Everything from Last Week + One from the Archive

Insight - Biden’s Big Reconciliation Bill is No Way to Reform the Welfare State

The strategy for passing the largest expansion of the welfare state since the LBJ era reveals how deeply the filibuster has damaged Congress.

Spectacles MediaSpectacles

As the perennial topic of Congressional inaction and reconciliation once again rears its head—with a recent ruling of the Senate parliamentarian about immigration reform—it's worth revisiting this astute and insightful analysis by Harry. It turns out federal politics is broken.

Bird’s Eye - The Political Spectrum and Political Alignment

Join Harry and Philip as they begin an exploration of the political spectrum, political alignment, and the two party system.

Spectacles MediaSpectacles

This episode of Bird's Eye is a good back-to-basics sort of discussion about political alignment and a core problem of two-party systems. Stay tuned for more on that topic next week!

Focus - Lessons from Norm MacDonald: Comedy in a Democracy

Following the passing of one of comedy’s greatest of all time, we have a moment to pause and consider what humor can do for us in a democracy.

Spectacles MediaPhilip Brain

Join Philip for a consideration of the great Norm MacDonald's life and what that can teach us about the limits and power of comedy in democratic society. Laughing can soothe the pain.

Insight - The Promises and Perils of Australia’s New Submarines

A new defensive pact may help to shore up regional security against Chinese expansion, but it’s a partial solution with its own drawbacks.

Spectacles MediaHarry Clennon

Harry takes an unconventional approach to the recent "big news" about a defense deal in the South Pacific. Media focus on Europe, somehow surprisingly, is misplaced.

Insight - Disastrous Developments in Haiti

In the midst of political chaos following the assassination of a president, Haiti offers us cause to reflect on American foreign policy.

Spectacles MediaPhilip Brain

Philip helps to explain some recent goings-on in the beleaguered state of Haiti. America has a lot of responsibility to bear and some critical lessons to learn about our global engagement.

Insight - Saudi Arabia’s Missing Missile Mystery

The Biden administration’s silence on its withdrawal of valuable missile defenses from Saudi Arabia is perplexing, given the kingdom’s unpopularity in the United States.

Spectacles MediaHarry Clennon

Topping off a foreign policy heavy week—it's not all we do, we promise—Harry examines recent US actions in Saudi Arabia. It's a good move for those of us that care about democracy and human rights, which leaves us puzzled as to why Biden seems to have tried to hide it.

Covid (Again?) + Last Week's Digest

— Spectacles —

Everything from Last Week + One from the Archive