The hottest Corporate Influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Emperor Elon

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2040 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.

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.

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.
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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Mental health Corporate Influence Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Rot at the Top

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Corporate Influence Political Ideology Social movements Elections
  1. Many people are expressing strong emotions about the healthcare system after the death of a healthcare CEO, showing widespread anger at the current state of affairs. This reflects a general frustration with how things are run in the industry.
  2. There's a sense that anger toward political and corporate leaders is growing, possibly hinting at a bigger change or revolution in the future. More people are feeling fed up and ready to stand up against a corrupt system.
  3. Politicians are seen as failing to address major issues like healthcare, often swayed by corporate interests. There's a belief that both major parties are promoting similar unhealthy agendas that don't really help the people.

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.

Inoculate Yourself Against Anti-Worker Media Attacks

JoeWrote • 49 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Media Critique Corporate Influence
  1. Workers often face media attacks that label them as greedy when they strike for better pay. This narrative ignores the profits the companies make and the hard work employees do.
  2. Demands for protections against automation are important to workers. As technology advances, workers worry about being replaced, so unions fight for rules to protect their jobs.
  3. Media claims that striking workers are hurting everyday Americans create division among workers. It's crucial for all workers to support each other to combat these misleading narratives.

Information Asymmetry and the Fall of Mainstream Media

As If We Were Staying • 3 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Corporate Influence Health Policy Market failure
  1. Mainstream media is losing trust as many people see its biases and manipulations. Recent events, like a high-profile shooting, have made this clear to the public.
  2. Information Asymmetry affects consumers by giving corporations more knowledge than regular people. This can lead to companies hiding harmful practices and making choices difficult for consumers.
  3. To improve the situation, we need to support independent journalism and community-driven businesses. By doing this, we can push for better regulations and solutions to corporate power.

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.

2 candidates for the American Presidency who threatened PHARMA-GLOBALIST HEGEMONY have been eliminated from the running: no surprise because drug companies control politics, education, the media...

DrV’s Newsletter, Notes, Essays, Articles, Videos, and Book Chapters • 176 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals Presidential Race Government Corruption Corporate Influence Pandemic response
  1. Two presidential candidates who challenged pharma-globalist power were eliminated from the race in 2024.
  2. The remaining major candidates from both parties supported pandemic measures that led to a significant increase in deaths and costs for the nation.
  3. The influence of drug companies in politics, education, and media remains significant, impacting American elections.

Novo Nordisk Gets Caught In Shady Marketing Practices - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 379 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Ethics Corporate Influence Weight Stigma
  1. Novo Nordisk engaged in shady marketing practices involving funding prominent organizations, healthcare professionals, and academics to promote their weight loss drug without proper disclosure.
  2. The Observer investigation revealed that Novo Nordisk spent millions on payments, sponsorships, and grants to shape the obesity debate and influence healthcare policy decisions.
  3. Experts like Professor John Wilding and Jason Halford were found to be actively supporting Novo Nordisk's drug Wegovy while having substantial financial ties with the company, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

How the corporate-sociocultural alliance shaped our times

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Influence Political parties Popular culture Public Opinion
  1. Corporations align with social justice causes to appeal to specific customer demographics.
  2. Corporate-sociocultural alliance driven by internal dynamics within companies and sociocultural classes.
  3. The alliance may face challenges from external opposition and potential shifts in political landscape.

In New York, the left and right are united in a fight against the corporate takeover of Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medicare Corporate Influence Public Policy Political Opposition
  1. People from different political sides are coming together in New York to oppose a plan to move retirees from traditional Medicare to a private insurance plan. This shows that healthcare issues can unite folks regardless of their politics.
  2. The mayor's proposal could harm retirees financially, pushing them to a private plan with higher costs and less freedom in choosing doctors. Many might not truly have a choice once they face increased costs to stay in their current Medicare plan.
  3. There's growing awareness about how private insurers are negatively affecting Medicare. More people, including those in government, are recognizing the problem and starting to speak out against it.

This Must Be Made Personal For Deniers

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Corporate Influence Global Warming Environmental justice
  1. Ensuring accountability for systemic crimes is crucial, with heavy financial penalties, especially for those profiting from reprehensible practices like the British empire's opium trade
  2. Uncomfortable parallels exist between historical criminal enterprises like the opium trade, the opioid crisis, and modern fossil fuel industries, hinting at potential criminalization
  3. Legal actions such as climate scientist Michael Mann's successful defamation lawsuit highlight the importance of holding false accusers accountable, pushing for strict consequences against defamers