Just asking more questions
Some thoughts for the week ahead
Join us today, Monday, July 7, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, when we’ll be talking with scholar of authoritarianism Ruth Ben-Ghiat. Watch on desktop at The Ink or join us from a phone or tablet with the Substack app.
After the Texas floods, can lawmakers and voters come to understand the value of acting to safeguard against real threats over imaginary ones, before the next life-threatening weather event?
What’s behind the Zohran Mamdani Columbia admissions story, and does it matter more than the story itself?
With climate spending cut off and fossil fuel production prioritized in the new budget, who owns the future of energy — and the future?
Now that Elon Musk has announced the launch of his threatened third party, what does he hope to achieve?
If a Bible study group for legislators aims to change policy, does the separation of church and state still exist?
Can the Supreme Court’s three liberal justices manage to sway the majority — and do they agree on the best way to do it?
It’s hard enough to protect seniors from Social Security scams — so what to make of the Social Security Administration’s email touting a supposed cut to taxes?
After Paramount’s settlement with Donald Trump, just how free can the free press remain?
Will the European Union cut a trade deal with Trump by July 9, or will tariffs transform the transatlantic relationship?
With Trump’s agenda now signed into law and setting the government’s spending priorities, can Democrats figure out a way to run successfully against the budget?
Join us for Live conversations this week!
Today, Monday, July 7, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, we’ll speak with scholar of authoritarianism Ruth Ben-Ghiat. On Tuesday, July 8, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, we’ll be joined by former Department of Homeland Security official and Donald Trump critic Miles Taylor and Wesleyan University president Michael S. Roth. Then on Wednesday, July 9, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, we’ll meet with The Ink Book Club. And on Thursday, July 10, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, we’ll talk again with messaging guru Anat Shenker-Osorio.
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I am offended by the email sent out by SSA. It is not accurate and I initially thought it was a scam. Since when does the SSA send out general emails congratulating legislation? My response to Commissioner Frank Bisignano: There is no reason to applaud this legislation. You are clueless if you believe your job is politicizing Social Security. It is absolutely disgusting to confuse seniors and the disabled recipients of Social Security with what constitutes little more than spam email.
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I wonder if the general public realizes that the National Weather Service, NOAA and FEMA have been cut to shreds and can no longer protect us, as before. It's the age-old question. How do we get word to the general public? My weatherman talked about this on NBC. I think it's up to the weathermen. People do care about the weather, especially in coastal areas and flood, tornado and fire-prone areas. I live in a coastal area and during hurricane season I watch the NBC weatherman every day.
I don't see Elon's 3rd party going anywhere. He doesn't have a fan base and he's not a showman. No one will follow him. Even if he's right about the BBB, his only gripe is that he didn't get a financial prize out of the BBB. He doesn't care about anyone else.
Regarding the Supreme Court, I wonder if the arguments from the 3 on the left answer the 'What's in it for me" question for the other 6. They obviously haven't responded to common sense. Maybe addressing that question will make a difference.
I suspect Paramount will find out just how far it will get them to capitulate. Up to now, CBS has been the place to go for a good series, mainly because they're 'woke'. I see down the road and most of the shows CBS had that were total winners will be thumbs down by the administration. Will they fight that? They can stop capitulating after the merger, which will encourage others. In fact, anyone who has capitulated before can stop and fight in the future.