The hottest Bureaucracy Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Will civil servants guard against illiberal power grabs?

Can We Still Govern? • 109 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Bureaucracy Civil Service Populism
  1. Civil servants may not always oppose undemocratic policies. Their views vary based on their political beliefs and affiliations.
  2. When civil servants see proposed changes as threats, they often consider quitting their jobs rather than resisting, reflecting their desire to maintain their integrity.
  3. In polarized societies, bureaucracies may fail to act as neutral defenders of democracy because their members have differing opinions on what's harmful to democracy.

Fake Data

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Bureaucracy Data Integrity Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that government data, like unemployment numbers, may not be accurate and could be manipulated for a specific narrative. This raises doubt about how trustworthy these figures really are.
  2. The independence of government employees from elected officials is questioned, suggesting that the current system might not align with constitutional principles. This brings up concerns about who is truly accountable in the decision-making process.
  3. Concerns are raised about the reliability of various types of government data, including health and agricultural statistics. This makes people wonder if they can trust any information provided by the government.

Bureaucracy Isn't Measured In Bureaucrats

Astral Codex Ten • 32830 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bureaucracy Regulation Government Policy Legislation
  1. Bureaucracy isn't just about the number of workers; even fewer bureaucrats might not speed up processes if the rules remain the same. Cutting the number of workers could actually slow down operations instead of helping.
  2. Many bureaucratic processes take a long time because of legal needs and mandates set by Congress. Even if you fire some bureaucrats, the steps required to approve things won't change, resulting in delays.
  3. Instead of reducing the number of bureaucrats, the focus should be on cutting unnecessary rules or red tape to make things run faster. Some models have shown success in decreasing regulations by reevaluating what's necessary.

CROSSPOST: LEIF WEATHERBY: Our Spreadsheet Overlords

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Automation Bureaucracy Engineering
  1. AI tools like ChatGPT are often seen as super smart, but they're really just advanced digital bureaucrats. They help manage data and tasks but can hide errors behind a layer of complexity.
  2. Relying too much on AI can lead us to overlook its limitations. It doesn't think like humans; it's more about processing and translating data rather than genuine understanding.
  3. There's a risk in using AI for important tasks without careful oversight. As it automates jobs and decision-making, we need to stay aware of the potential for misuse and the loss of human judgment.

Lessons About the Civil Service and Political Appointees

Cremieux Recueil • 567 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Service Governance Party Affiliation Bureaucracy
  1. Civil servants often prioritize their own beliefs over the goals of the president, which can create problems in running the government. This misalignment can lead to delays and increased costs in government projects.
  2. Political loyalty plays a big role in how well civil servants perform their jobs. When civil servants are aligned with the president's party, they tend to work more effectively and efficiently, saving the government time and money.
  3. Changes in political leadership can affect civil servants' loyalties, but many will still lean toward their original party. This can create challenges for a new administration trying to implement its policies, especially if they face resistance from a predominantly opposing workforce.
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When is DOGE Going to Focus on Reducing Bureaucracy Rather Than Increasing It?

The Good Science Project • 152 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Bureaucracy Public Policy Innovation Government spending
  1. DOGE seems to be making government processes more complicated, which can lead to less efficiency. Instead of streamlining things, they are adding new layers of rules.
  2. Efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse might actually make things worse by creating more bureaucracy. It's often better to accept a little waste instead of drowning in paperwork.
  3. There are already dedicated agencies that can help reduce waste without reinventing the wheel. It makes more sense to work with existing organizations to become efficient.

Note on Gloating

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8973 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media influence Public Opinion Bureaucracy Rhetoric
  1. It's okay to feel some relief after a big defeat, but it's important to stay cautious. Some problems still linger in institutions like schools and media.
  2. Even if things seem better now, there’s a chance that old habits and beliefs can resurface. Staying vigilant is key.
  3. Humor can help us process tough topics, but we shouldn't forget the challenges that may remain.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Foreign Policy Bureaucracy Administrative state
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

The Boys of DOGE

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1692 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Reform Youth Engagement Political Movements
  1. Young engineers are stepping up to change how the U.S. government works. They are being brought in to make things more efficient.
  2. Elon Musk has created a group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help with this process.
  3. These young people are seen as a new force that could shape the future of government operations.

One Regulator

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💰 Finance Regulation Innovation Cryptocurrency Market structure Bureaucracy
  1. The financial market regulation in the U.S. is complicated and outdated, with many agencies like the SEC and CFTC often conflicting with each other. This can lead to innovation being stifled.
  2. There are concerns that some regulators, like Gary Gensler, may be overly controlling and negatively impact innovative companies, especially in the emerging cryptocurrency space.
  3. Many believe that simplifying the regulatory structure to have one main regulator could boost competition and innovation, but achieving this change seems very challenging.

So Much for That Tariff Shock

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Bureaucracy International relations Political Commentary
  1. Washington's political landscape is changing, and decisions can happen quickly, like pausing tariffs unexpectedly.
  2. There's a sense of adjusting expectations, especially for those used to previous norms before Trump.
  3. Independent journalism is vital to provide honest insights about these changes and the real world.

Ehud Olmert on Gaza; reading After Virtue after bureaucracy; A Postscript

Unpopular Front • 42 implied HN points • 25 May 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Political theory Modernity Bureaucracy Virtue ethics
  1. Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli Prime Minister, openly condemns the actions in Gaza as war crimes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  2. Philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre argues that modern moral discourse is fragmented and often reduced to mere emotional manipulation, lacking real substance.
  3. MacIntyre believes that true moral judgments are factual and based on social roles, suggesting we need to revive older traditions to find genuine meaning in our practices.

USAID Staff Cry for Their Fiefdom

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Aid Public Policy Bureaucracy Healthcare
  1. Many USAID employees are upset about being sent home, even though they still get paid. This raises questions about how they handle taxpayer money while many Americans struggle financially.
  2. USAID has been criticized for supporting policies that have led to increased poverty and health issues in other countries. Their actions have harmed many vulnerable communities, conflicting with their mission.
  3. Stopping USAID's programs can directly increase suffering and mortality rates from preventable diseases. There's a need to balance auditing government spending with continued support for global health initiatives.

Deconstructing NIH, CDC and FDA: Culture Matters

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Bureaucracy Socialism Policy change Healthcare
  1. The current leaders and culture at the NIH, CDC, and FDA are shaped by their historical ties to Vietnam War drafts and a mix of socialism and corporatism. This affects how public health decisions are made today.
  2. There's a strong belief that public health should focus on the greatest good for the most people, which can overlook individual health needs and freedoms. This approach is seen as a concern for some who value personal choice.
  3. Changing the culture of these health organizations won't be easy. It requires a push for new leaders who prioritize health promotion over just treating disease, moving away from the existing bureaucratic mindset.

Will President Trump Revive Liberalism?

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Elections Ideology Bureaucracy
  1. Liberalism works best when it allows for competition and debate, but those in power might forget this when they become too dominant.
  2. People in powerful positions often become resistant to change, even if they originally supported liberal ideas.
  3. To truly revive liberalism, there needs to be a system that encourages regular changes in leadership and holds those in power accountable.

Why the Deep State Loves Tariffs

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Bureaucracy Lobbying Inflation Administrative state
  1. Tariffs raise prices for consumers, going against the goal of reducing inflation. It's a way for bureaucrats and lobbyists to benefit at the expense of everyday people.
  2. The system of tariffs is controlled by complex bureaucracies that aren't transparent. This means that the true impact and manipulation of tariffs can be hidden from public view.
  3. If someone wants to reduce the power of the government and its administration, getting rid of tariffs would be a good starting point.

Final Tally for Biden-Era Improper Payments? $925 BILLION

OpenTheBooks Substack • 405 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Policy Analysis Fraud prevention Economic Impact Bureaucracy
  1. The total amount of improper payments during Biden's presidency is reported to be $925 billion. This means a lot of money was incorrectly sent out by the government.
  2. In just one year, federal agencies noted almost $162 billion in improper payments. This issue has been growing and was particularly bad during the COVID pandemic.
  3. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had the highest amount of waste, totaling $87 billion. Also, many payments were sent to people who have died, showing problems with tracking who should receive money.

Accountability and Authority

In My Tribe • 683 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Bureaucracy Leadership Accountability Authority
  1. Clear job descriptions should state the authority and the accountability of a role. This helps everyone know who is responsible for what.
  2. Bureaucracy tends to make it hard to point fingers when something goes wrong. In businesses, leaders try to keep accountability clear, unlike in government.
  3. When people have less authority in their jobs, it's harder to hold them accountable for results. Finding the right balance is crucial for effectiveness.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Rhetoric Bureaucracy Activism Epistemology
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

DEATH BY PAPERWORK: Watch NYT Opinion video on health insurers' "prior authorization" practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Bureaucracy Medical Ethics
  1. Prior authorization is a process where patients and doctors must get approval from insurance companies before certain treatments can be covered. This often causes delays and can lead to worsening health issues for patients.
  2. The process can be very frustrating and complicated, leading some patients to skip necessary care altogether. This can increase stress and harm their health further.
  3. Doctors and their staff spend a lot of time dealing with the paperwork required for prior authorization, which takes away from actual patient care and can lead to burnout among healthcare providers.

Why I Hope Trump Will Win

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 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.

TOO MANY SUBSCRIPTIONS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 281 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Media Public Policy Political News Bureaucracy
  1. The federal government has spent $44 million on POLITICO subscriptions since 2017. This spending comes from various agencies, showing a trend of reliance on paid news sources.
  2. The White House, especially under Biden, dramatically increased its spending on subscriptions, reaching $7.8 million in 2023. This raises questions about efficiency and whether multiple officials need separate subscriptions.
  3. Many people are skeptical about supporting media outlets with tax dollars, especially when there are many who already don't trust these sources. It's worth considering if the government should be funding private news businesses at all.

flood the zone

bad cattitude • 269 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulations Policy Bureaucracy Elections
  1. A significant change is happening in government, aiming to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This might mean many current programs are being cut back.
  2. There's a new focus on meritocracy, meaning qualified people will be put in positions instead of relying on connections. This could improve government operations.
  3. To make these changes last, there needs to be a legal framework supporting them. Court actions could ensure that reductions in federal power remain in place for the future.

Trump Transition Issues

In My Tribe • 425 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political appointments Economic Policy Bureaucracy
  1. Trump's appointees may struggle because they lack management experience and don't bring their own teams. This can make it hard for them to effectively lead their agencies right away.
  2. Scott Bessent has clear goals for economic growth and budget management. His plan might help improve the economy if implemented well.
  3. There's a debate about government efficiency. Some think we should reward agencies for being cheap and effective, but others believe we need to challenge the way many agencies operate instead.

A Crusading Clerisy

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Bureaucracy Academia Identity politics Law
  1. Marxism is not a religion, but post-Enlightenment progressivism ('Wokery') can be considered as one.
  2. The growth of the human-and-cultural capital class, along with technological evolution, has led to a shift towards jobs less grounded in physical reality, especially in entertainment, media, and education.
  3. Post-Enlightenment Progressivism (

Diversity Inclusion Equity as bureaucratic pathology

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 943 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diversity Bureaucracy Authority
  1. Bureaucracy can be both useful and pathological, making it tricky to assess and deploy.
  2. Bureaucracy focuses on tasks rather than outcomes, leading to inefficiencies.
  3. Diversity-Inclusion-Equity (DIE) programs in bureaucracies can lead to spending on bureaucracy, hoarding authority, and protecting against competence complexities.

getting squirrely

bad cattitude • 372 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Civil Liberties Public Health Bureaucracy
  1. A squirrel named Peanut was taken from his home by health officials after a complaint, even though he was a beloved pet. This incident raises concerns about government overreach and the treatment of innocent animals.
  2. Many people reacted strongly online, showing that this event struck a chord with public sentiment regarding personal rights and the power of regulation. It symbolizes a larger issue of government's intrusion into private lives.
  3. The situation highlights the idea that if people accept small violations of their rights, larger issues can follow. It's crucial to uphold the sanctity of one's home and personal freedom to prevent further abuses.

The Case for a "National Clarification Initiative" to Reduce Needless Bureaucracy

The Good Science Project • 100 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Policy Law Administration
  1. A National Clarification Initiative could help clear up misunderstandings about laws that make government work less effective. Many agencies operate under incorrect beliefs about what the law actually requires.
  2. Simplifying and clarifying legal requirements could free up resources and improve innovation in federal programs. There's a lot of unnecessary bureaucracy that slows things down.
  3. Getting feedback directly from agency employees about what's confusing or restrictive can help highlight problems. This initiative would proactively seek these insights to make government processes better.

DOGE this

bad cattitude • 302 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Regulation Bureaucracy Elections Political theory
  1. The growing belief is that cutting back government regulations can lead to more freedom and innovation. People think reducing the power of bureaucracies might actually help the economy.
  2. There's a debate about whether the current federal system should be preserved or changed. Some feel the government needs major reform to better serve the people.
  3. Recent court rulings suggest that agencies can't make big decisions without input from Congress. This could shift control back to the people and limit unchecked power from these agencies.

Making sense of the DMV experience

Archedelia • 805 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Multiculturalism Bureaucracy
  1. Getting things done at the DMV in California often requires engaging with 'fixers' who have connections in the bureaucracy.
  2. California's bureaucratic landscape reflects a shift towards multiculturalism and political monopoly, impacting how services are obtained.
  3. The collapse of the Republican Party in California has led to a political environment where competition occurs within the Democratic Party under a shared political vision.

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

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 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.

Links to Consider, 11/24/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philanthropy Sustainability Science Social Class Bureaucracy
  1. Banks face significant costs when forced to divert funds away from profitable fossil fuel loans to support unprofitable green energy ventures. This often results in financial burdens on depositors and can lead to bank failures.
  2. Scientific research is becoming risk-averse due to heavy reliance on citation metrics, which encourages safe, incremental work and often ignores innovative, high-risk projects. This can slow down advancements in science.
  3. Higher education significantly influences social class in America, creating a unified culture among graduates. In contrast, those without a college education often lack a sense of community and solidarity.

New Episode! #24 - Samo Burja - How to Prevent Civilizational Collapse

Win-Win • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎙 Podcasts Geopolitics History Leadership Bureaucracy Governance
  1. Bureaucratic growth can weaken institutions and slow down decision-making. It's important to streamline and maintain efficiency in governance.
  2. Understanding the difference between tacit (unspoken) and explicit (clearly defined) knowledge is crucial for effective organization and leadership.
  3. Different systems of governance, like democracy and monarchy, have their own strengths and weaknesses that can impact how societies function.

WHERE’S WALDO? NEW REPORT SHOWS DC STILL A GHOST TOWN AFTER COVID

OpenTheBooks Substack • 203 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Bureaucracy Accountability
  1. Many federal workers in D.C. are still working from home, with only about 6% returning to the office daily. This has led to significant underutilization of office spaces.
  2. There's a lot of taxpayer money being spent on salaries and benefits for these remote workers, yet many job responsibilities are being ignored, causing serious issues like backlogs at agencies.
  3. A new bill, the REMOTE Act, aims to hold federal employees accountable for their work and assess the impact of telework on productivity.

A Note on the Changing Faces of (D)ARPA

The Good Science Project • 22 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research Military Innovation Bureaucracy History Regulation
  1. DARPA has undergone significant changes over the years due to increased oversight and bureaucratic rules, impacting how projects are managed and funded. Initially more flexible, DARPA now operates under stricter regulations that slow down decision-making.
  2. The role of leadership has evolved where major visions for projects often come from office directors rather than project managers. This shift affects how projects are pursued and who gets to drive new ideas.
  3. Timelines for project payoffs and the focus on military needs greatly influence which projects get started and how they develop. Changes in political climates or military demands can quicken or slow down the pace of innovation at DARPA.

Australia's Rule by Bureaucrat

Kvetch • 74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Bureaucracy Policy Society Culture
  1. Australia has a strong bureaucratic system that heavily influences its immigration policies. This is seen in how immigration management became more of a technocratic puzzle than a democratic discussion.
  2. The surge in international students has led to increased migration, but it has also affected the standards at universities, making them more about profit than education.
  3. Cultural integration is a challenge as Australia becomes more multicultural, with many migrants clustering in their own communities rather than blending into a cohesive society.

Sunday Strip: First They Came for Peanut;

Who is Robert Malone • 55 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government oversight Bureaucracy Public Policy Animal Rights Law enforcement
  1. A squirrel named Peanut and his raccoon friend Fred were taken from their owner by the New York State police, leading to public outrage.
  2. The authorities used aggressive tactics during the raid, including interrogating the owner's wife and not allowing them to care for their other animals.
  3. The incident highlights issues of government overreach and raises questions about the treatment of pets in captivity.

Dominic Cummings, An Underrated Precedent for DOGE

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Bureaucracy Political Reform Civil Service Political Science
  1. The UK government’s quick adaptations in tech and services during crises show a more centralized political system. This makes it easier to change things than in the US.
  2. Bureaucratic hiring processes in America often lead to unqualified candidates, which slows down progress. A more efficient system is needed for better talent acquisition.
  3. Fundamental reforms in government agencies are essential for improving efficiency and competence in services. It's not just about ideology; it's about making systems work better.