Weekly Email 7/20/26
- Anja Sophia Crooks
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
 Photo near Moab. |
Topic of the Week: RTB Principle #2, Facts and Evidence This week we continue our deep dive into the RTB Principles with #2: "Facts, supported by objectively examined evidence, are the basis for what to believe and how to act." Decisions between people need a starting point; each side needs to start working from a set of facts that is grounded in evidence. Prior to the founding of this country and the Enlightenment, it was common for truth to be determined by the Church and the Crown. If the King declared that the sun made a journey around the earth every day, then it must be the truth. Our founders were influenced by thinkers like Locke, Hume, and Bacon. They emphasized using experience and reason to understand our world, and to define natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property. Jefferson and Madison adopted many of Locke's principles to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. At Restore the Balance, we think politicians should know how to find facts and examine evidence as the starting point for deliberations and decision-making. Where we get our facts becomes of prime importance. Algorithms on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and elsewhere all conspire to reinforce our beliefs and our preferred viewpoints, and also to amplify fear and hatred. Newspapers are held to a higher standard (except the National Enquirer, perhaps). Our second RTB principle emphasizes our desire that our elected officials be able to analyze facts and evidence, instead of blindly adhering to the "party line," whether left or right. What politicians then choose to do or not do about the same set of facts, well, that's politics. |
Save the Date: RTB Water Forum Where Is Our Water Going? From the Mountains to Your Front Yard and Beyond! In the midst of this historic drought, we all have many questions about water issues. RTB is currently organizing a forum to discuss some of these concerns. The panel will include speakers from the Colorado River District, Division of Water Resources (Division 4, Gunnison River), Grand Valley Water Users Association, and Grand Valley Irrigation Company. Further information will follow soon, but for now, save the date for this important and timely conversation:
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Some Suggestions Consider reading this report from the RAND Corporation: Truth Decay: An Initial Exploration of the Diminishing Role of Facts and Analysis in American Public Life For more on press freedom, consider this podcast: Global Press Freedom Hits Record Low — Democracy Now Podcast Why you shouldn't complain of demonic possession, especially in the Middle Ages: A fascinating look at the history of superstition vs. science |
In the Spirit of Optimism and Teamwork The World Cup brought us many uplifting moments, not just on the pitch, but also in the stands, where fans showed us their patriotism, their culture, and how to have a good time. Will we ever forget the Viking Row? |
Social Hour Recap Over 20 RTB supporters attended the July Social at Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Palisade. Facilitated conversation centered around a podcast from The Rest Is Politics U.S. Topics included polling showing that only 29% of American adults are satisfied with how the country is going, with twenty percent of Americans controlling 87% of the wealth. Discussion also included inequities in tax policy, disagreement about the possible lean of the Democratic Party to Democratic Socialism, the problems with the political "duopoly" of the Republican and Democratic parties, and the fear many feel prohibiting greater involvement in politics, especially door-to-door neighborhood canvassing. All attendees seemed very receptive to the Socials having a combination of a topical general conversation with informal small group socializing to follow. We appreciate all those who attended and participated. Also, our thanks to Sauvage Spectrum Winery for being our host location and for the delicious selection of wines. |
Upcoming Events
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On the Radar: Local Government Meetings
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Thank you to all who have submitted photos, podcasts, and video recommendations. We will publish a recommendation in each category every week. Please keep them coming! Want to Contribute to Our Weekly Newsletter? Our best recommendations come from you! Have you read a thought-provoking book? Listened to an insightful podcast? Found an article worth sharing? Captured a beautiful photo of Western Colorado? We want to feature your discoveries and perspectives in our Monday Update. You can share resources, suggest topics you'd like RTB to address, or submit photos from around our community. All submissions can be anonymous or attributed to you; it's your choice. Submit your recommendations here Let's learn from each other and build a more informed community together. Don't forget to vote in 2026: November general. |
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