The Fixed Theme of American History
The history of America is a long struggle between the drive for domination and the dream of freedom.
Latest
neonliberalism
Neon Liberalism #32: A New Nuclear Age
Since the end of the Cold War, it's been easy to see nuclear competition as a thing of the past. As the dust settles over Iran—as Russia rattles the nuclear saber in Ukraine—it's increasingly clear that the question of nuclear weapons has been re-opened.
Birthright Citizenship and Nationwide Injunctions
The Court has suddenly decided to place limitations on injunctions when they were preventing a brazenly unconstitutional executive order.
halftheanswer
Half the Answer #19: Authoritarian Overreach in Texas Libraries
Caitlin and Trent reconnect with librarian and intellectual freedom advocate Katie Talhelm for an update about the legislative attacks on public and school libraries since they last spoke. She provides a window into the procedure libraries follow to decide which books to acquire. Half the Answer can be heard on
editorschat
The Editors' Chat #3
We discuss Mamdani, trade-offs, empathy, internationalism, and the post-Nazi transition.
We Have No Supreme Court
The philosophical incoherence of originalism prevents the Court from performing its core functions as a supreme court.
halftheanswer
Half the Answer #18: Execution in America
Trent and Caitlin talk to their old friend Clay Jackson, a former litigator and current licensed attorney in Texas. They discuss his plans to embrace a life in his new home on the range, recent developments in immigration rights, and the death penalty in the US. They discuss the history
neonliberalism
Neon Liberalism #31: The Inner Philosophy of the Far Right
The reactionary right is in ascendance in the Trump administration. It's easy to dismiss them as a cabal of incoherent fools scrambling for Trump's ear. But there is a deeper philosophy animating their political project: one based on a longing for an imagined aristocratic past, a
The Unitary Executive: A Primer for the People
The basics of a jurisprudence that, much more than originalism, defines the second Trump administration.
When Words Are Stolen
The real stakes of semantic fights.
No Kings Shows Our Power (When We Have Messaging Reach)
Basic, liberal, anti-fascist messaging is energizing and persuasive when media actually amplifies it.
Now Is the Moment: Take to the Streets This Saturday
We cannot let this stand.