Seeking truth together
President Trump’s April 2, 2025 tariff announcement imposes a 10% tax on imported goods, leading to increased prices for U.S. consumers and potential losses of $3,800 per household. While tariffs raise federal revenue, they may also encourage domestic production if U.S. goods can compete with cheaper foreign options. Protests against tariffs are expected as consumers react to rising costs.
The author expresses frustration with the U.S. Executive Branch’s actions, including the suspension of vital foreign aid and funding, and concerns about billionaires like Elon Musk influencing government. He calls for the Legislative and Judicial Branches to act against these issues if the Executive Branch fails to correct them. The author suggests people should petition for impeachment if conflicts of interest and corruption persist.
In the Hedgehog and the Fox (1953), Isaiah Berlin speculates on Leo Tolstoy’s inner turmoil. The famous Russian author self-sabotaged his own happiness (Valiunas, 1989). And Berlin suggests Tolstoy’s insatiable desire to find life’s unifying and absolute truth or principle may have been one of the reasons for his persistent discontent.
In “Delay, Deny, Defend,” Jay M. Feinman analyzes how insurance companies prioritize profits by postponing or denying claims, often using strategies to minimize payouts. He advocates for consumer awareness and legal action against unfair practices, emphasizing the importance of fair claim handling to uphold insurance’s role in economic security.
Hotter average temperatures and overconsumption of water threaten life in the North American Southwest. David Owen’s “Where the Water Goes” examines negotiations over Colorado River water as he traces the river’s journey from its headwaters in the United States to its delta in Mexico. Inadequate stakeholder cooperation and willingness to address environmental and geopolitical issues maintains the interventionist status quo.
The neti, neti project encourages a healthier, wealthier lifestyle through silent action. Emphasizing the concept of “neti, neti” (“not that, not that”) encourages acceptance of life’s uncertainties and imperfections. The video series aims for iterative improvements over unattainable perfection. This video reflects on old democratic principles from Alexis de Tocqueville.
Reading demands time and attention. Using a pen, the index, and the table of contents to devour only the books that most interest you can enhance your reading experience. These strategies help you retain knowledge and spend more time with your favorite books.
Ron Chernow’s 2010 book, “Washington: A Life,” delves into the complexities of George Washington’s character. It explores the tension between his ambition and sense of duty, highlighting his dual nature as a stoic warrior with inner insecurities and hypocrisies. Do we truly know and understand our heroes?
“Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era” by James McPherson explores the concept of freedom and its preservation in America. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book delves into the complexities of individual, regional, and national interests in America in the 1800’s. The book presents an opportunity to learn from history.
David McCullough’s “1776” presents a vivid portrayal of Colonial America’s complexities and challenges, showcasing the grim realities of war. The book urges readers to resist painting history with nostalgic heroics and instead embrace its intricate and thought-provoking nuances, encouraging a deeper understanding of the past.
Deliberating Truth 