Gideon's Substack

Gideon's Substack explores global and domestic political dynamics, focusing on conflict, democracy, and societal issues. It examines ideological conformity, geopolitical tensions, and the impacts of political decisions, offering insights into the complexities of allyship, governance, and the consequences of ideological and military conflicts on societies and international relations.

Political Analysis Geopolitical Conflicts Democracy and Governance Societal and Cultural Issues Ideological Trends and Impacts International Relations Military Strategies Legal and Judicial Perspectives Human Rights Economic Conditions and Policies

The hottest Substack posts of Gideon's Substack

And their main takeaways

Flowers of Evil Wrap

9 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
  1. Optimism is hard to find in the face of societal challenges.
  2. Pervasive feeling of systems falling apart due to various issues, not just polarization.
  3. Struggles in different sectors like schools, hospitals, and law enforcement reflect a broader cultural exhaustion.

NATO Unwrapped

7 implied HN points • 15 May 22
  1. Ukraine's success in the war may lead to Western support without troops
  2. Joining NATO for Finland makes sense due to Russia's weaker state and potential threats to Baltic states
  3. America's investment in Ukraine reflects confidence in Ukraine's potential battlefield victories

Holding Paper

9 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
  1. Remembering to forget can keep a memory alive.
  2. Defining oneself by opposition can maintain what is being opposed.
  3. Define yourself positively, not by your enemies.

Why There Will Be No Abortion Settlement: Senator Schumer Edition

7 implied HN points • 06 May 22
  1. New York has a liberal abortion law that may not be impacted by the end of Roe v. Wade.
  2. Senator Schumer is pushing for a nationwide liberal abortion law despite lacking votes.
  3. Nationalization of the abortion issue may intensify polarization but could also reshape the political landscape.

Paschal Wishes

7 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
  1. The origin and translation of the word 'Pesach' raises questions about the understanding of the holiday
  2. There is a debate on whether the Seder should be exclusively for Jewish individuals or open to non-adherents as well
  3. The Seder tradition can spark discussions about various interpretations and inclusivity during the holiday season
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Paradise Wrapped

7 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
  1. Theater experience with a redemptive feel and extraordinary music.
  2. Emotional arc portraying cosmic creation and significance of human moments.
  3. Comparison of two theater performances, highlighting the impact of real emotions over melodramatic clichés.

Would a Powell Presidency Have Been Different?

9 implied HN points • 19 Oct 21
  1. Colin Powell was a highly respected figure who could have potentially run for president.
  2. Powell's presidency could have been impacted by his caution and institutional experience.
  3. Even with Powell in charge, the decision-making during post-9/11 era might not have been drastically different.

Hangover Wrap

7 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
  1. St. Patrick's Day and Purim coincided this year, both being diaspora holidays with interesting cultural parallels
  2. Republicans in the upcoming elections seem to lack a clear positive agenda, relying on negativity to win
  3. Reagan's political success was attributed to his ability to encompass contradictory political ideas, something missing in the current GOP

My Dream Life as a Polish Prince

1 HN point • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Adaptation Philosophy Reality Dreams Spirituality
  1. The author explores the idea of living a feral existence in a recurring nightmare and its impact on behavior.
  2. The author struggles with the core concept behind Pedro Calderón de la Barca's play, 'Life Is a Dream,' questioning how profound doubt about reality can influence behavior.
  3. The comparison between Calderón's work and 'The Matrix' emphasizes different philosophical perspectives regarding reality and empowerment.

Story Brain Wrap

7 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
  1. It can be easier to analyze and give feedback on others' stories than on your own.
  2. Tackling climate change requires framing issues in terms of economic competitiveness.
  3. Imagining texts without the influence of the author is a common aspect of reading and can lead to new creativity.

Half Empty Wrap

7 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
  1. Classic movies rooted in the past cannot be easily replicated or remade today.
  2. The modern film industry lacks filmmakers with strong personal visions and studios interested in supporting those visions.
  3. There is a concern over the democratic deficit in terms of control by experts versus popular opinion and the potential economic impact of national debt.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Kamala?

9 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
  1. The Democratic Party should actively consider alternative candidates to Kamala Harris for the nomination.
  2. Historically, sitting or former Vice Presidents have struggled to win general elections.
  3. Having competitive opponents can make Kamala Harris a stronger nominee.

2021 Wrap

7 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
  1. The author reflects on their 2021 predictions about Congress and COVID vaccines, highlighting productivity and challenges.
  2. They discuss the strong recovery of the economy in 2021, predicting differences in growth between urban and tech sectors.
  3. The author looks back on the recurring themes of their writing in 2021, including COVID, foreign policy, politics, and art.

Can a Collapsing Center Be Recaptured?

9 implied HN points • 07 Jul 21
  1. The Democratic Party has shifted left over the past 30 years, making it challenging to capture the center for a national governing majority.
  2. The Republican Party responded to the leftward shift by moving further right, leading to polarization and ideological sorting among voters.
  3. With the reduction in centrist voters, Democrats face the dilemma of how to appeal to centrists while maintaining a left-leaning base.

Is There a Simpson's Paradox Lurking In the Wage Growth Data?

1 HN point • 02 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economy Jobs Wages Productivity
  1. Today was a good day for economic news, boosting Biden's political fortunes and allowing the Fed to go slow with rate cuts.
  2. Changes in the educational composition of the workforce may have caused a surge in productivity and influenced wage growth data.
  3. It's important to look at the data from different angles to understand discrepancies and reveal important complexities.

Things We Didn't Do

7 implied HN points • 19 Dec 21
  1. The United States made costly mistakes early in the pandemic, hindering efforts to crush the virus.
  2. There were missed opportunities to adapt to the ongoing pandemic by providing easier testing, improving ventilation in schools, and establishing COVID treatment centers.
  3. Societal failure to acknowledge COVID as a long-term issue has led to inadequate responses and ineffective measures to live with the virus.

You Must Remember This Wrap

4 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
  1. The importance of knowing history from different perspectives and questioning common beliefs.
  2. The significance of individuals taking action and responsibility, rather than relying on governments.
  3. Challenges and complexities in international relations, particularly in the context of China's rise as a global power.

Light Wrap

7 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
  1. Thanksgiving just ended and now Hanukkah is starting, which is actually spiritually similar.
  2. The new Omicron coronavirus variant is a cause for concern, but vaccines still provide protection.
  3. Stephen Sondheim's recent passing has left a significant impact on the theater community, reflecting on his influential work.

Halloween Wrap

7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
  1. Author discusses their approach to opinion journalism: not alarmist but more contemplative.
  2. Author questions the current narrative around taxes and the punitive language used, calling for a return to debating the best tax system.
  3. Author shares insights from recent posts on Substack related to accountability in film production and finding the true essence of a story.

Film (Festival) Wrap

7 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
  1. The author shares thoughts on the Austin Film Festival experience and the value of connections in filmmaking.
  2. A discussion on Mitt Romney's child benefit plan and its relevance in changing economic conditions.
  3. An analysis on the potential impact of Colin Powell being president during the Iraq War aftermath.

American Malinche

7 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
  1. Columbus Day doesn't impress everyone, especially considering Columbus' negative actions.
  2. There's a desire for a replacement story to commemorate and celebrate America's origins.
  3. The absence of a cohesive national origin story that incorporates both settlers and indigenous peoples leaves a void.

Flag Wrap

7 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
  1. The article discusses the political complexities around raising the debt ceiling.
  2. The Substack posts cover topics like art, cultural institutions, and documentaries.
  3. The tweet thread highlights the discussions around a controversial story involving plagiarism, artistic freedom, and social media.

Cuddly Nazis and Sympathetic Ghouls

7 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
  1. Critically engaging with popular and venerated films is important for understanding complex portrayals of historical events.
  2. Questioning the distinction between liking art and considering it good can lead to deeper reflections on personal tastes.
  3. Art that challenges norms or expectations can spark discomfort but also offer valuable insights into human experience.

The Merry Wives of Le Petite Senegal

7 implied HN points • 26 Sep 21
  1. The Public Theater's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in contemporary Harlem exceeded expectations with its setting and portrayal of characters.
  2. The transposition of Falstaff as an outsider in the production sheds light on satire and contemporary perspectives on cultural dynamics.
  3. The choice of having Fenton as a woman and exploring deeper themes through character dynamics added depth to the play.

Brighton Beach Wrap

7 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
  1. The incident at Carmine's in the Upper West Side highlights the challenges of enforcing venue vaccine mandates.
  2. Venue vaccine mandates may not significantly impact public health but could boost consumer confidence in areas with high vaccination rates.
  3. Employer mandates might be more effective in improving vaccination rates compared to venue mandates.

Kol Nidrei Greatest Hits

7 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
  1. The ancient Yom Kippur scapegoat ritual was about cleansing the altar, not the people.
  2. Yom Kippur involves social apologies and cleansing practices that are complementary, not the same.
  3. In Shakespeare's works like 'The Merchant of Venice' and 'King Lear,' themes of sacrifice and love are intricately tied to Yom Kippur concepts.

Where the Buck Stops

7 implied HN points • 10 Sep 21
  1. Increasing vaccination rates is crucial for reducing illness and death.
  2. President Biden's aggressive vaccine mandates face challenges and may not prevent unnecessary deaths.
  3. Many entities, including corporations and states, have authority to impose mandates but have been hesitant.

Back to School Wrap

7 implied HN points • 22 Aug 21
  1. America recently ended its war in Afghanistan, leading to a quick collapse of the Afghan government.
  2. The future relationship with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan might involve coexisting and potential alliances.
  3. Living with Covid-19 might require accepting its endemic nature and adjusting strategies.

Arguing With Ross Douthat About Religion Again

7 implied HN points • 21 Aug 21
  1. Ross Douthat discusses three reasons to embrace religious belief: law-bound world, consciousness, supernatural encounters.
  2. Encounters with the supernatural throughout history played a crucial role in shaping religious practices and beliefs.
  3. Religion and science have different roles in explaining human experiences; science should investigate the material aspects behind these experiences.

The Israeli Elections Conundrum

4 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
  1. Israeli politics are complex with divisions such as right versus left, religious versus secular, Jewish versus Arab.
  2. Yair Lapid, a centrist, showed skill in forming a coalition despite having fewer seats.
  3. The risk of a right-wing majority in Israel's government could create challenges for governing.

Time To Move the COVID Goal Posts Back Where They Belong

7 implied HN points • 03 May 21
  1. The original goals of COVID restrictions were to protect the vulnerable, preserve the healthcare system, and buy time for learning and infrastructure.
  2. Despite vaccine success, some are now aiming for complete eradication of COVID, shifting the goalposts too far.
  3. It's time to refocus on realistic goals like protecting the vulnerable, preventing overwhelming hospitals, and managing sporadic flare-ups.

Oscars Wrap

4 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
  1. Oscars have lost cultural significance over time and don't necessarily reflect the true impact or quality of a film.
  2. Film industry is changing with dominance of certain types of films over others, affecting cultural reach and box office impact.
  3. Despite challenges in the film industry, there are still opportunities for artistic exploration and meaningful storytelling in cinema.

Let Us Now Stop Praising Famous Men

4 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
  1. Presidents Day was created by salespeople and we should rethink all federal holidays.
  2. Federal holidays should reflect national story and culture, not just celebrate specific individuals.
  3. Proposed new holidays include Peace With Former Enemies Day, American Peoples Day, and incorporating events like the Yellowstone creation.

Imagining There's No Authors

4 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
  1. When we read, the text's voice becomes our own experience, separate from the author's control.
  2. Imagining a text without its author is a common part of reading.
  3. Allowing freedom to interpret and build upon works, beyond the author's control, enhances creativity and the reading experience.

Upon a Winter's Night a Wrap

4 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
  1. The discussed books involve complex narratives and metafiction elements
  2. The Supreme Court's recent ruling highlights its non-partisanship role in important cases
  3. The film 'The Lost Daughter' is critiqued for revealing too much, losing the mystery element

MLK Day Wrap

4 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
  1. MLK Day symbolizes the tension between honoring a figure's legacy and washing out their radicalism.
  2. MLK's legacy has been co-opted by different political ideologies, like conservatism's focus on abortion as a civil rights issue.
  3. Protecting voting rights is crucial, but the bigger threat to democracy is partisan refusal to accept opponents' legitimacy.

Is Electoral Count Act Reform In the Works?

4 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
  1. The focus on Electoral Count Act reform is crucial for ensuring election integrity.
  2. Bipartisan support for election rules is essential to prevent partisan backlash.
  3. Passing ECA reform is a significant step towards preventing a doomsday scenario of power refusal and violence.