Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Lawmakers and residents in Michigan oppose construction of battery plant owned by Chinese firm
A group of lawmakers and residents in Big Rapids, Michigan are fighting against the construction of a battery plant, despite its potential to create thousands of local jobs. While environmental concerns are a significant factor, opponents are also worried about the parent company, Gotion Inc., being owned by a Chinese firm that requires an in-house…
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Oklahoma Approves Catholic Virtual School Charter Application: A Win for School Choice
Oklahoma regulators have approved the charter application of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a Catholic school that will provide an academically rigorous program for underserved, rural, and special-needs students who will receive public support. This is part of a larger movement towards school choice, which has gained momentum due to Covid-related school closures…
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Polls Show Republican Voters Remain Loyal to Trump Despite Indictment
Less than 72 hours have passed since federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against former President Donald Trump on charges related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents and his attempts to mislead investigators. The revelations in the document led pollsters to survey the Republican electorate, and their findings confirmed that GOP voters have yet to…
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Gallup Survey Shows Americans’ Views on Abortion
For nearly five decades, Gallup has been conducting surveys to measure Americans’ views on abortion. The organization’s reputation, longevity, and diverse range of questions make it a valuable resource for examining public opinion on this issue. The latest survey, conducted in May and released on Wednesday, reveals that Americans are less supportive of the right…
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The Importance of Modesty in Today’s Society: A Discussion Sparked by Rose Montoya’s Controversial Toplessness
The recent controversy surrounding transgender influencer Rose Montoya’s toplessness at President Biden’s Pride celebration on the White House lawn has sparked discussion about the value of modesty. Despite being banned from the White House for the display, Montoya received admiration from multiple right-wing provocateurs, which raises the question of what modesty is and why we…
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The Dangers of Mission Creep in Local Governments and Public Agencies
Local governments have traditionally existed to serve specific functions, with cities taking care of public safety and roads, school and community-college districts handling education, and transit agencies running buses and trains. However, local-government leaders often face increasing demands, both internally and externally, to address issues beyond their core competences, which can have adverse results for…
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Former President Donald Trump Federally Indicted for Willful Retention of Classified Information
Former President Donald Trump was federally indicted on Thursday on charges of willful retention of classified national-security information, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The indictment was unsealed on Friday afternoon and revealed that Trump had taken material from the White House after his presidency, stored it in Mar-a-Lago, and refused to return…
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“Todd Webb in Africa” Exhibition Captures Hopeful Era of African Progress
“Outside the Frame: Todd Webb in Africa” is a captivating new exhibition at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine that I had the opportunity to visit last month. Although my annual vacation to Mount Desert Island in August usually takes me to Maine, I hadn’t been to Portland since 2019 when I wrote a…
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Harvard Law Professor Randall Kennedy on Racial Disparities and Opposition to Black Success
Harvard Law professor Randall Kennedy, a respected scholar with a diverse audience, has written a guest essay in The New York Times titled “The Truth Is, Many Americans Just Don’t Want Black People to Get Ahead.” The article discusses the history of efforts to advance African Americans and correct racial disparities, which have faced criticisms…
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