Someone asked me what I hope to achieve in sending out these missives.

Here’s what.

A fundamental requirement of a functioning democracy is an informed demos. It all falls apart when the demos is not properly informed. This is why systems of propaganda are so pernicious and anti-democratic. My intention is to inform.

If mainstream media were adequately covering what I'm writing about, I'd probably write about something else. But they’re not, so here I am, writing about bloody Covid and government and propaganda and things we’d rather not have to deal with. These things grow in the dark, so let’s light them up.

I also want to equip people to persuade. I was not open to certain ideas until I could read them in the format and tone that I am accustomed to (eg: certain news formats or academic texts). There have to be multiple texts saying the same thing but in different tones, formats and vernaculars so that people can receive them. I intend to provide materials for sharing with people who are open-minded, but perhaps not yet convinced (ie: me 18 months ago).

Finally, I believe that there is value in keeping receipts. My Substack is a receipt roll.

As for the platform itself, Substack makes for a great public forum, where earnest dialogue can be had out, ideas can be shared and refined, and multiple voices can chime in on topics. Maybe it’s like long form Twitter? I’m appreciating the culture of intellectual courage and humility, and I think that’s partly what’s keeping Substack from devolving into a cesspit.

So thanks for reading and getting involved in the comments. Let me know what you’re loving and what you’d like to read more of.

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Dystopian Down Under

Why bother?