About

What is Real Crit?

If you haven’t read my first post yet, you can find it here. If you’ve read it, then you’re probably hear to learn what this blog is actually about.

Real Crit was started from my original consternation at the state of foreign policy by the US, which seemed to exist in an incoherent limbo of realism and liberalism, ranging from the indecisive center to the ineffective extremes of both approaches. As a result, I began looking into alternatives options and present my ideas on what might be the best options, or at least options beyond the endless cycle of reusing previous policies under new monikers. I ended up finding inspiration from Robert Wright’s “Progressive Realism”, which he outlines on his NonZero Newsletter(which I’d recommend reading and subscribing too if you find the articles informative). It’s from this perspective that I aim to look at policies though with the forewarning that I’ll likely place a larger emphasis on the realism even though I certainly consider myself an adherent of progressive values. The main focus will be on policy moving forward, but past policies will also be brought up to underline how we haven’t learned from our failures in this realm.

While foreign policy is where I began the blog, I also intend to take a look at current events and American politics as a progressive. The last few years, and in fact the entire 21st century to date, has shown interesting and concerning dynamics in American politics. While both parties have very distinct differences, especially in terms of leadership and affiliations, there has been a bipartisan neglect of the needs of Americans where options, based on the two parties, have been either little, later, or nothing, ever. It’s fortunate that progressives have been making gains as we waltz our way into another Gilded Age, one where the robber barons of old now have been joined by the “tech bros” of the present. My critiques here will mostly focus on current events and news. With the launch of the blog coinciding with the Biden administration’s start, I’m hopeful that topics I discuss with be matters of substance and importance for America’s future.

Lastly, the same interest in looking at current events and American politics will be applied to my home state of New Jersey. There are certainly lots of interesting happenings in the Garden State, especially in the matter of state, local, and party politics. We’ve also got progressive activists pushing for action and organizing communities for civic engagement. While the state is controlled entirely by Democrats, that doesn’t preclude us from witnessing all sorts of intrigue, machinations, and public/activist outcry over inaction or bad decisions. I certainly don’t expect to be left wanting for topics on local matters and sharing my opinions on them.

If these sound like your alley, feel free to bookmark the site or subscribe so you get an update whenever I make a post!