The Flag

25/07/2024

Thoughts on this statement from about The Flag? 🇺🇸

11/09/2023

04/07/2023

We post this picture every year because it’s the one we started the account with in 2016. Here’s a note we wrote in our newsletter. We love you, America 🇺🇸

Our independence from Britain 247 years ago made the world a better place. Before the United States, much of the Western world was organized in a vertical order known as the “Great Chain of Being” — a world ruled by priests and monarchs. It was a world in which, if you were born at the bottom, you had virtually no chance of ever making it to the top.

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights took that existing framework and bodyslammed it against the ancient moral grounds it had been resting on for thousands of years.

The vertical order began to tilt, becoming just horizontal enough that, if you were born into a poor Mississippi family in 1954, you could go on to host a TV series called The Oprah Winfrey Show and end up with a net worth of $2.5 billion. Or, you could be the child of two immigrants and become a millionaire by age 23, giving the world the iPhone along the way, like Steve Jobs.

And the tilt didn’t end at the US borders. Our country’s inception compelled humanity to think about concepts like equality and individual rights. It provided a framework for a new economic model called capitalism — which, say what you will, has lifted more people out of poverty than any other framework before it.

Now, we still have a lot of work to do. A lot. Our country is far from perfect. But, if you’ve spent much time outside the United States, you probably know, all things considered, we have it pretty okay back home. Which might be why more than 40 million people living in the US were born in another country, accounting for about one-fifth of the world's migrants.

Nothing is easy. Nothing is perfect. But on a relative basis and historical terms, we think the world is much better now than it was before 1776. At the very least, we don’t have to answer to a King this weekend. And that alone, even 247 years later, is worth celebrating.

07/03/2023

Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot did not win reelection. Here's what both sides are saying

Plus, ever hear of a “do nothing” day?

20/02/2023

On this Presidents Day, we’re taking a look at Joe Biden’s presidency, and whether or not he will run for reelection in 2024. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, which President oversaw the best stock market performance?

19/02/2023

On February 3, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, near the border with Pennsylvania. The train was carrying rail cars filled with vinyl chloride, a colorless but toxic liquid used to make vinyl and PVC piping. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, five affordable barndominiums.

16/02/2023

Over the past week, the nation has been inundated with news of high-altitude objects hovering overhead – and subsequent decisions by the US military to shoot them down. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, here’s how much Americans are planning to spend this Valentine’s Day.

15/02/2023

This is the first picture that pops up when you search for East Palestine, Ohio. Our thoughts and prayers are with this small community 🇺🇸: Domenica Iacovone

15/02/2023

As debt limit negotiations continue, President Biden has continually suggested GOP lawmakers want to cut Medicare and Social Security. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, where have our vacations gone?

13/02/2023

Two new ETFs launched last week, which allow Americans to invest in the same stocks as members of the US Congress. The funds, called Unusual Whales Subversive Democratic ETF (ticker NANC) and Unusual Whales Subversive Republican ETF (KRUZ), are based on financial disclosures from lawmakers and their spouses.

Plus, stocks with 'AI' in the name are going parabolic

10/02/2023

Last week, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to remove Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, the 11 funniest (and weirdest) bets you can make on Super Bowl LVII.

08/02/2023

On Saturday, the US military shot down a high-altitude balloon that had flown across the country, after being released in China. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, is tipping getting out of control?

24/01/2023

On Sunday, the White House announced more classified documents were found at President Biden’s home in Delaware by the Department of Justice. This is the third such disclosure from the Biden administration. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, why are thousands of churches closing across the US every year?

06/01/2023

Controversy has ensued in response to the Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative, which originated within Stanford University’s IT department. A related website, which is now locked to non-university members, says the policy aims to "address harmful language in IT at Stanford." Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, here's what you said about Southwest Airlines yesterday.

05/01/2023

After holiday travel chaos unfolded for Southwest Airlines passengers, the White House has threatened to hit the company with fines if refunds aren’t issued in full. Here's how the news is being covered from multiple perspectives.

Plus, is this person North Korea's next leader?

04/01/2023

This past weekend, former Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at the age of 95. Here was the reaction from outlets including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

Plus, the amazing impact of proper hydration.

03/01/2023

Republicans take control of the House of Representatives today as the 118th Congress begins. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy is attempting to become Speaker of the House, but reportedly lacks the votes needed to secure the position. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, Americans are willing to spend a lot on their kitchens...

27/12/2022

Last week the House Ways and Means Committee, which is led by Democrats, voted to publicly release six years of former President Trump’s tax returns. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, beware of falling iguanas.

19/12/2022

Last week President Joe Biden signed the “Respect for Marriage Act,” codifying the right to same-sex and in*******al marriage. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, a Festivus for the rest of us.

17/12/2022

It's a simple question that you may have never asked yourself...

The Babylonians, who lived in modern-day Iraq, were astute observers of the heavens, and it is largely thanks to them that our weeks are seven days long.

17/12/2022

Below, we cover the arguments for and against gay marriage, particularly in the United States. Take a read and let us know what you think.

Gay marriage, also known as same-sex marriage, has been legal in the US since 2015. Learn what both parties think about the pros and cons of this issue.

16/12/2022

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has hinted the central bank will remain aggressive (hawkish) toward price increases in 2023. Here’s more from both sides.

Plus: Is inflation impacting any of your holiday purchase decisions?

Plus, 5 global flashpoints which could explode next year.

15/12/2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin just announced he won’t hold a year-end press conference for the first time in 10 years. Meanwhile, reports indicate he has ordered a long-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to be ready. Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, do you know where America's oldest town is located?

14/12/2022

Trivia question for you: do you know where America's oldest town is located? Hint: it's not in the Northeast...

Did you know that America's oldest town is located in Florida? That's right, the small city of St. Augustine, Florida holds the distinction.

14/12/2022

Brittney Griner was recently freed from a Russian penal colony into the custody of US officials. In exchange, US authorities returned reputed arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is often referred to as “the Merchant of Death.” Here's what both sides are saying.

Plus, a penny worth $7k.

24/10/2022

A crispy pic of the stars and bars to start the week. Beautiful shot 🇺🇸

17/10/2022

DC photo dump #2 🇺🇸

14/10/2022

I’m in DC for a few days. Took these on my morning run. Last one is my favorite 🇺🇸

11/10/2022

It’s a bit funny innit 🇺🇸:

05/10/2022

Court packing is a controversial proposal for the seats on the Supreme Court to be increased above the current limit of nine. Here's a brief history plus some pros and cons.

Court packing is a controversial proposal for the seats on the Supreme Court to be increased above the current limit of nine.