> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://pamphleteer.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What we should do with manifestos - URL: https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/what-we-should-do-with-manifestos/ - Published: 2024-12-17T19:41:24.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-17T11:18:24.000Z - Description: 📝 Library of Congress tier · Mystery in the sky · Week in streaming · Much more! - Author: The Pamphleteer - Tags: Newsletter, #Import 2026-08-01 20:40 **Good afternoon, everyone.* **Christmas Party tomorrow. RSVP* [**here*](https://lu.ma/np3ui9i1?ref=pamphleteer.co) *for location.* **Onward.* Tragedy struck Wisconsin yesterday after a 15-year-old girl opened fire at a Christian school in Madison, killing three—including herself—and injuring six others. As is typically the case with the media coverage and discourse around these horrible acts, we’ve learned a lot about the shooter and her motives in the interim. Understandably, the victims' names have been kept out of the press, and in their place have come calls for gun control—and a dark fascination with the girl who carried out the act. Something that’s started to emerge whenever a school shooting occurs is the algebraic formulation of when and how the “manifesto” is released. Like hanging on to the edge of our seats for the cliffhanger at the end of a series finale, we calculate the time it takes for the materials to be distributed to the broader public for consumption and proper sorting of the act into whatever political box they seem to fit into. Too long, and the murderer is probably a leftist—maybe even trans. Too short, and the perp expresses opaque or vaguely right-wing sentiments. This has become especially true given the withholding of the Covenant killer’s manifesto. Since then, every time another deranged person has gone into a school with a gun to kill, a chorus of questions regarding the Covenant manifesto emerges from the broader right with as much surety as the gun control messaging comes from the left. It’s about “free speech,” they will claim. We *need* to know the motive of these killers. I’ve consistently taken the opposite stance on this. I think we should censor, burn, and launch into the stratosphere all materials related to school shootings, be it the writings of the shooters themselves, the basement tapes of the famous Columbine kids, or social media profiles revealing any amount of information about the killer. These crimes are *mimetic*. In 1890, French sociologist Grabiel Tarde argued in his book *The Laws of Imitation* that the media were the primary source of all crimes. "Epidemics of crime follow the line of the telegraph," Tarde noted. If people with deranged and violent intentions knew that their acts of ritualistic murder wouldn’t lead to millions of people reading their manifestos, poring over their thoughts, and—intentionally or not—lauding them with attention, they would be less likely to carry out these murderous acts. But, in the interest of preserving my status as a staunch free speech advocate, I’ve come to something of a compromise with those who scream about freedom whenever you suggest burying the deranged scribblings of the most despicable people in our society—or maybe any society in the history of mankind—produces: let’s put these writings in the Library of Congress. These are seminal works pushing the bounds of permissible speech. Works of art. Let the scholars, and potentially, the especially motivated school shooters pore over them in the sacred confines of our nation’s most lofty chamber of knowledge. In the absence of comedians probing the bounds of acceptable speech, we get school shooters whose thoughts and inner world illuminate the extant boundaries of what the Founders envisioned when they enshrined the right to free speech in the Constitution. I’m exaggerating my claim to make a point, but realistically, the only alternative I see is to turn elementary, middle, and high schools into what amount to mass surveillance prison complexes to keep these deranged freaks out (which is absolutely necessary in the short term, to be clear) and amp up the surveillance state to pre-empt such attacks. Over 90 percent of school shooters announce their intentions before carrying out their attacks. Tennessee’s law [punishing children for making such threats](https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/08/21/another-lawsuit-challenges-use-of-threats-of-mass-violence-law-to-arrest-students-in-school/?ref=pamphleteer.co) will no doubt catch *some* of them, but proactive surveillance would be the next logical step in the quest to eradicate school shooters. In the long term, I think that the slight infringement on the rights of school shooters is a better policy here than impugning all of our rights. If you disagree, then let’s meet in the middle, put them in the Library of Congress, and admit to ourselves what we are turning these writings into: a testament to the power of the First Amendment. *DAVIS HUNT* #### ⧖⧗⧖ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ⧗⧖⧗ If you want to support our work at *The Pamphleteer*, a recurring donation is the best way. We have a $10/month **Grub Street** tier and a $50/month **Bard tier**. Membership gets you access to our comments section and free access to upcoming events. [→ BECOME A MEMBER ←](https://pamphleteer.co/#/portal/) ![Nashville](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2021/10/nashville-label.png) **🏛️ Last Metro Council Meeting Of 2024** Though Morgan Wallen was [officially sentenced](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/despite-the-witches-cookeville-persists/) last week for [throwing a chair](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/cookeville-mayor-wishes-you-a-witchy-christmas/) off Eric Church’s rooftop bar, it seems the council will get its chance to make the final judgment on his character during tonight’s meeting. Once again, the body faces the decision to either accept or reject Wallen’s request to hang a [standard-issue honky tonk neon](https://x.com/realpamphleteer/status/1793241520255951001?ref=pamphleteer.co) on Broadway. The body rejected the initial aerial encroachment [resolution](https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6693410&GUID=4C3D8EE7-AB23-4C37-AD0D-F72BBF780E17&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=107+4th+Ave+North&ref=pamphleteer.co) in May after at least one council member made it clear that they do [not appreciate](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/leave-them-broadway-signs-alone/) the country crooner’s past antics—a seemingly biased decision that could have [invited a lawsuit](https://x.com/piv4law/status/1793421174430654480?ref=pamphleteer.co). The council will also weigh in on a few other important pieces of legislation, including the mayor’s [$527 million Capital Spending Plan](https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7031732&GUID=2B038F65-9FFF-4623-A6DE-B9D21312DFD3&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=RS2024-882&ref=pamphleteer.co), [applications](https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7049321&GUID=E72EE624-7A18-4F33-9DEB-FEFB74DF64E8&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=RS2024-940&ref=pamphleteer.co) for School Resource Officer grants that could add officers in Nashville elementary schools, and Councilmember Jeff Pretits’ refiled [legislation](https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7049344&GUID=1ACA85F6-C632-4C2D-80DF-8BD507B5A76A&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=RS2024-950&ref=pamphleteer.co) addressing MNPD hate group and gang affiliations. Though we may see a [few flurries](https://hoodline.com/2024/12/nashville-weather-update-light-rain-and-fog-set-the-scene-with-possible-rain-and-snow-mix-overnight/?ref=pamphleteer.co) overnight, it won’t hinder tonight’s meeting. ✰ ✰ ✰ **🤠 Brooks Finds Himself In Low Places** Speaking of courtroom drama and country music legends, a California judge [denied](https://fox17.com/news/entertainment/report-garth-brooks-denied-request-to-dismiss-sexual-assault-lawsuit?ref=pamphleteer.co) Garth Brooks’ request to dismiss a [sexual assault lawsuit](https://fox17.com/news/local/garth-brooks-accused-of-sexual-assault-and-battery-denies-allegations-as-extortion?ref=pamphleteer.co) last week. According to *Fox17*, one of the singer’s former makeup artists has alleged he raped her in 2019\. In addition to denying the allegations, Brooks also filed a countersuit back in October citing [extortion and defamation](https://fox17.com/news/local/garth-brooks-countersues-former-employee-alleging-extortion-and-defamation?ref=pamphleteer.co). ✰ ✰ ✰ **😶‍🌫️ Mystery In The Sky** Yesterday, Senator Marsha Blackburn[ sent a letter](https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/services/files/E64466F0-D5F7-4702-A92E-FEF856393120?ref=pamphleteer.co) to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the Department of Defense to address the drone sightings reported across the Eastern United States. “These incidents, which seem to involve clusters of drones appearing near critical infrastructure and sensitive areas, represent a growing threat to our national security that demands immediate and serious attention,” she wrote. Blackburn requested that the department take action in protecting US airspace, including military intervention if necessary, to deter foreign interference and intimidation—and she’s not the only Tennessee legislator sounding the alarm. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett of Knoxville also[ raised concerns](https://www.wkrn.com/video/lawmakers-pushing-for-answers-over-drones/10297056/?ref=pamphleteer.co). “Somebody’s testing us, and we’re failing that test,” he told *WKRN* on Friday. “This White House—this administration—they can study it, do all the reports, but until somebody knocks one of those things daggum things down and finds out what the heck they are or where they’re from, we’re not ever going to solve it.” Though he jokingly admitted to being the “UFO guy,” Burchett doesn’t believe the mysterious drones are extraterrestrial: “Why would they fly a hundred lightyears or whatever and have blinking lights under our federal regulations?” #### DEVELOPMENT [![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2024/12/image-90.png.webp)](https://citynownext.com/2024/12/16/11000sf-seafood-restaurant-headed-to-river-north-in-nashville/?ref=pamphleteer.co) ****Via Now Next** 11,000SF Seafood Restaurant Headed To River North In Nashville ([More Info](https://citynownext.com/2024/12/16/11000sf-seafood-restaurant-headed-to-river-north-in-nashville/?ref=pamphleteer.co)) - Earnest Bar & Hideaway in WeHo to re-open as The Hideaway ([NBJ](https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2024/12/16/restaurant-roundup-weho-restaurant-nations-brewery.html?utm%5Fsource=st&utm%5Fmedium=en&utm%5Fcampaign=ae&utm%5Fcontent=NA&j=37868475&senddate=2024-12-16&empos=p6)) - East Nashville building located near Five Points listed for sale ([Post](https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/east-nashville-building-located-near-five-points-listed-for-sale/article%5Fff0156ac-bbc7-11ef-9ee1-a3be48f9bece.html?utm%5Fsource=ActiveCampaign&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcontent=PM%20News%3A%20November%20s%20top%20sales%20for%20Headline%20Homes&utm%5Fcampaign=Nashville%20Post%20121624%20PM)) - Boutique brewery Czann's to close in The Nations ([Post](https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/retail/boutique-brewery-closes-in-the-nations/article%5F00b96fb6-bbfa-11ef-899e-839b840dc5b0.html?utm%5Fsource=ActiveCampaign&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcontent=AM%20News%3A%20Pickers%20Vodka%20acquired%20by%20Big%20Machine&utm%5Fcampaign=Nashville%20Post%20121724%20AM)) ![Off the Cuff](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/01/off-the-cuff.png) ### ✹ THE WEEK IN STREAMING (December 17th) [![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2024/12/michael-dziedzic-0W4XLGITrHg-unsplash-1-3-3-4.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/post/this-week-in-streaming-december-17th/) **Our recommendations to counteract the endless scrolling.* [***Joker: Folie à Deux***](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/joker%5Ffolie%5Fa%5Fdeux?ref=pamphleteer.co) **(Max)** The year’s most loathed blockbuster makes its streaming debut as Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga bridge incel culture and the heyday of the Hollywood musical. Forget what the critics and fanboys think. As [we said](https://pamphleteer.co/post/the-fine-art-of-audience-implication/) in October, it’s a stunning and savvy piece of work. [**Christmas Flix** ](https://christmasflix.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)Those tired of BB guns and the Griswolds could do worse than this eclectic hub for short videos, public-domain movies, and classic TV ranging from recipes with Natasha Burre to episodes of *Dragnet* and *Jack Benny*. Our pick: [*The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet*](https://christmasflix.com/videos/the-adventures-of-ozzie-and-harriet/?ref=pamphleteer.co) Christmas collection–especially the heartfelt, cross-generational crowdpleaser “A Piano for the Fraternity.” [***Red One***](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red%5Fone?ref=pamphleteer.co) **(Prime)** The Rock enters the Christmas movie fray with *Jumanji* director Jake Kasden as the head of North Pole security, who teams up with a bounty hunter (Chris Evans) to thwart a plot to kidnap Santa (J. K. Simmons). It’s more *Fred Claus* than *Miracle on 34th Street* as its middling November box-office indicates, but it’s a nice throwback to a simpler time. ![Entertainment](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2022/01/Group-27.png) ## THINGS TO DO *View our calendar for the week* [*here*](https://pamphleteer.co/calendar/events-for-the-week-of-december-16/) *and our weekly film rundown* [*here*](https://pamphleteer.co/post/weekly-film-rundown-december-13-19/)*.* 📅 Visit our [On The Radar](https://pamphleteer.co/post/on-the-radar/) list to find upcoming events around Nashville. 🎧 On Spotify: [Pamphleteer's Picks](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46Yds4VbS47NzRa4blrWUY?si=2040311a7d7f403f&ref=pamphleteer.co), a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week. 👨🏻‍🌾 Check out our Nashville [farmer's market guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/nashville-farmers-market-guide/) and [yearly festival guide](https://pamphleteer.co/post/pamphleteer-festival-guide-2024/). #### TONIGHT **🎸** Drew & Ellie Holcomb's Neighborly Christmas @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 7:30p, $94, [Info](https://tickets.nashvillesymphony.org/9412/9423?ref=pamphleteer.co) 🎄 Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman @ Ryman Auditorium, 7:30p, $50+, [Info](https://www.ryman.com/event/amy-grant-vince-gill-christmas?ref=pamphleteer.co) **🎸** Honky Tonk Tuesday @ Eastside Bowl, 8p, $10, [Info‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌](https://wl.seetickets.us/event/honky-tonk-tuesdays-ft-the-cowpokes/613647?afflky=EastsideBowl&ref=pamphleteer.co) *\+ two-step lessons @ 7p, The Cowpokes @ 8p* **🎸** Cole Ritter and the Night Owls @ The Underdog, 11:30p, Free, [Info‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌](https://tunehatch.com/shows/114013038?ref=pamphleteer.co) ![In case you missed it...](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/01/Group-20.png) 📰 *Check out the full newsletter archive [here](https://pamphleteer.co/tag/newsletter/)*. [Witchy Mayor Wheaton and Her Coven Make Historical Changes to Christmas Parade That Suppress Religious Speech. Community Organizes a Competing EventA follow-up on Saturday’s Cookeville Christmas Parade![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerEllis Crawford![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2024/12/wearethemoney_Colored_Concept_Drawing_of_a_priest_holding_a_c_aa58e57e-d22a-41d4-824e-279ee964719c_1-1.png)](https://pamphleteer.co/post/witchy-mayor-wheaton-and-her-coven-make-historical-changes-to-christmas-parade-that-suppress-religious-speech-community-organizes-a-competing-event/) [Oscar-Bait Dispatch: Revisiting The ApprenticeClaims that Donald Trump’s election is ruining lives have abounded since November 5th. But, other than the career DC bureaucrats threatened by DOGE, actor Sebastian Stan may be the one person with a legitimate gripe. 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