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

Democracy Wrap?

4 implied HN points • 09 Jan 22
  1. 1. The 1/6 anniversary event highlighted a significant tear in democracy with partisan divides and lack of bipartisan cooperation.
  2. 2. Creative diplomacy is needed to prevent war in Ukraine, but differing interests make it challenging to find a compromise.
  3. 3. Redistricting and gerrymandering continue to impact political accountability and competitiveness in the US system.

Will Redistricting Favor the Democrats?

4 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
  1. The impact of redistricting on the 2022 elections may slightly favor Democrats
  2. Gerrymandering may not have as large of an impact as feared, with districts likely leaning more towards Democrats in 2022
  3. There is a concern that redistricting could lead to a rise in hyper-partisan seats and reduce overall district competitiveness

Is War About To Break Out In Ukraine?

4 implied HN points • 22 Dec 21
  1. There is concern about a potential war in Ukraine, with discussions on the possibility of prevention.
  2. Consideration is given to the potential for preventing Russian aggression through renegotiating border agreements.
  3. The repercussions of a potential conflict could lead to smaller states reassessing their nuclear weapon policies for deterrence.

Green Sash Wrap

4 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
  1. COVID cases are rising in NYC due to Omicron variant, impacting businesses and individuals' choices.
  2. Germany should strengthen its position as a Great Power to have balanced relationships with other countries.
  3. Artistic works like films and plays are being reimagined, offering fresh perspectives on classic stories.

Inflated Expectations Wrap

4 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
  1. Inflation is affecting the Biden agenda and the Fed may need to raise interest rates.
  2. Democrats have three options moving forward in terms of spending and economic policy.
  3. The University of Austin is a new institution that has sparked debate about its structure and purpose.
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Covid Wrap

4 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
  1. Getting a booster shot is low-risk and can be beneficial for personal and societal protection.
  2. Institutions that are overly cautious about Covid restrictions may be alienating themselves and not effectively protecting against the virus.
  3. Vaccine mandates are facing challenges and may not be as effective due to cultural and legal obstacles.

Quick Election Reax

4 implied HN points • 03 Nov 21
  1. GOP performance linked to economy and pandemic restrictions
  2. Messaging alone not a solution during bad economy
  3. Democrats need to focus on material conditions and effective communication

Putting the Micropenis on the Story Couch

4 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
  1. Participating in live story feedback sessions can provide insights and help with overcoming creative blocks.
  2. Pitching a story effectively requires distilling it down to a clear and enticing point for the audience.
  3. When incorporating sensitive topics or humor in storytelling, it's crucial to maintain empathy, understand potential impacts, and be open to constructive criticism.

Monday Morning Quarter-Wrapping

4 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
  1. Opportunity Knocks for the GOP with a potential to build a substantial and durable majority
  2. Shift in issue mix may favor the GOP due to changing dynamics like COVID response and economy
  3. Unvaccinated individuals are often disconnected from the healthcare system and need pragmatic solutions to boost vaccination rates

To Wrap Or Not To Wrap

4 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
  1. The article discusses a comparison between Hamlet and Ecclesiastes, focusing more on the latter.
  2. The author hopes to incorporate this analysis into a larger book project.
  3. The post also mentions other articles by the author on various topics and themes.

Lest We Forget to Wrap

4 implied HN points • 13 Sep 21
  1. The author reflects on the significance of in-person religious services during Rosh Hashanah amidst the pandemic.
  2. The author hopes that this year will be the last they feel obliged to write about 9/11, reflecting on the impacts and lessons learned from the event.
  3. Various perspectives on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 are shared, including insights on geopolitics, religious aspects, and the implications of the war on terror.

Elul Wrap

4 implied HN points • 06 Sep 21
  1. Elul is a time for repentance and repairing relationships in the Jewish calendar.
  2. Consider age breakdowns when analyzing COVID data to understand vaccine effectiveness better.
  3. Vaccine mandates could lead to conflicts over religious freedom, especially for those with sincere objections.

Conspiracy Theories and Story Logic

4 implied HN points • 14 Jul 21
  1. Good storytelling sometimes includes details that don't make logical sense, but evoke the right response from the audience.
  2. Stories need to follow emotional logic rather than strict realism.
  3. Conspiracy theories arise from an instinct to find a more fantastical narrative, but reality may not always fit into a coherent story.

Does Constitutional Monarchy Deserve Any Cheers?

2 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
  1. Questioning if constitutional monarchy is inherently successful or just benefiting from historical circumstances.
  2. History shows that establishing and maintaining a stable constitutional monarchy is challenging and not always successful.
  3. Constitutional monarchy attempts to separate politics from patrimony, but the success of this separation remains uncertain.

Nothing Human Is Alien To Me

4 implied HN points • 28 Jun 21
  1. Sci-fi often reflects the concerns of the time it was written.
  2. Imagining truly alien intelligence is extremely difficult due to our own limitations.
  3. Encountering an intelligent alien species would likely deeply unsettle human society.

The Day After Primary Day

4 implied HN points • 23 Jun 21
  1. Andrew Yang's impact on the NYC mayoral primary may not have been as significant as initially thought.
  2. Eric Adams has a strong chance of winning the mayoral race with ranked-choice voting.
  3. Ranked-choice voting may reveal how New York Democrats truly vote and could impact other races.

Does the Reason for Jewish Achievement Matter?

4 implied HN points • 20 Apr 21
  1. The question of Jewish achievement reasons is complex and should be approached with caution.
  2. Explanations for group disparities can be used in both racist and anti-racist manners.
  3. Bringing people together with empathy and genuine moral concern is more effective than anathematizing.

China Wrap

2 implied HN points • 02 May 22
  1. China has shifted its approach to COVID-19 from success to significant threat
  2. China's political system impacts its pandemic response and decision-making
  3. The debate over private vs. public ownership of digital platforms like Twitter raises complex issues

Beam of Energy Wrap

2 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
  1. Author reflects on past voting decisions and political figures
  2. Observes the connection between conflicts in Ukraine and Taiwan
  3. Discusses the link between Hanukkah, Spinoza, and anti-racism in a blog post

Tishrei Wrap

2 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
  1. COVID-19 remains a significant issue affecting American politics and public opinion.
  2. China's housing bubble poses risks to its economic and political models.
  3. The outcome of the German elections may hinge on the coalition negotiations, with FDP potentially having the most leverage.

Tabarnak! It's Almost Sukkot

2 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
  1. Sukkot is a joyful Jewish holiday that brings feelings of nostalgia and longing for religious traditions.
  2. The sukkah, a temporary structure, symbolizes vulnerability and joy, and is meant to be decorated and shared with others.
  3. Observing Sukkot can evoke deeper reflections on mortality and the internal conflicts between tradition and personal beliefs.

Don't Touch That Wrap

2 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
  1. In a one-party state like California, democracy can be weakened by lack of competition.
  2. America must address the challenge of single-party rule in different regions to ensure responsive governance.
  3. Political decisions often involve compromises with forces or individuals that one might consider evil, presenting a complex ethical dilemma.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Wrap?

2 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
  1. Reading Kazuo Ishiguro's latest novel in the context of history of his work reveals connections to societal issues
  2. Understanding the concept of nationalism vs. patriotism helps in analyzing ideological projects
  3. Observing the decline of distinctive classes and their impact on institutions provides insights into societal changes

Adirondack Wrap

2 implied HN points • 02 Aug 21
  1. The author reflects on the importance of bipartisan agreements in climate change discussions.
  2. The author discusses the limited attention given to writing posts this week.
  3. The author shares insights and challenges encountered while working on a film project.

A Shroud Is a Kind of Wrap

2 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
  1. Mandating vaccinations in certain settings can help combat anti-vaccine movements.
  2. Engaging trusted community figures can be more effective in convincing skeptics than mass persuasion efforts.
  3. Addressing regional issues and considering various perspectives can lead to productive discussions and solutions.

If Natural Law Isn't Natural, Then How Is It Law?

2 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
  1. Natural law philosophy and theology have been eroded by Darwinian science.
  2. The concept of natural law is teleological, based on the idea of knowing our own natures and living accordingly.
  3. The challenge lies in reconciling traditional natural law philosophy with modern scientific understanding of our natures.

In Loco Parentis

2 implied HN points • 17 Jun 21
  1. It's important for parents to have open conversations with their kids about sensitive topics like porn, even if it feels uncomfortable.
  2. Parents should strive to be a key source of guidance and trust for their children, rather than outsourcing these critical discussions.
  3. While external sources like teachers may try to help, ultimately, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's understanding of the world.

That's a Weekly Wrap-Up

2 implied HN points • 24 May 21
  1. The conflict in Israel has distinct elements both between Israel and Gaza, and within Israel itself, highlighting the importance of addressing grievances within Israel for its future.
  2. America's influence on Israel's policies may be overestimated, with Israel making decisions based on its own interests rather than American support.
  3. Having a strong relationship between American Jewry and Israel is valuable, but it's important to live in reality and understand that Israel represents a 'fact' and achievement of Zionism.

Must We Mean What We Say?

2 implied HN points • 21 May 21
  1. In liturgy, there is value in an ambiguous hermeneutic approach when facing beliefs that don't align with traditional texts.
  2. Productive ambiguity in prayer can be more meaningful than changing words to align with personal beliefs or forcing beliefs to conform to the words.
  3. Crafting prayer language with open ambiguity allows for evolving meaning and prevents being boxed into a single interpretation.

The Female Vagrant

2 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
  1. The film Nomadland explores themes of displacement and economic hardship during the Great Recession.
  2. Nomadland blurs the lines between documentary and fictional narrative by using non-actors in key roles.
  3. The relationship between the artist and subject in Nomadland raises questions about authenticity and representation.

How Can We Know How Bad the Georgia Elections Law Is?

2 implied HN points • 05 Apr 21
  1. Partisan actions in politics are often driven by self-interest.
  2. Assessing the impact of laws on voting rights can be complex and nuanced.
  3. Perceptions of election integrity can be influenced by partisan narratives.

The Small Voice of Stillness

2 implied HN points • 01 Apr 21
  1. The film 'Sound of Metal' explores themes of deafness, identity, and stillness.
  2. The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of self-discovery and confronting inner struggles.
  3. Finding moments of stillness within oneself is crucial for personal growth and acceptance.

Are Immunity Passports Something to Worry About?

2 implied HN points • 31 Mar 21
  1. Immunity passports may not be a strong public health measure but more about opening up the economy quickly.
  2. The purpose of immunity passports is to enable unsafe and non-essential activities for vaccinated individuals, not to restrict non-vaccinated people.
  3. Immunity passports could be a way to focus on reopening the economy rather than solely ending the pandemic, balancing economic needs with public health concerns.

Vanquishing the Hosts of Midian, One Post at a Time

2 implied HN points • 30 Mar 21
  1. The freedom and spontaneity of blogging allow for personal expression and exploration of ideas without the need for a topical hook or catering to a specific audience.
  2. Writing can be a tool to escape solitude and engage in a community conversation, fostering better thinking and writing.
  3. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Gideon, the author aims to achieve success with a small, well-chosen approach rather than a vast but unselected style.

Welcome!

2 implied HN points • 06 Mar 21
  1. Gideon's Substack is by Noah Millman.
  2. Sign up to not miss the first issue.
  3. Encourage friends to subscribe as well.

Wrapping It Up

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
  1. Time passes quickly, sometimes so quickly that the week feels like it's gone in a flash.
  2. The issue of whether Taiwan is recognized as a country remains complex due to geopolitical factors.
  3. Strategic voting in ranked-choice systems like the NYC mayoral race is crucial for determining the outcome.

Independence Wrap

0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 21
  1. Ranked-choice voting can be complicated and requires strategic voting
  2. Errors in elections administration can have significant consequences
  3. Reflecting on historical events and personal experiences can lead to insightful writing

Double Wrap

0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 21
  1. The Biden Doctrine focuses on democratic nations staying united in the face of global challenges.
  2. There is a shift in Democratic rhetoric towards crime and policing due to increased violent crime and the need for more police officers.
  3. Discussions include reparations for slavery, Supreme Court decisions, and reflections on movies watched.

Philip Roth: Bad Lover

0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 21
  1. Philip Roth was not for everyone, and that's okay.
  2. Roth's portrayal of women may not have been motivated by hatred, but by desire and obsession.
  3. Roth's writing focused on the importance of desire and never got smug about it.