's education.
  3. Repetition, making learning fun, and exposure to great books were key in Helen Keller's education.

Were We All Wrong About the Causes of Drug Addiction?

178 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
  1. Environment plays a significant role in addiction.
  2. Addiction is not just a moral failing or a disease, but influenced by environment.
  3. Human connection is crucial in combating addiction.

Sweeping Government Corruption Highlights an Age-Old Problem

99 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. Government corruption is a long-standing issue.
  2. Police Lieutenant Jessica Taylor raised concerns about corruption in the Seattle Police Department.
  3. The age-old question of 'Who will guard the guards' is highlighted in the context of government corruption.