In an annual message from the editor, Kurt Volkan writes that many of the problems that plagued Democrats in the 2024 election were obvious in advance based on the way readers of Presser voted with clicks. He argues that the Democrats must return to a platform that is based on sensibleness, sanity, and sound science if they want to find electoral success in 2026, 2028, and beyond.

Abhishek Saha critiques mandatory DEI/EDI statements in academia, arguing they serve as ideological litmus tests that undermine academic freedom and inhibit the pursuit of truth. He advocates for a return to merit-based evaluations in the recruitment, retention, and promotion of university faculty and staff.

Isaac Arbol Reed shares the story of his transition and detransition, focusing specifically on his changing views toward and relationship with his chest, from imagining breasts and exploring prosthetics to having jelly capsules implanted and eventually extracted.

Matt Thornton examines the claim that police are deliberately using deadly force against innocent people because of their skin color. Based on a careful look at the data and public info on fatal police shootings, he finds the police are a threat to your life—but only if you are engaged in criminal activity and you violently resist arrest, no matter your race.

Emma Muniz discusses her experience at the inaugural Dissident Dialogues, which she found to be an inspiring, eye-opening event, and describes the ways in which it has been grossly misrepresented by one sneering critic.

Luke Conway explains how it’s not just right-wing extremists who long for an authority figure to crush their enemies, silence opponents, and restore order; it’s also those who preach “be kind” and celebrate their “inclusivity” who have become authoritarian bullies.