The Better Letter

The Better Letter explores the intersections of markets, politics, faith, and personal life through a lens that emphasizes long-term thinking, reality-based decision-making, and appreciation for randomness and uncertainty. It critiques short-sightedness, promotes critical thinking, and reflects on societal trends and human behavior.

Investing and Financial Planning Economic and Market Predictions Decision-Making and Cognitive Biases Politics and Society Personal Development and Life Philosophy The Role of Luck and Randomness Faith and Culture

The hottest Substack posts of The Better Letter

And their main takeaways

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Public Health Medical costs Patient rights Healthcare policy
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

Tony Fauci may join Hunter Biden in getting a presidential pardon

57 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Political Scandals COVID-19
  1. There are discussions about granting Dr. Fauci a pardon similar to Hunter Biden's. Many people think this could hurt public trust in health officials.
  2. Fauci is being scrutinized for his involvement with risky coronavirus research. Some believe he might have misled Congress about it.
  3. If a pardon stops investigations into Fauci, it could lead to more distrust in public health decisions made during the pandemic. People want transparency and clarity about what happened.

Luigi Mangione's "manifesto"

56 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Public interest Political Commentary Justice
  1. Luigi Mangione wrote a note claiming he acted alone in a violent incident, expressing his frustrations with powerful companies exploiting the healthcare system.
  2. He believes that the U.S. has a big problem with healthcare costs and life expectancy, suggesting that many are aware of the issue but no real change has happened.
  3. Mangione's note was made public by a journalist, raising concerns about how some media outlets might not share important information with the public.

Berenson v Biden gets stronger

48 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Legal Cases Political pressure Media
  1. Berenson's lawsuit against Biden is moving forward, and new evidence from 2021 supports his claims of censorship. This case highlights concerns about free speech.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the Biden administration pressured social media companies to censor content related to vaccines. This admission strengthens Berenson's case.
  3. The lawsuit process includes several stages, and each outcome will determine how the case proceeds. Berenson believes the evidence will help push the case forward.

URGENT: Cancer deaths rose in Japan in 2022 and 2023, post-mRNA Covid shots

43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Cancer Research Epidemiology
  1. In Japan, cancer deaths rose by about 12,000 more than expected in 2022 and 2023. This increase is small but considered statistically significant.
  2. Leukemia was the type of cancer that had the highest increase in deaths, showing an 8% rise each year. The timing of this rise coincided with the rollout of mRNA Covid vaccines.
  3. While researchers can't definitively link the rise in cancer deaths to the vaccines, they stressed the need for a thorough investigation due to the patterns observed.
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The FIRST law Elon Musk and DOGE should ask Donald Trump to dump

54 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Corporate Surveillance Rights
  1. A new law requires companies to report their owners' information to the government. Many people think this is a bad idea because it expands government control.
  2. A judge recently ruled that this reporting requirement could be unconstitutional. He said it goes against the principles of how states manage corporate laws.
  3. Business owners could face big fines if they don’t comply with these rules. If the government doesn't drop the appeal against this ruling, many people will be unhappy.

Did FDA know a child had died in Moderna's Covid jab clinical trial? If so, what did the agency do about it?

49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals Vaccination policy Clinical Trials
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, and there's confusion about whether the FDA was informed about this death.
  2. The FDA's responses seem deliberately vague, avoiding a clear acknowledgment of the child's death.
  3. Senator Ron Johnson plans to investigate further, which could lead to more transparency from the FDA.

We have filed our responses to the defense motions to dismiss in Berenson v Biden

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Civil Rights First Amendment Lawsuits Government Accountability
  1. A lawsuit was filed to challenge how the government, Twitter, and Pfizer worked together to ban someone from social media. One email showed direct communication between these parties about that ban.
  2. There are important legal questions about whether people whose First Amendment rights were violated can sue the government for money. Currently, federal law doesn’t clearly support this for First Amendment claims.
  3. Another key point is if unvaccinated people are considered a protected group under the law. This case argues that their rights as individuals should be protected, rather than focusing on their vaccination status.

Trump's top healthcare priority must be repealing Big Pharma's legal immunity for vaccines

60 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Safety Public Health Healthcare Reform
  1. Big Pharma currently has legal immunity for vaccines, which makes it hard for people to sue them for injuries caused by vaccines. This immunity creates a system where companies might not feel responsible for ensuring their products are safe.
  2. The law that protects vaccine manufacturers was made for simpler and cheaper vaccines, not today's advanced and costly ones. This means that the rules should change to hold companies accountable for the newer, more complex vaccines.
  3. Removing this legal protection would help ensure that vaccines are treated like regular products. It would make sure that they are evaluated for risk and safety properly, just like any other medical product.

Chronicle of a childless cat lady

57 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Memoir Drugs Relationships Politics
  1. Emily Witt shares her life experiences in her memoir, focusing on her struggles with drug use and her relationships, particularly with a man named Andrew. She aims to present a self-aware view but misses some key insights about her own behavior.
  2. Witt's desire to be perceived as 'cool' drives her lifestyle choices, including her preferences for parties and partners. This desire reflects a specific elite culture that seems disconnected from the reality of most people's lives.
  3. While Witt portrays herself as a fighter for social justice, she often fails to acknowledge the perspectives of those closest to her, such as Andrew. Her narrative emphasizes her own experiences while sidelining others, raising questions about authenticity and empathy.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Mental health Corporate Influence Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

The rot in medicine and public health is growing worse and worse

64 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Health Systems COVID-19
  1. Many people don't realize that, for most, Covid causes no long-term heart issues. It's important to spread good news instead of only focusing on fear.
  2. Despite spending a lot on healthcare, life expectancy in the U.S. hasn't improved in the last 20 years. We need to rethink how effective our health strategies really are.
  3. Public health experts often exaggerate the problems they can solve, leading to distrust among people. Honesty about what can be achieved is crucial for rebuilding that trust.

URGENT: Authors of a big new paper on Covid's heart risks presented its results in a misleading way likely to scare people the paper itself shows are not in danger

64 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Pandemic response Misinformation
  1. A recent study found that most people who had Covid do not have an increased risk of heart problems long-term, contrary to scary headlines. It's important for people to have accurate information about their health risks.
  2. The reported increased risks mainly came from hospitalized Covid patients, who are already known to be at higher risk. Most people who were infected but did not need hospitalization had similar heart health to those who never contracted Covid.
  3. The misleading presentation of the study's findings could create unnecessary fear for those who had mild Covid cases. It’s crucial for people to understand their actual risk so they can manage their health appropriately.

Happy New Year! (And thanks for your patience.)

47 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📰 News Current Events Investigative Reporting Health News Public Health Media Criticism
  1. It's a new year and the writer feels that 2025 might start off with some challenges. They plan to share more insights and news with their readers soon.
  2. There are ongoing concerns about the H5N1 flu, which has been a topic since 2005. The writer is set to discuss this issue more in depth soon.
  3. The writer expresses appreciation for the patience of their audience and encourages them to stay tuned for upcoming news and articles.

How Moderna hid the death of a child in a Covid vaccine clinical trial - even as it seemed to disclose the trial's results

45 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Clinical Trials Public Health Health Policy Regulatory issues
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, but the company didn't report it properly. This raised concerns about transparency in vaccine testing.
  2. Moderna published trial results that excluded details about the child's death, which created confusion about the safety of their vaccines for children.
  3. The company has not provided further details about the child's health condition or the circumstances of the death, leaving important questions unanswered.

How much did lockdown and mRNA regret drive voters toward Trump?

57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Public Health Government Policy Social Issues
  1. Many blue states with strict lockdowns saw a big move towards Trump in the latest election. This shift was most noticeable in places like California.
  2. People are starting to question the COVID-19 vaccines, especially after experiencing severe health issues post-vaccination. This growing skepticism may have influenced their voting decisions.
  3. There appears to be a connection between regrets over vaccination and political choices, suggesting that frustration with health policies could drive voters towards Trump.

An offer, and a poll

17 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Public Health Policy Vaccines
  1. The author is focusing on healthcare and Big Pharma issues, aiming to bring light to underreported truths in these areas. They feel they are on the right path with their writing.
  2. Subscribers are being offered a discount on membership and a chance to receive exclusive merchandise as a thank you for their support. Signing up now could be beneficial before a price increase.
  3. There is a poll regarding whether the author should join a new podcast with other thinkers. They are uncertain about the time commitment and want feedback from their readers.

Yes, the global elites are even stupider and more tone-deaf than you imagined

110 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. The global elites can sometimes appear out of touch with reality by spending exorbitant amounts of money on events while many people in the world struggle to meet basic needs.
  2. Despite immense wealth, individuals like Bill Gates and Hillary Clinton engaging in lavish displays of opulence may seem disconnected from societal realities.
  3. Attending extravagant events hosted by the rich and powerful in impoverished countries can raise questions about ethical choices and priorities.

URGENT: Free speech wins at Meta

42 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Social media Fact-checking Political Influence
  1. Meta is stopping its efforts to censor posts about immigration and gender. This change is being framed as a return to free speech on the platform.
  2. The debate around fact-checking is ongoing. It often shows how opinions can differ on what is true, rather than just stating hard facts.
  3. Zuckerberg aims to bring back civic content to Facebook because people want to see all sides of an issue, and just sharing fun content isn't enough.

How to talk to mRNA fanatics

43 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology COVID-19
  1. Many people are starting to question the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, as fewer are getting vaccinated this year compared to previous years. Some areas show a significant drop in vaccinations.
  2. Proponents of mRNA vaccines often rely on a chart that claims vaccinated people had lower death rates from COVID-19. However, this chart has flaws and doesn't tell the full story.
  3. It's important to address these discussions in a way that acknowledges some ground without giving up key points about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Join me in fighting for your rights (and mine)

41 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Government Power Civil Rights Judicial Decisions Political Philosophy
  1. The Constitution is important for protecting individuals from government overreach. It's a written promise that outlines the rights of the people and states.
  2. Recent court rulings show that judges can stand up against the government's attempts to expand its power beyond what the Constitution allows. This helps maintain the balance of power.
  3. To preserve our rights, we need to actively defend the Constitution. It's essential to keep fighting for the freedoms it grants us, as they can be lost if we don't.

Thank you for your trust and support!

46 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Legal issues Government Public Health Social media
  1. The lawsuit Berenson v Biden is about claims of censorship by the government, particularly involving Twitter and vaccination discussions.
  2. There is evidence suggesting that officials pressured Twitter to silence Berenson’s views on Covid, raising concerns about free speech.
  3. The case is still in the early stages, and more evidence is expected to come to light as it progresses, focusing on whether the censorship violated rights.

My debate with comedian Dave Smith on historical revisionism, antisemitism, and Israel happens at 7 p.m. Eastern tonight

11 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Antisemitism Historical revisionism Israel Holocaust
  1. There's a debate happening about important topics like historical revisionism and antisemitism. It focuses on serious issues, such as the Holocaust and Israel.
  2. The debate features comedian Dave Smith, who has anti-Israel views, which has led to some tension. He has been accused of supporting revisionist histories that downplay Nazi atrocities.
  3. Expect a lively discussion, as both sides have strong opinions. They'll also touch on modern antisemitism and the conflict in Gaza.

The AARP just told its 38 million members to get an eighth (yes, EIGHTH!) shot of mRNA

99 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Health recommendations
  1. AARP advised its 38 million members to get an eighth shot of mRNA, even after having five boosters already.
  2. Scientists have limited safety data on multiple mRNA shots, raising concerns about risk with each additional dose.
  3. AARP suggested the most recent shot is a new vaccine targeting new variants, hinting at a future combined COVID-flu vaccine but raising skepticism.

Quick update: I know I haven't posted in a few days - I have a good excuse. I had surgery last Friday

88 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Personal Experience Treatment Options Recovery
  1. Back surgery should be carefully considered, especially for issues like foot drops, and timing is crucial for optimal results
  2. Medical decisions can be complex and involve balancing risks and benefits, especially when it comes to surgery
  3. Health insurance and administrative delays can impact timely medical interventions

Whither Joe Biden?

86 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political Commentary
  1. The concern that Joe Biden may not be fit to continue as President is growing, affecting him and the Democratic Party.
  2. If Biden were to step down, the Democratic Party faces challenges in finding a suitable replacement, leading to potential internal conflict.
  3. Biden's ability to lead for a second term is under scrutiny, requiring him to address concerns about his cognitive health and fitness to serve.

All over but the shoutin'

39 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Voting Political trends Candidates
  1. Free speech is very important, but we must respect the results of democratic elections, no matter who wins. It's vital for maintaining our democracy.
  2. There's currently no evidence of significant voting fraud, so we should trust the election process and accept the outcome calmly.
  3. A peaceful transfer of power is essential for democracy, and we should all encourage others to vote and participate in the election.

THANK YOU!

13 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Censorship Activism Public Opinion
  1. Your support is really important and appreciated. It helps me feel less alone while uncovering the truth.
  2. Taking on tough topics is exciting, but it can also be challenging without the backing of a big news organization.
  3. I’m always looking to improve and make things easier for subscribers, and I appreciate everyone's patience.

I need your help

40 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legal issues Political Rights Government Accountability Censorship
  1. The lawsuit Berenson v Biden is an important case about free speech, and it’s now at a critical point. The author is asking for help as they prepare to respond to the defendants' motions.
  2. The author has evidence on their side but the defendants are trying to avoid the discovery process, which could reveal more information. They are seeking to have the case dismissed instead.
  3. There may be fewer articles coming from the author in the near future while they focus on the lawsuit. They are encouraging supporters to subscribe to continue the fight for free speech.

URGENT: The Supreme Court rules 9-0 that states must allow Donald Trump on the presidential ballot

74 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Supreme Court Election Insurrection Voting Rights
  1. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously, 9-0, that states must allow Donald Trump on the presidential ballot.
  2. States cannot disqualify candidates for federal office as insurrectionists, according to the Supreme Court decision.
  3. The unanimous decision was a rebuke to leftist lawyers who argued for disqualifying Trump, emphasizing that voters deserve the final say.

URGENT: Ex-White House advisor Andy Slavitt is refusing to comply with a subpoena over questions about how he tried to censor me and others in 2021

72 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Administration Congress
  1. Former White House advisor Andy Slavitt is refusing to comply with a Congressional subpoena.
  2. Ignoring a Congressional subpoena is a federal crime, but the Biden Administration will not prosecute Slavitt.
  3. Claims of executive privilege are being used to justify Slavitt's refusal to testify, despite past cases ruling against such claims.

Some good news!

68 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Free speech Universities Censorship Social media
  1. A public university is allowing a speaker to discuss government-led social media censorship for the first time, indicating potential change in approach to different viewpoints.
  2. Despite challenges and disagreements, the importance of free speech and the role of social media in influencing information are being acknowledged and discussed.
  3. The opportunity highlights the significance of open dialogue on controversial issues like censorship, encouraging diverse perspectives in academic settings.

URGENT: The report from prosecutors on Joe Biden's handling of classified documents might be WORSE for him than an actual indictment

68 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation President Election
  1. Prosecutors found no basis for criminal charges against Joe Biden for handling classified documents
  2. Report suggests Biden may be too senile for criminal charges, making his ability to stay as President questionable
  3. Biden's memory issues highlighted in the report, impacting his portrayal and political implications

On the arrogance (and stupidity) of Pfizer's Super Bowl ad

67 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Medical Ethics Marketing Science communication
  1. Pfizer's history shows a mix of successful marketing strategies and problematic scientific practices.
  2. The Super Bowl ad by Pfizer focused on science and notable scientists, with minimal mention of specific products.
  3. Despite the high cost of the ad, there was no clear return on investment, leading to questions about Pfizer's motives.

Long Covid: even faker than you thought

61 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Long Covid Study Recovery Symptoms
  1. A study from Australia suggests that 'long Covid' may not be as prevalent as previously thought, with only 3% of Covid patients experiencing moderate-to-severe aftereffects a year later.
  2. The study indicates that the majority of individuals infected with Covid, aside from those needing critical care, fully recover within months.
  3. The lead author of the study suggests that terms like 'long Covid' may cause unnecessary fear and hinder recovery, advocating for a shift in language used to describe post-Covid symptoms.

On "polyamory," "ethical non-monogamy," and all the other depressing ways to pretend you aren't just cheating

67 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Gender Social Issues Lifestyle Society
  1. Polyamory trends are often dressed up in fancier names but fundamentally involve cheating
  2. Drug use, especially with substances like THC and psychedelics, can influence decision-making in polyamorous relationships
  3. Childless couples and shifting gender dynamics in earning power can play a role in the rise of polyamory