Discourse Blog

Discourse Blog provides commentary from a leftist perspective on topics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, U.S. politics, social justice issues, the impact of war, retail theft narratives, worker strikes, and criticism of political figures and decisions. It often highlights human rights violations, biases in media coverage, and societal injustice.

Israel-Palestine Conflict U.S. Politics Social Justice Issues War and Violence Retail Theft Narratives Worker Strikes Political Criticism Human Rights Violations

The hottest Substack posts of Discourse Blog

And their main takeaways

AI Won't Kill Us But It Will Take Our Souls

1061 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Industry Ethics Art Automation
  1. AI is being developed with a focus on maximizing profit and control rather than enhancing human life or creativity.
  2. There are concerns about AI replacing human jobs, especially in fields like content writing, where the quality of AI-generated work is still inferior.
  3. There is a fear that AI industry leaders prioritize profit and control over preserving aspects of the human experience that should be kept free from AI influence.
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The Latest Media Death Is Somehow Even Darker Than Usual

668 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Media Journalism Layoffs Investment
  1. The Messenger, a media company, shut down abruptly after burning through a large investment and employing 300 journalists with no severance.
  2. The way The Messenger handled layoffs was exceptionally cruel and poorly managed, even by industry standards.
  3. The closure of The Messenger is an example of how some companies fail to treat their employees with decency during layoffs.

Can Everyone Take a Deep Breath About the Barbie Movie

727 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Entertainment Media Celebrity
  1. The Barbie movie received multiple nominations and wins, despite not being recognized by the Academy for certain categories.
  2. Fans and actors involved shared their disappointment over the Oscar snubs, highlighting the movie's success and cultural impact.
  3. The article questions whether the movie's existing achievements are enough or if recognition from the Academy is necessary.

There Is Only One Way Out of This

1926 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights Colonialism Occupation
  1. The violence in Palestine and Israel is directly linked to Israel's occupation, killings, and apartheid state.
  2. All human rights organizations concluded Israel is an apartheid state that systematically oppresses Palestinians.
  3. The only solution to end the violence and conflict is for Israel to end the occupation, apartheid state, and blockade of Gaza.

Hey 'U.S. Official': Just Quit Your Goddamn Job

589 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy
  1. The article urges U.S. officials to quit their jobs in protest of the administration's actions.
  2. Government officials have been expressing discontent with the Biden administration's handling of the Gaza crisis for months.
  3. The U.S. government is criticized for allowing Israel to continue actions that lead to harm against Palestinians.

The Rules of War

1611 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Humanitarian Crisis Military conflict International Law
  1. Human beings have the capacity for both horrific violence and compassion, and should strive to prevent harm to others in times of conflict.
  2. The Geneva Conventions established rules of war to protect civilians, but these rules have been widely disregarded and broken.
  3. In the face of extreme violence and atrocities in war, it is crucial for individuals to recognize and condemn evil acts, even when committed by powerful entities.

Bird of the Week: Muscovy Duck

334 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔬 Science Animals Nature Conservation Environment Behavior
  1. The Muscovy Duck is a large duck species with iridescent feathers and a prominent caruncle.
  2. Muscovy Ducks in Florida are considered an invasive species due to irresponsible pet release.
  3. Despite controversies, Muscovy Ducks are adaptable and can thrive in different habitats outside Central and South America.

The Blood on Our Hands

1218 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Genocide
  1. American politicians are supporting a potential genocide in Gaza with the help of US money.
  2. Israel's actions in Gaza include severe humanitarian violations and war crimes.
  3. The US government provides significant military aid to Israel, enabling and supporting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Just Say Ceasefire, Bernie

1002 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A 'humanitarian pause' is not the same as a ceasefire - it's just a temporary stop in operations.
  2. Bernie Sanders is being criticized for supporting a 'humanitarian pause' instead of advocating for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
  3. Many people, including politicians and activists, are calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Bird of the Week: Long-Tailed Duck

235 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Nature Animals Videos Facts
  1. The Long-Tailed Duck is a fascinating bird known for its long tail feathers that males use to attract females.
  2. Long-Tailed Ducks reside in very cold regions like Canada, Alaska, the Arctic, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
  3. These ducks have unique features like changing plumage, loud calls, and being master divers, making them iconic birds worth admiring.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Legislation Government funding Economic Impact
  1. Retailers are using the narrative of organized theft to justify store closures, blame financial downturns, and push for harsher laws and increased police funding.
  2. There is doubt and skepticism about the actual extent and impact of organized retail theft, despite widespread media coverage and corporate claims.
  3. The response to the perceived rise in theft includes enhanced security measures, stricter laws, and significant funding for law enforcement, generating concerns about over-policing and reinforcing damaging narratives.

The Gaetz of Hell

963 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Republicans Scandals Leadership Ethics
  1. The House of Representatives voted to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker, making him the shortest-serving speaker in almost 150 years.
  2. Matt Gaetz is known as a fascist and a total scumbag within the GOP House caucus.
  3. Gaetz is seen as an unrepentant, shameless individual with no real beliefs or higher purpose.