The hottest Corporate Influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Nice little economy you've got there, be a shame...

The Crucial Years • 3388 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Energy Policy Climate change Foreign Relations Corporate Influence
  1. Countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan are increasing their purchases of American liquefied natural gas to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration. This move illustrates how global energy politics are heavily influenced by economic pressures.
  2. The push for liquefied natural gas exports has potential negative effects on American consumers, as it can lead to higher natural gas prices. Increased exports can make energy more expensive for households relying on natural gas.
  3. Despite the focus on fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy. It's important to promote clean energy solutions as a way to combat climate change and lower energy costs for everyone.

Always Bet Against the Davos Man

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2684 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Global events Economic Policy Corporate Influence Social Issues
  1. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the mood has shifted from disdain for Trump to a more interested attitude in 2025. Elite business leaders from Europe now want to engage with his ideas.
  2. While the forum continues to push topics like Environmental and Social Governance and Diversity, the actual conversations among executives reveal a different focus. They seem more optimistic about the changing American sentiments.
  3. Despite the fancy corporate language about sustainability, the reality for many leaders might be more about capitalizing on current trends than sticking strictly to these ideals.

Emperor Elon

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Leadership Influence Social media Corporate Influence
  1. Elon Musk has gained power in a unique way, without violence or conflict. He built a strong following through innovation and technology.
  2. His influence spans many industries and affects political agendas around the world. People seem to eagerly support him, almost like he's a leader.
  3. The transformation of Twitter into 'X' marked a big change, showing how Musk can reshape platforms and communities. This shift surprised many who thought it would fail.

The current AI strategic landscape: one bear's perspective

Philosophy bear • 178 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Public Opinion Corporate Influence
  1. AI ethicists and safety advocates are starting to work together more, which could strengthen their efforts against risks from AI. This is a positive shift towards a unified approach.
  2. Many people are worried about the threats posed by AI and want more rules to manage it. However, big companies and some governments are pushing for quicker AI development instead of more safety.
  3. To really get people's attention on AI issues, something big might need to happen first, like job losses or a major political shift. It’s important to be ready to act when that moment comes.

Surveillance Capitalism 2024, Wrapped

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1587 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Surveillance Data Privacy Social media Corporate Influence Digital Culture
  1. Big Tech companies are constantly watching and tracking us online to influence our choices. Unlike birdwatching, which doesn’t affect the birds, their surveillance has a real impact on our lives and decisions.
  2. Many tech companies try to make us feel comfortable with their data collection by presenting it as a personal service. They package our surveillance data in a fun way, like Spotify's yearly 'Wrapped' feature, making it seem like something we actually want.
  3. This 'wrapping' makes us expect and accept surveillance as normal. It's similar to being trained to respond to signals, and it can change how we behave, often without us realizing it.
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Energy policy, politics, facts and narratives

Jérôme à Paris • 461 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Political narratives Public Opinion Corporate Influence Environmental Issues
  1. People often join groups that share their ideas, which can limit their understanding of complex topics like energy policy. It's easy to get stuck in a mindset when everyone around you thinks the same way.
  2. The energy sector is changing rapidly, leading to fear and uncertainty. Many are used to traditional energy sources and don't know how to adapt to newer options like electric vehicles, which can create hesitation.
  3. The ongoing debate about energy often reflects larger issues of fairness and efficiency. Some believe new solutions will benefit everyone, while others worry about being left behind or losing out.

Top Republican, flush with corporate cash, embraces racist conspiracy theory

Popular Information • 9670 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy theory Corporate Influence Immigration Policy Racism Political Donations
  1. Proponents of the great replacement theory believe in a racist myth about white Americans and non-white immigrants.
  2. The great replacement theory has inspired violent attacks, showing the dangerous consequences of this conspiracy.
  3. Some corporations publicly support a path to citizenship for Dreamers while donating to politicians who endorse racist conspiracy theories.

Thoughts on mainstream media

Tao Lin • 1418 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Journalism Public Opinion Political Discourse Corporate Influence
  1. Mainstream media often presents a very simple and one-sided view of the world. This can make complex issues seem less important than they really are.
  2. The content produced by corporate media can feel negative and disheartening. It tends to focus on the tragic aspects of life instead of the positive ones.
  3. Having worked in mainstream media, there is an awareness that the stories told can be limiting and don’t always empower people to see the bigger picture.

How Fascism Came

The Chris Hedges Report • 676 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Social Inequality Corporate Influence
  1. America's democracy is facing big problems because both major political parties have sided with big companies and the rich. This has created a lot of social inequality and hurt ordinary people.
  2. The idea of fascism can grow when people feel left out and hopeless about their futures. If the needs of the struggling middle class and poor aren't addressed, it can lead to dangerous movements.
  3. The media and politics today often feel like a show, with truth taking a backseat to entertainment. This makes it hard for people to see what's really happening in society.

Big Vs Little

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Role Political divide Economic Systems Corporate Influence
  1. There's a big debate in America about the role of government and big corporations. Many people believe that smaller government is better because it allows more freedom and competition.
  2. Some folks trust experts and government to solve problems, thinking it will make life easier. Others worry that these experts aren't objective and can manipulate the system.
  3. Innovation in technology could change how businesses operate, potentially leading to better outcomes than government interventions. There's a hope that private industry can find new ways to help people without relying on government programs.

The truth about Elon Musk and anti-Semitism

Popular Information • 13247 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political speech Corporate Influence Digital Platforms Anti-Semitism
  1. Elon Musk threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League due to criticism of his handling of Twitter.
  2. Musk reneged on promises to combat hate speech on Twitter and reinstated accounts with anti-Semitic content.
  3. Musk has a history of associating with and amplifying anti-Semitic speech, causing controversy and backlash.

URGENT: Pfizer hid data so it would not have to report good results on its mRNA Covid jab and help Donald Trump before the 2020 election

Unreported Truths • 36 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Election Integrity Public Health
  1. Pfizer allegedly delayed reporting positive results of its COVID vaccine to avoid giving political advantages to Donald Trump during the 2020 election.
  2. The company's chairman, Dr. Albert Bourla, is accused of misleading the public about the trial's progress and the timing of data release.
  3. There is an ongoing investigation into Pfizer's actions, with claims that they ignored early evidence showing the vaccine worked well to keep results from being shared before the election.

CNN’s Israel bias has been laid bare. But CNN is the norm, not the exception

Jonathan Cook • 3203 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media bias Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Corporate Influence
  1. Western media outlets like CNN have biases when reporting on Israel, often favoring Israel's perspective and marginalizing Palestinian viewpoints.
  2. Journalists in mainstream media face pressure from corporate interests and advertisers, hindering their ability to report truthfully on Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
  3. The media's consistent coverage of the region stems from long-standing complicity in Israel's actions due to ties with corporate interests, the arms industry, and maintaining control in the Middle East.

Leading journalist calls Zuckerberg's free speech announcement "an invitation to genocide," EU parliamentarians petition for actions to mitigate the "systemic risk" of Elon Musk, and other lunacies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 182 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Censorship Corporate Influence
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced a shift in Facebook's content policies, saying he wants to focus on free expression and simplify rules. He plans to phase out fact-checkers and bring back more political content.
  2. Some European leaders are expressing strong concerns about this approach, fearing it might lead to more dangerous speech online. They worry that American social media giants might undermine rules in Europe.
  3. There's a growing tension between American social media companies and European regulations, which could lead to major changes in how the internet operates in those regions.

The Politics of Cultural Despair

The Chris Hedges Report • 607 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Social Issues Corporate Influence Civil Rights
  1. Despair is a major issue in society today. Many people are struggling with feelings of hopelessness due to lost jobs, poor economic conditions, and a lack of political representation.
  2. The rise of cult leaders reflects a society that feels powerless. People often turn to these leaders in hope of regaining control and finding meaning in their lives.
  3. To create real change, we need to focus on organizing and striking against corporate power. This can help restore dignity and purpose to people's lives and tackle the problems caused by a failing system.

The anti-climate lobby is winning

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Climate Policy Corporate Influence Environmental advocacy
  1. Anti-climate lobbying is heavily funded, with US companies spending more on opposing climate efforts than supporting them. This shows a strong influence from these companies on political decisions.
  2. On average, each US firm spends $277,000 on anti-climate lobbying, which is 50% more than the $185,000 spent on pro-climate lobbying. This spending difference highlights a significant imbalance in support for climate action.
  3. A few companies are leading the anti-climate efforts, outspending and outnumbering those in favor of pro-climate policies. This concentration of lobbying power makes it harder for the pro-climate side to compete.

A NEW AMERICA IS STRUGGLING TO BE BORN

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 3950 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political Change Social justice Corporate Influence
  1. A new America is struggling to be born with a focus on reclaiming original principles.
  2. The current political landscape needs to shift to prioritize the well-being and inclusivity of all Americans.
  3. It is time for a new generation of American consciousness to emerge and steer the country towards a better future.

Republicans Are Nazis & Democrats Are Their Enablers.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Political History Political Ideologies Corporate Influence
  1. There is a strong belief that both major political parties in the U.S. have a long history of supporting harmful ideologies and actions, particularly regarding issues connected to war and corporate interests.
  2. Concerns are raised about the influence of wealthy elites and corporations on American politics, suggesting that this has led to a loss of true democracy and an increase in fascistic practices.
  3. The text argues for a need to rethink and challenge the current political system in America, emphasizing the importance of using democratic principles to fight back against perceived oppression and inequality.

Wall Street Yawned as Congress Grilled UnitedHealth’s CEO but Went Ballistic on CVS/Aetna Over Medicare Advantage Claims

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Issues Corporate Influence Patient Care
  1. Congress questioned UnitedHealth's CEO, but it seems unlikely that real changes will happen to how big insurance companies operate.
  2. Wall Street reacted differently to the news, raising UnitedHealth's stock while CVS's stock dropped sharply due to their Medicare Advantage claims.
  3. The speaker highlights that money in politics plays a big role in healthcare issues, making it hard for patients to get the care they need.

BIG INSURANCE 2023: Revenues reached $1.39 trillion thanks to taxpayer-funded Medicaid and Medicare Advantage businesses

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Policy Medicaid Medicare Healthcare Reform Corporate Influence
  1. Health insurance companies in the U.S. made $1.39 trillion in revenue last year. A lot of this money came from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare Advantage.
  2. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped many people get insurance but also allowed insurers to profit tremendously. This has led to higher out-of-pocket costs for consumers and medical debts for many families.
  3. Big insurance companies have grown a lot over the last decade, and their executives are making huge salaries. Reform is needed to control these companies and make healthcare more affordable for everyday people.

On “Public-Private Partnership”

The Upheaval • 1065 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Governance Corporate Influence Elections
  1. Public-private partnerships can help achieve goals, especially in global competition, but they also have risks. It's important to weigh these risks, as they can lead to significant problems in governance and society.
  2. A major concern with public-private partnerships is that they often leave out the public's voice. Decisions may be made without consulting the people affected, which can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and lack of trust in the government.
  3. While some level of cooperation between the government and corporations can be necessary, it's crucial to prioritize the nation's interests and ensure transparency. Keeping the public informed can help prevent misuses of power and maintain democratic accountability.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #103

Creative Destruction • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Public Policy Social Issues Climate action
  1. The idea of 'the CEO of America' suggests that politics has become more business-like, focusing on deals and short-term gains instead of traditional values.
  2. A new phase called 'autocapitalism' is emerging, where automation and AI replace human jobs, pushing more people to become capitalists instead of workers.
  3. There's a global crisis in self-esteem where many people feel inadequate compared to billionaires, making normal life feel like a personal failure.

The Great Saudi Arabian State “Pay To Play” Scheme

Richard Lewis • 1022 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Esports Saudi Arabia Corporate Influence Ethics Sponsorship
  1. Esports World Cup program provides financial assistance to organizations in exchange for participation in tournaments and generating viewership.
  2. Saudi Arabian state heavily involved in funding and controlling Esports World Cup, aiming to increase global recognition through esports.
  3. Esports organizations receiving stimulus payments from Saudi Arabia may face conflicts of interest and compromise on integrity due to financial ties.

The Albatross Around America’s Neck: How health-care opacity neutralizes competition and fuels a corporate race to corner health-care markets

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Cost management Market Competition Corporate Influence
  1. Healthcare companies are consolidating and taking control, which reduces competition and keeps costs high. This creates a system that benefits big corporations rather than patients.
  2. The lack of transparency in healthcare pricing makes it hard for people to understand or compare costs. This has led to rising costs and poor quality healthcare for many Americans.
  3. There is hope for change with new laws and innovative healthcare solutions emerging. These could lead to more competition, better services, and lower prices if people get involved and demand better.

Donald! Government Is Not A Business. It's A Service!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Corporate Influence Social Issues
  1. Government should serve the people, not act like a business. Public services are meant to help everyone, not just make profits.
  2. There's a lot of waste in defense spending, which often benefits corporations more than the public. Many believe this misallocation of funds hurts social services like education and healthcare.
  3. A shift towards better management of resources could improve social security and other public services. Redirecting funds from military to social programs could help communities thrive.

UnitedHealth Group: vulnerable and ill-equipped to defend against modern threats like cyberattacks

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Cybersecurity Patient Safety Corporate Influence Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth faced a serious cyberattack, showing that even big companies can be vulnerable to cybercrime. This situation highlights the risks of having too much sensitive data controlled by a few large corporations.
  2. The healthcare system is focused more on profit than patient care. This has left it weak against modern threats like cyberattacks, which can disrupt services and harm patients.
  3. To fix these issues, we need stronger rules to protect patient data and make sure healthcare companies prioritize patient safety over making money. It's important to shift our focus from profits to genuine care for patients.

Mr. Witty Goes To Washington

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Corporate Influence Public Policy Legislation
  1. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, is facing tough questioning from Congress about a serious hacking incident that affected payments to doctors and hospitals. This is a crucial moment for him as lawmakers want clear answers.
  2. UnitedHealth's revenue has grown significantly, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. healthcare system. Witty might downplay the company’s size, but it has grown from $87.1 billion in 2009 to $371.6 billion last year.
  3. Witty may argue that the company’s large financial resources help in recovering from incidents like the hack. However, critics suggest that such wealth is a result of harmful business practices that strain healthcare providers.

The corporate-state nexus

Archedelia • 1434 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Civil Rights
  1. Corporations are not run by individual stockholders, but by managers who respond to asset managers and institutional investors.
  2. The theory of the free market is based on a universe of small proprietors, which is not applicable to today's corporate economy.
  3. Corporations were initially formed by government charters and are now influenced by state purposes, leading to a malfunction in a purely market-driven environment.

AI Oligarchs: Money Before Country, Again

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 115 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Tech Policy Economic Policy Corporate Influence Regulatory Affairs
  1. U.S. industrial policy has focused on moving jobs overseas to benefit the wealthy, which has hurt the country's economy. Instead of helping the average person, it seems to make the rich even richer.
  2. The tech industry in the U.S. has missed out on competition and innovation because companies put profit before progress. This has allowed cheaper and better technologies from other countries, like China, to take over.
  3. Lina Khan, a regulatory leader, warned that lack of competition in the tech industry would hurt U.S. companies in the long run. It looks like her concerns have come true as American firms are now struggling against more agile competitors.

How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Corporate Influence Public Health Economic Impact
  1. UnitedHealth has grown to be one of the biggest companies in the world, worth nearly half a trillion dollars. It has more members than the population of many countries, showing just how large its impact is.
  2. UnitedHealth is more than just an insurance company; it employs thousands of doctors and has various services like pharmacies and clinics. This makes it a big player in the healthcare industry.
  3. The article suggests it's important to understand how companies like UnitedHealth affect our healthcare costs and decisions about care. Their influence is significant, and we need to be aware of it.

Why CEOs and the Very Rich Should Receive Enhanced Protection

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 125 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Class conflict Corporate Influence Government Role Social Issues
  1. CEOs and the wealthy often receive a lot of protection and support from the government and media, especially after serious events. It's like they're getting special treatment to feel safe.
  2. There's a strong history of class struggle in the U.S., where the rich have often held power over the rest. This imbalance still affects how society functions today.
  3. People should notice how the rich are treated and protected because it shows the divide in society. Recognizing this can help create awareness about the class differences around us.

Naming the Perp: Very Few People Cause All of the World's Worst Problems

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 125 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Political Economy Power Dynamics Corporate Influence
  1. A small number of wealthy individuals control a huge amount of money. Just 800 Americans hold around $6 trillion, showing how wealth is very concentrated.
  2. Investment firms manage a lot of this wealth, with 117 people deciding where to invest over $50 trillion. This means a few people hold significant power over global investments.
  3. Most of the world's problems are caused by a tiny group of individuals. Recognizing them makes it easier to hold them accountable and work towards change.

Ukraine's Zelensky sends love letter to US corporations, promising 'big business' for Wall Street

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Neoliberalism Foreign Relations Corporate Influence Economic Policy International Trade
  1. Ukrainian president Zelensky is actively seeking investment from US corporations like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, encouraging them to do business in Ukraine.
  2. Zelensky's government has implemented aggressive anti-worker policies, limiting union rights and encouraging a pro-corporate environment.
  3. Western governments and corporations are planning aggressive neoliberal reforms for Ukraine, aiming to privatize and deregulate industries with the help of powerful entities like BlackRock.