Beyond Left and Right:

This week we’re talking about something that sits above our usual political lanes: free speech. We’ve seen this past week that many across the political spectrum do agree that the First Amendment is a guardrail we can’t afford to lose. The spark was the sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after pressure campaigns, regulatory saber-rattling, and stations dropping the show. Disturbing, yes—and also clarifying. What gave us hope was the swift pushback from across the spectrum: not just Democrats and left-leaning folks, but big conservative voices too. We heard some commentary about ‘cancel culture’ that resonated: when the “left cancels,” it’s usually market action (wallets and feet—boycotts and turning away). When the “right cancels,” it can look like the state wielding government power. Those are not the same thing. The First Amendment protects us from the government—full stop. That difference matters. Historian Heather Cox Richardson captured the moment well: the divide isn’t simply left vs. right; it’s “we the people” vs. creeping authoritarianism. That framing helped us name what felt off. It also helped us see why so many “quiet middle” folks woke up quickly to defend a basic guardrail. (Here’s her Substack post that Aaron mentioned). We also wrestled with the usefulness of left/right labels. They can describe ideas, but they can also reduce people into caricatures. Most of us share a core set of values—safety, fairness, dignity, the freedom to speak. Labels make it too easy to project the worst onto “the other side” and miss where we actually agree. Do crises catalyze shared values? Often, yes. Towns rally after fires and floods. Maybe this free-speech moment is a civic version of that—one that reminds us we’re neighbors first, partisans second. What we’re doing (and what you can do) * Prop 50 (CA redistricting): donate, phonebank, canvass, or simply talk it up with friends. We’re sharing posts as we see good ones and joining Swing Left phone banks. * Oct 18: No Kings Day protests: showing up matters—especially a few weeks before the election. * Postcards to Voters: there are at least three active campaigns—grab a stack and write a few. * Budget & health subsidies: keep calling your reps; steady pressure still counts. * Share your ideas: email us at [email protected] and take our quick listener survey at survey.acouplethinks.com. Joyful (and grateful) moments Lisa: Flu + COVID shots this week (and got Mom in for her flu shot). Grateful for smooth coverage and long lines of people protecting each other. Also: kitten Tucci Aaron: Concurs with kitten Tucci though notes that she’s 50% purr, 50% tiny tiger. He also met up in person with friends made through radio—proof that community can start online and blossom IRL. If free speech brought you here, welcome. If you’re a longtime listener, thank you for staying in the conversation. We’ll keep centering shared values—and pairing reflection with action. Get full access to A Couple Thinks at acouplethinks.substack.com/subscribe