Use Your Voice To Amplify Others
Use Your Voice To Amplify Others
Or "I wish I'd written it"
Sorry, this was supposed to go out on Tuesday.
Something I’m hoping to do weekly is amplify others’ writing, or stories, articles, essays and more that I think you shouldn’t miss, or that influenced the way I think.
Every once in a while it might be literally “I wish I’d written this”.
Sometimes it may be one thing, other times it may be several. This week I chose five things, including two articles and a twitter thread - the very last one’s an old movie recommendation.
Here’s this week’s amplifications:
The Disintegration of the ACLU
This article from TabletMag.com discusses the disintegration of the ACLU. I used to adore the ACLU, and donated monthly. I no longer do. I used to appreciate its non-partisan, principled perspectives, and I no longer respect it the way I used to.
Back during George W. Bush’s presidency, I suggested that if Libertarians wanted to make a more significant impact on public policy, we’d do best to join the ACLU en masse and try to work in leadership positions, to keep the ACLU focused on principle and fighting landmark civil rights cases, particularly for the 1st amendment. I wish I’d pushed harder on that, and did so more actively myself. Now I fear the damage done to the organization is irreparable. I wish I had a solution.
One of my personal heroes is former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser. I highly recommend this piece, and I look forward to watching the documentary about his life.
Black History Thread
This is a Twitter thread produced by my friend Zuri Davis last year and recently retweeted - it’s a long thread, and a worthwhile look at the effects of central planning and government on black communities and their history and wealth. The thread is informative, and Zuri is definitely one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter at @ProperlyZuri.
Why The Age Gap Debate Is Getting Old
I found this fantastic article in MEL Magazine which addresses the horseshoe in the room about how some hardline “progressive” or “left” views start sounding the same as social conservative ones, particularly in regards to sexuality, age, and consent. I have all the feels on this topic, not just because I spent a portion of my teens and early 20s dating men over ten years my senior (and screw anyone who says that wasn’t consensual) - it’s another blog post someday. But seriously guys, words have definitions and I’m so tired of this. Puritanism from either the left or the right is obnoxious and I am glad to see more sources calling out hypocrisy.
I also recognize that I’m a Libertarian who un-ironically calls out misnaming of pedophilia and I’m living up all sorts of stereotypes there, but I want a world where MORE people are made MORE capable of both giving and withdrawing consent, not a world where somebody else decides for them. In general, not just about sex.
Feminists for Liberty Video Contest
As you may know, I’m on the Board of Feminists for Liberty, and we’re having our second annual Video Contest. 2-7 minute video, 1st prize is $500 worth of video equipment, Winners are screened at FreedomFest and the deadline is May 1st. Not limited by age, sex, gender or location. I was a judge last year, and it was wonderful, we had so many creative entries! If this is of interest to you, click here to learn more!
The People vs. Larry Flynt
This is not a new thing. It’s a movie from 1996. However, for many of my friends, 1996 is a long time ago, and some did not ever see this movie. It’s a phenomenal drama based in real life events, starring Woody Harrelson & Courtney Love. It’s one of Judd’s favorite movies and it’s pretty high up for me as well. We recently rewatched it with some friends who’d never seen it, and I was reminded of how excellent it is, and how periodically we need to be reminded of the importance of free speech absolutism.
Lately I’ve watched headlines on both sides of the aisle and I’ve thought to myself “They haven’t seen The People vs Larry Flynt and it shows”, so I figure the best thing I can do is remind people that it’s worth a watch or a re-watch now and then.
It’s free on HBO Max streaming or rentable/purchasable on Amazon Prime.
Five amplifications this week is more than enough. I hope some of these links or recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks for checking them out!
