Morning Jolt: Everyone Wants an Easy Solution

On the menu today: a long look at how much America is wrapped up in fights about symbols . . . and how and why many prefer those fights over ones about policies and measurable real-world effects.

People Prefer Symbolic Gestures . . . Because They Are Easy

You know why people are pulling down statues of Christopher Columbus, right? Because taking action to meaningfully improve the lives of Native Americans today is hard.

Getting some ropes and pulling down a statue in some downtown park or public square is easy if you have enough people and can be done in a matter of minutes or hours. Reducing the number of Native Americans living below the poverty line, the high unemployment rate on reservations, and the high rates of substance abuse; ...

WITH JIM GERAGHTY June 12 2020 WITH JIM GERAGHTY June 12 2020 Everyone Wants an Easy Solution On the menu today: a long look at how much America is wrapped up in fights about symbols . . . and how and why many prefer those fights over ones about policies and measurable real-world effects. People Prefer Symbolic Gestures . . . Because They Are Easy You know why people are pulling down statues of Christopher Columbus, right? Because taking action to meaningfully improve the lives of Native Americans today is hard. Getting some ropes and pulling down a statue in some downtown park or public square is easy if you have enough people and can be done in a matter of minutes or hours. Reducing the number of Native Americans living below the poverty line, the high unemployment rate on reservations, and the high rates of substance abuse; ...   READ MORE

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