Justice Clarence Thomas delivered a speech at the University of Texas at Austin that began as a celebration of the Declaration of Independence but quickly became a critique of progressivism. Thomas asserted that progressivism was intertwined with 20th-century atrocities, including those committed by Stalin, Hitler, and Mao, as well as racial segregation and eugenics. This address, analyzed by Slate’s Amicus podcast co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern, was characterized by its grievance-filled narrative and a solipsistic focus on Thomas himself. The analysis highlights the irony of Thomas thanking his billionaire benefactor, Harlan Crow, in a speech that decried corruption and self-dealing.
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The Japanese embassy has warned that the erection of a statue in Auckland, New Zealand, symbolizing women forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War II, could jeopardize diplomatic relations between the two countries. The proposed bronze statue, depicting a seated girl next to an empty chair, is intended to commemorate survivors of wartime sexual violence and was gifted by a South Korean non-government organization. The Japanese ambassador has argued that such a monument could create division and harm international cooperation, citing past instances where similar statues have led to strained relations and the severing of sister-city ties. While New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges the sensitivity, it maintains that decisions regarding public monuments are primarily a local government and community matter.
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It’s becoming increasingly apparent, from many perspectives, that America has transitioned into a nation that inspires a pervasive sense of danger. This feeling isn’t a sudden development but rather a culmination of trends and actions that have, for a significant portion of the global community and even many within its own borders, painted a picture of a nation that is no longer universally perceived as a force for good, or even stability. The concept of “has become” suggests a change, but the echoes of history, reaching back to the treatment of Native Americans, the transatlantic slave trade, and territorial expansion at the expense of nations like Mexico, paint a starkly different narrative.… Continue reading
South Korea has strongly criticized the approval of new Japanese high school textbooks, citing “historical distortions.” The textbooks assert Japan’s territorial sovereignty over the Dokdo islets, which Seoul considers its own territory. Furthermore, these publications are noted for downplaying or omitting Japan’s wartime wrongdoings, including forced labor and the sexual slavery of “comfort women.” This move has led to a formal complaint from South Korea, which urges Japan to rectify these historical misrepresentations to foster a better bilateral relationship.
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The White House has recently installed a statue of Christopher Columbus on its grounds, a move that has quickly become a focal point of discussion and, for many, considerable consternation. The act itself, placing a monument to such a polarizing historical figure within the symbolic heart of American governance, has been interpreted by many not as a genuine appreciation of history, but as a deliberate tactic to provoke and distract. It appears to be an intentional effort to fill the news cycle with contentious issues, aiming to generate aggravation and draw ire from a significant portion of the public. The underlying sentiment is that the specific individual depicted is secondary to the divisive impact the installation is intended to achieve.… Continue reading
A leaked database from the Interior Department appears to reveal plans to revise historical information, sparking significant concern and commentary. The very notion of an agency tasked with overseeing public lands and resources engaging in the alteration of historical narratives is deeply unsettling. It’s as if the very foundation of our understanding of the past is being tampered with, raising questions about the intentions behind such actions. The fact that this information has surfaced through a leak suggests a level of secrecy that is inherently distrustful, especially when dealing with matters of historical accuracy.
The implications of revising historical information are profound, impacting not only our present understanding but also shaping future perspectives.… Continue reading
As the fifth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol attack approaches, the official plaque intended to honor law enforcement for their defense of democracy remains missing. Despite being mandated by law, the plaque has not been installed, with its whereabouts currently unknown, although it is believed to be in storage. House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to unveil the plaque, and the Department of Justice is attempting to dismiss a lawsuit seeking its display. In the absence of the official memorial, many members of Congress have installed replica plaques outside their offices to ensure the events of January 6th are not forgotten.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the 19 soldiers awarded Medals of Honor for their actions at Wounded Knee in 1890 will retain their awards. This decision follows a review ordered by Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, in response to congressional recommendations. The review panel concluded that the soldiers deserved the medals despite the historical context of the event, where the U.S. Army killed approximately 250 Native Americans. This decision aligns with Hegseth’s broader actions, including restoring Confederate-linked names and memorials in the military, and echoes a White House executive order that discouraged reinterpretations of American history.
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Teacher stabbed by student fascinated by ‘Nazi ideologies’ is in stable condition -French minister. It’s a chilling headline, isn’t it? One that should immediately trigger a cascade of questions and, honestly, a sense of foreboding. Because it speaks to a disturbing trend – the resurgence of these hateful ideologies, and their potential to manifest in incredibly violent ways. The fact that a student, someone who should be learning and growing, was reportedly drawn to such a dark and dangerous worldview is deeply concerning. It underscores the urgent need for a deeper look into the factors that contribute to such radicalization.
The fact that this happened, and that it’s happening in multiple places, immediately brings up a core question: are we, as a society, really learning from history?… Continue reading
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