The hottest Corruption Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Who is Robert Malone 30 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims to fight corruption globally but is heavily funded by the US government, which raises questions about its true motives.
  2. OCCRP focuses on investigating foreign governments deemed hostile to US interests and now appears to influence political situations in allied countries as well, like India.
  3. There are concerns that OCCRP and similar organizations act as tools for the US government, potentially pushing for regime change and affecting the reputation of nations without them realizing it.
Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter 3634 implied HN points 25 Oct 23
  1. The long arc of history does not naturally bend towards justice; it requires real people to shape it for the better.
  2. Authoritarianism can thrive when people underestimate its possibility and the presence of corruption, violence, and systemic problems.
  3. Staying vigilant, holding onto moral boundaries, and resisting the normalization of atrocities are crucial to preventing the erosion of values in the face of societal challenges.
Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack 1867 implied HN points 07 Feb 24
  1. Several prominent politicians had children working for Ukrainian gas companies.
  2. The article questions the relationships between Ukrainian businesses and American politicians' families.
  3. Assertions of a corrupt money laundering scheme involving individuals from both Republican and Democratic parties.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 487 implied HN points 16 Feb 25
  1. Corruption can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, like faster project approvals. In some cases, letting officials profit from development could actually help communities grow and thrive.
  2. Many politicians aren't as wealthy as people think, and there's little evidence of widespread corruption in government. The average net worth of Congress members isn't that much higher than that of other Americans their age.
  3. Regulations and red tape can hinder progress and development. Sometimes, relaxing those restrictions can lead to better results for society, even if it means embracing a bit of 'good' corruption.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
The Chris Hedges Report 575 implied HN points 15 Feb 25
  1. The current economic system is leading to great inequality, where the rich get richer while many others suffer. This creates a 'mafia state' that prioritizes the wealthy and exploits the rest.
  2. The degradation of environmental and social protections is harmful to everyone. Decisions being made today are damaging the planet and the well-being of many people.
  3. Reforming this system is not enough; systemic change is needed. Collective action and new ideas for social structure can help address these deep-rooted issues.
The New Normal 3439 implied HN points 23 Feb 23
  1. To blame ourselves for decisions made by a few individuals is to submit to their rule.
  2. Calls to 'blame our own governments' may underestimate the chance of seeking justice for policy decisions.
  3. Corruption makes actions criminal if influenced by outside interests; personal responsibility can be used to evade scrutiny.
Striking 13 2256 implied HN points 08 Dec 23
  1. Rwanda's political landscape is characterized by logical inconsistency and contradictions, leading to illogical decisions and actions.
  2. The backlog in asylum cases in the UK is primarily due to policy issues like lack of processing, rather than the number of asylum seekers arriving.
  3. The legislation regarding Rwanda in the UK defies reality and tries to legislate people's perceptions, representing a departure from empirical reality toward a denial of it.
donaldjeffries 1434 implied HN points 06 Feb 24
  1. The concept of term limits for politicians is important to prevent career politicians from holding office indefinitely.
  2. The legislative branch of government in the United States has historically ceded power to the judicial and executive branches.
  3. There is a call for more representation diversity in Congress to better serve the interests of the common people.
bad cattitude 462 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. The new players in Washington are determined to shake things up, working outside the old systems to create real change. Expect to see major shifts in government operation due to their influence.
  2. Government agencies are overwhelmed and struggling to maintain control as corruption and inefficiency are exposed. The push for more transparency means many hidden layers of mismanagement could be revealed.
  3. Without accountability for spending, many federal programs and jobs could be cut. The focus will shift to ensuring that taxpayer money is used properly, potentially cleaning up long-standing issues.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 17 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Eric Adams avoided corruption charges after the Trump administration dropped them, but this does not improve his popularity. Many people in New York still do not like him.
  2. Adams' political future is uncertain, with slim chances of winning the next Democratic primary. He has to think about other options if he wants to stay in politics.
  3. Despite this drop in charges, Adams may still struggle since his reputation is damaged and he's unlikely to get support from major parties or donors.
The Pillar 1395 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. Today, Jan. 19, is the March for Life in Washington, DC, which remains significant despite shifts in activism focus.
  2. The death of Kenyan priest Fr. Josiah K’Okal in Venezuela raises suspicions of foul play due to his advocacy for indigenous rights.
  3. Pope Francis issued new financial regulations for the Vatican, showing a response to past scandals and a shift in authority.
donaldjeffries 1415 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  1. The imminent release of the list containing prominent names who flew on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' has caused a stir.
  2. Many big names in entertainment, including female celebrities, have been linked to Epstein's activities.
  3. The Epstein scandal raises questions about accountability and the power dynamics that shield the elite from justice.
In My Tribe 1032 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. Governments often choose leaders based on their ability to navigate politics rather than their skills in managing and delivering results. This leads to poor governance because the focus is not on actually solving problems.
  2. Unlike businesses that need to perform to survive, governments tend to take on too many roles and rarely stop doing something, even if it is not effective. This makes them inefficient and less effective.
  3. Limitations in government activities can lead to better governance. Businesses succeed by focusing on a few things they do well, while governments often try to do everything without a clear focus, leading to clumsiness.
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 21 implied HN points 29 May 25
  1. Finding personal peace and fulfillment can coexist with feelings of guilt about the world's suffering. It's important to acknowledge both inner happiness and external chaos.
  2. The world seems to be filled with corruption and distraction, especially among younger generations. People may feel lost while they are captivated by screens.
  3. Reflecting on one's purpose in life can bring feelings of anxiety and the desire for validation. Everyone has their own unique journey, even if it feels unconventional.
Diane Francis 1738 implied HN points 27 Nov 23
  1. Hamas leaders live a lavish lifestyle far from the conflict, while they exploit the people of Gaza for their own wealth. They collect taxes on smuggled goods and skim donations meant for the needy.
  2. The unemployment rate in Gaza is extremely high, and most people live in poverty. Despite winning elections in 2007, Hamas has not delivered on promises of better living conditions, but instead, they persist in conflict.
  3. Hamas operates like a criminal organization, focusing on financial gain through warfare and corruption. Their actions harm the very people they claim to represent, and the global community needs to take action against these corrupt regimes.
The J. Burden Show 1218 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. New Orleans is described as a city with a mix of beauty, dysfunction, and high crime rates, showcasing both its allure and challenges.
  2. The post discusses the city's leadership issues, particularly critiquing the mayor and suggesting the need for a strong leader who can tackle crime and corruption.
  3. There is a call for a transformative leader, likened to a Caesar figure, who can address law enforcement, foreign policy, and societal issues with a tough but just approach.
bad cattitude 314 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Since 1946, U.S. presidents and their advisors haven't had access to the government's payment system. This lack of transparency has been a long-standing issue.
  2. Many former treasury secretaries are upset about attempts to make the payment system more visible. They believe this openness threatens the way things have always been done.
  3. There's a push for greater auditing and transparency in government spending. People want to hold officials accountable and make sure tax dollars are spent properly.
An Insult to Intuition 2063 implied HN points 29 Jun 23
  1. RFK Jr. highlighted the difference between believing and knowing in the discussion about vaccines.
  2. The lack of long-term, placebo-controlled safety studies on childhood vaccines was brought to light by Kennedy.
  3. The conversation revealed a reliance on trust over critical thinking when it comes to vaccine safety and testing.
Astral Codex Ten 6194 implied HN points 04 Aug 23
  1. During the fall of the Soviet Union, activists creatively countered authorities by using lemons to silence a brass band.
  2. Corrupt officials, including Vladimir Putin, diverted imported meat from Leningrad to Moscow leading up to a failed coup.
  3. US politicians have cute personal stories to humanize, but Putin's lack of reaction to his dog's death reflects his impervious exterior.
Michael Shellenberger 923 implied HN points 16 Oct 24
  1. A Brazilian congressman named Marcel Van Hattem is facing an investigation for speaking out against censorship and corruption. This marks a worrying trend of increased government control over free speech in Brazil.
  2. Van Hattem is well-known for exposing government corruption and has gathered a significant following on social media. His popularity highlights the public's desire for transparency and free expression.
  3. The investigation against Van Hattem challenges the tradition of protecting congressional speech in Brazil. Legal experts have raised concerns, suggesting this move could backlash against the government and strengthen demands for accountability.
Something to Consider 139 implied HN points 10 Jul 24
  1. Our institutions and rules affect how well a society can produce and grow. Good institutions help foster trust among people, while bad ones can keep societies trapped in poverty.
  2. The legacy of harmful practices, like the slave trade, has long-lasting effects on trust and cooperation in societies. Areas that were heavily affected tend to have less trust even today.
  3. Changing poor institutions can help lift countries out of poverty. This might involve outside help or imposing better rules that foster cooperation and trust among the people.
donaldjeffries 1592 implied HN points 03 Jun 23
  1. Many Americans still believe in American exceptionalism, but the reality may indicate otherwise.
  2. The level of tyranny and corruption in America has reached surreal levels, possibly surpassing the repressive regimes of the past.
  3. The current state of America is described as exceptionally corrupt, tyrannical, and incompetent, challenging the notions of freedom and democracy.
Letters from an American 23 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. Trump launched his own cryptocurrency right before his inauguration, making billions almost overnight. This raised big questions about ethics and how money can flow directly to a sitting president.
  2. During his inaugural speech, Trump repeated many of his campaign's false claims and made promises to take drastic actions like pulling the U.S. out of international agreements. This showed he plans to stick with his original agenda.
  3. Biden granted pardons to several individuals caught up in political controversies, emphasizing the importance of protecting reputations during investigations. This was a notable move right before leaving office.
Welcome to Absurdistan 1474 implied HN points 08 Jul 23
  1. Populism is gaining traction worldwide, as evidenced by recent events and shifts in power.
  2. Corporations and media outlets are facing resistance and pushback from a growing populist movement.
  3. There is a significant movement towards change and opposition to established systems and norms.
bad cattitude 291 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. The pardoning of individuals related to January 6 raises serious concerns about justice and accountability. It seems to give a free pass to those who may have acted unlawfully while in power.
  2. A dangerous precedent is set when political figures can use pardons to avoid consequences for their actions. This undermines trust in the system and holds the potential for abuse of power.
  3. Despite the pardons, there's still a chance to pursue the truth by calling on those involved to testify. They could face new charges for lying, which might encourage honesty and accountability moving forward.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts 184 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. Medicine is being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies, which can lead to biased practices. This means that decisions in healthcare might prioritize profit over patient care.
  2. Big donations to universities can result in naming rights and influence, creating a potential conflict of interest. This raises questions about the integrity and independence of academic institutions.
  3. There's a concern that this trend towards corruption could compromise the quality of medical research and education. Without accountability, the focus might shift away from ethical standards and patient welfare.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 207 implied HN points 15 Feb 25
  1. Wealth in the economy often concentrates in the hands of a few people, often called billionaires. Their success can depend on timing, connections, and sometimes political favors.
  2. Historically, periods of high wealth concentration have not always led to faster economic growth. Curbs on wealth accumulation can actually coexist with healthy economic performance.
  3. The past presence of 'robber barons' and their role in building infrastructure shows that their success often involved corruption and manipulation, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's development.
Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing 668 implied HN points 27 Jan 24
  1. Organ trafficking is a growing global trade due to a demand for organs and a lack of legitimate sources.
  2. Victims of organ trafficking can be kidnapped, forced, or tricked into giving up organs, with children often being targeted.
  3. Illegal organ harvesting operations can involve violence, manipulation, and even murder to obtain organs for sale on the black market.
donaldjeffries 1238 implied HN points 20 Mar 23
  1. News is breaking that Donald Trump may be arrested in New York which has raised several questions
  2. Donald Trump's presidency triggered strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, causing division in the country
  3. The situation with Trump facing arrest is seen as a symbolic moment reflecting bigger issues of corruption and justice in the political system
donaldjeffries 1218 implied HN points 04 Aug 23
  1. Donald Trump faces indictment for questioning election results, while Democrats are free to make similar allegations without consequences.
  2. The justice system appears biased when it comes to prosecuting individuals based on their political affiliations.
  3. Impeachment processes and legal actions seem to be influenced by partisanship and do not always reflect the seriousness of alleged offenses.
Welcome to Absurdistan 1218 implied HN points 25 Jun 23
  1. The city of Vancouver has experienced a disturbing transformation over the years, falling victim to crime, drugs, human trafficking, and corruption.
  2. The infiltration of the CCP in Canada poses a significant threat, leading to criminal activities like drug trafficking and violence.
  3. The rise of cartels in cities can be linked to the collapse of resource economies and the influence of groups like corporate fascists and hard-left activists.