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I highly encourage you to subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson’s daily newsletter, Letters from an American. Professor Richardson’s take on current events and then tying them to historical significance is unique, insightful and compelling. Yesterday she wrote about how the Texas anti-abortion law is not just about abortion.

This is the foundation for today’s “originalists” on the court. They are trying to erase the era of legislation and legal decisions that constructed our modern nation. If the government is as limited as they say, it cannot regulate business. It cannot provide a social safety net or promote infrastructure, both things that cost tax dollars and, in the case of infrastructure, take lucrative opportunities from private businesses. It cannot protect the rights of minorities or women.

Heather Cox Richardson, Letters from an American

The Supreme Court allowed this Texas law to stand. It’s a step back for our nation and our women. And with a 5-4 decision it is tragic that the last US President, who lost the 2016 popular vote, can pack the highest court with 3 appointees. Yes, this is a broken system which leads to horrible outcomes.

There is a lot to do. The first thing I did is donate to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The DSCC is the best way to help get more Democrats in the United States Senate which is critical in so many ways, including Supreme Court appointments.

Please join me and spread the word.

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Last night, my wife and I went to see Jonathan Russell perform at the Dreamland Theatre here on Nantucket. We have seen Jonathan and his band, The Head and the Heart, play many times before.

But this show was different. It was our first time seeing an in person live performance (of any kind) since 2019. I suspect that was true for many/most of everyone else in attendance. Right away, you could feel the excitement and energy with the audience even before he took the stage. Everyone had a smile on but keenly aware of this moment.

And it was also Jonathan’s first in person live performance. He talked openly about coping with the pandemic as a musician and what it’s been like for him. I can’t imagine someone who has sold out large venues felt playing in front of a small audience in some small town after 20 months. You could feel his anxiety and nerves and he said as much over and over again. It was one of the most vulnerable, intense shows I’ve ever been to. So many emotions washing over us all — audience and artist alike. All the sorrow and pain we have shared collectively and alone in our thoughts.

The musical performance was beautiful. Jonathan is getting older. He wears glasses to read. He face has signs of aging. But his voice and art remains something truly special and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to catch his first gig since 2019.

I Promise, Radiohead

I’ve never been someone who writes in a journal

But earlier this year, my therapist suggested I keep a journal and so I’ve been doing just that.

I started keeping everything in a field notes book but I felt too vulnerable — like I would lose it or someone would find it and read all about my innermost thoughts.

I still write in my paper based notebook every day but for notes during various meetings, scribbling down to do lists and jotting down ideas while they are still fresh.

But for daily journaling and keeping a diary of sorts, I switched to Day One. It’s super clean makes it super easy to write down thoughts during the day. It also makes sense of your unorganized and often overlooked mobile photographs. And it’s all secure with end to end encryption. Best of all (I think) the company behind Day One was recently acquired by Automatic.

And if there is one company I trust with this sort of product, it’s got to be Automatic.

Solar Power, Lorde