Bracing Views Podcast

Vladimir Putin is redefining Russian policy for the use of nuclear weapons. He’s sending a clear warning that Ukraine’s use of U.S. and Franco-British missiles like ATACMS and Storm Shadow deep within Russia could draw a nuclear response. To my knowledge, the U.S. has not yet approved of the use of ATACMS deep within Russia, though Ukraine is pushing for it. It seems many brain-dead, zombie-like a...

Last night, CNN aired a mostly softball interview with Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz. I watched the interview, which overall was underwhelming, and have a few reactions. I hope you enjoy listening to them and wish you all a happy, restful Labor Day Weekend. Get full access to Bracing Views at bracingviews.substack.com/subscribe

The DNC is over and Kamala Harris, without winning a single primary vote, is your Democratic nominee for president. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is fighting for a second term as president. Who gets your vote, and why? A few thoughts after listening to Harris’s speech and looking again at Trump’s record. Get full access to Bracing Views at bracingviews.substack.com/subscribe

My original 2010 article on heroes for TomDispatch: https://tomdispatch.com/william-astore-wars-don-t-make-heroes/ The rejoinder by Dorian de Wind at the L.A. Times: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jul-27-la-oew-dewind-20100727-story.html Another take on the heroes idea by Clay Bonnyman Evans: https://claybonnymanevans.com/calling-the-troops-heroes-is-a-lie-that-puts-them-and-democrac...

Originally written in 2015 for the 70th anniversary; updated in 2020 for the 75th anniversary; reposted below along with this podcast for the 79th anniversary. It Should Never Be Done Again: Hiroshima, 75 Years Later August 6, 1945.  Hiroshima.  A Japanese city roughly the size of Houston.  Incinerated by the first atomic bomb.  Three days later, Nagasaki.  Japanese surrender followed.  It seemed...

Welcome to Kamalot, America! Get full access to Bracing Views at bracingviews.substack.com/subscribe

Some thoughts today about the U.S. political scene in response to two old friends who told me they’re voting for Kamala Harris in November .If you liked this podcast, please let me know in the comments. Perhaps it might be worth doing one on a regular basis, e.g. weekly. Have a great weekend, everyone! Get full access to Bracing Views at bracingviews.substack.com/subscribe