Welcome to The Choi Report.
In a society increasingly defined by symbolic gestures and moral performance, we are losing our grip on the foundational truths that sustain it. This newsletter is a project in intellectual realism. It is dedicated to examining the world as it is, rather than as political activists, elitist intellectuals, or bureaucrats wish it to be.
As a public scholar, my perspective is informed by a deep understanding of how systems operate, but the mission here is broader. Our team is here to challenge prevailing narratives that prioritize symbolism, smiles, feelings—collectively, “vibes”—over evidence and substance.
Our Values
This report is guided by a commitment to four essential values:
The Primacy of Trade-offs Over “Solutions”: We believe that most social problems are too complex to be “solved,” especially by centralized mandates; they are instead managed through inevitable trade-offs that carry inherent costs. Our work analyzes how government programs often generate negative consequences while eroding critical pillars of human flourishing—such as market innovation, family, and local community—only to persist regardless of the cost or the absence of tangible benefit.
Intellectual Clarity on Disparities: We reject the simplistic notion that every statistical disparity is de facto evidence of systemic injustice. We value a rigorous exploration of the complex cultural, social, and economic variables that lead to diverse outcomes in a free society, choosing objective inquiry over convenient narratives.
Substantive Excellence Over Symbolic Signaling: We value results that can be measured and institutions that function. This requires deconstructing “symbolic interventions” that prioritize optics and press releases at the expense of efficacy. We stand for high standards, individual merit, and functional integrity.
The Principle of Consequential Responsibility: We advocate for a future where policymakers and bureaucrats are held accountable for the actual outcomes of their initiatives. Currently, our system allows for the implementation of disastrous policies without those in power ever bearing the cost of their failures. We believe that true governance requires a direct link between decision-making and real-world results.
