James Fallows

This firefighter arrived in the US at age 4, has been here for 19 years, was on track to legal status, and was on a crew trying to contain a major blaze (in Washington state, vs Oregon, fwiw.) h/t @joshuajfriedman.com www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Let's say it again: 1) Harvard said "No," and Trump has backed off. 2) Chicago (and Illinois) said "No," and Trump has backed off. It's day by day. But those who said "OK, sure," have gained nothing at all. Except shame.

Common theme of people I've interviewed recently. At universities, in research centers, in diplomacy, in the legal system, dealing with refugees or immigrants: The reality inside is much worse than you would think from the outside.

People of the US: These are for-real images (verified by Getty). Look at them closely.

There are people who just have *it* in political instincts.

People of DC-land: If you're in town on Wednesday evening, Deb and I will be at Amy Kaslow Gallery in Bethesda, talking about why there's still hope at the local level. See you there. (6pm-7:30) amykaslowgallery.com/show/amy-kas...

Previously on this topic: -21+ yrs ago, I did "war-game" story on why attack on Iran would end the way this one seems to: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc... -Two months ago, 3-part series on why this would end badly.(Have removed paywall.) Part 1: fallows.substack.com/p/what-we-do... [cont...]

1/2 Of course w don't know details. But at face value: —Iran in stronger position in every way (financial, regional-and-world strategic/econ leverage, solidifying domestic control) than if Trump had not attacked —US in weaker posit in every way (cost, deaths, 'soft power' worldwide + w allies etc)

As if they had not destroyed local life enough already ...

I have never cared about the Knicks. But boy, they have become America's team. Led by Brunson. And a real *team.* CONGRATS!!!

Confirming: It does not get any tackier than this. Or: It has not yet. Because every "we've hit bottom" assessment so far has proven premature.

We can hear this, from our house in DC. Back in the Carter era, I was (politely) reprimanded, for "disrespect to the office" when I wore blue jeans when called in to work late on a Saturday night, for revisions to a Monday a.m. speech. Now, Nero and Caligula.

Future historian department: -Front page of today's NYT reports creation of world's first trillionaire. -Lead op-ed of same NYT is about worst-ever Ebola outbreak, which *this VERY SAME trillionaire* enabled, with his "chainsaw" destruction of US public health in the world. The book writes itself