Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1500 America, A Beginner's Guide (Throwback)
Dec 24, 2025
Take a deep dive into the complex political landscape of America! Explore how Reconstruction shaped modern society and the impact of civil rights on party realignment. Discover the neoliberal shift under Reagan and the implications of money in politics. Examine the intricacies of race, privilege, and systemic racism. Unpack the nuances of language, empathy in policing, and the disorganized left. Finally, grapple with tech’s role in shaping perceptions and the risks of hyper-individualism. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey!
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Questions Can Be Propaganda
- Propagandists use rhetorical questions to sow doubt rather than seek truth. Jay! Tomlinson highlights how rhetorical questioning erodes clarity and plants misleading narratives.
Party Platforms Can Transform Dramatically
- The Republican Party once supported labor, antitrust, and public goods before shifting rightward. Jay! Tomlinson uses the 1956 platform to show how party ideologies can radically change.
Election Counting Has Been Interrupted Before
- Physical disruption of vote counts is not new; campaigns have used protests to halt recounts. Jay! Tomlinson recounts the Brooks Brothers Riot as precedent to later election interference.