Kevin Munger:

The “private governments” created by companies such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook are as stupid and corrupt as conservatives think our real government is.

Nicholas Christakis’s new book, summarized by Frank Bruni:

Complex societies are possible and durable only when people are emotionally invested in, and help, one another; we’d be living in smaller units and more solitary fashions if we weren’t equipped for such collaboration; and human thriving within these societies guarantees future generations suited to them.

Somewhat skeptical of research methodology, but interesting throughout.

I have the support of the police, the support of the military, the support of the Bikers for Trump — I have the tough people, but they don’t play it tough — until they go to a certain point, and then it would be very bad, very bad.

2019 and the man still finds new ways to demean the presidency and undermine democracy.

Beto O’Rourke, Trey Anastasio: spiritual brothers.

Too bad we don’t throw CEOs in jail.

Craig Gilbert for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

This is one of the most politically mobilized and engaged states in America (It was anywhere from second to fourth in the U.S. in turnout last year, depending on how you measure it.). And it is one of the most polarized. It is struggling with divided government, as is Washington. And its voters are deeply divided along party lines. Next year, when the Democrats come here to nominate a presidential candidate, Wisconsin will be a fitting backdrop to the turbulent politics of the Trump Era.

Michelle Goldberg pretty much sums up how I feel.