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An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Rights Social movements
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

Can We Still Govern? • 805 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Political strategy Election Analysis Media Critique
  1. Kamala Harris did not campaign on identity politics, even though many critics claim she did. Her campaign focused more on economic issues and policies rather than solely on identity-related topics.
  2. Donald Trump did use identity politics in his campaign by targeting specific groups negatively. He often painted immigrants and other marginalized groups as threats, which resonated with certain voter bases.
  3. The media tends to label identity politics as only a left-wing issue, ignoring how right-wing politics also play on group identities, especially among white Christian nationalists.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #24

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Healthcare Economy Technology Environment
  1. Immigrants have helped revive industries in areas like Dalton, Georgia. This shows how immigration can boost local economies and create job opportunities.
  2. New gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are making crops and livestock better at surviving climate change. This could help ensure our food supply stays strong despite changing weather.
  3. Robots in nursing homes are improving care quality and staff retention. They take over routine tasks, allowing human workers to focus more on giving personal care.

My Political Development

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1731 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Development Globalism Secularism Democracy
  1. The author discusses their political development over the years, highlighting a consistent core belief in free market fundamentalism and a move towards favoring globalism and open societies.
  2. The journey to the author's current political stance is divided into four eras, revealing shifts towards universalism, epistemological humility, pro-democracy, and a dislike for economic and cultural central planning.
  3. The author reflects on their teenage self, discussing how their early exposure to political entertainment and the conflict between religious Christians and secularists shaped their initial political beliefs.
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Democrats Are Demented Genocidal War Sluts

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1811 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Figures Humanitarian Issues Military Action Genocide
  1. President Biden is reportedly preparing for a bombing campaign in the Middle East in retaliation for a drone attack, potentially escalating to a full-blown war with Iran.
  2. The warmongering policies of the current US president involve initiating a bombing campaign in Yemen and supporting a genocide in Gaza.
  3. The behavior of Democratic Party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, raises concerns about their support for war and genocide, despite portraying themselves as responsible humanitarians.

Base case for a democratic resurgence: We're (not entirely) doomed

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Education Neuroscience Psychology
  1. Some countries are improving in education and civic knowledge, but it’s not equal for everyone. Wealthier and urban areas are doing better, while rural and older groups are falling behind.
  2. There is a growing gap in how well people understand important topics, which can affect society. This divide is especially seen between different age groups and urban versus rural populations.
  3. Even though there are challenges, there is still hope for democracy to improve. People are looking at different ways to make government better and more inclusive.

🌎 My Q&A with Francis Fukuyama on technological change and liberal democracy. Some sci-fi, too!

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Technology Policy Democracy Regulation Transhumanism
  1. The impact of technology on society has both positive and negative effects. While the internet has helped people access information and organize for their rights, it has also created a lot of misinformation and chaos.
  2. Government regulation of AI and new technologies is complex and challenging. It's important to have experts in the field, but the existing systems might make it hard to adapt quickly enough.
  3. Science fiction can help us think about the future and its potential dangers. While many stories focus on dystopia, they also provide us with important lessons about the risks and benefits of new technologies.

Sex self-ID in New Zealand has a 'get out of jail' card for service providers.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Public Policy Social justice Community Engagement
  1. In New Zealand, the new sex self-ID law allows people to change their recorded sex easily online. However, service providers can still choose to restrict access to single-sex spaces.
  2. Service providers are not legally required to let men who identify as women into women's areas. Their decision to do so is voluntary and could come with potential risks.
  3. Allowing men into women's spaces can make some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if no incidents happen. Women's rights to single-sex spaces should be respected.

Dispatches from the Group Chats vol. 1

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 715 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Social Issues Political parties
  1. Some CEOs are debating if San Francisco is truly recovering, with mixed views on safety and enthusiasm for the city's comeback. While some see improvements, others are skeptical about the long-term outlook.
  2. There's a lot of internal talk about the Biden administration's approach to debanking, particularly among those aligned with Elizabeth Warren. They believe tech and finance are damaging the economy, and there's a push to reduce their influence.
  3. Many executives are worried about safety, hiring private security, and making changes to their social media presence. There's a noticeable shift in the urgency of these concerns in the recent months.

January 4, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Congress Executive Power National Security Military Action Public Opinion
  1. The administration launched strikes in Venezuela, captured Nicolás Maduro according to officials, and signaled an intent to control the country and its oil resources.
  2. The operation proceeded without clear congressional authorization or proper briefings to the Gang of Eight, raising serious legal and constitutional questions while officials called it a law-enforcement action despite many civilian and security-force deaths.
  3. There is broad public and bipartisan political backlash: most Americans oppose military intervention, lawmakers say they were misled, and critics warn the intervention will likely backfire and strengthen Maduro while showing the administration ignoring oversight.

How Fascism Came

The Chris Hedges Report • 676 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Social Inequality Corporate Influence
  1. America's democracy is facing big problems because both major political parties have sided with big companies and the rich. This has created a lot of social inequality and hurt ordinary people.
  2. The idea of fascism can grow when people feel left out and hopeless about their futures. If the needs of the struggling middle class and poor aren't addressed, it can lead to dangerous movements.
  3. The media and politics today often feel like a show, with truth taking a backseat to entertainment. This makes it hard for people to see what's really happening in society.

Chartbook 338 You don’t exit the force field, you alter your position within it.

Chartbook • 700 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Nationalism Global Trade Political Response Market Reaction
  1. You can't just leave a difficult situation; you have to find a better way to deal with it. This means finding a new position or approach within the existing challenges.
  2. Different countries react differently to major events, like Brexit or Trump's policies, reflecting their unique economic power roles. For instance, when news breaks, some currencies soar while others crash based on local reactions.
  3. The way countries negotiate and manage their economic rules greatly impacts reform efforts. A left-leaning government in the U.S. or elsewhere would face specific challenges shaped by these dynamics.

Top Links 639 Buybacks over investment in the US military-industrial complex. The Indian economy shifts gear. RAND on burden-sharing & Britain's wars of decolonization.

Chartbook • 557 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Economic Policy International relations Political Economy
  1. There's a discussion about how companies are focusing more on buybacks instead of investing in important areas like the military complex. It raises questions about the priorities of businesses.
  2. The Indian economy appears to be making significant progress. This could indicate shifts in global economic dynamics and growth in emerging markets.
  3. A report from RAND explores how countries share defense responsibilities, particularly relating to Britain's historical wars. This could provide insights into current international relations and military commitments.

What's a prez to do? Polk and Mexico

A User's Guide to History • 275 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Foreign Relations Military
  1. James Polk was a president focused on territorial expansion and was successful in acquiring Texas and Oregon from Mexico.
  2. Polk used strategic military maneuvers to provoke Mexico into a war, ultimately leading to the acquisition of California and New Mexico.
  3. The Mexican-American War, despite facing criticism for its motives, resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.

Matt Goodwin's train nightmare

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics Public Policy Statistics Infrastructure
  1. Getting good phone service on trains is tough. There's a new government plan to fix this problem.
  2. Some official economic data might be messed up, which makes it hard to know how the country is really doing.
  3. Growth is important for spreading wealth, and there's a push to make a specific philosophy part of the government's plans.

Mini Exasperation #4

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Urban planning Public Transit Housing policy Civic engagement
  1. Showing up matters — attending local advocacy events and tours gets officials, media, and neighbors to pay attention and can move projects forward.
  2. We need audacious but realistic transit and housing plans that account for capacity and geometry, because thoughtful investment can add miles, stations, and new homes.
  3. Small, practical fixes like targeted service extensions, bus priority, and operational improvements paired with advocacy can deliver meaningful improvements quickly.

What’s a prez to do? Buchanan and secession

A User's Guide to History • 255 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Secession Civil War Constitution Reconstruction
  1. James Buchanan faced challenges as a 'lame duck' president during a time of political turmoil
  2. The Dred Scott case and John Brown's raid heightened tensions between the North and South
  3. Buchanan struggled with deciding how to address secession, emphasizing the complexity of peaceful reconstruction after the Civil War

Picking Ro Khanna

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Legislation Political Ideologies Government Regulation
  1. Silicon Valley values innovation and rebellion, allowing entrepreneurs to challenge norms. This spirit of independence is crucial for their success.
  2. The author questions how Silicon Valley can support someone like Ro Khanna, who promotes regulation and control over innovation. This seems contradictory to their rebellious nature.
  3. There's a belief that progressives benefit from capitalists, using the innovations they create to push for more rules and regulations. This can stifle the very innovation that drives progress.

DELETE, DELETE, DELETE, DELETE

OpenTheBooks Substack • 580 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Legislation Administration Agencies
  1. There are 75 federal agencies listed as defunct in the Federal Register. Many of these agencies haven't been active for years but are still listed.
  2. The Federal government lacks good record-keeping, leading to confusion about which agencies are still operating. This makes it hard for taxpayers to know where their money is going.
  3. To improve government efficiency, a new department aims to identify and eliminate these ghost agencies. This could help save money and streamline government functions.

Nobody goes to New York City anymore. It’s too crowded.

Silver Bulletin • 679 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Urban Issues Public Transit Safety
  1. The subway in New York City is still very popular, even setting daily ride records after COVID-19. More people ride the subway daily than fly on the busiest days in the U.S.
  2. While crime is a concern in cities, New York's violent crime rates are lower than often perceived. The actual number of violent incidents, especially in the subway, is quite low compared to the number of rides.
  3. Many people are still using public transportation, despite some opting for cars or working from home. The subway remains the main way to get around the city, showing resilience and demand.

Friday Funnies: You are Bigger Than That

Who is Robert Malone • 35 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Legal Cases Civil Liberties Polarization Political Humor Conservative Politics
  1. The post claims the 2020 election was stolen and says patriots were unjustly punished, fined, jailed, disbarred, and labeled insurrectionists.
  2. It’s a holiday-themed collection of jokes, images, and short videos, with mentions of Amish Christmas lights and a historical anniversary.
  3. The newsletter asks for subscriptions and support and includes promotional product links and political humor aimed at opponents.

Team Technocrat vs. Team Woke

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Voters Campaigns Political theory
  1. The Democratic Party has two main groups: Team Technocrat and Team Woke. Both seem to be trying to gain influence after the recent election.
  2. The outcome of the election is being interpreted differently, and it's not a clear win or loss for either faction. Events leading up to the 2028 election could change everything.
  3. Swing voters might not see certain candidates, like Kamala Harris, as legitimate. They tend to prefer candidates who seem more credible and have campaigned actively.

Nudge and Behavioral Governance- Systematic Government Thought Modification

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Government Health Policy Technology Policy Civil Liberties Surveillance Media
  1. Governments and agencies now use “nudge” techniques—behavioral science, defaults, emotional framing, and algorithms—to steer people’s choices without overt coercion. This approach can undermine individual autonomy and informed consent.
  2. In the U.S., behavioral science was formalized across federal agencies through an executive order, creating permanent teams and tools. Those systems were scaled up during emergencies like COVID to shape public behavior.
  3. Governments worked with Big Tech, contractors, ad firms, and academic centers to gather behavioral data, micro-target messages, and adjust platforms in real time. This formed feedback loops and algorithmic controls that engineered public consent while reducing transparent democratic debate.

US Political Polarization : What Role Does Cornell & The Ivies Play ?

Heterodox STEM • 277 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political polarization Higher education Civil Rights American history Civic Responsibility
  1. Universities used to focus on sharing and building upon the history and achievements of civilization, but many feel that focus is fading.
  2. Instead of respecting and learning from the past, some elite universities are now critiquing and diminishing their own historical significance.
  3. This shift in perspective could be harmful to national unity as it creates division and dissatisfaction with the foundational values of society.

The Deluge

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Media Education Public Safety
  1. Vermont is facing serious flooding that is leaving many people without homes, but there are acts of kindness among the chaos. The National Guard is doing a great job helping those in need.
  2. A listener took a stand against an Oregon school board for forcing employees to wear masks and get vaccinated, showing real bravery. This kind of courage can inspire others to speak up too.
  3. There are smartphone games that promote communist ideas in silly ways, like farming. It sounds strange, but it's actually happening and reflects some odd influences in popular culture.

If Independent Agencies Are Unconstitutional, So Is The Fed

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 33 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Judiciary Executive Power Administrative state Monetary Policy Regulation
  1. Separation of powers means executive agencies that wield real power must answer to the president, so the same legal logic used to limit other independent agencies applies to the Federal Reserve.
  2. The Fed runs core executive functions — regulating banks, shaping credit, and controlling the settlement asset — and appeals to history or technical expertise are prudential, not constitutional, reasons to shield it from political control.
  3. There are only two constitutionally consistent options: place the Fed under presidential oversight and accept political accountability, or remove discretion with strict automatic rules; the current system of discretionary, unaccountable central banking conflicts with separation of powers.

Dingus of the Year: JD Vance

Men Yell at Me • 660 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Elections Social Issues Public Figures Political Commentary
  1. JD Vance has been declared the Dingus of the Year for 2024 due to his controversial actions and opinions.
  2. The 'undecided voter' was also highlighted as a Dingus, often seen as indifferent to pressing social issues.
  3. Despite the negativity, there were some positive developments in 2024, including a significant fundraising effort for abortion access and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand.

Race, Sex, and the Limits of Definition

Journal of Free Black Thought • 17 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Constitutional Law Civil Rights Education & Policy Gender Politics Sports Policy Identity politics
  1. The Supreme Court is being pushed to define "sex" for Title IX sports, which forces courts to decide what counts as male or female and how that should be enforced.
  2. There is a core legal tension between upholding sex‑segregated athletics generally and allowing as‑applied challenges when a state's fairness justification might not apply to a specific athlete.
  3. Every possible path—an explicit biological definition, minimalist guidance, state variation, or individualized review—comes with heavy administrative and equality tradeoffs, so the law may not be able to provide a clean, final answer about identity categories.

Please Don’t Spread Bizarre Conspiracies About Undocumented Immigrants

Singal-Minded • 808 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Conspiracy Public Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. Don't share strange conspiracy theories about immigration. They can create unnecessary fear and confusion in communities.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind immigration can help clarify the situation. Many immigrants are fleeing bad conditions in their home countries.
  3. It's important for journalists to be responsible when writing about sensitive topics like immigration. Spreading unverified claims can fuel harmful narratives.

The Killing of Brian Thompson

The Chris Hedges Report • 719 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Insurance Economic Impact Corporate Accountability Public Health
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was recently killed, sparking questions about possible motives related to healthcare policies and insurance denials.
  2. In the U.S., healthcare spending is highest among wealthy countries, but health outcomes are among the worst, with many people facing financial ruin due to medical bills.
  3. The business practices of health insurance companies are criticized for prioritizing profits over patient care, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and death.

A Rebuttal

Points And Figures • 666 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Political corruption Criminal Justice Investigative Journalism Local government
  1. Sheriff Dart should rethink the situation regarding Steve Fanady's treatment in jail. It seems unfair and has raised concerns about his rights.
  2. There are serious allegations against Dart, but his supporters deny them strongly. They believe he is being targeted by people who don’t like him.
  3. Chicago's media needs to dig deeper into corruption instead of just reporting on it later. Investigative journalism is important for the city's residents.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 74, February 2, 2024

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1773 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Battles
  1. Campaign season is seeing legal battles for ballot access, especially targeting figures like Trump, RFK Jr., and No Labels.
  2. There are efforts to use technical challenges and lawsuits to impede third-party candidates from getting on state ballots.
  3. Various groups and individuals are collaborating to send intimidating messages to third-party groups to discourage their participation in elections.

Demand More BART and Buses in Oakland!

The Discourse Lounge • 531 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Transit Election politics Local Governance Community Advocacy Transportation Policy
  1. Oakland needs more public transit options like BART and buses, especially in busy neighborhoods. Many people depend on better transit to get to work and access the waterfront.
  2. There is a candidate forum on February 18th where locals can ask politicians about improving transit in Oakland. It's a chance for the community to push for important changes.
  3. Residents should pay attention to the candidates' views on public transit and vote for those who support more transportation options. Transit should be a key issue for Oakland voters.

Approaching the Precipice

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Elections Authoritarianism Civil Rights Political violence
  1. An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a Minneapolis protest, and video and witness accounts suggest she was not a threat while some right‑wing figures defended the shooting as self‑defense. There are fears this incident could be used or even staged to provoke violence and justify invoking the Insurrection Act and martial law.
  2. Right‑wing leaders and literature have been systematically dehumanizing political opponents, treating them as less than human and making extreme violence easier to justify. This pattern echoes past genocides and raises real danger of targeted mass violence against people for their politics, identity, or beliefs.
  3. A deliberate psychological campaign—through trauma, constant propaganda, and emotional mimicry—has entrained many people to accept dictated ‘‘truths’’ and reflexively follow leaders. With democratic institutions weakened, people are being urged to build a mass nonviolent movement, but many feel unsure how to effectively respond.

Can Zohran Mamdani Beat the New York Post?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Elections Political Campaigns Media Journalism
  1. The New York Post is a powerful, populist tabloid that fills a local news gap and helps set the city’s daily agenda.
  2. The Post has waged relentless, sensational attacks on Zohran Mamdani and framed him as a dangerous Muslim democratic socialist. That kind of coverage can wear away political support over time.
  3. With fewer local reporters and columnists, the Post’s influence is amplified, so Mamdani’s chances depend on how he responds and whether other outlets restore deep, granular city coverage.

Judicial Notice (01.27.24): Don't Mess With Texas—Or Kaplans

Original Jurisdiction • 279 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal News Judges Legal Cases
  1. An $83.3 million defamation verdict was secured by writer E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump.
  2. Roberta Kaplan and Shawn Crowley from Kaplan Hecker & Fink were successful in the lawsuit against Trump.
  3. Judge Lewis Kaplan did a good job in controlling the courtroom during the trials involving Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll.

Can anyone beat Cuomo? And is it Zohran?

Silver Bulletin • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political strategy Candidate Profiles
  1. The NYC mayoral primary is showing a close race between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with Cuomo currently leading but Mamdani gaining support.
  2. Ranked choice voting is designed to help voters pick their preferred candidates without worrying about spoilers, but it can be confusing and may not always work as intended.
  3. Many voters who dislike Cuomo are looking for a compromise candidate, and there may need to be some coordination among other candidates to challenge him effectively.