Sam Harlan
@samharlan.bsky.social
Can’t keep my mouth shut about history. Pro-NATO. Urbanism Enjoyer. Love Formula 1. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
People desperately want smart, educated, competent leaders. They just don’t want smug, condescending ones.
It’s not like highly educated leaders intrinsically struggle to connect with less highly educated people. It’s largely about tone and respect.
It’s not like highly educated leaders intrinsically struggle to connect with less highly educated people. It’s largely about tone and respect.
September 28, 2025 at 1:36 PM
People desperately want smart, educated, competent leaders. They just don’t want smug, condescending ones.
It’s not like highly educated leaders intrinsically struggle to connect with less highly educated people. It’s largely about tone and respect.
It’s not like highly educated leaders intrinsically struggle to connect with less highly educated people. It’s largely about tone and respect.
I’m always amazed by the amount of people who agree that too many people, especially kids in schools, are being shot and killed with firearms and then will tell you, with a straight face, that MORE access to firearms is the thing that will finally fix the problem.
August 29, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I’m always amazed by the amount of people who agree that too many people, especially kids in schools, are being shot and killed with firearms and then will tell you, with a straight face, that MORE access to firearms is the thing that will finally fix the problem.
For all of the people that gave me grace when I was young and stupid, for all of the people who have me understanding when I was unreasonable, for all of the people who gave me kindness when I was unkind and weak-minded,
Because of you, I will stand up for what is right and just. Always. Thank you.
Because of you, I will stand up for what is right and just. Always. Thank you.
August 16, 2025 at 1:23 PM
For all of the people that gave me grace when I was young and stupid, for all of the people who have me understanding when I was unreasonable, for all of the people who gave me kindness when I was unkind and weak-minded,
Because of you, I will stand up for what is right and just. Always. Thank you.
Because of you, I will stand up for what is right and just. Always. Thank you.
There is already enough evidence for concern about AI to justify heavy regulation.
We will cognitively stunt an entire generation if we do not act to guarantee responsible application of AI (where its use can even be justified in the first place) — especially in learning environments.
We will cognitively stunt an entire generation if we do not act to guarantee responsible application of AI (where its use can even be justified in the first place) — especially in learning environments.
June 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
There is already enough evidence for concern about AI to justify heavy regulation.
We will cognitively stunt an entire generation if we do not act to guarantee responsible application of AI (where its use can even be justified in the first place) — especially in learning environments.
We will cognitively stunt an entire generation if we do not act to guarantee responsible application of AI (where its use can even be justified in the first place) — especially in learning environments.
We should be a country that builds great things. We should have a system of public transportation that is the envy of the world. We should have cities that are affordable and world renowned for their beauty and how much people just want to be in them.
That we don’t is a matter of choice.
That we don’t is a matter of choice.
June 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
We should be a country that builds great things. We should have a system of public transportation that is the envy of the world. We should have cities that are affordable and world renowned for their beauty and how much people just want to be in them.
That we don’t is a matter of choice.
That we don’t is a matter of choice.
The amount of risk we expose ourselves to so that everyone can get around as quickly as possible (at the expense of any semblance of safety) in their individual 2 ton metal box is frankly ridiculous.
May 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM
The amount of risk we expose ourselves to so that everyone can get around as quickly as possible (at the expense of any semblance of safety) in their individual 2 ton metal box is frankly ridiculous.
Politics aside, there are obvious consequences to giving someone “emergency” powers and then also giving them the absolute power to declare the emergency that unlocks those powers.
Surely the loophole is evident there, right? It flies in the face of responsible government.
Surely the loophole is evident there, right? It flies in the face of responsible government.
May 29, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Politics aside, there are obvious consequences to giving someone “emergency” powers and then also giving them the absolute power to declare the emergency that unlocks those powers.
Surely the loophole is evident there, right? It flies in the face of responsible government.
Surely the loophole is evident there, right? It flies in the face of responsible government.
Spring Vintage Weekend at Road America was absolutely fantastic. I will absolutely be coming back next year for more.
I also loved that there was some current generation racing mixed in with the classics.
I also loved that there was some current generation racing mixed in with the classics.
May 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Spring Vintage Weekend at Road America was absolutely fantastic. I will absolutely be coming back next year for more.
I also loved that there was some current generation racing mixed in with the classics.
I also loved that there was some current generation racing mixed in with the classics.
Hearing about my financial future in terms of how many dolls is a good number for a kid to have is incredibly patronizing and insulting.
May 7, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Hearing about my financial future in terms of how many dolls is a good number for a kid to have is incredibly patronizing and insulting.
Alex Albon is on an absolute tear in his Williams so far this year. Sainz clearly finding his footing as well. It has been a pleasure to watch and I hope that the team’s form continues like this!
May 5, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Alex Albon is on an absolute tear in his Williams so far this year. Sainz clearly finding his footing as well. It has been a pleasure to watch and I hope that the team’s form continues like this!
Reposted by Sam Harlan
I am an urbanist because I think everyone deserves the luxury of being able to Walk To The Store
I think this is the first time I've lived walking distance from a grocery store and I'm out of my mind about it. I'll walk there several times a day. Oh did I forget to grab something? No big deal I'll simply Walk To The Store
May 4, 2025 at 5:54 AM
I am an urbanist because I think everyone deserves the luxury of being able to Walk To The Store
Kids don’t want to play outside when outside is nothing but a sea of sun-blasted asphalt, copy-pasted box stores, and there aren’t any places to hang out without having to spend money.
The problem is very simple. It isn’t the kids, it’s the way we design our spaces.
The problem is very simple. It isn’t the kids, it’s the way we design our spaces.
May 4, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Kids don’t want to play outside when outside is nothing but a sea of sun-blasted asphalt, copy-pasted box stores, and there aren’t any places to hang out without having to spend money.
The problem is very simple. It isn’t the kids, it’s the way we design our spaces.
The problem is very simple. It isn’t the kids, it’s the way we design our spaces.
When a “mistake” was made in knowing contravention of the law and of specific court orders, it is pertinent to refer to it as an “illegal decision.”
I’ve been seeing the word “mistaken” thrown around a lot in place of “illegal.” It strips much of the gravity from the situation.
I’ve been seeing the word “mistaken” thrown around a lot in place of “illegal.” It strips much of the gravity from the situation.
April 15, 2025 at 12:40 AM
When a “mistake” was made in knowing contravention of the law and of specific court orders, it is pertinent to refer to it as an “illegal decision.”
I’ve been seeing the word “mistaken” thrown around a lot in place of “illegal.” It strips much of the gravity from the situation.
I’ve been seeing the word “mistaken” thrown around a lot in place of “illegal.” It strips much of the gravity from the situation.
It is unbelievably insulting to be told that “losing money is just meaningless digital ones and zeroes” by wealthy influencers, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
It’s not “just money.” It’s rent, it’s groceries, It’s gas. it’s being able to live independently.
It’s not “just money.” It’s rent, it’s groceries, It’s gas. it’s being able to live independently.
April 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
It is unbelievably insulting to be told that “losing money is just meaningless digital ones and zeroes” by wealthy influencers, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
It’s not “just money.” It’s rent, it’s groceries, It’s gas. it’s being able to live independently.
It’s not “just money.” It’s rent, it’s groceries, It’s gas. it’s being able to live independently.
Reposted by Sam Harlan
FDR and Lincoln were heroic leaders
April 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
FDR and Lincoln were heroic leaders
I’m not an economist. Can someone tell me if this is a good thing?
April 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM
I’m not an economist. Can someone tell me if this is a good thing?
There is no such thing as an honest or complete telling of American history which does not include a discussion of the injustices which it wrought on countless people.
A genuine, sober recognition of history is the only real remedy against repeating it.
A genuine, sober recognition of history is the only real remedy against repeating it.
March 31, 2025 at 6:27 PM
There is no such thing as an honest or complete telling of American history which does not include a discussion of the injustices which it wrought on countless people.
A genuine, sober recognition of history is the only real remedy against repeating it.
A genuine, sober recognition of history is the only real remedy against repeating it.
I simply believe that due process should apply to everyone within the United States. I didn’t realize this could ever be construed as a controversial opinion.
March 27, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I simply believe that due process should apply to everyone within the United States. I didn’t realize this could ever be construed as a controversial opinion.
Alex Albon was next level on Saturday evening. Calm, clean, fast — a well deserved 5th place finish. Besides having 2 drivers actually complete the race, I don’t think Williams could have asked much more this weekend.
March 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Alex Albon was next level on Saturday evening. Calm, clean, fast — a well deserved 5th place finish. Besides having 2 drivers actually complete the race, I don’t think Williams could have asked much more this weekend.
In any situation where you need to have a fixed number of supporters in order to achieve something, but do not have them, it’s YOUR obligation to make a coalition or negotiate with those who do not support your initiative.
If you fail to do so, that reflects on you - not those who you need to sway.
If you fail to do so, that reflects on you - not those who you need to sway.
March 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
In any situation where you need to have a fixed number of supporters in order to achieve something, but do not have them, it’s YOUR obligation to make a coalition or negotiate with those who do not support your initiative.
If you fail to do so, that reflects on you - not those who you need to sway.
If you fail to do so, that reflects on you - not those who you need to sway.
Sometimes doing your best means doing what you can.
Sometimes doing what you can isn’t doing an awful lot.
And that is okay.
Sometimes doing what you can isn’t doing an awful lot.
And that is okay.
March 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Sometimes doing your best means doing what you can.
Sometimes doing what you can isn’t doing an awful lot.
And that is okay.
Sometimes doing what you can isn’t doing an awful lot.
And that is okay.
If there was actually evidence of widespread fraud — enough to justify shutting down congressionally approved agencies basically overnight — wouldn’t there also be lawsuits?
February 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
If there was actually evidence of widespread fraud — enough to justify shutting down congressionally approved agencies basically overnight — wouldn’t there also be lawsuits?
Promoting walkability and access to public transit goes hand-in-hand with supporting small businesses.
Closer, more walkable communities facilitate stronger local business.
More importantly, though, these communities are healthier and serve their residents better.
Closer, more walkable communities facilitate stronger local business.
More importantly, though, these communities are healthier and serve their residents better.
February 17, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Promoting walkability and access to public transit goes hand-in-hand with supporting small businesses.
Closer, more walkable communities facilitate stronger local business.
More importantly, though, these communities are healthier and serve their residents better.
Closer, more walkable communities facilitate stronger local business.
More importantly, though, these communities are healthier and serve their residents better.
I am convinced that “DOGE” has just downloaded a PDF of some treasury documents detailing funding, hit “CTRL+F,” and typed ‘trans’ and is going around cutting any agency that had a highlighted result anywhere in its budget while pretending to be genius cost-cutters.
February 17, 2025 at 12:33 PM
I am convinced that “DOGE” has just downloaded a PDF of some treasury documents detailing funding, hit “CTRL+F,” and typed ‘trans’ and is going around cutting any agency that had a highlighted result anywhere in its budget while pretending to be genius cost-cutters.
Williams F1 launched their 2025 car today, and I am probably coping in my hope but I think they’re going to outperform expectations this year. I’m excited to see it on the grid!
February 14, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Williams F1 launched their 2025 car today, and I am probably coping in my hope but I think they’re going to outperform expectations this year. I’m excited to see it on the grid!