The hottest Civics Substack posts right now

Being active in democracy means accepting conflict and standing up to your opponents. It’s important to be ready to fight for what you believe in.
Donald Trump uses intimidation to get support, and he has made it clear he won't accept losing another election. This creates fear and uncertainty among his opponents.
Past experiences show that when Trump doesn't get his way, it can lead to chaos. It's crucial to stand firm against his tactics to protect democratic values.

P.J. O'Rourke used humor to explain how American government works, making complex topics more understandable.
His experiences as a foreign correspondent gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to analyze the U.S. system critically.
The book 'Parliament of Whores' is both funny and insightful, and it's become an important guide for understanding politics.

Economics isn't 'about' a single theme or object like a novel; it's a science that explains why people make choices by linking causes and effects.
Economics provides neutral, causal explanations of choices and is distinct from ethics, law, or medicine, which judge whether choices are good, legal, or healthy.
Understanding economics is vital for preserving civilization because it reveals how policies (like price controls) change incentives and outcomes, helping citizens avoid demagoguery and harmful decisions.

A forthcoming essay called "The Curiosity Crisis" will lay out a renewed focus on the core reasons some knowledge systems flourish while others crack and decay.
Paid subscriptions are currently paused, free subscribers will still get periodic pieces, and monetization may return in a new form later.
A reporter’s dispatch from Syria is highlighted as a clear example of what rebuilding looks like, and there are plans for careful, selective collaborations with former colleagues—only promoting work that truly seems excellent.

Social media has made us feel like we're living in a village again, but without the warmth and kindness. Instead, it can often amplify negative behavior like cruelty and gossip.
We need to rethink how we approach issues like diversity and inequality. It's important to question the basic beliefs behind these ideas and consider if differing views can be valid.
There's a growing trend among some young people in politics that embraces white identity politics. This is concerning and shows a shift away from traditional conservatism.

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Many conversations today focus too much on political labels like liberal or conservative. This can make it hard to discuss real issues honestly.
People often try to confirm what side someone is on rather than talking about specific topics. This can create a divide instead of a productive conversation.
It would be better to discuss policies and situations directly without jumping to conclusions based on labels. This could help us understand each other better.

Graduates learned a skewered version of history and identity.
Education emphasized gender fluidity over traditional roles.
The emphasis on political correctness overshadowed basic subjects like grammar and economics.

Most people misunderstand their rights and think they need the law to permit them to do something. In reality, rights come from being human, not from being written down in laws.
The framers of the Constitution worried that people would feel their rights were limited to what was specifically listed. They emphasized that we have more rights than what is written in the Constitution.
This misunderstanding can lead to accepting unjust government actions like executive orders or mandates because people think they need permission to act without specific laws.

Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

Life can be seen as a journey where both humans and animals are part of a larger rhythm. This suggests that we are not alone in our experiences; there's something bigger connecting all beings.
Recent years have been full of dark challenges, but many are feeling a shift towards light and positivity. It seems like good things are starting to return after tough times.
Thanksgiving is not just about food; it's a time to appreciate our humanity, to connect with each other, and to remember the values that keep us civilized and kind.