April 16th, 2025 // Vol. VIII // Who Am I, Anyways?

Buenas Tardes. It’s beautifully sunny in Houston on this Wednesday afternoon, also known:

• National Banana Day (Monkeys at zoos across the country must be going nuts)

• National Bean Counter Day (Today must feel like Christmas for accountants)

• National Orchid Day (One of my favorite flowers)

• National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day (haha, jokes on you—I can do that every day)

• National Eggs Benedict Day (this is probably controversial, but hold the hollandaise)

It’s another afternoon edition today due to extenuating circumstances outside my control (and multiple other factors within my control). Today also marks the start of Week 2 of this endeavor, and I realize that I haven’t given y’all much background on just about anything about me. That changes today, with a new entry in Boofypedia for y’all. Time of day be damned, let’s get right to it and have a day:

New Entry in:

A recent graduate of Northwestern University, Boofy is the author of “The Daily Boofy,” one of the most renowned newsletters in all the land.

In a recent interview (with himself) on his journey to starting “The Daily Boofy”, he had this to say:

“For a while, I was scared to write about politics. Sports and all the other random stuff was no problem, but I didn’t have the confidence to put my political opinions out there. I think it came from a place of fear, but I started to realize that was pretty stupid. Most fear is pretty stupid in general, but that’s a topic for another day.

“I think I was mostly scared of people disagreeing and not being seen as ‘right,’ but I’ve learned that disagreement is actually a good thing, as long as it is respectful and comes with a willingness to listen and learn. By giving my opinions and inviting discussion, I can help create a safe space where enlightened disagreement can take place.

“This sort of discussion can help tear down the echo chambers that exist on both sides and help facilitate understanding as to why both sides believe what they do. In turn, common ground can be found, allowing for healthy conversation and compromise.

“It’s good to read and engage with things you don’t agree with, as it forces you to think critically about the opposing position, and, more importantly, your own. That’s what I’m trying to do with this newsletter, grabbing news stories from organizations across the spectrum and giving my own takes.

“You don’t have to agree with me, and it might honestly be better if you don’t, as my take exposes you to a different way of thinking you might not have considered. I’m not trying to convince anyone that I’m right. I’m just asking that you be willing to engage with me instead of just unsubscribing and keeping the door to your chamber locked.

“Far too often, our default reaction when we disagree with someone is “You’re wrong, I’m right, and you’re stupid for not agreeing.” Instead, we should be approaching disagreement graciously, saying “I disagree with you, but tell me more about why you think that.” Too often we rob people of their experiences, be it with identity politics or general ignorance. Hearing more about why people think the way they do can help you realize a lot about your own beliefs.”

In that same interview, in the spirit of transparency, Boofy gave some insight as to his own political journey:

“If people are going to entrust me with something as important as their daily news diet and endure my political takes, it’s only fair that they know where I’m coming from.

“My political journey really started around the eighth grade when I was in the midst of the perfect storm that was taking U.S. History at the same time as the 2016 election. As a young, male teen living in Texas and attending private school, it’s probably not very hard to guess which side of the aisle I was most exposed to. I can find some pictures from our DC trip that year if you need any help--just be prepared for a lot of red hats.

“As time went on, my political interest was growing, but so was my general patriotism. I found an essay from sophomore English in which I highlighted that very fact, saying “I love this country and dream of serving it one day in some capacity.” It remains to be seen how that will manifest itself, but know that’s still the case.

“As I became more and more patriotic, I started thinking about actual policy and found myself drawn to the Right. Having just started working, I developed an ire for taxation, and I saw that as a major draw to the right. I would also cite hypocrisy on the left as a reason (boy, was I naive).

“Junior year, I joined the Young Republicans Club at my school after hearing one of the presidents speak at a World Update Club event. It was interesting learn more about different positions, and I found myself identifying with both Republican and Libertarian values.

“I enjoyed my time in the club so much that I decided to run for club president, and won. I held that position my senior year, which happened to coincide with the 2020 federal election. Having a September birthday, I was able to vote, and I decided to vote third-party for Jo Jorgenson (Libertarian).

“I’ll admit, a small part of that decision was so I could troll and say “I voted for Jo(e),” but I also saw it as a way to express my dissatisfaction with both of the main parties and the two old-heads they decided to run. ‘There has to be a better option,’ I thought.

“Obviously Joe Biden won, a fact I (but not all club members) readily accepted. We actually had a club meeting on January 6th, and we watched live as ‘patriots’ (insurrectionists) stormed the Capitol. We were cracking jokes, because some of it was pretty funny, but I also started to see how the Republican Party was evolving into Trump sycophants.

“As the year went on, I took care to focus on core Republican values in our meetings, and I also planned the event I am most proud of from my tenure as president.

“I, alongside the presidents of the Young Liberals Club, planned a ‘Four Corners’ Debate (For those unfamiliar: A Four Corners debate involves reading a series of statements and participants moving to one of the four corners: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree).

“We got collaborated on our statements, and got our two clubs together to run the event. Everything went swimmingly and respectfully. After the event, I implored everyone there to recognize how many times they stood next to someone from the other club. I wanted them to realize that, as Americans, we are far more similar than we are different. While we might disagree on certain things, keeping our similarities in mind helps us to be thoughtful and respectful. I see this moment as the inflection point to making me the political thinker I am today.

“As I finished high school, I remained politically active, working on the (failed) campaign of now Rep. Wesley Hunt. I also started to hear about Northwestern being quite the liberal institution.

“Once I got on campus, I looked into some of the political groups on campus that aligned with my beliefs at the time, but ultimately decided that I didn’t want to label myself and make the transition to college any more difficult.

“This departure from politics lasted until junior year. Yeah, I would talk shop with some of my friends and stay generally informed, but my involvement was nothing like what it was in high school.

“The turning point was October 7th. That horrific terror attack was shocking, but it also showed me just how broken political discourse is. Both sides are rife with misinformation and bad faith arguments, leading to an ever downward and divisive spiral.

“It was in the aftermath of that attack when I found Isaac Saul and Tangle. He penned a beautiful reflection on the attack, and that inspired me to check out his newsletter.

“Every day, Tangle picks a topic and presents what both the right and left are saying about it, before Isaac gives his own take. Seeing this level of critical thinking and non-partisanship was extremely inspiring. It showed me that it was ok to not align with either side and just think for yourself.

“Now, I still reject labels, but not out of fear like I did freshman year. Instead, it’s out of a sense of personal autonomy and a rejection of both parties.

“Have I become more ‘liberal’ since going to college? You could probably say that. I would contend, however, that I’ve simply met more people from a variety of backgrounds and creeds with their own unique lived experiences, and I’ve learned how to be a better critical thinker.

“At the end of the day, my political opinions are motivated by three things: Optimism, Patriotism, and Respect.

“Optimism that things can get better in this country and the future of America is a hopeful one, provided that we make the right decisions now.

“Patriotism and love for the greatest country on earth, and an undying belief in the ideals and principles that the country was founded on. Patriotism also includes recognizing the dark stains in our country’s past and learning from those mistakes to ensure we never make them again, but not hating America for it.

“Respect for everyone, regardless of party, race, gender, sexuality, anything. Being respectful, kind and empathetic can help us make better decisions and heal much of the divisiveness.

“So that’s what I’m all about. I think for myself without considering what either party might think. I’m a proud member of the disaffected middle, with positions on all sides of the aisle. I try to treat everyone with respect and grace, but I’m not afraid to call out the bad when I see it. I’m hopeful for the future of America, and committed to doing whatever I can to make that the best future it can be.”

Boofy’s political journey is still nascent, and he strives to keep an open mind. He appreciates grace and good discussion as he continues on his journey.

Yesterday’s Results

Top 3 Facts:

• Perth, Australia is closer to Antarctica than any other Australian city.

• The human eye can see more shades of green than any other color

• Crows are as intelligent as a 7-year-old