The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6580 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Protests Media International relations Free speech
  1. The Glastonbury festival saw performances intertwined with strong anti-Israel sentiments, showcasing a loud protest atmosphere. Many attendees were actively chanting against the Israeli military.
  2. Some performers used their platforms to express controversial views, including calls for harm against Israeli defense forces. This sparked discussions and backlash across various media.
  3. The coverage of these events highlights a growing trend of linking criticism of Israel with broader social movements, raising concerns about how this affects perceptions of Jewish communities.

My Statement to Congress

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 23995 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Government funding Media Ethics Political speech
  1. The government should not control media or information. Instead of helping people decide what is true, it can weaken public trust in journalism.
  2. Censorship laws in other countries are becoming stricter, and many American citizens are currently facing repercussions for their speech abroad.
  3. Taxpayer money is being used to promote propaganda instead of real journalism, which can distort the truth and undermine democracy.

A Brief Note on Today's House Hearing

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16460 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Legislation Political parties Free speech
  1. There was a House hearing that showed a lot of disagreement, especially about digital censorship. Democrats seemed to treat the issue lightly, while Republicans were more serious about it.
  2. Many politicians seem to think truth can be easily defined, which is a troubling view. Polls show that many people now support laws against misinformation, but this raises questions about who gets to decide what is true.
  3. There was a time when members of Congress mainly respected each other and did quality investigations. Now, that sense of respect seems to be fading, which is disappointing for the institution.

Theo van Gogh

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Multiculturalism Extremism Political Change Free speech
  1. The murder of Theo van Gogh highlighted deep fears in Dutch society regarding immigration and integration. His death showed that tensions around multiculturalism were rising and that many people were worried about the impact of these changes.
  2. Even after twenty years, many western countries are still struggling to manage immigration and understand the importance of integration. Issues about newcomers and their cultural backgrounds remain divisive.
  3. New voices from the immigrant community are starting to emerge, advocating for democracy and western values. These individuals, like Lale Gül and Afshin Ellian, represent a hopeful shift towards finding common ground in a diverse society.

Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8918 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister criticized the comments made by J.D. Vance about democracy in Europe. He thinks it's not okay to compare Europe to authoritarian places.
  2. There's a feeling that the political climate is changing, raising questions about what is acceptable to say in big conversations about democracy.
  3. Some people are reacting humorously to this situation, talking about the past and how it seems like the world is getting interesting again.
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Gordon Klein Goes to Court

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Education Free speech Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Gordon Klein is going to trial after being punished for not discriminating against students at UCLA. His case raises important questions about fairness in education.
  2. The lawsuit targets the dean personally, which could change how university leaders respond to outside pressure. It might make them think twice about taking unfair actions.
  3. If Klein wins, it could set a precedent that encourages universities to protect academic freedom and discourage bullying towards educators.

How should universities deal with graduate speech malfeasance?

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech University Policy Political speech Cultural Issues
  1. Universities face challenges when students use graduation speeches to share personal political views, especially if it offends others. It's important for schools to set clear guidelines on what is appropriate for such occasions.
  2. When a student misleads the administration about their speech, it raises ethical questions and could lead to disciplinary actions. It’s crucial for students to act honorably and respect the setting they are in.
  3. Universities should not only teach academic subjects but also social manners and discourse. Teaching students how to express their opinions without offending others is an important part of their education.

The New York Times Comments Section is Hilarious and Depraved

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12326 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Criticism Censorship Social media Public Opinion
  1. Less censorship on social media could lead to a wider spread of misinformation. Some people are worried about what this means for public discourse.
  2. The New York Times comments section shows a divide among readers on the issue of free speech, with many expressing fear over less content moderation.
  3. Critics of social media platforms often focus on their role in political events, showing how media coverage can shape public opinion about these companies.

EXCLUSIVE: US To Deny Visas To Foreign Officials Who Try To Censor US Social Media Platforms

Michael Shellenberger • 2214 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Foreign Policy Social media Government Policy
  1. The US is denying visas to foreign officials who try to censor American social media. This means that if someone from another country tries to limit free speech online, they may not be allowed into the US.
  2. This new policy also applies to the families of these officials. So, not only the person who censors but their immediate family could be affected.
  3. The US sees protecting free speech as an important part of its foreign policy. This move is part of a larger effort to fight against what they call the global censorship-industrial complex.

Horrifying, Sickening, Stomach Turning

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary Free speech
  1. The government and organizations like the CIA may manipulate events for their own goals, which often harms ordinary people. It's important to question their motives and actions.
  2. Many people believe that the push for electric cars is more about control than the environment. This raises concerns about privacy and autonomy.
  3. There's a strong belief that the current system doesn't respect citizens’ freedoms or rights, and some feel it needs a complete overhaul to truly serve the people.

On Mark Zuckerberg's Speech Announcement

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Regulation Social media International relations
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's call for free speech suggests a conflict between the U.S. and other countries over censorship laws. This highlights the challenges tech companies face globally.
  2. Zuckerberg believes the U.S. has a strong foundation for free expression, but countries like Europe and China are enforcing more censorship. This creates a tough environment for innovation.
  3. The recent changes in speech laws and agreements may lead to more battles over free expression. Zuckerberg's insights indicate that discussions on these topics are becoming more urgent.

I Burned a Quran. The British Government Punished Me for Blasphemy.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2471 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civil Liberties Legal issues International Law
  1. A man was punished in Britain for burning a Quran during a protest against Islamic extremism. He believes this action was a form of political expression.
  2. The judge viewed his act as hateful, which raises concerns about freedom of speech and whether Britain is reintroducing blasphemy laws.
  3. The case highlights tensions between offensive political protests and the legal protections for free speech, especially when the expression is controversial.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Activism Censorship Israel-Palestine
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

A Zionist Onslaught Against Freedom of Speech [Part 1]

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Political Activism Government Policy
  1. Many U.S. states have passed laws that make it illegal to boycott Israel, which some people see as a threat to free speech. These laws can lead to serious penalties, even for simply expressing dissent.
  2. There have been cases where individuals faced job loss or discrimination for refusing to sign pledges relating to boycotting Israel. This includes teachers and disaster relief recipients who had to prove their loyalty.
  3. New legislation is being introduced that highlights growing restrictions on free speech, particularly around criticism of Israel. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and threatens open discussion.

A quick update on Berenson v Biden

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Cases Free speech Government Action Public Health Censorship
  1. The Berenson v Biden case is on hold until a judge makes a decision. The government asked for more time, which both sides agreed to.
  2. There are different claims in the lawsuit, some against government officials and some against private individuals. It's complicated because some defendants have roles in both categories.
  3. Everyone is waiting for the judge's ruling, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be. The situation involves a lot of legal details and intertwining parties.

Yes, You Do Have to Tolerate the Intolerant

Yascha Mounk • 4456 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Philosophy Democracy
  1. You need to tolerate different opinions, even those you disagree with. This helps maintain a fair society where ideas can openly clash.
  2. Censoring ideas can lead to more harm than good. It’s better to counter harmful thoughts with discussion and argument instead of shutting them down.
  3. Embracing free speech has historically led to progress. Societies that allow free debate are often less prejudiced over time, showing that open conversation can make a difference.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 24, 2025: Walter and Matt Review Donald Trump’s Executive Orders

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1250 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Current Events
  1. Donald Trump signed many executive orders after taking office, focusing on various controversial topics. Some were surprising to see, especially those related to free speech and censorship.
  2. The significance of these executive orders is that they reflect concerns about government influence on speech and media. Past discussions about free speech became formal actions, which was unexpected for some.
  3. Many people contributed to the push for free speech and accountability in media, including activists and politicians. Their efforts showed that public concern can lead to actual changes in policy.

Tweedle-Dum, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Three: Musings on the German Speech Police Courtesy of 60 Minutes

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 213 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Legal issues
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.

Putting Israel First, Rubio Victimizes Harmless Student Over Op-Ed

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 476 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Free speech Foreign Policy Civil Rights Political Activism
  1. Marco Rubio has been accused of unfairly targeting foreign students who criticize Israel, using actions like deportation and imprisonment to silence their voices.
  2. The case of Rumeysa Ozturk highlights concerns about free speech, as she faced severe consequences for an op-ed she co-authored about Israel's actions in Gaza.
  3. The broader issue raises questions about rights and due process, with the fear that government actions could silence not just foreigners, but also American citizens who express similar views.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

Smiley’s People

Heterodox STEM • 320 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Climate Social justice Higher education
  1. In Canada, many professionals feel they can't speak freely because of fear of losing their jobs for holding unpopular opinions. This is harming free speech in the workplace.
  2. Merit should be the most important factor when choosing people for jobs, but many institutions are prioritizing things like race and gender instead. This shift can hurt quality and excellence.
  3. There’s a concern that political correctness is influencing professions like medicine and education. People worry that real discussions may be stifled, leading to poor decision-making.

Meta Pivots on Content Moderation

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content Moderation Free speech Censorship Policy Changes
  1. Meta, the company behind Facebook, is changing how it moderates content. They want to focus more on free speech and go against past practices of heavy censorship.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg admits that past fact-checking efforts were often biased and sometimes led to the wrongful censorship of innocent posts or accounts.
  3. The new plan includes bringing back voices from the community and updating rules to allow more speech. However, there's a need for transparency about past mistakes and a way to fix them.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: When Journalists Are Your Enemy, Truth Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Foreign Policy Free speech Media Critique Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Journalists can sometimes face severe consequences for questioning powerful figures, as shown by the removal of journalist Sam Husseini during a press conference.
  2. There's a growing concern over censorship and the treatment of journalists, especially those who report on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  3. The impact of wars and conflicts can be felt worldwide, tying into broader issues such as homelessness and societal well-being.

Interview with the Previously Prohibited podcast

Karlstack • 91 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Journalism Conservatism International relations
  1. Chris Brunet went from being popular in the anti-woke Right to being an outcast for speaking the truth about Israel's support in conservative media.
  2. He recently wrote about new laws that target BDS and free speech, showing a growing trend among some Republicans.
  3. The interview discusses how these changes affect freedom of expression and highlights the challenges faced by journalists.

Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Policy Free speech Education
  1. There has been a significant shift in the conversation around gender identity, with actions taken to limit certain medical practices for children. This shows a growing recognition of the complexities involved with gender issues.
  2. Concerns have been raised about how young people, particularly young women, are navigating their identities. There were many urgent appeals for surgeries that might have long-term consequences.
  3. The debate around gender identity has become highly polarized, with some voices being suppressed, especially those that challenge popular narratives. This highlights the tension between free speech and activism in this area.

Dead Media Stumbles again

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Progressivism
  1. MSNBC has fired Joy Reid and is replacing her show with a new team, but they still have a progressive focus. This might not help with their low viewer ratings.
  2. Alternative media faces challenges getting advertisers because they are seen as risky. Major companies may avoid advertising on platforms that host voices considered controversial.
  3. The U.S. government is looking to change rules to promote fair competition in media and support free speech. This is meant to lessen the influence of big media organizations.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

Anti-Jew Bigotry Will Not Be Tolerated Here

Disaffected Newsletter • 3337 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Free speech Social Issues Community Standards
  1. No anti-Jewish bigotry will be allowed. This means any hateful comments or discrimination against Jewish people will not be tolerated.
  2. There's a difference between discussing issues related to Jewish identities and promoting bigotry. It's important to have rational conversations without being hateful.
  3. If someone breaks these rules, they will be asked to leave. There won't be chances for explanations or discussions about it.

... And Justice for All?

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Justice System Public Opinion Political Commentary Social media
  1. Some politicians want Lucy Connolly released from jail for her tweet, but she remains imprisoned. Many feel mixed about whether she deserves to be there.
  2. There's confusion about why she was charged and denied bail, especially since a jury might not have given her a harsh sentence. People want to know who made these choices and why.
  3. While saying something harmful online can lead to jail, not all tweets warrant such serious punishment. Context matters when discussing freedom of speech.

Stop pretending Meta cares about free speech

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6598 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Tech Policy Censorship Activism Media Regulation
  1. Meta doesn't really care about free speech. They are making rules that often silence voices that challenge their views or threaten their profits.
  2. People who say they support free speech often try to shut down discussions that go against their beliefs. This includes laws that restrict what can be taught in schools about racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
  3. Billionaires like Zuckerberg use the idea of free speech to protect themselves from consequences while preserving their power. Real change requires creating an internet that serves everyone's needs, not just the powerful.

How to become a right-wing star? Harass people

Can We Still Govern? • 275 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Free speech Conservative movement Educational Policy
  1. A Brown University student used a faulty AI to label staff negatively, which got him media attention and led to him testifying in Congress. His actions were controversial and seen as a form of harassment.
  2. The news often frames stories based on who the protagonist is, which can influence public perception. In this case, the student was portrayed as a free speech advocate, while the impact on the staff was largely ignored.
  3. The situation highlights a growing trend of targeting individuals in educational institutions for their beliefs, with severe implications for free speech and workplace harassment. It raises questions about how universities should respond to such tactics.

RIP Shein and Temu?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3791 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Ecommerce Free speech Political Campaigns Influencer Culture
  1. Shein and Temu are facing tough times due to new U.S. tariffs that could significantly raise prices for consumers. Many packages from China are now being stopped by customs, making it harder for these companies to operate.
  2. Joe Rogan defended himself against accusations from Kamala Harris' campaign about not being honest regarding an interview. He claims that the campaign never committed to appearing on his show, while Trump was easy to book.
  3. Substack won a legal battle over free speech, allowing a journalist to keep reporting on sensitive issues without being censored. This supports the idea that independent journalism should be protected.

Anti-woke gadfly Steven Pinker suddenly pimping for Harvard

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Government Social Issues Higher education
  1. Steven Pinker wrote an article defending Harvard, surprising many of his supporters who see him as anti-woke. It highlights both the flaws and the achievements of the university.
  2. He argues that funding for STEM research, which comes from taxpayers, is crucial and indicates that Harvard's ways may need reform to secure more support.
  3. There is a call to action for scholars to join in reform efforts to change the current direction of higher education and ensure that funding continues.

The Free Speech Union of Canada

Critical Mass • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Governance Civil Rights Activism
  1. The Free Speech Union of Canada has launched to protect and promote free speech rights in Canada. It aims to help people understand their rights and offer support for anyone facing issues.
  2. There is concern about proposed laws, like the Online Harms Act, that could limit free speech by allowing the government to shut down social media access based on accusations of hate speech. This could unfairly silence people.
  3. The union will lobby against anti-free speech legislation and provide resources for members, including legal representation if needed. The ultimate goal is to make the organization unnecessary by restoring and maintaining free speech rights.

Why Doesn't Matt Taibbi Want to Talk About Gaza?

KERFUFFLE • 213 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Middle East Free speech Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Matt Taibbi used to write confidently about the Israel-Palestine conflict, but now he avoids discussing it. It’s unclear why his stance on the topic has changed over the years.
  2. The ongoing violence and issues in the region remain serious, with the situation described as complicated but rooted in historical conflicts.
  3. People can learn from various sources, even if the source isn’t an expert, suggesting that sharing knowledge might be valuable regardless of one’s background.

On drugs, Glenn Greenwald, and serious jobs

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Drugs Free speech Public Policy
  1. Personal life choices, like sexual preferences, shouldn't affect how we view someone's professional work. What people do in their private lives is their business.
  2. Drug use, especially with dangerous substances, can lead to serious issues that affect not just the user but society as well. It’s important for people in influential roles to be cautious about their choices.
  3. We have a responsibility to discourage harmful behaviors, like drug use and gambling, for the good of everyone. These activities can lead to real harm, and it's important for society to address them.

Congress Must Pass KOSA By Christmas. The Only Obstacle Seems to be Meta’s Influence

After Babel • 1221 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social media Child safety Lobbying Free speech
  1. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to protect children online by introducing stronger privacy settings and reducing harmful features on social media platforms.
  2. There is significant concern over the current impact of social media on kids, including issues like sextortion and mental health problems, which KOSA seeks to address.
  3. The bill has strong bipartisan support in Congress, but its progress is hindered by lobbying from major social media companies that fear regulation.

Substack, Nazis, Free Speech, and Me & Trump Is Popular Among Black Voters?

kareem • 7802 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social Issues Presidential Election News Activism
  1. Kareem emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with love and respect, striving for a world where exploitation doesn't exist.
  2. Substack is under scrutiny for allowing hate speech content, sparking debates about free speech and censorship.
  3. Effective protest movements online can lead to positive changes in platforms' policies, demonstrating the impact of public activism.