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CATEGORY: POLITICS (5 MIN)
Just four years after the onset of the COVID pandemic, many scenes that once dominated global society have faded from many people’s memory. Widespread masking, empty restaurants, and strict lockdown rules are mostly gone. Some things remain. Remote work, “Help Wanted” signs, and the name of the Zoomers generation stand as continual reminders of the change 2020 brought to society.
Geoff Shullenberger argues, though, that people ought to remember the draconian rules governments imposed during the pandemic—and the surprising unity resistance created. For Compact, Shullenberger worries that since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew from the presidential race and supported Donald Trump, the special political movement that opposed COVID lockdowns may have reached the beginning of the end.
Shullenberger reminds readers of the unexpected alliance between left-wing thinkers opposed to tyranny and traditional conservatives who fought government control. He points to RFK as an example. A member of one of the most well-known Democratic families turned against his party when it supported COVID lockdowns and aggressive vaccination, and that was unique, according to Shullenberger.
But in a two-party system, it was hard for RFK’s movement to survive. Because Democrats are eager to erase the memory of lockdowns and Republicans are focusing on other issues, Shullenberger fears the push against COVID policies has been left in the dust.
Read his article here.
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Weekly Poll
Should Republicans discuss COVID lockdowns more in their national messaging?
[A] Yes
[B] No
[C] Not sure
RESULTS: 8/22/2024
Should the government criminalize private messaging or social media posts?
[A] Yes - 0%
[B] No - 76.9%
[C] Not sure - 1.3%
[D] Only in certain cases - 21.8%
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CATEGORY: POLITICS (5 MIN)
Behind the scenes of every political campaign, a group of strategists plans the best way to package their candidate’s messaging and sell it to the public. In an ideal world, they create one unified theme for everything that hits the airwaves or comes out of their candidate’s mouth. But their decisions are a gamble—they’re betting on what the American people want to hear. If they’re wrong, it’s often the death knell.
ISI’s Collegiate Network fellow with The American Conservative, Joseph Addington, discusses the strategies he observed at the Democratic National Convention this month. Addington says the Democrats drastically changed course from their 2020 tactics, when they hammered the drumbeat of racial injustice in every corner of American society with an aggressive tone.
Instead, Addington believes the 2024 DNC aimed for a much more positive spin, attempting to convince onlookers of the party’s new focus on freedom and joy with American flags galore. Addington matches this visual strategy with the campaign to call Republicans Donald Trump and JD Vance “weird” and abnormal.
As Addington puts it, Democrats have tried to reduce the horror of abortion to “freedom” and socialistic policies to “neighborliness.” Read his piece right here to learn more.
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CATEGORY: VIDEO
Join Hadar Hazony and Johnny Burtka in this thought-provoking discussion recorded at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Dive deep into the roots of conservatism, the significance of Western civilization, and the enduring relevance of the great books. The conversation also explores the philosophical contributions of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche and how his ideas intersect with contemporary conservative thought.
Don't miss this enlightening exchange between two leading conservative thinkers.
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ISI's Annual
Homecoming Weekend
Join ISI on September 20-21, 2024, for a garden party that’ll welcome students, professors, alumni, and friends of ISI from across the country.
Every year, we host ISI’s annual Homecoming festivities right on our 20-acre campus tucked away into a bucolic pocket of Wilmington, DE. Our Homecoming sets the tone for the new school year and is an opportunity to celebrate and network with our impressive community of students, teachers, alumni, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
Official Homecoming Schedule:
Friday, September 20 (6:30 pm – 11 pm)
Guests will gather at ISI’s campus for a reception, bonfire, and open house
Saturday, September 21
Guests will gather at ISI's Campus for an 8:00 am breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 am: Reagan and Nixon Revisited
10:30 am: The Democratization of American Christianity
Top 20 under 30 Awards Ceremony
12:00 – 1:15 pm: God and Man at Yale 2024
1:15 pm: Lunch and festivities begin
Reserve your ticket>>>
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Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
Summer of Construction: Campus Sees Updates as New Housing is Planned via The Dartmouth Review
“President Beilock has more proposed changes to the Dartmouth College landscape than one can count on their hands. I’ll grant you, she’s not changing the skyline—we have Hanlon to thank for the major additions of the Irving Center and the Engineering and Computer Science Center—but her administration is working to address the current housing crisis at the College. In order to execute the “single largest housing investment in the College’s history,” the Beilock administration has been rapidly increasing the amount of yellow tape around campus. After all, the goal is 1,000 more beds in Hanover for the students, faculty, and staff of the College. These renovations, while ambitious, are excessive, especially when we consider the increase in termly housing costs to $4006!”
To Register or Not: Voting in Ithaca via The Cornell Review
“According to Cook Political Report–a leading election analysis newsletter and database–some of the closest Congressional seats are right here in Upstate New York. In fact, the most vulnerable Congressional Republican, Brandon Williams (R-NY) resides in New York’s 22nd Congressional District in the Syracuse area. Cook Political Report has this race labeled as “lean Democrat” showcasing an uphill battle for Congressman Williams. Cornell, which is currently in New York’s 19th Congressional District–one that sprawls from Ithaca to the border of Massachusetts–shows a tight congressional race between the incumbent, Congressman Molinaro (R-NY) and his challenger, Mr. Josh Riley. Cook Political Report has labeled this race as a “toss-up” and will likely be one of closest elections in the 2024 Cycle. Albeit true that Ithaca is in the spotlight for national politics, there
are many local elections that have come down to the wire as well. With some of the most notable being campaigns launched by Cornell students for city-level positions in Ithaca–two of which came down to less than 50 votes in total for both elections.”
Fire Damages Walter’s Restaurant In Claremont Village via The Claremont Independent
"A large fire blazed through the roof of the historic Walter’s Restaurant early Thursday morning. Captain Daniel Trevizo of the Los Angeles Fire Department told the Claremont Courier that the blaze may have been due to a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit. No one was injured. Having recently celebrated its 50th birthday, Walter’s is an iconic fixture of Claremont Village. The restaurant is frequented by members of the Claremont Colleges community for class dinners and formal events. Walter’s faces “extensive water damage and roof damage from fire fighting functions” according to the City of Claremont’s building and safety inspector. The fire appears to have primarily damaged the attic and roof of the restaurant, leaving the dining areas untouched."
Fall 2024 Update: Letter from the Editor via The Jefferson Independent
"Order is restored. As Grounds roars back to life for the start of the Fall semester, the staff at The Jefferson Independent would like to wish everyone a wonderful start to the year. We would also like to thank the students, alumni, and others who make up our readership; your support and attention drive us to set the precedent in principled and reasoned journalism.
Since our founding on April 13th, 2021, Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, we have been committed to upholding accountability, integrity, and viewpoint diversity on Grounds. In an age where political polarization and cancel culture pervade our institutions, The Jefferson Independent serves as a beacon of hope, embodying Mr. Jefferson’s belief that, “where the press is free, all is safe.” Thanks to the amazing work of our staff, The Jefferson Independent has grown exponentially since its inception. We are incredibly excited to continue upholding free-speech journalism and civil discourse on Grounds this year. If you are a student who is passionate about our mission or interested in writing, we would love to get in contact with you. We encourage everyone to subscribe to our newsletter and continue supporting our team."
Gaza Protesters Vandalize Day Hall - Kotlikoff Issues New Policy via The Cornell Review
"On Monday, August 26, the first day of classes brought graffiti and a smashed glass door on Day Hall, marking the return of Gaza-related protests to the new academic year. These disruptions were joined with a week of marching and protests by the United Auto Workers (UAW) who are striking against Cornell. As the spring semester ended, the Gaza protesters had staged an 18-day “encampment” on the Arts Quad demanding reparations for Indigenous Americans as well as divestment from Israeli-related investments. The Gaza encampment ended voluntarily after six protest leaders were “suspended” pending a hearing. Then-President Martha Pollack had met with the protesters to discuss their concerns, but did not make any concessions to end the encampment. Within days, President Pollack announced her retirement, and that then-Provost Michael Kotlikoff would take over as Acting President on July
1. Also over the summer, a group of campus leaders studied the Interim Expressive Activity Policy, with a report expected this fall." |
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CATEGORY: CULTURE (11 MIN)
As the new school year begins, children flock to buses and pour into classrooms, rekindling old friendships and hoping to make new ones. In increasing numbers, many children stay home or go to smaller co-op classes—the growth of school choice has led to a variety of daily routines across the nation. But no matter how these young Americans are learning, at least their generation exists.
For this week’s article from the Modern Age website, Robert W. Patterson reviews two books on the crisis of families in America: Brad Wilcox’s Get Married and Timothy Carney’s Family Unfriendly. Patterson appreciates how both works highlight the hostile environment facing potential spouses and parents in our nation. Carney points to the social and cultural trends that make child-rearing more difficult than it ought to be, and Wilcox notes the de-emphasizing of the marriage relationship and the benefits the institution should bring.
Patterson praises Carney’s focus on relaxed parenting and Wilcox’s takedown of hypocrisy from progressive elites on marriage. However, he takes some issue with the two authors’ proposed solutions to the problems they’ve identified. Patterson calls their ideas, like boosted tax credits and parental leave policies, "marginal reforms.” He instead urges “social and economic statecraft” to solve the family problem.
Patterson says America needs “drastic measures to restore the winning political economy that served as the cradle of the American Dream.” Do you agree? Read his review here on the Modern Age website.
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Thought of the Day:
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
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Join ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club
It’s never been easier for you to support our mission—and stay part of our community—with ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club!
For just $19.53 a month, you can join the fight and “pay it forward” by educating the next generation for ordered liberty.
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