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

The Real Reason State Farm Won’t Sell Home Insurance in California Anymore

99 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
  1. State Farm will no longer sell home insurance in California due to high costs of doing business, macroeconomic factors, and increased catastrophe exposure.
  2. Media linked State Farm's decision to the climate apocalypse, but the company did not mention climate change in its press release.
  3. California's struggles with wildfires could be a significant factor in State Farm's decision to cease offering home insurance in the state.

The Latest Twitter Files Dump Shows How Mainstream Media Is Failing Us

138 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
  1. Free speech is crucial and should not be a partisan issue.
  2. Mainstream media often fails to cover important stories on censorship and free expression.
  3. Government interference in censoring speech through tech companies threatens First Amendment rights.

The Martin Scorsese Movie Disney and China Don’t Want You to See

59 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
  1. China's influence over entertainment can have long-lasting effects globally.
  2. Even powerful figures like Martin Scorsese can face challenges from China's censorship.
  3. Balancing artistic integrity and business interests can be a tough decision in the face of political pressure.

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

138 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
  1. Future CIA director Allen Dulles chose not to emphasize the Holocaust in his reports to Washington during WWII.
  2. Historians question Dulles' lack of urgency in reporting the killing of Jews by the Nazis.
  3. Possible reasons for Dulles' behavior include a focus on other priorities, like anti-communism, or even Nazi sympathies.
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What Star Trek Can Teach 21st Century Americans about Microaggressions

118 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
  1. Star Trek explores big ideas like truth, good and evil, logic, and emotion.
  2. Microaggressions are subtle discriminations against marginalized groups.
  3. Responding with grace and understanding rather than punitive actions can foster mutual understanding.

Oscar Wilde: Minding Your Own Business Is the Opposite of Selfishness

138 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
  1. Oscar Wilde believed that minding your own business is not selfishness, but rather allowing others to live their lives without interference.
  2. Wilde valued Individualism as a force that disrupts monotony and champions variety in thought and expression.
  3. According to Wilde, selfishness is demanding uniformity of thought from others, while unselfishness appreciates and respects the diversity of opinions and perspectives.

Why Rome Once Had 5 Emperors in a Single Year

99 implied HN points • 29 May 23
  1. Rome once had 5 emperors in a single year due to political chaos and bidding for the imperial throne.
  2. The practice of auctioning the throne to the highest bidder was seen as disgraceful and unethical by many in Rome.
  3. The story of Rome's 5 emperors in a year serves as a cautionary tale about political power and corruption.

The 3 Traits Warren Buffett Says He Looks for in an Employee

138 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Warren Buffett looks for intelligence, initiative, and integrity in employees, with emphasis on integrity.
  2. Employees with integrity are trustworthy and take responsibility for their tasks.
  3. Taking responsibility is crucial for building trust, learning from mistakes, and creating a satisfying life.

The Man Who Prophesied the Horror of WWI With Uncanny Accuracy

118 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
  1. Jan Bloch predicted the horror of WWI with uncanny accuracy before it happened.
  2. Bloch foresaw that modern warfare would be characterized by trench warfare and stalemates.
  3. Bloch's warnings about the future of war, including massive casualties and economic strain, were largely ignored by his contemporaries.

Why 'The Ten Commandments' Is Still One of the Best Movies Ever Made

118 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
  1. The movie 'The Ten Commandments' is a celebration of freedom and theism.
  2. The film emphasizes the universal right to freedom, not just for one group of people.
  3. Moses, the main character, symbolizes the pursuit of truth over power and material desires.

Why Ray Bradbury Didn't Think Writers Should Go to College

138 implied HN points • 29 Jan 23
  1. Ray Bradbury believed traditional education was rigid and stifling for creative minds.
  2. Bradbury felt that universities did not encourage independent thinking and exploration of ideas.
  3. According to Bradbury, colleges stifled creativity rather than nurturing it.

How the Media Became the Pentagon’s Plumbers

99 implied HN points • 16 May 23
  1. The media helped the Pentagon in identifying a leaker, rather than exposing government secrets.
  2. In the past, the New York Times published the Pentagon Papers to reveal government lies about the Vietnam War.
  3. Leaking classified materials can be seen as either exposing government dishonesty or undermining national security.

What Americans Should NOT Do in the 'National Divorce' Debate

118 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
  1. Some Americans are discussing the idea of a 'national divorce' where the country could split peacefully.
  2. It's important to have civil discussions about topics like sovereignty and separatism.
  3. Questioning the value of the union is viewed by some as a patriotic act.

Why We Need More Kyrsten Sinemas and Fewer AOCs

99 implied HN points • 06 May 23
  1. Kyrsten Sinema values independence and doing what she thinks is best.
  2. Sinema stood against party decisions regarding issues like court-packing and filibuster.
  3. Sinema faced backlash and protests for her independent stances.

Watch a Young Paul Ehrlich Propose Jailing Americans Who Have "Too Many" Children

138 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
  1. Paul Ehrlich proposed tyrannical population control measures like forced sterilization and jailing Americans with 'too many' children.
  2. Ehrlich's extreme views serve as a cautionary tale about the influence of intellectuals in society.
  3. Intellectuals play a significant role in shaping public opinion and should be viewed critically when offering collective advice.

The Harry Potter Villain That Is Even Worse Than Voldemort

118 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. Dolores Umbridge is considered a more sinister villain than Voldemort because of her real and relatable qualities.
  2. Umbridge's evil is highlighted by her desire to control, punish, and inflict pain in the name of law and order.
  3. The concept of 'the greater good' can be dangerous when used to justify oppressive actions, as seen in the story of Dolores Umbridge and in real-world events.

Carl Sagan’s Prophecy about America’s Future Was Spot On

118 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
  1. Carl Sagan predicted a decline in manufacturing and a rise in propaganda.
  2. Sagan foresaw a general decline in our ability to reason.
  3. The prediction made by Sagan about America's future seems to be coming true in some aspects.

G.K. Chesterton's Assessment of Oscar Wilde

99 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
  1. G.K. Chesterton found Oscar Wilde's use of paradox frustrating.
  2. Chesterton believed Wilde used his talent irresponsibly.
  3. Chesterton thought Wilde descended below himself to appear clever.

Hayek: Social Justice Demands the Unequal Treatment of Individuals

99 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
  1. Social justice is not the same as justice and involves treating people unequally to address imbalances.
  2. Implementing social justice may require treating individuals differently based on race, gender, or class.
  3. Historically, failing to treat people equally has led to disastrous results and should be avoided.

Is ‘Wokeism’ to Blame for Silicon Valley Bank’s Demise? No and Yes

99 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
  1. Macro-economic factors played a central role in Silicon Valley Bank's collapse.
  2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives were criticized for shifting focus from financial priorities.
  3. Regulatory failure, lack of oversight, and internal mismanagement were key factors in the bank's demise.

Why Slow Drivers Should Get the **ck Out of the Left Lane

118 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
  1. Slow drivers in the left lane can be dangerous and are considered public safety hazards.
  2. Driving slowly in the left lane is more dangerous than speeding.
  3. All 50 states have laws that restrict the use of the left lane to prevent slow driving.

7 Life Lessons from Marcus Aurelius

99 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
  1. Stop stressing about what others think.
  2. Don't get consumed by envy, focus on what you have.
  3. Embrace life's changes, they are a natural part of existence.

Did Truman Capote Write ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’?

59 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
  1. The myth that Truman Capote wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is not supported by evidence.
  2. The persistence of this myth may be linked to factors like jealousy and the unusual delay in Harper Lee's publishing.
  3. Computerized testing and anecdotal evidence confirm Harper Lee as the true author of both 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Go Set a Watchman'.

Jordan Peterson Decorated His Home With Soviet Propaganda Art For Years. Here's Why

99 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
  1. Jordan Peterson decorated his home with Soviet propaganda art to remember the atrocities committed in the name of utopia.
  2. The 20th century saw the dangerous belief that utopia could be achieved through collectivism and coercion.
  3. We must not forget the lesson that peace, trade, and freedom build a healthy society, not government force.

The US Lost Its AAA Credit Rating—and the White House Is Taking No Responsibility

59 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
  1. The US had its AAA credit rating downgraded to AA+ due to expected fiscal deterioration, high government debt, and governance issues
  2. After the downgrade, Democratic politicians and White House officials blamed Republicans and Fitch instead of taking responsibility
  3. The federal government is facing a fiscal reckoning, regardless of finger-pointing and political blame games

Stephen King's 11 Best Writing Tips

118 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
  1. Be brief in your writing: Eliminate anything that is not essential to the story.
  2. Don't be discouraged by rejection, keep writing and persevere.
  3. Learn to identify good stories around you and write consistently, regardless of inspiration.

How the Founding Fathers Proposed Helping the Poor

118 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
  1. Founding Fathers believed government should not be responsible for charity.
  2. Founders thought forced charity could be counterproductive.
  3. The Founders emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and self-reliance to overcome poverty.

Did the US Government Blow Up the Nord Stream Pipelines?

99 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
  1. Speculation that the US government may have been involved in the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines
  2. Concerns raised after President Biden's statement about ending Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine
  3. Evidence from reports and statements indicating a potential US connection to the pipeline incident

Twilight Zone Creator Rod Serling on the Most Dangerous Kind of Censorship

99 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
  1. Pre-censorship is a common practice among writers to avoid controversial themes.
  2. Self-censorship can hinder the discovery of truth as much as government censorship.
  3. Supporting a culture that allows for the free exchange of ideas is crucial for navigating censorship issues.