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Common Sense with Bari Weiss critiques contemporary issues impacting society from the perspectives of free speech, scientific inquiry, and cultural shifts. It explores themes around gender dysphoria, debate censorship, autism, personal values, public controversies, mental health, political correctness, scientific skepticism, cultural identity, historical context, and societal purpose.

Free Speech and Censorship Gender and Identity Education and Debate Health and Science Cultural and Social Issues Mental Health Politics and Public Opinion Historical and Cultural Identity Personal Values and Purpose Science and Skepticism

The hottest Substack posts of Common Sense with Bari Weiss

And their main takeaways

The Pot of Gold at America’s Western Edge

2309 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Society History Travel
  1. California is seen as a shining example of America’s optimism and adventurous spirit. Its landscapes are diverse and beautiful, capturing the hearts of many.
  2. The state represents a journey of hope and discovery for pioneers, marked by the promise of wealth and a better life. Many believe the history of California reflects the core values of the entire nation.
  3. From its rich agricultural roots to modern technological advances, California's success story symbolizes the potential for achievement and progress that inspires people everywhere.

Salman Rushdie: ‘I Was Dying.’ Plus. . .

1479 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Legislation Political culture
  1. Salman Rushdie faced the man who attacked him, describing the terrible moment he was stabbed and thought he was dying. It was a painful and dramatic court appearance for him after years of threats.
  2. The National Endowment for Democracy is struggling financially due to funding blocks, which could hurt important U.S. efforts abroad. This situation raises concerns about its impact on promoting democracy worldwide.
  3. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech on AI during a trip to Paris, highlighting America's lead in technology and the benefits it brings. He emphasized the importance of not overregulating AI, showcasing a new approach under the current administration.

What DEI Isn’t

1474 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Culture Social Issues Identity
  1. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn't just about hiring minorities for the sake of it. It's more about creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
  2. The discussion around DEI often misses the point of what true inclusion means in practice. It's not only about having diverse faces in a workplace.
  3. Real inclusion involves actively engaging with and understanding different backgrounds, rather than superficially checking off boxes. It's about making everyone feel genuinely welcome.

What Happened When DEI Came to the Military?

4975 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Diversity Inclusion Policies Governance
  1. The military is focusing more on diversity, but some believe it shouldn't come before readiness and effectiveness. Keeping skills and qualifications at the forefront is really important.
  2. Retired Brigadier General Christopher Walker worked in the Air Force’s diversity office but had a different view than many expected. His experiences highlight a divide in opinions about DEI in the armed forces.
  3. The ongoing debate about DEI initiatives in the military shows there are strong feelings on both sides. Finding a balance between diversity and maintaining high standards is a key concern.

Danielle Sassoon’s Courage and the Rule of Law

1048 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Justice System Political appointments Public Policy
  1. Danielle Sassoon, a federal prosecutor, chose to resign rather than drop corruption charges against New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, showing strong commitment to the rule of law.
  2. Sassoon's decision highlights concerns about potential corruption in politics, where personal benefits for officials can undermine public trust and justice.
  3. The response from the Justice Department and others involved raises serious questions about political interference in legal matters, which could affect the fairness of law enforcement.
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Our Promise to You

5133 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politicians Media Public Opinion Policy
  1. Some people believe traditional media has too many rules that limit honest inquiry into controversial topics. They think this has hurt real journalism.
  2. There's a feeling that breaking the usual journalistic standards was okay to fight against what they see as extreme actions by certain political figures.
  3. Many in the media don't apologize for getting things wrong because they feel the greater goal justified those errors.

Uri Berliner: What Congress Should Ask NPR’s Chief

2837 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Trust Journalism Ethics
  1. Public radio needs to address its decline in trust among listeners, as many feel it has become biased and focused too much on specific issues.
  2. There have been missteps in covering important stories, such as dismissing the lab leak theory and overlooking the Hunter Biden laptop story.
  3. If NPR wants continued support from taxpayers, leaders should be ready to answer some tough questions about their approach to news coverage.

‘I Risked Everything to Blow the Whistle on Britain’s Grooming Gangs’

3083 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Social Policy Human Rights Political Accountability
  1. A woman named Maggie Oliver exposed a shocking scandal where gangs of men groomed and raped young girls in Britain for many years. She worked hard to bring attention to these crimes, but faced a lot of obstacles.
  2. Authorities often ignored or covered up the abuse to avoid being seen as 'racist'. This led to many victims not getting the justice they deserved.
  3. Recently, more people are finally talking about this issue, which highlights how some waited until it was safe to speak out. Maggie Oliver wants to remind everyone that she raised alarms about this scandal long before it became a trending topic.

The Terrorist Who Murdered My Cousin Now Walks Free

3088 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Terrorism Ethics Justice
  1. Releasing terrorists for hostages creates a tough moral dilemma. While we want to bring our loved ones home, it can lead to more violence in the future.
  2. The love of life is a core value in Israel, contrasting with groups that embrace death. This makes the emotions surrounding loss and the release of attackers even more painful.
  3. There is a strong, unbreakable bond among the Jewish community that drives the desire to rescue hostages, even at great risk. This unity is essential for healing and strength.

‘I Gave My Life to the FBI. And It Damn Near Broke Me.’

3964 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Law enforcement Mental health Public Service
  1. Pat McMonigle dedicated his life to the FBI after a personal tragedy, aiming to fight terrorism. His commitment led him to a long career with many challenges.
  2. Despite his success and achievements, including multiple commendations, he faced severe mental health struggles, particularly PTSD from traumatic experiences on the job.
  3. Ultimately, he chose to resign from the FBI to protect his well-being, highlighting the serious mental health issues faced by many agents in high-stress positions.

Radicals Have Burned California Before

2327 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Environmental Issues
  1. California's progressive policies have often led to unintended disasters, like wildfires. Good intentions don't always result in good outcomes.
  2. Environmental activism can sometimes slow down crucial safety projects. In this case, protecting a rare plant delayed fire safety improvements.
  3. The struggle between environmental concerns and safety measures is an ongoing issue. It's important to find a balance to prevent disasters while protecting nature.

DOGE and the Backlash to the Backlash

1335 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Public Figures Racism Government Ethics
  1. Elon Musk's DOGE initiative brought back a staffer who resigned after making racist posts online. This decision was based on a poll where most respondents agreed with his reinstatement.
  2. The backlash against 'woke culture' is linked to reactions against public figures losing their jobs over offensive past statements. Many incidents involved celebrities and public figures being fired for things they said or did online.
  3. As younger people in the DOGE initiative are heavily active online, more controversial past comments may emerge. This raises concerns about the kinds of people joining government positions and their influence.

How to Be Hated: A Patriots Fan’s Advice to Chiefs Nation

1525 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Athletes Teams Fan culture Sports History
  1. Winning consistently can make fans of a team less popular with others. Many people get tired of seeing the same team win all the time.
  2. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have had massive success lately, making them a target for other fans' frustration.
  3. People can feel a mix of admiration and annoyance towards successful teams, especially when they dominate the playoffs and Super Bowls.

The L.A. Times’ Owner Takes the Red Pill. Plus. . .

2276 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Government Public Opinion Policy
  1. The owner of the L.A. Times has changed his stance, now supporting more conservative views after previously focusing on systemic racism. This shift raises questions about sincerity in media ownership.
  2. There are concerns about how public media, like NPR, has lost trust with many Americans. A CEO is being called to answer for this trust deficit as funding is scrutinized.
  3. Young people are becoming influential in shaping important decisions in America, much to the surprise of older generations. This reflects a historical trend where youth have led cultural and political changes.

How MAGA Won the ‘Sensitive Young Man’

3097 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Trumpism Voter Demographics Cultural influence Political History
  1. Trump's appeal to younger male voters goes beyond politics; it's about connecting on a human level. Many young men feel that Trump represents their experiences and views.
  2. Even though Trump doesn't have a clear ideological stance, his rise sparked new energy in right-wing intellectual circles. This has encouraged a younger generation to engage with politics in a way they hadn't before.
  3. For many young people today, Trump is a symbol of a political identity they've only known, rather than just a fleeting disruptor in politics. He represents a shift in how they view themselves in relation to political movements.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats

2541 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Opinion Political strategy Identity politics
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling more than ever, with only a third of Americans viewing it positively. This is the lowest approval rating the party has seen since 1992.
  2. Recent leadership changes in the DNC seem out of touch with the voters, as the new chair candidates focused on discussions around identity politics rather than addressing the party's failures.
  3. Young voters, especially Gen Z, feel unheard by the Democrats. Key issues like school safety, climate change, and economic pressures need to be prioritized if the party wants to connect with them.

My Decade with Donald Trump

6821 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reporting Public Opinion Elections Media Relations Political Analysis
  1. The author has a close relationship with Donald Trump and has often received personal greetings from him. This shows that Trump engages with journalists in a unique and informal way.
  2. The author was one of the few journalists who accurately predicted Trump's 2016 election win, gaining a reputation for understanding his supporters.
  3. Despite criticism for being too sympathetic to Trump, the author believes their reporting is based on genuine observation and experience with his voter base.

Coleman Hughes: The End of DEI

5258 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Race Executive orders Diversity Equity
  1. Trump's recent executive order aims to end racial preferences in various sectors, promoting a merit-based approach instead. This move is seen as a step towards a society that treats everyone equally, regardless of race.
  2. The author supports the idea of color blindness in policy, arguing that people should be judged on their abilities and not their race. This concept has sparked debate, with some critics labeling it as overly simplistic.
  3. There is a pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, with arguments suggesting they might create more division instead of harmony. The belief is that true equality should not focus on race or gender.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s Day One Executive Order on ‘Male and Female’

5838 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Political Campaigns Gender Issues
  1. Trump plans to sign an executive order emphasizing traditional views on gender. He wants to remove policies allowing biological males in women's sports and facilities.
  2. The order aims to end the housing of male prisoners who identify as transwomen in women's prisons. This change is part of his broader push against gender ideology.
  3. The campaign ad contrasting Trump with Kamala Harris proved very effective by highlighting the debate over gender identity. It reinforced Trump's promise to fight against what he calls gender ideology extremism.

Will Trump Turn Gaza Into a Mideast Riviera? Plus. . .

1827 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign Relations Civil Rights
  1. Trump suggested turning Gaza into a tourist destination, but many criticized the idea, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
  2. Federal workers were offered a buyout option from their jobs, but many found it insulting and preferred to keep working.
  3. A new Chinese AI chatbot has raised concerns in the U.S. about losing the tech race, as it competes with American technologies despite restrictions.

Paradise Lost

8685 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Safety Natural Disasters Crisis Management Policy response
  1. The Los Angeles fires are not just a natural disaster but are largely due to human actions. This highlights how our decisions can create serious risks for communities.
  2. Government should prioritize keeping people safe, especially during crises. Failing protection, it's important for leaders to show they're in control and supportive.
  3. When disasters happen, like the LA fires, leadership matters a lot. Missing leaders during critical times can leave the public feeling unsure and unsafe.

Letters to the Editor: Is the National Endowment for Democracy Worth Saving?

319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Political Debate
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has had funding issues due to a recent order affecting its budget. This has created big challenges for the organization, impacting its ability to pay staff and cover basic costs.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the NED's role, with some arguing that it helps promote democracy globally, while others believe it's ineffective or even harmful.
  3. The debate around NED highlights the tension between supporting civil society initiatives and concerns about government spending on such organizations.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘We Fell Morally Ill’

3899 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Democracy History
  1. People need to speak the truth for a government to regain trust. Honest communication can help restore faith in leadership.
  2. A new leader can promise to fix past wrongs and bring back democracy. This promise often resonates with people who feel betrayed.
  3. History shows that change is possible after dark times. Just like in Czechoslovakia after communism, new beginnings can lead to hope and freedom.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dangers of Multiculturalism

7391 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Society Culture Rights
  1. There are crimes that society ignores because they go against popular beliefs. This makes it hard for people to talk about these issues openly.
  2. Many people are starting to recognize the serious problem of gang crimes that have targeted vulnerable young girls in specific communities.
  3. It's important for the public to be aware of these issues and to discuss them, even if it goes against the dominant narratives.

TGIF: I Solemnly Swear

4201 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Elections Legislation Political Commentary Government actions
  1. Trump's inauguration was marked by unusual events, including performances that blended politics and pop culture. The atmosphere seemed to be both celebratory and chaotic.
  2. Trump launched meme coins during his inauguration, creating a buzz about potential scams in the market. Many people quickly bought into these coins, but their values fluctuated sharply soon after.
  3. Joe Biden attempted to declare the Equal Rights Amendment as law via social media, claiming widespread support. However, the amendment's status is disputed, with issues around its ratification.

Beware the Internet Mob—on USAID and Everything Else

1029 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Scandal Public Opinion
  1. Rumors spread quickly on social media, often without checking the facts first. It's important to be cautious about what we believe online.
  2. A recent claim about a scandal involving USAID and a news organization turned out to be misleading or false. Not everything viral is true.
  3. People can easily get swept up by popular opinions online, even when those opinions are based on incorrect information. Always look for reliable sources.

Salman Rushdie Faces His Alleged Attacker

876 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Crime Free speech Cultural Conflict Media
  1. Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage and suffered serious injuries, including being stabbed 15 times. This attack left him with partial use of his left hand and loss of vision in his right eye.
  2. During the trial, Rushdie detailed his experience and shared the painful reality of his injuries with the jury. He displayed his glasses to show the effects of the attack on his eye.
  3. The key question in the trial is whether his attacker acted alone or as part of a larger agenda connected to Iran. This raises important discussions about the motivations behind such violent actions.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats. Plus. . .

1882 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Immigration Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are struggling after recent election losses and need to rethink their strategy. They should choose their battles wisely and focus on presenting themselves as moderate and reasonable alternatives to Trump.
  2. A UN official lost her job for refusing to call Israel's actions a genocide. She faced threats and harassment for standing by her beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against popular narratives.
  3. Many communities are feeling anxious due to recent ICE raids, causing people to fear leaving their homes and going to work. This fear is affecting everyday life, especially in Latino neighborhoods.

My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Then She Got Better.

9070 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Caregiving Medical system Alzheimer's Disease Family Dynamics
  1. The family faced a tough time after the mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which came after years of unexplained symptoms. It was a shocking moment for them all, shifting their roles to caregivers.
  2. After a year of uncertainty and prayer, something unexpectedly positive happened that changed their situation. This turn of events felt like a miracle to the family.
  3. The experience highlighted the challenges of the medical system, as the mom had fallen through the cracks but eventually found a solution that helped her condition. It shows the importance of persistence and hope in difficult times.

A Unified Theory of Trump’s Hyperactive Start

1428 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Political culture Executive orders Media influence
  1. Trump is making a lot of changes really quickly, which is surprising many people. It’s hard for the news to keep up with all his new policies and announcements.
  2. There’s a focus on cultural policy in Trump’s approach, suggesting he believes cultural issues are key to America's problems. Many people might agree there are concerns about the overall state of American culture.
  3. Trump's choice of countries to threaten tariffs, like Canada and Mexico, raises questions about his priorities and strategy. It’s interesting to think about how these decisions reflect his views on trade and relationships.

Things Worth Remembering: The Zionism of Martin Luther King

4595 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Historical Figures Social movements
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peace and security in Israel were important for democracy. He emphasized that Israel needed a sense of safety to thrive.
  2. King was known for his powerful speeches and moral courage. His words continue to inspire people to work towards justice and equality.
  3. Despite his tragic assassination, King's vision for a better future lives on. He motivated many to strive for a promised land of freedom and justice.

The Tiger Mother Roars Back

5907 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Figures Education Media Cultural Commentary Book Publishing
  1. Amy Chua, known for her strict parenting style, faced a lot of backlash when her book came out. Even though she was criticized, she continued to stand by her methods.
  2. J.D. Vance, a former student of Chua, found inspiration in her teachings and later wrote his own successful book, _Hillbilly Elegy_. Their connection shows how mentoring can help shape people's futures.
  3. Chua's influence extends beyond just her students, as her ideas about tough love in parenting resonate with many, sparking discussions about parenting styles and cultural differences.

Christopher Caldwell: The Biggest Policy Change of the Century

2810 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Affirmative Action Civil Rights Executive orders Trump administration
  1. Trump's decision to repeal affirmative action is seen as a massive shift in U.S. policy, more impactful than healthcare reforms or pandemic responses.
  2. For decades, affirmative action has been a major strategy for promoting desegregation and supporting minority rights, but it has recently faced growing criticism.
  3. Despite its significance, many mainstream news outlets are downplaying this policy change, treating it as just a minor leadership adjustment.

Michael Oren: Trump Takes a Wrecking Ball to the Middle East Status Quo

1451 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Diplomacy U.S. foreign policy Geopolitics
  1. Trump believes the main issue in the Middle East isn't a Palestinian state, pushing against decades of U.S. policy. He argues that a different approach is needed.
  2. He proposed that the U.S. could take control of Gaza and develop it, suggesting Palestinians could relocate to another country. This idea has sparked both support and backlash.
  3. Trump aims for peace in the region without a Palestinian state, similar to prior agreements with other Arab nations. Critics warn this could lead to more conflict and displacement.

It’s Not Just Red Dye No. 3. It’s All Our Stuff.

3909 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety Public Health Regulation Consumer Rights Toxicology
  1. The FDA recently banned Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animals. It's a small victory, but there are many other potentially harmful additives still being used.
  2. Red Dye No. 3 will likely be replaced by Red Dye No. 40, which also has warnings about its effects on children in Europe. This shows that simply switching one dye for another isn't a true solution.
  3. There is a growing concern that synthetic dyes are just a small part of a larger problem with harmful chemicals in our food and products. It's important for consumers to demand safer options.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump Is Starving the National Endowment for Democracy

760 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Democracy Political Commentary
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy is facing severe funding cuts under Trump's administration. This could impact its ability to promote democracy worldwide.
  2. The situation at the National Endowment for Democracy is one of the significant changes happening in Washington today.
  3. Understanding these changes is important as they could affect important international relations and democratic efforts globally.

She Stood Up for the Truth. Then the UN Fired Her.

1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Political theory Human Rights Geopolitics Conflict Studies
  1. Alice Nderitu was a UN adviser on genocide prevention but lost her job for not calling Israel's actions against Hamas genocide. Her situation has raised concerns about political pressure within the UN.
  2. Some view Nderitu's dismissal as part of a larger issue of bias against Israel in UN discussions. A recent article praised her for not bending to political agendas.
  3. Nderitu spoke out after attending a memorial for Holocaust victims, connecting her experience to historical injustices and the importance of speaking the truth.

TGIF: Hard Pivot

4595 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Media Public Opinion
  1. Biden warned about the growing influence of wealthy individuals in American politics. He believes this could threaten democracy and everyone's chance to succeed.
  2. He talked about the need for accountability on social media platforms to stop the spread of false information. Biden thinks this is important to protect families and democracy.
  3. The idea of oligarchs controlling politics can be complex, especially when they support causes on different sides. It raises questions about the balance of power in a democracy.

It Pays to Be a Friend of Donald Trump

639 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government Ethics
  1. Rod Blagojevich and Eric Adams benefited from their connections to Donald Trump, suggesting his influence on legal outcomes.
  2. Blagojevich switched from being a Democratic governor to showing support for Trump, which helped him secure a pardon.
  3. The situation raises questions about how justice is applied if political connections can sway legal decisions.