Everything Is Content for the “Clicktatorship”
Source: Wired
by Vittoria Elliott
“For the second Trump administration, the world of online conspiracies is shaping real-world policies like never before.” (01/13/26)
Bulgaria: Snap Election Likely After Reformist Group Rejects Bid for Regime
Source: US News & World Report
“Bulgaria’s second-largest parliamentary grouping, the reformist PP-DB, declined a request on Wednesday from the president to try to form a new government, increasing the likelihood of a snap election in the European Union’s poorest member state. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s coalition government, backed by GERB-SDS, resigned last month after weeks of street protests against state corruption and a new budget that would have increased some taxes. In line with the constitution, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Monday had formally asked the conservative GERB-SDS to form the government which they rejected. On Wednesday PP-DB, which seeks closer relations with the European Union, also rejected the mandate, BTA agency reported. Radev is now expected to offer a chance to govern to another party and then if they refuse he will have to call a snap vote, Bulgaria’s eighth in just four years.” (01/24/26)
Mean Age Daydream, 01/13/26
Source: Lions of Liberty
“Scott Adams & the Golden Globes Die in Same Week.” (01/13/26)
https://www.lionsofliberty.com/episodes/madd-scott-adams-amp-the-golden-globes-die-in-same-week
Iberia and Brussels
Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Mark Nayler
“On January 1, Spain and Portugal celebrated their 40-year anniversaries of joining the EU. In 1986, as both Iberian nations transitioned to democracy after decades of stifling dictatorship, membership of the European Economic Community (EEC), as it was then called, was seen as essential to modernizing their economies and integrating with the international community. And though Eurosceptic parties have recently gained prominence in both countries, in general Spain and Portugal remain strongly pro-European: 73% of Spaniards believe that joining the EU has been positive for Spain, rising to above 90% in the neighboring nation. The leaders of both countries share this belief.” (01/13/26)
Insurance company subsidies are no prescription for lowering healthcare costs
Source: Orange County Register
by Ken Calvert
“These days, the cost of healthcare is on everyone’s mind. Since the passage of Obamacare in 2010, the cost of health insurance on the individual marketplace has increased nearly 170%, placing a significant financial strain on families and businesses. Despite advancements in medical technology and treatment, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the care they need. This trend is particularly troubling as it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with chronic conditions. However, rather than lower healthcare costs for Americans, Democrats want to simply extend a COVID-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy, rife with fraud, to the tune of $400 billion over the next ten years.” (01/13/26)
A return to Realpolitik? Get real
Source: spiked
by Frank Furedi
“We’re constantly told that the world is entering a new phase of Realpolitik. This view has been reinforced by the Trump administration’s foreign-policy approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and now Latin America, not to mention the provocative statements made by members of Trump’s team about international affairs. … It should be clear by now that Realpolitik is conspicuous by its absence in the current era. Instead of serious diplomacy, we have public spectacles. Politicians use foreign policy, often at countless international conferences and summits, to play-act as world statesmen in front of the cameras. Instead of focussing on clearly defined objectives, their attention drifts quickly from Gaza to Greenland to Ukraine to saving the planet. Both the Trump administration and his European counterparts are just as guilty of this.” (01/13/26)
Washington Monthly Podcast, 01/13/26
Source: Washington Monthly
“How the Supreme Court could end super PACs | Lawrence Lessig.” (01/13/26)
Politics Politics Politics, 01/13/26
Source: Politics Politics Politics
“Fed Subpoena Shocker! How Much Oil Reinvestment Does Venezuela Need to Succeed? (with Al Brushwood).” (01/13/26)
https://www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/p/fed-subpoena-shocker-how-much-oil
TIFs aren’t improving Louisville as much as you think
Source: Bluegrass Institute
by Thomas E Lambert
“And as some economists would point out, if these projects are such good ideas, then why do they need the help of taxpayers? Why not let the marketplace alone determine the success or failure of these projects?” (01/13/26)
https://www.bluegrassinstitute.org/tifs-arent-improving-louisville-as-much-as-you-think/
The Biggest Myth About Trump’s Base (And Why Many Believe It)
Source: The Atlantic
by Yair Rosenberg
“To judge by recent accounts, Donald Trump’s intervention in Venezuela has imperiled his standing among his own supporters. Traditional-media outlets have warned of a MAGA schism, as have some high-profile right-wing influencers. … The theory of a MAGA rupture over Venezuela has a certain surface plausibility. It’s also completely contradicted by what masses of Trump’s backers are telling pollsters.” (01/13/26)