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Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 18.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations Political News Geopolitics
  1. Negotiating with the EU can be risky for countries like Norway, as it may not align with their national interests. It's essential to prioritize what's best for Norway rather than just following EU agendas.
  2. The relationship between the EU and the US is changing, and Europe may need to find its own voice and stance in global politics, especially regarding partnerships with other countries like China.
  3. There's a concern that European leaders may not be respected as strong partners in negotiations, particularly in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. Focusing too much on past agreements could weaken future influence.

Weeked Update #109: Ukrainian Land for NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 132 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Elections International relations Legislation
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might consider giving up some territory in exchange for NATO membership. This could stop the current fighting but raises big legal questions about land ownership.
  2. There's some hope for Ukraine supporters with Trump's recent choice of Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy. Kellogg is known for wanting to continue aid to Ukraine, but his overall influence may be limited.
  3. Ukraine has started limited attacks on Russian military targets. This may help them hold onto strategic areas, but it's still too early to tell how it will affect the conflict's direction.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 15.02.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Public Opinion
  1. US Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU for being undemocratic and suppressing free speech during his speech at a security conference. He emphasized that the real threat to Europe comes from its own actions, not from outside nations like Russia.
  2. There is a growing belief that the war in Ukraine has been a proxy conflict, with the US using Ukraine to challenge Russia, and the West is now facing the reality of losing that conflict. European nations will need to take more responsibility for their own defense.
  3. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily influencing medical practices by donating to patient organizations and shaping health policies, which raises concerns about the integrity and independence of healthcare recommendations.

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

January 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Corruption Public Policy Presidency
  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.
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Missouri is a Microcosm of Republican Dysfunction

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 756 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Extremism Partisanship Elections
  1. One-party dominance can lead to undemocratic behavior and chaos within a state.
  2. Extreme factions within political parties can obstruct progress and harm the interests of their constituents.
  3. Having nominees on every ballot gives voters choices and reduces the ability of political extremists to pass harmful laws.

Inauguration Links

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Political Opinion Education
  1. Betsy DeVos suggests that getting things done in Washington takes a lot of time because many people are stuck in their ways. She believes it's important to focus on those who are open to new ideas.
  2. John Cochrane offers economic advice, saying a flat tax could work better than the current system, and that direct payments might be a smarter way to redistribute wealth. He admits he's leaning towards a libertarian view on taxes.
  3. Marc Andreessen praises Donald Trump's understanding of business and issues like energy management, suggesting that his experience can help tackle difficult problems effectively.

The good news is that the market thinks Trump is full of shit

Alex's Personal Blog • 197 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Voting Political trends Public Opinion
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in voting patterns, with Trump gaining support from younger and more diverse voters compared to previous elections.
  2. The stock market shows optimism for business growth under a Trump presidency, particularly in finance and tech, but there are concerns about his potential policies on tariffs and immigration.
  3. Many people fear negative impacts on social issues, international relations, and climate policy with Trump back in office, signaling uncertain times ahead.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

Zombie Traffic Light: The German government teeters once again on the brink of collapse, but in truth it is already dead

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Reform
  1. The German government, known as the 'traffic light' coalition, is struggling and facing widespread disapproval from the public. Many people feel that the government has no clear plans to address current crises.
  2. The leading parties in the coalition—the SPD, FDP, and Greens—are failing to connect with their supporters and are engaged in internal conflicts that are worsening their situation.
  3. There is a strong possibility of new elections happening soon, as the coalition's issues might lead to a significant shift in power away from the current government.

Why I won't vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

Michael Tracey • 201 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Campaigns Political parties Foreign Policy
  1. The author believes that both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are not suitable candidates for president in 2024. They feel detached from the idea of voting for major party candidates they don't support.
  2. There is frustration with how media and commentators have not critically engaged with Trump's record while he campaigns again. The author thinks most critiques focus on dramatic or superficial issues rather than serious policy analysis.
  3. The author values foreign policy highly when deciding how to vote, feeling that the U.S.'s global influence means leadership choices need to be carefully considered for their international impact.

How long should political (and other) terms be?

Nonsense on Stilts • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Accountability Elections Political theory
  1. Political term lengths affect how officials make decisions, with shorter terms leading to more immediate focus on elections rather than long-term planning.
  2. Using random processes like coin flips could help standardize the incentives for office holders over time, keeping them accountable throughout their terms.
  3. Finding optimal term lengths requires balancing voter expectations and the realities of political decision-making, which can be quite complex.

QAnon, Trumpenstein, and the art of Winning

donaldjeffries • 1434 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Trump administration Elections Justice System Political polarization
  1. Trump made big promises during his campaign but did not follow through on many, disappointing his supporters
  2. QAnon was likely developed to pacify Trump's supporters after his failure to deliver on his promises
  3. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Trump's presidency, leading to division, injustice, and disillusionment

Do Not Vote for those Who Support Genocide (w/ Kshama Sawant) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 180 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Socialism Labor Movement Political strategy Political Activism
  1. Kshama Sawant believes that voting for candidates who support genocide is unacceptable. She argues that if such serious issues are not treated as red lines, we risk losing sight of what is important.
  2. Sawant emphasizes the need to build a strong, independent, worker-led movement, particularly through the support of candidates like Jill Stein who represent anti-war and pro-worker values.
  3. She discusses the importance of being honest with voters about the electoral reality, suggesting that even a small percentage of votes for an independent candidate can send a powerful message and help energize people to fight back against the two-party system.

January 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Opinion Policies
  1. Jacob Chansley, the so-called QAnon shaman, celebrated receiving a pardon from Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, reflecting how some supporters believe the system is corrupt.
  2. Trump's recent actions, like firing a top military leader and renaming geographical features, show his intent to push a specific right-wing agenda, even as these moves lack broad public support.
  3. Trump is trying to change birthright citizenship laws, which has led to multiple lawsuits against his administration, showing a strong reaction from various states and organizations.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 63 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Elections Political Analysis Identity politics Government Structure
  1. The 2024 presidential election brought a lot of focus on identity politics and its impact on candidates' success.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential risks of political changes affecting government stability and operations.
  3. Cuts to government programs are often oversimplified and can harm valuable services that people rely on.

unpardonable pardons

bad cattitude • 291 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Law Corruption
  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.

The Dingularity 2024

Men Yell at Me • 531 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Satire Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Dingularity describes a situation where too many foolish leaders come together, creating chaos and losing meaning in the world. It's a funny way to highlight how absurd things can get in politics.
  2. The author jokingly points out that many questionable figures are being appointed to important positions. This reflects a mix of humor and frustration about the current political climate.
  3. Even amidst all the craziness, the author emphasizes the importance of laughter and not losing sight of joy while fighting for justice and freedom.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.02.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Political Commentary International relations
  1. The relationship between Ukraine and the USA is souring, as both leaders exchange sharp insults. It seems the initial friendship is now over, which could have broader implications for support.
  2. New discussions between the USA and Russia suggest a possible withdrawal of American troops from NATO countries that joined after 1990. This could change the security landscape in Europe significantly.
  3. Research shows that vitamin D can help protect against COVID-19 vaccine-related heart issues, highlighting the importance of proper health management and nutrition in preventing illness.

The truth we don’t want to face

Men Yell at Me • 503 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Conspiracy Democracy Media Social Issues
  1. Conspiracy theories can become attractive, especially when people are struggling to understand their feelings about political loss. Many individuals look for explanations rather than facing uncomfortable truths about their beliefs.
  2. Real change comes from understanding the systems we live in and who benefits from them. This requires questioning our own roles and complicity in societal issues.
  3. Fighting misinformation and conspiracy theories takes more than social media posts; it needs community action and support. Sitting back won't create the change we want to see.

Revenge of the Statesmen

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Judicial Elections Constitution Federalism
  1. Marbury v. Madison case set a precedent where judicial decisions can have questionable rationales but still deliver impactful results
  2. In the Trump v. Anderson case, the Supreme Court aimed for practical solutions, left doors open for legislative action, and made decisions that balanced unanimity with legitimacy
  3. States should have the authority to apply federal law, including constitutional law, without needing explicit permission, as highlighted by the issues faced in the Trump v. Anderson case

Politics vs Policy

Comment is Freed • 101 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Public Opinion Elections Political strategy
  1. There is often a gap between expert solutions and what the public actually wants. This can create confusion and paralysis in government decisions.
  2. Policy changes in areas like taxation and climate change can be very unpopular, making it tough for leaders to make bold moves.
  3. Voters generally prefer to avoid controversial debates, which can limit the effectiveness of expert advice on important issues.

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.

Progressive “Groups”, AI, and Diminishing Returns

From the New World • 124 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Progressive groups can impact political outcomes by pushing unpopular ideas, but they keep existing because they operate without accountability.
  2. Recent public opinion has shifted on AI, revealing that previous beliefs about its unlimited potential might not be true. This could change how we approach AI research in the future.
  3. Past political movements often go unpunished when public opinion changes, which is a mistake. We should remember the lessons from these issues to prevent them from happening again.

Does Liberal Democracy End Next Week?

The Weekly Dish • 165 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political trends Elections Political Philosophy Civil Rights
  1. Tribalism and extreme partisanship are growing problems in society. This can make it hard for people to connect and discuss differing opinions.
  2. Despite current challenges, there are signs that liberal democracy can endure. People still value freedoms and democracy, which is a positive sign.
  3. The future of liberal democracy is uncertain, but hope should not be lost. Engaging in conversations and understanding each other can help strengthen it.

Don't Worry, He's "Mild."

OK Doomer • 154 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government Elections Policy Activism
  1. Public health is being neglected while focusing on economic growth, which can worsen the state of democracy.
  2. The new leadership appointments in health are seen as a move to undermine public health efforts, rather than improve them.
  3. There's misinformation about health topics like fluoride, leading to confusion and misunderstanding among the public.

The Crusade against America

Thinking about... • 487 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Gender Issues Military Policy Cultural Commentary
  1. Misogyny and gender ideology can be harmful within military and political contexts. They can lead to conflicts that distract from real security issues.
  2. History shows that women have always played roles in warfare. Denying this reality is based on outdated beliefs that do not align with present-day military needs.
  3. There is a danger in empowering individuals who have a narrow view of society. Such leaders can create chaos and undermine the principles of democracy.

Liberal anguish over Trump was never going to be a sustainable electoral strategy

Michael Tracey • 176 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political strategy Public Opinion Party Politics
  1. Liberal anger toward Trump isn’t a strong enough reason for people to vote against him in elections. Many voters want to hear more about policies and solutions, not just negativity.
  2. Younger voters often see Trump as just another celebrity and are less affected by the drama that surrounds him. They’re more focused on real issues like the economy and less on political arguments.
  3. Democrats need to connect better with everyday voters rather than relying on elite political views. Many people care more about tangible issues than abstract ideas.

The World According to Trump (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Military Intelligence National Security
  1. Trump might go back to being president and that could change how the U.S. deals with global issues. His actions could affect the situation in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.
  2. Wilkerson believes Trump doesn't really want to start wars but has a strong loyalty to Israel. This makes it tricky because any support for Israel could lead to conflicts, especially with Iran.
  3. Both Trump and Biden might lead the U.S. to support harsh policies in the Middle East, which could worsen the lives of people there, particularly in places like Gaza.

The Working-Class Imperative for Labour and Democrats

The Liberal Patriot • 648 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Working Class Policy Labor Immigration
  1. Labor and Democratic parties need to focus on winning back working-class voters to create durable governing coalitions and secure victories in elections.
  2. Center-left parties worldwide, including UK Labour under Keir Starmer, are making efforts to appeal to working and middle-class voters, recognizing their importance in forming electoral coalitions.
  3. Working-class voters in the US and UK are concerned about economic issues like rising costs of living, lack of opportunity, and immigration, suggesting that center-left parties need to address these concerns to win their trust.

Trump's cabinet is Israel First

Aaron Mate • 153 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Government
  1. Trump's cabinet focuses heavily on supporting Israel. This shows a strong alignment with Israeli interests rather than American ones.
  2. Critics argue that Trump’s claim of 'America First' is misleading because many of his policies prioritize Israel.
  3. The recent political outcomes suggest that Democrats have not learned from their past mistakes, leading to continued losses.

Biden Gives Up On America

Gideon's Substack • 107 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Biden's pardon of his son Hunter shows a strong parental instinct, but it also raises questions about his priorities as a leader and the message it sends about justice.
  2. Many people feel hopeless about the political situation, thinking it's not worth trying to maintain ethical standards when the other side does not.
  3. The sense of resentment among Democrats can lead to a desire to give up on the system, which might have negative consequences for the future of the party and the country.

Weekend Update #107: Some Leaders Wants to Tell Ukraine What Peace Means for Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 147 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Negotiations Leadership Conflict
  1. Some leaders are trying to negotiate peace for Ukraine without actually involving Ukrainians. This approach can weaken Ukraine's position and undermine their needs.
  2. There are three types of people in Trump's potential cabinet regarding Ukraine: those who support it, those who have flipped to anti-Ukraine views, and those who have always opposed it. This could affect future U.S. support for Ukraine.
  3. Russia's economy is struggling and might face more problems in 2025. If Ukraine stays supported by its allies, it could win the war, but it will need that help to get through.

Weekend Update #106: The World Has Changed, the Battlefield Not so Much

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Elections Ukraine Foreign Policy War
  1. Trump's return to power raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine. It's unclear how his leadership will impact the ongoing war.
  2. The U.S. can't control the war's outcome alone; Europe must step up and take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Despite Russian losses mounting, they are still trying to gain ground in Ukraine. The situation remains dire for civilians facing aggressive attacks.

Biden, Gavin, and Kamala

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Governance Political Figures Public Opinion
  1. Biden and Trump are both seen as old and controversial candidates, raising concerns about their age and ability to lead. Many worry about what it means for the future of America.
  2. California Governor Gavin Newsom could be a strong choice to replace Kamala Harris as Biden's running mate. He has popular support and experience as a leader.
  3. The idea of swapping Harris for Newsom is unique and could strengthen Biden's chances in the election. It’s based on loyalty but could help prevent a Trump presidency.

Trump's Davos Speech Yearns For The 1890s And A New Gilded Age!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Economy Congress Reform
  1. Trump's tax policies aim to favor wealthy individuals and corporations while shifting the tax burden onto everyday Americans. This approach could lead to economic challenges and deeper recessions.
  2. There is criticism of the inflation issues facing Americans, which some believe is fueled by elite financial practices rather than external factors like foreign oil prices. Wealthy individuals often benefit from market manipulations that hurt consumers.
  3. The current economic situation may be linked to excessive defense spending and misguided financial strategies, suggesting that real change requires a re-evaluation of how money is managed in the U.S.