It was -35C (-40 with windchill, apparently) this morning in my part of Saskatchewan.

Since tomorrow is perihelion (Earth's closest approach to the Sun), it's a great time to remind everyone that seasons are caused by Earth's tilted spin axis, not by proximity to the sun!

Happy Perihelion Day, to those who celebrate (I personally am celebrating the fact that the December solstice is currently close to perihelion - otherwise it could be EVEN COLDER)

Yes, the Court’s affirmative action decision is worse than you thought.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/06/john-roberts-supreme-court-brown-v-board-of-education.html

Exciting news, friends! I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with the brilliant Robert Reich, where we delved into the intricate web of late-stage capitalism, wealth inequality, and the imperative for change. We explored the myths surrounding billionaires and the real factors contributing to the wealth gap.

Join us in this enlightening discussion by reading the full interview on my Substack, #TheBigPicture. Let's work together to create a better future for all. https://thinkbigpicture.substack.com/big-questions-answers-robert-reich

“Liberal, liberal, liberal.” I remember when Ronald Reagan used the term as a slur during a speech in 1988. That dreaded “L” word. Many Americans lump “liberal” together with the words “bleeding heart” and incorrectly believe it means people who are just plain soft on things like spending and crime.

But true liberal values are actually what hold our democracy together and the loss of them threatens our future as a democratic republic. Today’s piece looks at the state of Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis and how it is a prime example of the illiberal threat to our system. You can read my latest Substack here: https://thinkbigpicture.substack.com/p/illiberal-florida-desantis-war-democracy