On Diamond Reynolds after Dallas

Dallas has happened. But I want us to think carefully about Diamond Reynolds, the girlfriend of Philando Castile. Castile was recently killed in Minnesota by a police officer during what should have otherwise been a routine stop. Reynolds live streamed the event on Facebook. I have repeatedly watched that video of ...
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On Diamond Reynolds after Dallas

The Recovery And Its Discontents

The current situation in the United States presents a seeming paradox. On the one hand, the US economy is about to enter its eighth consecutive year of recovery, and in the first months of 2016, the unemployment rate fell below 5%, its lowest level since the beginning of the economic ...

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The Recovery And Its Discontents

Pat Summitt, Hellerstedt, and the Democratic Sit-In

Past Present Episode 41

On this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the legacy of basketball coach Pat Summitt, the place of Women's Whole Health v. Hellerstedt in America's abortion debate, and the House Democrats' sit-in over gun control. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: The winningest college basketball ...
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Pat Summitt, Hellerstedt, and the Democratic Sit-In

Never Trump. Maybe Hillary.

I cannot get my political bearings. There is little analysis of the current moment that I have not read, and read with appetite. Although much of it is deeply informative and often reiterates my own thoughts -- always good to feel less lonely if less original -- nothing I have ...
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Never Trump. Maybe Hillary.

Reflections: Before and After the Brexit Referendum

A colleague shared his impromptu reflections on Brexit, both before and after the referendum last Thursday. Before Regarding Brexit, basically I think “a plague on both your houses” -- nationalists and liberals. But for now more a plague on the Tory “Leave” side, so severe is the noxious brew that’s been ...
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Reflections: Before and After the Brexit Referendum

Hannah Arendt on American “Social Slavery”

A few years after fleeing the fascist tidal wave in Europe and finding refuge in New York City, Hannah Arendt penned a letter to her mentor and confidant Karl Jaspers, commenting briefly on the peculiarities of American politics and society. She remarked, “The fundamental contradiction of the country is political ...

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Hannah Arendt on American “Social Slavery”

The Thelma-and-Louise-Gambit

Your car is not working. In fact it is falling apart: it eats up gas, burns oil, grinds the transmission, and wobbles its wheels. You have been taking the car to a mechanic whom you have known for years. He charges a small fortune, and typically, within a week or ...
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The Thelma-and-Louise-Gambit