The Cultist's Digest - Soybean Farmers Speak Out About Trump's Trade War
A digest for the cult of free thought
April 11, 2025
Welcome to The Cultist’s Digest
Because questioning the mainstream apparently makes me a cultist. Wink.
Hello, friends—welcome to the first-ever Cultist’s Digest, a bi-weekly dive into ideas that spark curiosity and challenge the status quo. If you’re part of my It’s Meseidy crew, you already know I love shaking up conventional narratives. If you’re new, buckle up for a mix of politics and culture.
Why “Cultist”?
It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to the eye-rolls I get for leaning conservative, voting Trump, or daring to question the establishment. In some corners, independent thought earns you a “cultist” badge. So, I’m owning it—with a twist. Real indoctrination? That’s mindlessly swallowing talking points. Here, we feast on diverse perspectives, from fiery debates to unexpected insights.
What’s Inside
No cookie-cutter news roundups here. Each issue serves up:
Books that open new doors (history, philosophy, maybe a thriller).
Videos worth your time (think fiery speeches or policy deep-dives).
Articles that cut through the noise—politics, news, culture, and more.
Why It Matters
In an era of echo chambers, I believe real growth comes from wrestling with ideas that don’t always align. The Cultist’s Digest is my antidote to algorithmic sameness—a curated collection of what’s overlooked but worth your attention.
One More Thing
I’m doubling down on It’s Meseidy here on Substack, so get ready for a wave of fresh content—crafted with purpose. My mission? To go beyond the same old news cycle, digging into perspectives and insights that cut through the noise of politics, culture, and our wild world.
Paid subscribers unlock exclusive pieces (score a 40% off annual deal now!), but there’s plenty for everyone to chew on.
Whether you’re a fellow “cultist” or just here for the ride, I’m thrilled to share this journey. Let’s dig into the ideas that shape our wild world.
Until next time,
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of crackpot than the stigma of conformity. - Thomas Watson Sr
What I am Currently Reading
The Naked Communist, W.Cleon Skousen - I’m cracking open this classic to see what it reveals about ideologies that still spark today’s debates. The Naked Communist has sold more than a million copies. It has found its way into the libraries of the CIA, the FBI, the White House, and homes all across America. The Naked Communist contains a distillation of more than a hundred books and treatises on communism, many written by Marxist authors. We see the communist the way he sees himself—stripped of propaganda and pretense. Explained here is the amazing appeal of communism, its history, and its basic and unchanging concepts—even its secret timetable of conquest.
All The Colors of the Dark, Chris Whitaker - This thriller’s dark twist on heroism hooked me—I’m curious how it mirrors the messy truths we face now. In 1975, as the Vietnam War ends, girls are disappearing in Monta Clare, Missouri. When a wealthy family’s daughter is targeted, Patch, a one-eyed local boy, becomes an unlikely hero, leaving heartache in his wake. His search for answers blurs triumph and tragedy, unearthing truths that could tear loved ones apart.
Videos worth watching
Interviews
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent addressed the Economic Club of New York, outlining three priorities within President Trump's "America First" agenda: deregulating the financial sector, revising international economic relations through tariffs, and updating financial tools to boost both economic and national security.
During the Q&A, Bessent addressed inflation concerns from tariffs, framing them as a one-time price adjustment. He highlighted President Trump's support for reciprocal trade agreements and stressed transitioning from public to private sector growth as a strategy for deleveraging government debt
Calley Means at Politco Health Care Summit 2025 - Curious about what’s next for healthcare in America? Calley Means, a special government employee for RFK Jr. and co-author of Good Energy, sat down at POLITICO's 2025 Health Care Summit to talk about bold plans to tackle the chronic disease crisis head-on. Calley does not hold back and confronts the pharma lobbyist in the room head on. From reversing the trend of declining life expectancy to reimagining healthcare systems that reward prevention, Means doesn’t hold back.
Speech
How the Elite Rigged Society (and why it’s falling apart) - David Brooks critiques the societal role of the educated elite, focusing on their impact on social, moral, and institutional systems. He argues that inequality created a class divide, while a shift toward individual morality weakened shared values, drawing on historical perspectives that highlight the importance of a collective moral order. Brooks also connects the rise of figures such as Donald Trump to elite culture, describing what he sees as a departure from traditional conservative principles like steady reform, institutional support, and moral norms.
However, he acknowledges the spiritual resources available to confront societal challenges, pointing to a legacy of shared traditions and values that can help rebuild cohesion
Articles I Read
Politics and Free Speech
My Name is Mahmoud Khalil and I Am a Political Prisoner (In These Times) - Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist and self-described political prisoner dictates a letter to his attorneys from an ICE detention center in Louisiana. Arrested on March 8th, Khalil believes his detention is retaliation for his outspoken advocacy against the war in Gaza and his calls for a free Palestine. Drawing parallels to Palestinians imprisoned without due process in Israel, he also condemns institutions like Columbia University for silencing pro-Palestinian voices through disciplinary actions.
Mahmoud Khalil Omitted Past UNRWA Work from Green Card Application, DOJ Alleges (National Review) - Ever wonder what happens when paperwork gets messy? The DOJ is raising eyebrows, alleging Mahmoud Khalil left out his past work with UNRWA on his green card application. It’s a thorny case that’s got folks talking about transparency and immigration rules. Dive in to see what’s at stake!
“A New World Order With European Values”: The Unholy Union of Globalism and Anti-Free Speech Measures (Jonathan Turley) - Turley’s warning about free speech curbs dressed up as “values” spooked me—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who cherishes open debate. He’s sounding the alarm about globalism cozying up with moves to curb free speech, all dressed up in “European values.” It’s a thought-provoking look at what’s brewing across the pond and what it means for our voices.
American Industry and Trade
I’m a Soybean Farmer Who Voted for Trump. I’m Begging the President to End the Trade War (The Free Press) - Caleb’s plea hit me in the gut—his struggle shows how trade wars hurt real people, not just headlines. A Trump voter, he shares his growing concern about how the trade war with China is crushing American farmers. China is the biggest buyer of U.S. soybeans, and with no deal in sight, farmers are struggling as costs outweigh revenues. He emphasizes the stakes—not just for farmers but for the entire agricultural sector and millions of jobs. His message to Trump? Strike a deal before it’s too late.
Deepening Trade Fight With China Poses New Threat to U.S. Farmers (NYT) - How we balance “America First” with real-world pain? The US-China trade dispute is heating up, with tariffs soaring—145% on Chinese goods, 84% on American imports. This standoff hits farmers hard, especially soybean producers worried about losing China, their top market. While relief measures may be on the table, the long-term fallout remains uncertain.
What I Learned About ‘America First’ in a Pennsylvania Steel Mill (Washington Post) - This story grounded me—seeing “America First” through a steel mill’s grit makes pride and struggle feel so real. Picture this: a Pennsylvania steel mill, clanging away, teaching big lessons about “America First.” It takes you inside the heart of U.S. industry, exploring what national pride looks like on the factory floor. It’s a heartfelt read that hits home.
Culture and Stories
Tyler Cowen: Welcome to Our Weird and Wild Century. It’s a Lot Like the 17th (The Free Press) - I found Cowen’s travel through time fascinating—linking today’s chaos to the 1600s makes me rethink what’s driving our world. From wild politics to big ideas, this piece connects the dots between then and now. It’s a fun, mind-bending ride for history buffs and curious folks alike.
Nearly Forgotten, a 1969 Double Murder in Austin Still Haunts Some (Texas Monthly) - Grab a cozy blanket—this true crime tale from 1969 Austin is chilling. A double murder that slipped through the cracks still lingers in the city’s memory. Texas Monthly spins a haunting story that’ll keep you hooked, wondering what really happened.
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I really love this. Added All the colors of the dark to my TBR.
I just finished “all the colors of the dark”. Oof. It was a brilliant character driven book. Heavy…but so good.