Caitlin’s Newsletter

Caitlin's Newsletter, authored by Caitlin Johnstone, features critical analyses of global politics, focusing on conflict zones like Gaza, militarism, Western hypocrisy, the media's role in shaping perceptions, and the societal impact of policies driven by powerful elites. It also includes personal reflections, artistic expressions, and discussions on human rights.

Global Politics Conflict and Warfare Western Hypocrisy Media and Perception Human Rights Art and Expression Personal Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of Caitlin’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways

All These Israeli Agendas Were Planned Long In Advance

526 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political Commentary International relations Geopolitics
  1. Israel has clear long-term goals in the Middle East and they are taking military actions to achieve them. This includes strengthening their position in Syria and Lebanon while pushing for changes in Gaza and the West Bank.
  2. The narrative around military and political support often has misleading implications. Support for certain countries or actions can sometimes be used to justify violence against innocent people.
  3. There are skeptical views on public figures and their true motives, especially in politics and media. People should be cautious about trusting narratives that seem convenient for powerful interests.

When There's No Money In The Pursuit Of The Good And No Goodness In The Pursuit Of Money

1937 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Activism Capitalism
  1. Pursuing good often leads to less money and material comfort, as many helpful professions pay poorly, like teaching and environmental work.
  2. On the flip side, many wealthy people achieve their success through exploitation and harmful practices, which can hurt society and the environment.
  3. This situation shows how our systems reward those who prioritize profit over ethics, meaning the truly good people often go unrecognized while the selfish gain power.

Israel And Its Apologists Weaponize Sympathy In Order To Facilitate Genocide

1890 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Control Public Opinion Manipulation Narrative
  1. People often play the victim to gain sympathy, which helps them control the narrative around important issues. Sympathy makes others more likely to believe their stories.
  2. Manipulators use sympathy as a weapon to get what they want, whether it's attention, resources, or power. This dynamic is seen in various situations, including political debates.
  3. It's important to be cautious about where we direct our sympathy. If it's used manipulatively, it can lead to harm for others, especially in complex situations like international conflicts.

Israel Pushes New Atrocity Narrative Just As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

2030 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Civil Rights Government Policy Media Analysis Conflict Studies
  1. Israel is creating new stories about atrocities to justify continuing military actions in Gaza as ceasefire talks are approaching. This seems like a tactic to rally support for resuming violence.
  2. The claims being made by Israel lack evidence, and there is reason to believe that the children in question may have died as collateral damage from Israeli strikes rather than at the hands of Hamas.
  3. This narrative plays into a larger strategy to deflect attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza and justify actions by portraying Israel as a victim, while ignoring the suffering of many innocent people.

You Don't Actually Need To Pick A Team

1839 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Political Ideology Corruption Media influence
  1. You don't need to choose between political parties like Democrats and Republicans. They both operate under a corrupt system that doesn't serve the people's best interests.
  2. All politicians, regardless of their party, are part of a larger empire that causes harm. You shouldn't expect any of them to truly represent you or be your friend.
  3. Real change won't come from voting for leaders within a broken system. It requires understanding the issues and working together to challenge existing power structures.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Anyone Who Wants The Ukraine War To Continue Is A Monster

2333 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military conflict Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. The Ukraine war needs to end because many Ukrainians want peace. Wishing for the war to continue is seen as cruel and inhumane.
  2. The leaders responsible for escalating this conflict should be held accountable for their actions. Their decisions have led to immense suffering and chaos.
  3. There's a concern that those who caused this crisis will not face any consequences, which raises fears about future conflicts. We need to demand better leadership for a peaceful world.

Meditations On The Notion That Obama "Never Had Any Scandals"

2249 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Historical Analysis Government Accountability
  1. Barack Obama is often seen as scandal-free compared to other presidents, but this ignores serious actions he took that caused harm. Many people focus more on political feelings rather than real events.
  2. A lot of Americans don't recognize the destructive consequences of U.S. actions abroad, viewing them as problems only for other countries. This shows a disconnect from the reality of global issues.
  3. The media and social platforms shape our thoughts and beliefs, leading to a limited understanding of what's really happening. It’s important to question and think critically to have a clearer view of the world.

Liberals Hate Socialists Because Socialists Are The Real Thing

1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Socialism Liberalism Capitalism Civil Rights Military Policy
  1. Socialists and liberals often clash because socialists expose the realities that liberals might prefer to ignore. This makes it uncomfortable for liberals who want to believe in their ideals.
  2. Supporters of Israel can be divided into two groups: those who accept the harsh realities and those who deceive themselves about the situation. Both groups ultimately support the same actions, just with different attitudes.
  3. Believing that capitalism can solve environmental problems is like having blind faith. Many think technology will save us while ignoring that continued profit pursuit harms our planet.

I Write About Israel All The Time Because I Have To, Not Because I Want To

2267 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Military Actions Middle East Political Commentary
  1. The situation in Gaza includes severe human rights violations and reports of torture. It's really troubling and many people feel compelled to speak out about it.
  2. Critics of Israel's actions often face accusations of antisemitism, which confuses the discussion about the state's actions with issues related to all Jewish people.
  3. Many people are frustrated with the political leaders who seem to support harmful actions against vulnerable populations, and it's important to hold them accountable regardless of their party.

There Is No Antisemitism Crisis In Australia. It's A Carefully Constructed Lie.

2179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Antisemitism Public Policy International relations Social Issues
  1. There is a belief that the accusations of antisemitism in Australia are exaggerated or fabricated. Some incidents that were labeled as antisemitic may have been staged or manipulated.
  2. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions around antisemitism, sometimes conflating criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people.
  3. The real issues in Australia might be more related to anti-Palestinian sentiments and general apathy toward serious humanitarian crises, rather than a widespread problem of antisemitism.

Washington Drops Ukraine, Israel Backs Down On Hamas Demands

2360 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution
  1. The U.S. is no longer supporting Ukraine's NATO membership and is discussing territory compromises for peace, which could deeply affect Ukraine's future.
  2. Israel appears to be easing its stance regarding a ceasefire with Hamas, leading to an increased flow of aid into Gaza.
  3. This situation serves as a reminder for other allies of the U.S. about the potential risks of getting involved in conflicts tied to U.S. interests.

The IDF Didn't Just Target Hospitals, They Destroyed Individual Medical Machines

1881 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military conflict Human Rights Political Commentary Social justice
  1. Lifesaving medical equipment in Gaza has been intentionally destroyed to prevent medical care. This act raises serious questions about the motivations behind such destruction.
  2. People often ignore the harsh realities of conflicts, focusing instead on domestic political issues. This avoidance can lead to a detachment from the suffering experienced in war zones.
  3. Real opposition to power does not revolve around individual politicians like Trump, but rather against the systems of capitalism, imperialism, and exploitation that enable these issues.

Israel Admits It Violated The Ceasefire And Hamas Did Not

2174 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Conflict resolution International relations Media Analysis Political Commentary
  1. Israel has acknowledged that it violated the ceasefire while Hamas did not break any agreements. This is significant because it sheds light on the true cause of the ongoing tensions.
  2. The ceasefire is in danger as Israel has introduced new demands that were not part of the original agreement. This could lead to renewed fighting if Hamas feels pushed too hard.
  3. There is concern that the media may not report these facts accurately, so it's important for people to stay informed about what is happening behind the scenes.

The Gaza Ceasefire Is Being Sabotaged By Israel, By Trump, And By The Media

1923 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media influence Conflict Government Public Opinion
  1. The Gaza ceasefire is in danger because of continued violence from Israel. Hamas has said they will delay the release of hostages due to these violations.
  2. Donald Trump's comments have influenced Hamas's willingness to uphold the ceasefire. He suggested that if all hostages aren’t returned soon, Israel should escalate its actions, which may lead to more conflict.
  3. Media coverage is biased and often ignores Israel's role in the ceasefire's instability. Headlines emphasize Hamas's actions while downplaying Israeli violations, affecting public perception.

Civil Rights Are Being Destroyed Throughout The West In Service Of Israel

2444 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights International relations Political Activism Government Policy
  1. Journalists are facing serious consequences for speaking out about Israel and its actions. Some have been detained and banned for expressing opinions that are seen as critical of Israel.
  2. There is a growing pattern of civil rights being weakened across many Western countries, supposedly to protect Israel. This trend is alarming as it impacts freedom of speech.
  3. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is deeply rooted in a long-term agenda to displace Palestinians from their land. Many believe that recent violence has been used as a pretext for further colonization.

It's Gross And Cringey To Love A State Like Israel Or The USA

1834 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Government Critique Power Structures Political Discourse
  1. It's considered immature to have strong emotional ties to a nation like the USA or Israel. Loving a state often leads people to blindly defend its actions, no matter how harmful they might be.
  2. We can have real relationships with individuals or communities, but nations are just too big and complex for that. When we feel love for a country, it's usually just for a symbol we've created in our minds.
  3. People who defend their government like a parent are not taking responsibility for their own beliefs. It's important to think independently and not let powerful entities dictate what is right or wrong.

The Plan To Ethnically Cleanse Gaza Didn't Start With Trump

1816 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign affairs Political Ideology Civil Rights Government Accountability
  1. The idea of removing Palestinians from Gaza isn't new and didn't start with Trump. It's been a long-standing plan that has roots going back decades.
  2. Many politicians and media outlets are pushing the narrative that this plan is a new concept, which is misleading and ignores its historical context.
  3. Democrats seem to be more focused on their feelings about political leadership than actually addressing the ongoing issues. Their actions during the Biden presidency highlight that they are not truly opposed to the injustices happening.

Only 3% Of Jewish Israelis Think Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan For Gaza Is Immoral

2440 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Foreign Policy Middle East Human Rights Social Issues
  1. A small percentage, only 3%, of Jewish Israelis view Trump's plan for Gaza as immoral. This highlights a significant difference in perspectives regarding morality in relation to political actions.
  2. A majority of Jewish Israelis support the controversial plan to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza. This reflects a broader societal attitude towards Palestinians, where many see them as less deserving of rights.
  3. This lack of empathy and understanding has consequences that extend beyond politics, affecting social values and perceptions within Israeli society. It suggests a deep-seated issue of moral awareness that influences various aspects of life.

As The Gaza Agenda Moves Forward, The Imperial Narrative Shifts With It

2086 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Human Rights Political Commentary
  1. The narrative around Gaza's conditions has changed, going from denying any destruction to suggesting it needs to be evacuated due to its unlivable state.
  2. There is a shift in how supporters of Israel talk about the situation, moving from defending military actions to now acknowledging the devastation as a reason for evacuating the population.
  3. Controlling the narrative is crucial, as it reflects how the powers involved justify their actions amidst changing circumstances and agendas.

Trump Goes All-In On Stealing Gaza For His Zionist Owners

2463 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies International Affairs Political Commentary Government actions
  1. Trump's recent comments suggest he wants to remove all Palestinians from Gaza and replace them with other populations. He believes that Gaza is too dangerous for them to return.
  2. He indicated that the US would take control of Gaza, managing reconstruction and development projects, but his plan seems focused on benefiting Israeli Jews rather than rebuilding for the current residents.
  3. This approach is being framed as a humanitarian solution, but it looks more like an aim to erase the Palestinian presence in Gaza, leading to potential further violence in the region.

The Nonstop Military Operation Known As Israel

1848 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Media Critique Military Policy Social Issues
  1. Israel is demolishing homes and causing suffering in Gaza and neighboring areas while claiming to be engaged in military operations. This leads to many civilian casualties and ongoing humanitarian issues.
  2. The political narratives around Israel often shift based on which administration is in power, but both parties support actions that lead to the same harmful outcomes for Palestinians.
  3. People are quick to blame Middle Eastern conflicts on the cultures involved, but they ignore the historical context of Western interventions and atrocities that shaped these situations.

How To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

2128 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Humanism
  1. To feel both happy and well-informed, you need to explore your inner feelings just as much as you do the outer world issues. It's all about understanding both sides.
  2. Life can have ugly truths and beautiful moments at the same time. You can be hurt by what you see in the world but still find happiness in everyday life.
  3. By digging into your own beliefs and thoughts, you can change how you view the world. This deeper understanding helps you see how your inner feelings connect to what's happening outside.

Tom Cotton Admits The US Doesn't Actually Care About Spreading Democracy

2263 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Democracy Political Commentary Government actions Geopolitics
  1. Tom Cotton believes the US cares more about countries being pro-American than about them being democratic. This shows a focus on power over principles.
  2. The article highlights a pattern where politicians will support friendly dictators over democratically elected leaders if it aligns with US interests.
  3. It suggests that the actions of both the Democratic and Republican parties in foreign policy often prioritize US hegemony rather than genuine democratic values.

Only Pathetic Bootlickers Spend Their Energy Criticizing China

2249 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political critique Government Accountability Global Power National Security
  1. Criticizing China while ignoring the actions of Western countries is seen as hypocritical. It's important to focus on the more severe issues happening within our own governments.
  2. Many Westerners believe China is as harmful as Western powers, but this viewpoint overlooks China's different approach to foreign policy and military action.
  3. Instead of pointing fingers at other countries, it may be more beneficial to address the abuses and problems we live under in our own nations.

Trump Reveals Plan For The Ethnic Cleansing Of Gaza

2565 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Elections Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Trump has proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, which many view as a form of ethnic cleansing. This plan aligns with Israel's long-term goal to remove Palestinians from their land.
  2. Previously released documents from Israeli officials suggest that they have been strategizing for the complete removal of Gaza's population. There are intentions to eventually settle Jewish communities in the area once the population is cleared.
  3. The situation is described as forcing people to leave under terrible conditions, not as voluntary migration. The lack of aid makes it impossible for the people to stay without suffering.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

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.

They Don't Just Tell Us What To Think, They Train Us HOW To Think

1802 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Perception Government Accountability
  1. People are taught not just what to think, but how to think within a set framework. This means they start with certain assumptions about politics and society.
  2. This framework makes it hard for individuals to see outside of the mainstream narratives since thoughts that don't fit in are often ignored or dismissed.
  3. To create real change, we first need to recognize and free our minds from this conditioning, allowing for new perspectives and ideas.

Jordan And Egypt Snub Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan

2184 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Human Rights Middle East Public Opinion
  1. Jordan and Egypt have rejected a plan by Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to their countries. Both nations emphasize their support for Palestinians staying on their land.
  2. There is concern that Trump may still attempt to pressure these nations into compliance with his plan. The resistance from Jordan and Egypt suggests significant challenges for achieving that goal.
  3. There is a critique of how political and media classes share similar views, limiting diverse perspectives and accountability regarding issues like the treatment of Palestinians.

Bat Shit Insane Religious Fanaticism Is A Requirement For US Empire Managers

3036 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Political theory Social Issues Religious Influence
  1. Religious fanaticism often seems required for people in power, especially in U.S. foreign policy. It's strange how those with extreme beliefs can run a country, while ordinary people might be seen as unfit.
  2. Many organizations claim to fight against antisemitism but sometimes focus more on protecting specific political interests. This raises questions about their true motives and effectiveness.
  3. International laws appear to be ignored by powerful countries when it comes to holding them accountable. This leads to a world where the strong set the rules and justice for everyone else is hard to find.

Donald Trump Is The Empire Unmasked

2947 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Presidency Foreign Policy Public Opinion
  1. Trump openly talks about the U.S. being an empire run by wealthy elites. He doesn't shy away from admitting the truth about America's global ambitions.
  2. Unlike other politicians, Trump openly reveals the darker side of U.S. foreign policy. This makes it harder for the government to hide its intentions.
  3. The more people see the real actions of the empire, the less they believe the propaganda. This awareness could potentially lead to positive change in society.

They're Still Slaughtering Civilians In Gaza

1634 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military Action Middle East Conflict resolution
  1. Many Palestinians are still being killed in Gaza, even after a ceasefire was announced. The ongoing violence raises concerns about the true nature of this supposed ceasefire.
  2. Palestinian lives are often viewed as less valuable compared to Israeli lives. This unequal perspective contributes to the ongoing violence and suffering in the region.
  3. There are troubling instances of dehumanization where Palestinians are seen as expendable. This mindset can lead to tragic outcomes, such as the killing of innocent civilians, including children.

The Worst Thing About The Gaza Holocaust Is Knowing It Will Happen Again

2072 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Crimes Civil Rights Government Accountability Media Critique
  1. The death toll in Gaza is rising as bodies are discovered after the fighting. Many people have been trapped for a long time, leading to slow and painful deaths.
  2. The destruction in Gaza is described as intentional, aiming to make the area unlivable and displacing its people due to their ethnicity.
  3. There's a strong belief that the violence in Gaza will happen again, as there are no significant policy changes to prevent it and the U.S. continues to support such actions.

The Tiger Show

1303 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology Humanism
  1. We should not let the least capable control our world. People often feel helpless, but we have the power to change things for the better.
  2. Inside us, there's a great potential that we often forget. We have the ability to stand up for our happiness and well-being.
  3. The current state of things can change when we decide to take a stand. We are stronger than we realize and can make a difference.

How To Be Happy In A Genocidal Dystopia On A Dying World

3306 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Happiness Dystopia Human experience Perception
  1. You can find joy even in tough times. Appreciate the little things like nature and moments of beauty.
  2. It's okay to feel sad about the world, but don't let it steal your happiness. Engage with reality and feel all the emotions.
  3. Focus on recognizing the amazing parts of life. Shift your mindset to see the good things around you every day.

One More Dead Palestinian Kid

1550 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict Human Rights Military Action Social Issues
  1. A two-year-old girl was tragically killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. It's heartbreaking to see such young lives lost.
  2. The author expresses deep emotional pain and despair regarding the loss of innocent lives, especially children, in conflict situations. These deaths leave a lasting impact on families and communities.
  3. The repetition of such tragedies can feel overwhelming, as if each death adds to an endless cycle of suffering. This ongoing situation calls for more awareness and compassion for those affected.

None Of These War Criminals Will Face Justice While The US Empire Exists

2463 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes Justice Government Accountability International Law Media Criticism
  1. Many officials involved in war crimes don't face justice because powerful countries protect them. They often continue their careers without consequences.
  2. Questions about war crimes can lead to disrespectful treatment, even removal from press conferences. The focus is more on the questions being asked than the issues raised.
  3. Real change and justice seem impossible as long as the current power structures exist. The cycle of violence and impunity will continue unless there's a shift in global power.

Fathoms

1220 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural critique Activism
  1. The world is overwhelmed with issues like war, pollution, and corporate greed. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of distraction instead of addressing these problems.
  2. There is an underlying peace and wisdom beneath all the chaos and madness. It encourages people to seek deeper understanding and stillness in their lives.
  3. Facing the uncomfortable truths about the world is essential. It's important to move beyond denial and confront the realities we often ignore.

Thoughts On The Ceasefire Deal

2514 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Political Analysis International relations Elections Peace efforts
  1. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that takes effect soon, but there's been violence leading up to it. This makes the situation very dangerous for people in Gaza right now.
  2. Trump's team played a key role in this ceasefire, and some believe that his victory is actually better for Gaza than Biden's administration, which didn't act decisively to stop the violence.
  3. There's a glimmer of hope that the ongoing suffering in Gaza might finally be easing, but the overall fight for peace and justice is far from over. People are allowing themselves to feel hope, even if it's challenging.

It's Not That Trump Is Good, It's That Biden Was Just That Bad

2035 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Biden Democrats Republicans Election
  1. Many believe Trump isn't actually good; it's just that Biden's actions were very poor. This comparison shows how some see both parties as failing.
  2. The U.S. government often hides its wrongdoings and prefers subtlety, but sometimes its actions become very visible, like in recent conflicts.
  3. Young people should recognize that the current political system may not be their ally. They can learn from recent events like the TikTok ban and its implications.

In The Thick Of It

1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.