Speculative Stephen

Thoughts on parenting and patriotism on Christmas Eve 2025

Being a father at Christmastime is fraught with peril. You need to recreate the magic of Christmas you remember from your childhood without losing the ability to enjoy it yourself. You need to provide the right gifts for your children without teaching them that Christmas is all about getting. It’s a fine balancing act and…
No Kings: Keep the Powers Separate

In 1787 representatives of the newly freed states met in Philadelphia to discuss improvements to the federal government. The Articles of Confederation were intended to unite the colonies while permitting their local governments to maintain a great deal of independence. But the delegates quickly agreed that the weak Articles couldn’t be revised. They scrapped them…
What’s so bad about a king?

The Japanese feel pretty good about having an emperor. 75% like Emperor Naruhito! The British monarch isn’t quite as popular, with only a 57% positive opinion. But everyone (ok, most people) loved Queen Elizabeth II. Andorra gets in on the fun by having two monarchs, recognizing the president of France and the Bishop of Urgell…

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