The Empire of Unwanted Births

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From the vantage point of someone who has spent enough time in uniform to know what real threats look like, it’s always instructive to watch a much larger state invent imaginary ones. Some governments worry about missiles; the Northern Colossus worries about whether its citizens are having enough state-approved sex. Different risk matrices, same existential drama.

Their latest stroke of national genius is a full-spectrum campaign against the most dangerous … Read the rest

Soap Operas and Redneck Morality Plays

Content advisory 18+ Have you noticed that when one couple or family invites other couples or families as guests, they try to present a positive image? It doesn’t always work out that way — sometimes the grim and gritty truth of mounting disaffection spills out spectacularly over the dinner table and someone (usually female) flees the room in “flood of tears” (to use the British expression). But usually, the hosts … Read the rest