Such good news! I am 81 and get most of my news from Substack because I trust the people I read. I tend to be pretty liberal and believe we have a responsibility to our fellow beings.
I’m also 81 and trust the people I listen to also. I also find that the younger folks are doing the best job of giving the facts and instill community and hope.
Aaron is the best at this because he also checks in a couple of times a day. Really helps to hear what is happening in short clear comments! Thanks for everything Aaron and for encouraging us to let our children grow up learning civics and ethics and critical thinking. Truly they are going to be leading the way.
I'm a year behind you and Aaron is my main source of information I trust. Heather Cox Richardson is the history courses I never got in 16 years of school.
Write or call people who will listen: public broadcasting needs a national funding clearinghouse, so that stations out in the sticks that feature unbiased public reporting and comment don't go out of existence due to financial insolvency. It's a lot more difficult to bring 'em back, than to keep them alive!
Yes, and until the Trump regime has lost power -- NPR will not be truly free to report all the facts. I have worried about them since "W"s" time in office -- because of the vagaries of their public funding, they were very careful then.
Funds based on sponsorships, albeit severely limited in the past few months, are distributed by NPR to smaller stations based on a formula. There are still "sponsors" who are acknowledged by each station. And each station relies on listener support. You can learn more about how this works by calling your local public radio station.
Is the New Hampshire public radio program-Civics 101 a nationwide NPR program?
Yes, the New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) program Civics 101 is a nationwide NPR program in the sense that it is distributed by NPR and made available to all NPR member stations across the country, as well as being available as a popular podcast.
While produced by the local station NHPR, Civics 101 is an educational program that has grown to have a national reach, with its content frequently featured on other national NPR shows like Morning Edition and Weekend Edition. Its episodes, which explain the basics of the U.S. government and democracy, are widely accessible through the NPR website and various podcast platforms, indicating a national presence far beyond New Hampshire.
Congratulations Aaron on your continued comprehensive and up the minute breaking news and follow up reporting. You check all of the boxes of why people follow particular journalists. I believe that people like me, over 65, also want to follow people, like you, who live and work in the ‘real world’. That means younger people, not aged outdated oligarchs and status quo news media who are often chained to ratings to guide them.
It is an educational approach used to teach these 4 core subject areas (science, technology, engineering and math) to instill in students the ability to integrate these subjects in problem solving into their everyday lives.
“The truth will out,” my bubbe said so frequently that I often became annoyed with her. She was always right, though. If fact-based news is exposed to a hundred people of all walks of life, the truthfulness will appeal to them much more than any slant or cant could. Being a proud immigrant from Kviv, Bubbe often declaimed, “The truth will make you free.” Ya ya, we know. The truth also is making Parnas Perspective very, very popular. I’m taking pleasure in that as my own grandchildren begin to roll their eyes at me.
That is WONDERFUL to hear, Aaron. I’m so pleased for you and asl for US. You are sincere, determined and undeniably HUMAN. There are so many reasons that we put our trust in you. Keep up your great good work, my dear. The sky is the limit! 💙🖇️📎
That is terrific news ! As long as they get info other than Fox Entertainment News :) You are doing an outstanding job ! I'd like you to do an indepth story to expose the head of the snake - The Heritage Foundation - how they started - funders from day one until today - goes and objectives - encourage people to read Project 2025 from cover to cover - I have two times. Most haven't or don't even know about it nor of Heritage. Do a deep deep deep dive. Along with ideas to derail them. Thanks for all that you do to keep us informed with honesty and with integrity. If you could also spread the word to other media outlets to do the same. I just sent a note today to CBS 60 minutes and John - Daily Show. Have a nice long weekend.
Dana, while I very much appreciate your post, what bothers me as one of those Boomers who was an English and history teacher, is predicated by the subtext of the Pew study that indicates that younger people who get their news from "influencers" don't "seek" news. It just falls into their laps, or more aptly appears on their phones. No evaluation of the source competency. (BTW, Is Aaron considered an "influencer?" I hope not since he is a lawyer and professional reporter and writer.)
The teacher in me, appreciates you asking Aaron to do an in-depth piece on The Heritage Foundation! What I would ask of interested members of this community is to do some homework and learn something about it on their own first! AI has proven to be pretty great on this score, particularly if you have some background to begin with. But it is a good start, even when you don't when you will have a teacher, speaker, textbook, etc. etc. to give you their take. And, even in this forum, ask follow-up questions of Aaron and the community at large implicitly.
I reworded your questions and asked them of Google AI: Took about 2 seconds to get the reply: and lead to further resources: I'd say it is a good start. This is what young (and all ages of people) should be automatically doing in my not humble opinion as a successful teacher.
So, here are the results for anyone who cares:
Questions:
" I'd like to know more about the controversial Heritage Foundation. Their history, goals, and objectives, as well as their role in what is now called Project 2025. What is the Heritage Foundations history of funders?"
The Heritage Foundation is an influential, controversial, right-wing think tank founded in 1973 with the goal of promoting public policies based on free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. It is the primary organization behind Project 2025, a detailed blueprint for a potential second conservative presidential administration aimed at significantly reshaping the federal government and consolidating executive power.
History, Goals, and Objectives
Founding and Early Years: Founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich, Edwin Feulner, and Joseph Coors, the Heritage Foundation was designed to be a more activist and political policy organization than existing think tanks. It gained significant influence during the Reagan administration, whose policies were heavily informed by Heritage's 1981 "Mandate for Leadership" report; approximately 60% of its recommendations were implemented in Reagan's first year.
Core Objectives: The Foundation's stated mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies. Current priorities include eliminating regulations and spending, securing borders, ensuring election integrity, expanding education freedom, and "rooting out the deep state". The organization aims to "institutionalize Trumpism" and use its research to build a case for specific policy changes rather than just for academic purposes.
Controversies: The organization has faced numerous controversies, including for studies on poverty and immigration that were widely criticized. More recently, the Foundation has been in turmoil after its president defended Tucker Carlson's interview with a white nationalist, leading to several resignations and criticism from other conservative figures. Its "Oversight Project" has also faced criticism for targeting career civil servants and publicizing unverified or misleading information.
Role in Project 2025
The Heritage Foundation is the lead organization coordinating Project 2025 (officially titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise), an extensive initiative involving a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations.
Mandate for Leadership: The project produced a nearly 1,000-page policy playbook for a new conservative president, detailing specific changes for almost every government department. Key proposals include:
Expanding Presidential Power: Centralizing power within the executive branch based on the "unitary executive theory" and placing independent agencies like the FTC and FBI under direct presidential control.
Dismantling the "Deep State": Replacing merit-based civil servants with presidential loyalists to ensure the bureaucracy serves the president's will.
Policy Rollbacks: Reversing Biden-era policies, significantly cutting regulations, advancing Christian right social policies such as strict limits on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and dismantling departments like Education and Homeland Security.
Personnel and Training: Beyond policy, Project 2025 focuses heavily on recruiting, vetting, and training a database of conservative individuals to staff the administration, aiming to avoid the first Trump administration's perceived staffing issues.
Public Perception: Critics have called the project an authoritarian and Christian nationalist plan that would undermine the rule of law and the system of checks and balances. Proponents argue it is necessary to dismantle an unaccountable bureaucracy.
History of Funders
The Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is not required to disclose its donors, though it has an affiliated 501(c)(4) for political advocacy. It relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, and does not accept government funding.
Key historical and recent funders have included:
Joseph Coors: The brewing magnate provided the initial $250,000 in seed money for the organization's founding.
Richard Mellon Scaife: An heir to the Mellon fortune, Scaife was a primary donor for decades, channeling tens of millions to the foundation.
Wealthy Families and Foundations: Other major donors have included the John M. Olin Foundation, the Castle Rock Foundation, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, the Bradley Foundation, and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation.
Dark Money Network: Nearly half of the organizations collaborating on
Project 2025 have received contributions from a network of fundraising groups linked to conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo.
Billionaire Backers: More recent major financial supporters of Project 2025-affiliated groups include Barre Seid, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, and Charles Koch.
The Foundation emphasizes its broad base of support, stating that no single donor has the ability to direct its views or activities. However, critics point to the substantial donations from a small number of wealthy, like-minded individuals and foundations as a source of controversy and a driver of its policy agenda.
************
Pretty comprehensive and accurate, to say the least. Hope you agree, it's an excellent start. Ultimately, truly educated people are intrinsically motivated, meaning they "simply" want to know. To learn for its own sake and satisfaction, which an educated person does for an entire lifetime.
Lots of scary stuff about AI potential but there's this good basic knowledge literally at your fingertips. And then, so many sources, and persons to illuminate the basic information if you want to learn more.
I can tell you that we have known about the Koch brothers since at least the 1970s (perhaps before) Joseph Coors, before that--and I'll leave that for you to discover for yourselves...and who his associates and heroes were. :(
I look forward to Aaron's teachings, and thank you for suggesting it, Dana!! :))
Unfortunately CBS has recently put Robert Weiss (I think his name is) in charge of the network. He is very right wing and is not likely to allow an expose' of either the Heritage Foundation or Project 2025. You might have better luck with MSNBC or NBC for television Broadcast, but I have noticed that even they are now are pulling in their horns trying to save Corporate Sponsorship and probably their FCC license .I am sure Trump is looking for any excuse at all to cancel their broadcasting license.
Thanks Aaron. One thing I'd like you to try is use your platform for civics education. I'm often shocked at the vast numbers of Americans who don't understand how the 2 houses of Congress work, or how presidential vetoes work, for example.
Such good news! I am 81 and get most of my news from Substack because I trust the people I read. I tend to be pretty liberal and believe we have a responsibility to our fellow beings.
I’m also 81 and trust the people I listen to also. I also find that the younger folks are doing the best job of giving the facts and instill community and hope.
Aaron is the best at this because he also checks in a couple of times a day. Really helps to hear what is happening in short clear comments! Thanks for everything Aaron and for encouraging us to let our children grow up learning civics and ethics and critical thinking. Truly they are going to be leading the way.
I listen to you and pass your name to many others because you tell the truth good or bad. Please keep posting because I rely on your posts for my news
Yes, I also get my news from substack. I got an awesome education in public schools including civics. I'm 71. Thanks Aaron for your honest reporting
Yes, we were lucky to have lived when journalism reported facts. not "alternative facts"
I’m 85, and I do the same. Aaron is on top of the truth, and he keeps me informed.
I'm a year behind you and Aaron is my main source of information I trust. Heather Cox Richardson is the history courses I never got in 16 years of school.
Don’t forget your library! Librarians know a lot about digital literacy and how to find reliable sources of information!
i'm 82 and ditto -- I am very progressive.
Agree. I am 79, and i no longer even watch TV. Get my info from Aaron, the Bulwark, the Meidas Touch, Heather Cox Richardson and others on substack.
Ethics, literature - and we only work together by knowing each other
Kukyny
That is awesome Aaron. 👌
You look tired friend
Congratulations. Well deserved. I love your authenticity.
Thanks! As a retired chemist, I’m refreshing my info on civics with New Hampshire public radio program-Civics 101
Write or call people who will listen: public broadcasting needs a national funding clearinghouse, so that stations out in the sticks that feature unbiased public reporting and comment don't go out of existence due to financial insolvency. It's a lot more difficult to bring 'em back, than to keep them alive!
Yes, and until the Trump regime has lost power -- NPR will not be truly free to report all the facts. I have worried about them since "W"s" time in office -- because of the vagaries of their public funding, they were very careful then.
Funds based on sponsorships, albeit severely limited in the past few months, are distributed by NPR to smaller stations based on a formula. There are still "sponsors" who are acknowledged by each station. And each station relies on listener support. You can learn more about how this works by calling your local public radio station.
Call your local PBS or NPR outlet.
I answered my own question and am sharing it:
Is the New Hampshire public radio program-Civics 101 a nationwide NPR program?
Yes, the New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) program Civics 101 is a nationwide NPR program in the sense that it is distributed by NPR and made available to all NPR member stations across the country, as well as being available as a popular podcast.
While produced by the local station NHPR, Civics 101 is an educational program that has grown to have a national reach, with its content frequently featured on other national NPR shows like Morning Edition and Weekend Edition. Its episodes, which explain the basics of the U.S. government and democracy, are widely accessible through the NPR website and various podcast platforms, indicating a national presence far beyond New Hampshire.
You're all welcome!! :))
I’m one who values authenticity ~ thank you for being so!!
Awesome! You deserve all the credit . Great and honest reporting.
Congratulations Aaron on your continued comprehensive and up the minute breaking news and follow up reporting. You check all of the boxes of why people follow particular journalists. I believe that people like me, over 65, also want to follow people, like you, who live and work in the ‘real world’. That means younger people, not aged outdated oligarchs and status quo news media who are often chained to ratings to guide them.
Amazing to hear, Aaron! Thank you for all you do to get the straight truth out there.
One of the main reasons why I picked my kids homeschooling program, is because of STEM and civics are taught.
My kid is long-graduated; what is STEM?
science, technology, engineering and math.
Thank you.
It is an educational approach used to teach these 4 core subject areas (science, technology, engineering and math) to instill in students the ability to integrate these subjects in problem solving into their everyday lives.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Congrats for the kudo's, well earned Aaron!
Congratulations, Aaron!
“The truth will out,” my bubbe said so frequently that I often became annoyed with her. She was always right, though. If fact-based news is exposed to a hundred people of all walks of life, the truthfulness will appeal to them much more than any slant or cant could. Being a proud immigrant from Kviv, Bubbe often declaimed, “The truth will make you free.” Ya ya, we know. The truth also is making Parnas Perspective very, very popular. I’m taking pleasure in that as my own grandchildren begin to roll their eyes at me.
Thank you for taking the leap into this arena. Greatly appreciate you.
That is WONDERFUL to hear, Aaron. I’m so pleased for you and asl for US. You are sincere, determined and undeniably HUMAN. There are so many reasons that we put our trust in you. Keep up your great good work, my dear. The sky is the limit! 💙🖇️📎
That is terrific news ! As long as they get info other than Fox Entertainment News :) You are doing an outstanding job ! I'd like you to do an indepth story to expose the head of the snake - The Heritage Foundation - how they started - funders from day one until today - goes and objectives - encourage people to read Project 2025 from cover to cover - I have two times. Most haven't or don't even know about it nor of Heritage. Do a deep deep deep dive. Along with ideas to derail them. Thanks for all that you do to keep us informed with honesty and with integrity. If you could also spread the word to other media outlets to do the same. I just sent a note today to CBS 60 minutes and John - Daily Show. Have a nice long weekend.
Dana, while I very much appreciate your post, what bothers me as one of those Boomers who was an English and history teacher, is predicated by the subtext of the Pew study that indicates that younger people who get their news from "influencers" don't "seek" news. It just falls into their laps, or more aptly appears on their phones. No evaluation of the source competency. (BTW, Is Aaron considered an "influencer?" I hope not since he is a lawyer and professional reporter and writer.)
The teacher in me, appreciates you asking Aaron to do an in-depth piece on The Heritage Foundation! What I would ask of interested members of this community is to do some homework and learn something about it on their own first! AI has proven to be pretty great on this score, particularly if you have some background to begin with. But it is a good start, even when you don't when you will have a teacher, speaker, textbook, etc. etc. to give you their take. And, even in this forum, ask follow-up questions of Aaron and the community at large implicitly.
I reworded your questions and asked them of Google AI: Took about 2 seconds to get the reply: and lead to further resources: I'd say it is a good start. This is what young (and all ages of people) should be automatically doing in my not humble opinion as a successful teacher.
So, here are the results for anyone who cares:
Questions:
" I'd like to know more about the controversial Heritage Foundation. Their history, goals, and objectives, as well as their role in what is now called Project 2025. What is the Heritage Foundations history of funders?"
The Heritage Foundation is an influential, controversial, right-wing think tank founded in 1973 with the goal of promoting public policies based on free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. It is the primary organization behind Project 2025, a detailed blueprint for a potential second conservative presidential administration aimed at significantly reshaping the federal government and consolidating executive power.
History, Goals, and Objectives
Founding and Early Years: Founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich, Edwin Feulner, and Joseph Coors, the Heritage Foundation was designed to be a more activist and political policy organization than existing think tanks. It gained significant influence during the Reagan administration, whose policies were heavily informed by Heritage's 1981 "Mandate for Leadership" report; approximately 60% of its recommendations were implemented in Reagan's first year.
Core Objectives: The Foundation's stated mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies. Current priorities include eliminating regulations and spending, securing borders, ensuring election integrity, expanding education freedom, and "rooting out the deep state". The organization aims to "institutionalize Trumpism" and use its research to build a case for specific policy changes rather than just for academic purposes.
Controversies: The organization has faced numerous controversies, including for studies on poverty and immigration that were widely criticized. More recently, the Foundation has been in turmoil after its president defended Tucker Carlson's interview with a white nationalist, leading to several resignations and criticism from other conservative figures. Its "Oversight Project" has also faced criticism for targeting career civil servants and publicizing unverified or misleading information.
Role in Project 2025
The Heritage Foundation is the lead organization coordinating Project 2025 (officially titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise), an extensive initiative involving a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations.
Mandate for Leadership: The project produced a nearly 1,000-page policy playbook for a new conservative president, detailing specific changes for almost every government department. Key proposals include:
Expanding Presidential Power: Centralizing power within the executive branch based on the "unitary executive theory" and placing independent agencies like the FTC and FBI under direct presidential control.
Dismantling the "Deep State": Replacing merit-based civil servants with presidential loyalists to ensure the bureaucracy serves the president's will.
Policy Rollbacks: Reversing Biden-era policies, significantly cutting regulations, advancing Christian right social policies such as strict limits on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and dismantling departments like Education and Homeland Security.
Personnel and Training: Beyond policy, Project 2025 focuses heavily on recruiting, vetting, and training a database of conservative individuals to staff the administration, aiming to avoid the first Trump administration's perceived staffing issues.
Public Perception: Critics have called the project an authoritarian and Christian nationalist plan that would undermine the rule of law and the system of checks and balances. Proponents argue it is necessary to dismantle an unaccountable bureaucracy.
History of Funders
The Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is not required to disclose its donors, though it has an affiliated 501(c)(4) for political advocacy. It relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, and does not accept government funding.
Key historical and recent funders have included:
Joseph Coors: The brewing magnate provided the initial $250,000 in seed money for the organization's founding.
Richard Mellon Scaife: An heir to the Mellon fortune, Scaife was a primary donor for decades, channeling tens of millions to the foundation.
Wealthy Families and Foundations: Other major donors have included the John M. Olin Foundation, the Castle Rock Foundation, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, the Bradley Foundation, and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation.
Dark Money Network: Nearly half of the organizations collaborating on
Project 2025 have received contributions from a network of fundraising groups linked to conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo.
Billionaire Backers: More recent major financial supporters of Project 2025-affiliated groups include Barre Seid, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, and Charles Koch.
The Foundation emphasizes its broad base of support, stating that no single donor has the ability to direct its views or activities. However, critics point to the substantial donations from a small number of wealthy, like-minded individuals and foundations as a source of controversy and a driver of its policy agenda.
************
Pretty comprehensive and accurate, to say the least. Hope you agree, it's an excellent start. Ultimately, truly educated people are intrinsically motivated, meaning they "simply" want to know. To learn for its own sake and satisfaction, which an educated person does for an entire lifetime.
Lots of scary stuff about AI potential but there's this good basic knowledge literally at your fingertips. And then, so many sources, and persons to illuminate the basic information if you want to learn more.
I can tell you that we have known about the Koch brothers since at least the 1970s (perhaps before) Joseph Coors, before that--and I'll leave that for you to discover for yourselves...and who his associates and heroes were. :(
I look forward to Aaron's teachings, and thank you for suggesting it, Dana!! :))
Unfortunately CBS has recently put Robert Weiss (I think his name is) in charge of the network. He is very right wing and is not likely to allow an expose' of either the Heritage Foundation or Project 2025. You might have better luck with MSNBC or NBC for television Broadcast, but I have noticed that even they are now are pulling in their horns trying to save Corporate Sponsorship and probably their FCC license .I am sure Trump is looking for any excuse at all to cancel their broadcasting license.
Thanks Aaron. One thing I'd like you to try is use your platform for civics education. I'm often shocked at the vast numbers of Americans who don't understand how the 2 houses of Congress work, or how presidential vetoes work, for example.