eugyppius: a plague chronicle

eugyppius: a plague chronicle critically explores failures in global and German responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efficacy and safety, political and media dynamics, public policy, and cultural shifts. It outlines the deep skepticism of government actions, pharmaceutical motives, and prevailing narratives about health and freedom.

COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Government and Politics Media and Public Perception Public Policy and Civil Liberties Health and Science Skepticism Global and National Responses to Crises

The hottest Substack posts of eugyppius: a plague chronicle

And their main takeaways

Losing Alignment: Why have establishment politics become so destructive, immoderate and self-defeating?

154 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Trends Populism Elite influence
  1. Establishment politics are struggling to manage public discontent. This has led to the rise of populist movements that the elites can't control.
  2. The ruling elite should adapt their policies to keep the public satisfied, but they often don't. This can lead to losing political power and control.
  3. Current political strategies are inflaming opposition instead of calming it down, which is a big problem for governance in Western democracies.

Biden Pardon Open Thread

215 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government
  1. President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, ending his legal troubles related to tax evasion and gun possession. Biden believes these charges were politically motivated.
  2. Biden had previously denied he would pardon Hunter, but he's now acting to support him after facing pressure from political opponents. This situation highlights a discrepancy between what was said publicly and what was considered privately.
  3. The pardon could have broader implications, possibly giving other politicians like Donald Trump a moral reason to pardon their supporters in similar situations.

In which insane German delusions about the near-certainty of a Harris presidency are dashed on the rocks of Trump's decisive victory

322 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Political Analysis Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. Donald Trump won the election by a large margin, securing more votes and sweeping key states. This shows a significant shift in voter support compared to previous elections.
  2. Media coverage leading up to the election was heavily biased and failed to accurately predict the outcome. Many people were misled by false narratives about the competitiveness of the race.
  3. The reaction from German officials and media after the election reveals their misunderstanding of American politics. They underestimated Trump's chances and overestimated Harris's appeal.

German retiree facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme implying that the Minister of Economic Affairs is a moron

294 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political criticism Legal issues Social media Government Action
  1. A German retiree is facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme that insults a government minister. This shows how serious authorities can be about online criticism.
  2. The case highlights laws in Germany that punish anyone who insults politicians, which can lead to heavy fines or even jail time. It's a tough stance on freedom of speech.
  3. The situation reflects ongoing debates about what people can say online, especially regarding those in power. It's a reminder of how different countries handle criticism of their leaders.

Tweeting the poop emoji at a cabinet minister, quoting politicians inexactly, calling a Green fat & stupid – all of this is criminal speech in the freest and most democratic Germany of all time

225 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Censorship Civil Rights Freedom of Expression Political Satire
  1. In Germany, some people are being charged for their online comments, like using a poop emoji or making jokes about politicians. This has raised concerns about free speech.
  2. Green Party politicians have been active in filing complaints against critics on social media. This includes actions like having someone's house searched over an insult.
  3. Many of these prosecutions seem unfair and silly, making it harder for average citizens to express their opinions. Critics argue that this is more about controlling speech than protecting it.
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Why is the Green Party using activist front groups to subvert the law and allow refugees to convert government benefits into untraceable cash?

198 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Political Activism Political corruption
  1. The Green Party is reportedly using activist groups to help refugees turn government benefit cards into cash. This raises questions about the legality and ethics of such actions.
  2. Many refugees are using these government benefits to send money back to their home countries. This has become a significant financial concern for Germany.
  3. There seems to be a network of leftist groups involved in these activities, suggesting a complicated relationship between politics and refugee support.

Schwachkopf

231 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Action Political criticism Civil Liberties Media censorship
  1. The government has been cracking down on free speech, with leaders filing many complaints against critics. This shows a troubling shift where people are getting punished for simply expressing their opinions.
  2. A recent case involving a retired man facing police action for calling a minister a 'moron' has sparked widespread outrage. This incident highlights how extreme responses to criticism can become a major issue.
  3. Politicians like Robert Habeck are using their power to silence dissent, suggesting that freedom of speech is only acceptable when it aligns with their views. This raises important questions about the state of democracy and personal freedoms.

How the German government collapsed and what will happen now

261 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political parties Coalitions Economic Policy
  1. The German government, known as the traffic light coalition, fell apart when Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister. This left the coalition partners, the SPD and the Greens, struggling to move forward.
  2. The coalition had ambitious plans but ran out of money due to legal issues with their budget strategy. This led to rising energy prices and a loss of public support.
  3. Upcoming elections could change the political landscape, with the CDU likely to gain power. However, they face challenges in forming a stable government due to their refusal to work with the AfD.

On the bizarre case of Stephan Kramer – the spy chief & anti-AfD crusader who leaked secrets to journalists, hung out with a Russian biker gang & got caught plagiarising from an Antifa newsletter

115 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Dynamics Media influence Intelligence Operations Political Campaigns
  1. A spy chief named Stephan Kramer is involved in some strange and questionable activities, including leaking secrets to journalists. He's also linked to a Russian biker gang, which raises eyebrows.
  2. There's a significant media campaign in Germany aimed at reducing the political influence of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, as they're gaining popularity.
  3. Kramer's actions, like trying to investigate the AfD without any justification, show the lengths to which some officials might go to control political narratives.

German Economics Minister renews calls for widespread internet censorship, claims that an "axis of autocrats" is using domestic "populists" to poison democratic discourse via social media algorithms

196 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Censorship Election Impact Social media
  1. German Economics Minister Robert Habeck wants to regulate the internet to protect democracy. He believes social media is being used by 'autocrats' to spread misinformation.
  2. Habeck feels that growing nationalism and populism threaten liberal democracies. He says these issues need urgent attention to avoid further division in society.
  3. He views algorithms on platforms like TikTok and X as tools undermining public discourse. Therefore, he pushes for greater control over these platforms to ensure freedom of expression is not manipulated.

In which a leading Green intellectual demands wide-scale deindustrialisation, permanent rationing, the prohibition of all new construction and the end of the banking system – all to save the climate

235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmentalism Energy transition Sustainable Development
  1. Some Green leaders in Germany want to reduce industry and even stop new buildings to help the environment. They believe this will improve climate conditions.
  2. The push for a more controlled economy includes ideas like rationing living space and limiting how much people can travel. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions.
  3. These ideas imply big changes, like having no banks and less personal wealth, which could upset many people's daily lives and freedoms.

Why I Hope Trump Will Win

215 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Governance Bureaucracy Political Ideology
  1. The main issue in politics today is a big bureaucracy that keeps growing and makes things harder for everyone. This bureaucracy acts without clear control, making decisions that affect people negatively.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as a unique figure in politics because he openly challenges this bureaucratic system. He represents hope for those who want to push back against it.
  3. The problems caused by bureaucratic governance have been felt in many areas, like health and education. There is a desire for politicians to stand against this system and create a better future.

On the Constant, Unrelenting and Unhinged Anti-Trump Propaganda of the German Media

262 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Coverage Public Opinion
  1. The German media is very critical of Donald Trump and often portrays him negatively. This creates a strong bias against him among the German public.
  2. Many Germans believe that Kamala Harris would do better as a U.S. president than Trump, showing a significant difference in political views between the two countries.
  3. The lack of diverse media voices in Germany makes it hard for people to hear different perspectives on Trump, leading to a one-sided narrative in news coverage.

My Interview with Renaud Beauchard and Pascal Clérotte at French Invaders

113 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Academia Pandemic response
  1. The conversation touched on various important topics, including German politics and the recent electoral trends in the U.S.
  2. Moving to East Germany is seen as an opportunity to be at the center of significant political changes.
  3. Restoring an old house is a big project that brings excitement, especially about having a real kitchen soon.

Passing the Peak, or: The Great Correction

146 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Policy Analysis Public Opinion Government intervention Crisis Management
  1. Modern liberal democracies often react to issues with heightened emotion and hysteria. This can lead to many government interventions that might not be effective in solving the actual problems.
  2. Over time, people's attention on issues wanes, and the original concerns often fade away, leaving behind new laws and bureaucracy without significant change.
  3. Inertial politics affects everyday life, focusing on issues like health and safety or humanitarianism. It often starts with a strong emotional appeal that encourages people to act based on a sense of urgency.

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck calls for a comprehensive internet censorship programme to stop people disagreeing with him

228 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Democracy Media Polarization Governance
  1. Robert Habeck wants to regulate social media more to make it safer for democracy. He believes that people shouldn't be able to say anything they want online.
  2. He is worried about the influence of social media algorithms and wants more transparency in how they work. He argues that powerful figures shouldn't control the online conversation.
  3. Habeck thinks that differing opinions can destabilize society and that the government should take action to manage these views. This is part of a larger concern about polarization in politics.

Zombie Traffic Light: The German government teeters once again on the brink of collapse, but in truth it is already dead

205 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Reform
  1. The German government, known as the 'traffic light' coalition, is struggling and facing widespread disapproval from the public. Many people feel that the government has no clear plans to address current crises.
  2. The leading parties in the coalition—the SPD, FDP, and Greens—are failing to connect with their supporters and are engaged in internal conflicts that are worsening their situation.
  3. There is a strong possibility of new elections happening soon, as the coalition's issues might lead to a significant shift in power away from the current government.

BREAKING URGENT EMERGENCY: Revellers in a tent north of Frankfurt caught singing "Foreigners Out" to club music, German democracy on life support

260 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Xenophobia Democracy Human Rights Law enforcement
  1. People in Germany sang racist slogans at a festival, causing a lot of concern about rising xenophobia. It shows how normalized such behavior has become in some communities.
  2. A sound technician recorded and shared the incident, highlighting the need to confront racism in public spaces. His actions sparked discussions and police investigations into the matter.
  3. Officials and local leaders expressed outrage and vowed to combat such hate speech. However, some questioned whether these chants should even be investigated, indicating a division on how racism is perceived legally and socially.

"What should I do if I'm scared because of Donald Trump?" – Spiegel consults a behavioural therapist on how to deal with the mental health consequences of Trump's victory

181 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Media Analysis
  1. Many people are feeling scared and anxious because of Trump's victory. It's okay to seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Some therapists are offering advice on how to cope with this fear and anxiety. Talking to a professional can be really helpful.
  3. It seems that Trump's win has deeply affected some people's mental health, especially in places like Germany. National feelings and individual emotions can be closely linked.

Will they ban Alternative für Deutschland?

137 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Legislation Democracy
  1. A motion has been filed in Germany to ban the Alternative für Deutschland party, which is significant politically. It shows how some politicians are trying to limit the voice of millions of voters.
  2. The attempt to ban the AfD is not just about the upcoming elections; it has been in the works for a while due to a specific politician's grudge. Many major political leaders are doubtful about it succeeding.
  3. There are more strategic efforts behind the scenes that could pose a real threat to the AfD's existence. The current politicians are not very effective, but others are planning more serious moves.

Proposals to ban Alternative für Deutschland gain support within the German political establishment, as our domestic spy agency prepares a new assessment of the party's political wrongthink

184 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Democracy Elections Government Policy Political Extremism
  1. Key German politicians are considering banning the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. They believe that recent assessments from the domestic spy agency may support their case.
  2. There is increasing support within the political establishment for this ban, with some previously opposed leaders now willing to reconsider. This change may be influenced by the AfD's growing popularity.
  3. Critics argue that banning a political party goes against democratic values. They point out that criticism of media and state institutions should be part of a healthy democracy, even if some view it as wrong.

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Candidates Elections Public Policy Media influence
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.

How the German energy transition has committed taxpayers to paying billions of Euros for the sun to shine

169 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewables Climate change Environmental Economics Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy transition has made taxpayers pay billions for solar energy, even when supply exceeds demand. This means people are paying producers for electricity that isn't really needed.
  2. The costs for solar feed-in tariffs are rising every year, and future projections expect them to reach even higher levels. This could lead to major budget issues for the government.
  3. New rules for solar subsidies aim to prevent overproduction from larger solar farms, but smaller operators remain a problem without a clear solution. Many small solar users may not benefit from these changes.

Kamala Harris and the Rise of Progressive Nothing Politics

146 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Commentary Progressivism Public Policy
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches often lack substance and fail to inspire listeners. People are noticing that she repeats the same ideas without offering new insights.
  2. The idea of 'Progressive Nothing Politics' suggests a decline in meaningful political discourse, especially within the progressive left.
  3. This shift in politics could lead to a tough future for candidates like Harris, as voters may be looking for more engaging and concrete proposals.

Creepy government-funded 'anti-hate' organisation run by a weird Egyptian man becomes Germany's first official internet censor under the Digital Services Act

200 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Social Issues Government Regulation
  1. Germany has introduced a new system where selected individuals, called Trusted Flaggers, will report online content they consider harmful, including hate speech and fake news. This means that some people will have the official power to censor what goes online.
  2. The Trusted Flaggers must apply and show they are qualified to flag illegal content. This process allows almost anyone with the right intent to report content without complicated red tape.
  3. One of the first organizations operating as a Trusted Flagger is REspect!, led by Ahmed Haykel Gaafar, who has a background in studying online hate. They plan to not only report illegal content but also push for changes in laws around speech.

Leading political journalist calls banning the AfD an "authoritarian measure" that is "overdue," insists that political repression is perfectly fine when it is exercised by a "constitutional state"

177 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. Some journalists argue that banning the AfD party is necessary and overdue. They believe that political repression is acceptable if it's done by the government.
  2. There is concern about the legality and potential backlash of banning a party that has a significant number of supporters. Critics worry it could be seen as undemocratic.
  3. Germany sees itself as a 'defensive democracy' that needs to protect itself from perceived threats. This leads to a belief that sometimes authoritarian measures are justified for the greater good.

Open Thread: Also Two Recent Interviews

96 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Humor Judicial system Free speech Social Commentary
  1. Some recent court cases in Germany are quite silly, making it important to find humor in them. It's funny when the legal system reacts strongly to harmless things like emojis.
  2. Despite the humor, it's wise to be cautious and prepare for unexpected situations, like police visits. It's better to be safe and plan ahead.
  3. The writer has shared thoughts through interviews about current events in Germany, offering insights into the situation. Listening to these discussions can provide a deeper understanding of ongoing issues.

How the European Union passed a brave new law to protect our planet's forests, only to realise that it is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare that nobody wants

158 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Legislation Bureaucracy Sustainability Trade Relations
  1. The EU passed a new law to protect forests, but many people now think it's too complicated and doesn't really help anyone.
  2. The law could hurt trade relationships, especially with countries in South America, affecting a lot of local economies.
  3. Even the lawmakers who supported this regulation are now realizing it may be unworkable and possibly damaging to their own industries.

Open Thread, and also: The Dumbest Knife Law of All Time

126 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Security Immigration Governance Public Safety
  1. Germany is trying to pass a new knife law, which may not actually make anyone safer. It includes strict rules but has lots of exceptions that make it confusing.
  2. The proposed law suggests no knives at public events, but then lists many situations where knives are still allowed. This makes it seem like there's no real restriction at all!
  3. Although the government is making changes, it might still not stop the real issues, like violence. It's more about giving the appearance of action rather than truly improving safety.

Authoritarianism and the Modern Liberal State

117 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Liberalism State power Individual Rights Political Ideologies
  1. Modern authoritarianism can be different from historical fascism, as it stems from today’s anti-fascist values. It's important to understand how current states operate beyond just past comparisons.
  2. The idea that more rights to bear arms would fully protect freedoms is oversimplified. A deeper approach is needed to challenge state power effectively.
  3. Classical liberalism has changed, with a shift from focusing on individual rights to promoting more social welfare. This change has expanded state authority despite its anti-authoritarian claims.

Germany announces wide-ranging plans to restrict the speech, travel and economic activity of political dissidents, in order to better control the "thought and speech patterns" of its own people

493 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Censorship Political Opposition Surveillance Democracy
  1. Germany is implementing wide-ranging measures to restrict speech, travel, and economic activity of political dissidents to control the thought patterns of its people.
  2. The political establishment in Germany is using strategies to maintain power, including targeting opposition groups like Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
  3. The government in Germany is expanding its control over dissent by planning to use various tools like financial investigations, travel restrictions, and internet censorship to combat right-wing extremism.

Oh, how wonderful it is to live in an extremely democratic state like Germany, where the police will never harass you or fine you or raid your house for criticising the government

275 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Freedom of Speech Political criticism Authoritarianism Government Control
  1. Germany embraces freedom of expression with its constitution protecting the right to criticize the government openly.
  2. The authorities in Germany respect the freedom to criticize the government, evident by cases of protest signs targeting political figures and police interventions.
  3. While there are limits, Germany promotes an open democratic discourse, allowing criticism of politicians without fear of severe consequences.

In the latest victory against right-wing extremism, police officers pull a 16 year-old girl out of chemistry class and advise her to stop posting Smurf-themed AfD-friendly content to TikTok

235 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Germany Authoritarianism Freedom of Speech
  1. Police officers intervened with a 16-year-old girl for posting content deemed far-right on TikTok.
  2. Government figures in Germany are proposing actions against speech and thoughts deemed as potentially extreme.
  3. The incident sparked controversy and debate, with some defending the intervention as preventative.

Smurf Scandal Update, and Open Thread

203 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Germany Freedom of Expression Media Reporting Authoritarianism
  1. The TikTok video causing the Smurf Scandal juxtaposed the Smurfs with German political colors, sparking controversy and police involvement.
  2. There's an ongoing investigation into the police for potentially violating the girl's freedom of expression, amidst claims of a a right-wing hate campaign against the school and police.
  3. The girl at the center of the Smurf Scandal, named Loretta, faced police lecture on 'incitement' and 'opposition to the constitution' for her online content, showcasing a concerning attitude towards free speech.

The German energy transition threatens to be an unaffordable, unrealisable disaster, according to the government's own independent auditors

205 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Government oversight
  1. Independent auditors warn that German energy transition is unsustainable due to lack of reliable backup power for intermittent renewable sources.
  2. Germany is far behind in reaching renewable energy installation targets, needing a significant increase in wind and solar project installations.
  3. Massive grid expansions required for the energy transition in Germany are still inadequate, leading to doubts about the project's feasibility and affordability.

FCK NZS: How noble protestors "against the right" assembled yesterday evening at the Dresden Altmarkt to shout about Alternative für Deutschland and finally defeat the Nazis

227 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Protests Memorials Activism
  1. Protests against right-wing ideologies are diverse and unpredictable, bringing together a mix of participants like university students, LGBTQ+ groups, and elderly individuals.
  2. The protests often have dramatic and theatrical elements, such as fake emergencies and unwarranted fears of counterprotestors, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere.
  3. Despite the grand displays and intense emotions, the actual presence of the targeted group, in this case 'Nazis,' is often minimal or non-existent, resulting in a skewed focus during the demonstrations.

Berlin police investigate possibly fascist inflatable snowman, band sings "Fuck the AfD" on national TV, and the president of Eintracht Frankfurt demands that people vomit in the faces of AfD voters

216 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Political Extremism Political Tensions
  1. German political climate is intense with strong emotions and extreme actions
  2. Public figures making controversial statements against a far-right political party
  3. Absurd incidents like a police investigation on an inflatable snowman show the heightened sensitivity in the society

The Hysterical Style in Western Politics

218 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Climate change Russia-Ukraine conflict
  1. Politics today is characterized by the use of hysterical style to manipulate public opinion and mobilize support for specific programs.
  2. Hysterical narratives in politics often revolve around urgent, emotionally charged issues that dominate the public discussion for a period of time.
  3. The hysterical style in Western politics, fueled by media hysteria, has shifted focus from issues like migrant crisis to climate change and other crises, always seeking public attention through dramatic appeals.

After Trump says he "would not protect" NATO allies that do not meet spending targets, German politicians who for years have failed to meet these targets have an entitled sad

204 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics NATO Foreign Policy
  1. Trump expressed impatience with NATO members like Germany who don't meet spending targets, causing backlash from German politicians.
  2. There's skepticism around the real purpose and benefits of NATO, with some questioning the alliance's role in preventing wars.
  3. Trump's NATO comments sparked strong reactions globally, highlighting the complex dynamics of international alliances and security.