An eclectic blog
written & curated
by Kyle Callahan

Latest Curations

That Funny Feeling

Is it possible that we have come to feel responsible for too much, for everything, even things outside of our control, and that this makes us feel like gods who have been unfairly disempowered? Isn’t it depressing, feeling like a demoted god? Doesn’t it fill us with despair, which might make us less effective if a time comes when we actually can do something, and might also mess with the enjoyment we should be feeling re the rest of our lives?

— George Saunders, “Five Thought Experiments Concerning The Underlying Disease,” The New Yorker

Have Some Inflation, Ya Basterds

A broad 10% tariff on goods imports, with a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, would raise $2.6 trillion over the next decade—0.7% of GDP—if other countries did not retaliate against the US. If targeted countries retaliate, however, as is likely the case, tariff revenue falls by 12-26% depending on the scenario.

The level of consumer prices would rise by 1.4 to 5.1% before substitution, between a tenth and a third of the first four years of pandemic inflation. This cost is the equivalent of $1,900 to $7,600 per household in 2023 dollars.

— “Fiscal, Macroeconomic, and Price Estimates of Tariffs Under Both Non-Retaliation and Retaliation Scenarios,” The Budget Lab at Yale University

Sanewashing

[The] “sanewashing” of Trump’s statements isn’t just poor journalism; it’s a form of misinformation that poses a threat to democracy. By continually reframing Trump’s incoherent and often dangerous rhetoric as conventional political discourse, major news outlets are failing in their duty to inform the public and are instead providing cover for increasingly erratic behavior from a former—and potentially future—president.

— “How the Media Sanitizes Trump’s Insanity,” The New Republic

We Rejoice in Our Democracy

[The online class] is convinced they need to save America from itself, and specifically, that they need to save America from 50% of its citizens… Those people are America! You can’t save American democracy from half the electorate. It doesn’t work that way. You have to deal with your fellow citizens. There’s no shortcut. There’s no one final victory where the music swells and lights come up and we all clap.

— Megan McArdle, “No, You Stole the Election! (Part 3),” Reflector

Latest Creations

Albums Added in October 2024

Discover the soundscape of October, from nostalgic concept albums to international flavors and emotional post-rock. Explore my top picks and hidden gems in this month’s musical adventure.

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You’ve Made a Terrible Mistake

I’m disappointed in you, America. You gave Trump a decisive win, prioritizing short-term economic pain over long-term democratic stability. Now, it’s up to the rest of us to fight for our future.

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Trying to Convince Myself The Dems Shouldn’t Cheat

Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans argue that Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency poses a dire threat to American democracy. Some advocate drastic measures to prevent it, but true democracy demands nonviolent persuasion, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

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The Fascism Is Already Happening

“You don’t stop being a fascist because you don’t get everything you want in your first term because you’re surrounded by people who aren’t fascists. They’re right-wing Republicans, they’re craven, but they’re not going along with fascism. You don’t get to do full fascism until you’re surrounded by fascists.”

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America Foreign Policy for Sale

“There is no comparison between Donald Trump and any previous president…in terms of selling access to him, his family, and of course, his administration, and selling out American policy in the process. If he wins again in November, if he’s back in the White House, everything in terms of American foreign policy will be for sale to the highest bidder.”

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Albums Added in August 2024

August saw my music library expand with new releases, classic gems, electrifying live performances, timeless rock-and-roll, and meditative jazz soundscapes. Dive into my month in music and discover what made each album stand out.

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