Here’s a brief update from the morning newsletter.
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Hey there, readers.
I’ll keep this brief today. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather and honestly a bit swamped by the sheer amount of news lately. I think, as I mentioned yesterday, that it might actually do some good for our culture in the long-run, but it’s going to be quite messy.
So, today at Axios…
Elon Musk and Axios
You might have heard of Axios, a media company founded by Mike Allen, who made his mark with Politico’s Playbook newsletter.
Axios operates on a model of access journalism, similar to Playbook. It caters to elite political institutions and facilitates exchanges between corporate access and political insight.
This access seems to define “success” in the media’s eyes. Hence, their recent reaction to Elon Musk is quite intriguing.
For years, companies have existed in a “spiral of silence,” stifled by aggressive left-wing activists who have dominated sectors like academia, technology, and media. Executives who veer away from accepted leftist norms – like stating that men and women may have different career interests – face public shaming or worse, risking their jobs. Others often feel compelled to post supportive messages, especially during events like Gay Pride Month.
However, a shift has begun. Both executives and the public are starting to break free from this cycle, and it’s becoming more common for people to express straightforward truths.
Elon Musk has perhaps become the most notable example of this shift. Once firmly in the liberal camp, he has recently voiced criticisms that reflect a newfound discomfort with the current state of affairs.
This morning, Axios released a top story about Musk nearing what they term “economic escape velocity.” But, um, what exactly is he trying to escape from?
From what we’ve heard from activists, vocalizing dissent against left-wing orthodoxy can have significant consequences.
Musk, for example, speaks truths that could “disqualify” most other CEOs.
Axios, however, frames this as “far-right culture war incitement” and “white identitarian politics.”
If you’ve read my thoughts before, you’ll recognize that these labels tend to obscure the real issues at hand.
For instance, is immigration beneficial or harmful? Axios seems to suggest that questioning this is inherently “xenophobic,” yet dismissing such inquiries doesn’t aid in understanding the reality or the outcomes.
From Musk’s and others’ perspectives, the consequences of left-wing policies can manifest through real-world issues like crime or welfare debates affecting local communities.
Pointing these out, it seems, is labeled as racist or a fear of the “far-right.”
Moreover, these terms serve as signals to corporate and political elites, suggesting that Axios is still upholding this cycle of silence.
If you’re considering joining Musk in speaking out, think twice. We’re keeping an eye on you…
Sadly, Axios does recognize the problem with their leftist bias when it comes to their objectives. Profit-driven individuals are often less concerned about fulfilling liberal ideals.
For investors, the crucial question isn’t whether “multiculturalism” is good or “white privilege” even exists.
Is there a strong chance that SpaceX represents this generation’s foremost tech company? The numbers seem to suggest so.
Like a truth Axios might not want to confront, is it advantageous for Minnesota to welcome thousands of Somalis? Or for Ireland to host many Sudanese Muslims?
Let’s avoid muddying the waters with complex narratives about identity. It’s fairly straightforward. The questions are binary, much like coding.
Axios seems focused on igniting reactions rather than addressing the core story. However, they sidestep a straightforward conversation about essential topics.
Can someone truly change genders? Is public execution an evil act? Will SpaceX take the lead in space exploration?
These are pressing questions, but it appears their influence is waning, and that’s what the conversation is really about.
People are seeking clarity, and when answers aren’t forthcoming, they tend to take action.
Other links
Man found injured outside a police station; Pope makes a visit
A fresh normal.
ActBlue CEO faces challenges answering simple inquiries
I found it astonishing, too.
Justice Department aims at leftist legal power dynamics
A ripple effect.
