The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

My Statement to Congress

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 23995 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Government funding Media Ethics Political speech
  1. The government should not control media or information. Instead of helping people decide what is true, it can weaken public trust in journalism.
  2. Censorship laws in other countries are becoming stricter, and many American citizens are currently facing repercussions for their speech abroad.
  3. Taxpayer money is being used to promote propaganda instead of real journalism, which can distort the truth and undermine democracy.

A Brief Note on Today's House Hearing

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16460 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Legislation Political parties Free speech
  1. There was a House hearing that showed a lot of disagreement, especially about digital censorship. Democrats seemed to treat the issue lightly, while Republicans were more serious about it.
  2. Many politicians seem to think truth can be easily defined, which is a troubling view. Polls show that many people now support laws against misinformation, but this raises questions about who gets to decide what is true.
  3. There was a time when members of Congress mainly respected each other and did quality investigations. Now, that sense of respect seems to be fading, which is disappointing for the institution.

Theo van Gogh

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Multiculturalism Extremism Political Change Free speech
  1. The murder of Theo van Gogh highlighted deep fears in Dutch society regarding immigration and integration. His death showed that tensions around multiculturalism were rising and that many people were worried about the impact of these changes.
  2. Even after twenty years, many western countries are still struggling to manage immigration and understand the importance of integration. Issues about newcomers and their cultural backgrounds remain divisive.
  3. New voices from the immigrant community are starting to emerge, advocating for democracy and western values. These individuals, like Lale Gül and Afshin Ellian, represent a hopeful shift towards finding common ground in a diverse society.

Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8918 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister criticized the comments made by J.D. Vance about democracy in Europe. He thinks it's not okay to compare Europe to authoritarian places.
  2. There's a feeling that the political climate is changing, raising questions about what is acceptable to say in big conversations about democracy.
  3. Some people are reacting humorously to this situation, talking about the past and how it seems like the world is getting interesting again.

The Nazis Did Not ‘Weaponize’ Free Speech. They Crushed It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💾 History World War Free speech Totalitarianism Media Critique Censorship
  1. The Nazis did not use free speech to their advantage; instead, they suppressed it completely. This shows how dangerous it can be when a government controls speech.
  2. There is a significant amount of historical misunderstanding today, especially in media discussions. This leads to misleading narratives about past events and their implications.
  3. Critiquing historical figures without proper context can lead to false conclusions about their actions and the times they lived in. It’s important to understand history accurately to avoid repeating mistakes.
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Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Policy Free speech Education
  1. There has been a significant shift in the conversation around gender identity, with actions taken to limit certain medical practices for children. This shows a growing recognition of the complexities involved with gender issues.
  2. Concerns have been raised about how young people, particularly young women, are navigating their identities. There were many urgent appeals for surgeries that might have long-term consequences.
  3. The debate around gender identity has become highly polarized, with some voices being suppressed, especially those that challenge popular narratives. This highlights the tension between free speech and activism in this area.

The New York Times Comments Section is Hilarious and Depraved

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12326 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Criticism Censorship Social media Public Opinion
  1. Less censorship on social media could lead to a wider spread of misinformation. Some people are worried about what this means for public discourse.
  2. The New York Times comments section shows a divide among readers on the issue of free speech, with many expressing fear over less content moderation.
  3. Critics of social media platforms often focus on their role in political events, showing how media coverage can shape public opinion about these companies.

EXCLUSIVE: US To Deny Visas To Foreign Officials Who Try To Censor US Social Media Platforms

Michael Shellenberger • 2214 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Foreign Policy Social media Government Policy
  1. The US is denying visas to foreign officials who try to censor American social media. This means that if someone from another country tries to limit free speech online, they may not be allowed into the US.
  2. This new policy also applies to the families of these officials. So, not only the person who censors but their immediate family could be affected.
  3. The US sees protecting free speech as an important part of its foreign policy. This move is part of a larger effort to fight against what they call the global censorship-industrial complex.

Horrifying, Sickening, Stomach Turning

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary Free speech
  1. The government and organizations like the CIA may manipulate events for their own goals, which often harms ordinary people. It's important to question their motives and actions.
  2. Many people believe that the push for electric cars is more about control than the environment. This raises concerns about privacy and autonomy.
  3. There's a strong belief that the current system doesn't respect citizens’ freedoms or rights, and some feel it needs a complete overhaul to truly serve the people.

On Mark Zuckerberg's Speech Announcement

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Regulation Social media International relations
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's call for free speech suggests a conflict between the U.S. and other countries over censorship laws. This highlights the challenges tech companies face globally.
  2. Zuckerberg believes the U.S. has a strong foundation for free expression, but countries like Europe and China are enforcing more censorship. This creates a tough environment for innovation.
  3. The recent changes in speech laws and agreements may lead to more battles over free expression. Zuckerberg's insights indicate that discussions on these topics are becoming more urgent.

Salman Rushdie Faces His Alleged Attacker

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Crime Free speech Cultural Conflict Media
  1. Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage and suffered serious injuries, including being stabbed 15 times. This attack left him with partial use of his left hand and loss of vision in his right eye.
  2. During the trial, Rushdie detailed his experience and shared the painful reality of his injuries with the jury. He displayed his glasses to show the effects of the attack on his eye.
  3. The key question in the trial is whether his attacker acted alone or as part of a larger agenda connected to Iran. This raises important discussions about the motivations behind such violent actions.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Activism Censorship Israel-Palestine
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

Singal-Minded • 935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education Legal issues Public Policy Social justice
  1. Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
  2. Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
  3. Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

A Zionist Onslaught Against Freedom of Speech [Part 1]

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Political Activism Government Policy
  1. Many U.S. states have passed laws that make it illegal to boycott Israel, which some people see as a threat to free speech. These laws can lead to serious penalties, even for simply expressing dissent.
  2. There have been cases where individuals faced job loss or discrimination for refusing to sign pledges relating to boycotting Israel. This includes teachers and disaster relief recipients who had to prove their loyalty.
  3. New legislation is being introduced that highlights growing restrictions on free speech, particularly around criticism of Israel. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and threatens open discussion.

Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Media Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.

Deporting ‘Pro-Jihadist’ Students: Censorship or Good Governance?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Policy Civil Rights Student activism
  1. Trump's executive order aims to deport noncitizens who support terrorist groups. This means students who protest in favor of jihadist movements could face serious consequences.
  2. There is a debate about whether this action is a necessary step for good governance or just censorship. Two experts who usually agree on free speech strongly disagree on this topic.
  3. The situation highlights the tension between protecting national security and upholding free expression on campuses. It's a complex issue that raises important questions about rights and responsibilities.

A quick update on Berenson v Biden

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Cases Free speech Government Action Public Health Censorship
  1. The Berenson v Biden case is on hold until a judge makes a decision. The government asked for more time, which both sides agreed to.
  2. There are different claims in the lawsuit, some against government officials and some against private individuals. It's complicated because some defendants have roles in both categories.
  3. Everyone is waiting for the judge's ruling, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be. The situation involves a lot of legal details and intertwining parties.

Facebook’s Fact-Checkers Changed the Way I See Tech—and Speech—Forever

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3093 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Big Tech Media influence Censorship Social media
  1. Fact-checking on social media can drastically affect the visibility of certain stories. Sometimes, a story can go viral and then suddenly lose all traction because it's flagged as misinformation.
  2. There are alternative theories about major events, like Covid's origins, that may be dismissed initially but can gain credibility over time. It's important to keep an open mind to different viewpoints.
  3. The way tech companies manage information can shape public discourse and control which narratives are heard. This raises questions about free speech and the power of online platforms.

Yes, You Do Have to Tolerate the Intolerant

Yascha Mounk • 4456 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Philosophy Democracy
  1. You need to tolerate different opinions, even those you disagree with. This helps maintain a fair society where ideas can openly clash.
  2. Censoring ideas can lead to more harm than good. It’s better to counter harmful thoughts with discussion and argument instead of shutting them down.
  3. Embracing free speech has historically led to progress. Societies that allow free debate are often less prejudiced over time, showing that open conversation can make a difference.

Meta's Content Moderation Turnabout

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2443 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Content Moderation Democracy Fact-checking Social media
  1. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has decided to stop using 'fact checkers' to manage content. They believe this approach has led to too much censorship and frustration among users.
  2. A key issue in democracy is the need for accurate information while facing challenges in understanding the world. People often rely on biased or second-hand information for decision-making.
  3. The struggle for truth and reliable information is complicated by various viewpoints. Finding a balance between expertise and public freedom of expression is essential for a healthy democracy.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 24, 2025: Walter and Matt Review Donald Trump’s Executive Orders

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1250 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Current Events
  1. Donald Trump signed many executive orders after taking office, focusing on various controversial topics. Some were surprising to see, especially those related to free speech and censorship.
  2. The significance of these executive orders is that they reflect concerns about government influence on speech and media. Past discussions about free speech became formal actions, which was unexpected for some.
  3. Many people contributed to the push for free speech and accountability in media, including activists and politicians. Their efforts showed that public concern can lead to actual changes in policy.

How to fight fascism

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Civil Rights Free speech Censorship Fascism
  1. It's important to recognize that the fight against censorship and control often starts with marginalized groups, like sex workers, and their struggles can affect everyone. We need to unite and support each other regardless of our backgrounds.
  2. Challenging the status quo is essential, but it's also crucial to understand that real change takes time and involves understanding the complexities of existing systems. Burning everything down might not be the answer.
  3. Celebrating small acts of resistance and being true to ourselves matters. Each step we take counts, whether it's showing our identities or standing against the norm.

Tweedle-Dum, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Three: Musings on the German Speech Police Courtesy of 60 Minutes

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 213 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Legal issues
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

Meta Pivots on Content Moderation

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content Moderation Free speech Censorship Policy Changes
  1. Meta, the company behind Facebook, is changing how it moderates content. They want to focus more on free speech and go against past practices of heavy censorship.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg admits that past fact-checking efforts were often biased and sometimes led to the wrongful censorship of innocent posts or accounts.
  3. The new plan includes bringing back voices from the community and updating rules to allow more speech. However, there's a need for transparency about past mistakes and a way to fix them.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: When Journalists Are Your Enemy, Truth Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Foreign Policy Free speech Media Critique Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Journalists can sometimes face severe consequences for questioning powerful figures, as shown by the removal of journalist Sam Husseini during a press conference.
  2. There's a growing concern over censorship and the treatment of journalists, especially those who report on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  3. The impact of wars and conflicts can be felt worldwide, tying into broader issues such as homelessness and societal well-being.

Interview with the Previously Prohibited podcast

Karlstack • 91 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Journalism Conservatism International relations
  1. Chris Brunet went from being popular in the anti-woke Right to being an outcast for speaking the truth about Israel's support in conservative media.
  2. He recently wrote about new laws that target BDS and free speech, showing a growing trend among some Republicans.
  3. The interview discusses how these changes affect freedom of expression and highlights the challenges faced by journalists.

Dead Media Stumbles again

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Progressivism
  1. MSNBC has fired Joy Reid and is replacing her show with a new team, but they still have a progressive focus. This might not help with their low viewer ratings.
  2. Alternative media faces challenges getting advertisers because they are seen as risky. Major companies may avoid advertising on platforms that host voices considered controversial.
  3. The U.S. government is looking to change rules to promote fair competition in media and support free speech. This is meant to lessen the influence of big media organizations.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

Anti-Jew Bigotry Will Not Be Tolerated Here

Disaffected Newsletter • 3337 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Free speech Social Issues Community Standards
  1. No anti-Jewish bigotry will be allowed. This means any hateful comments or discrimination against Jewish people will not be tolerated.
  2. There's a difference between discussing issues related to Jewish identities and promoting bigotry. It's important to have rational conversations without being hateful.
  3. If someone breaks these rules, they will be asked to leave. There won't be chances for explanations or discussions about it.

New Report: TikTok Brainwashed America’s Youth

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1168 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media China relations Free speech Data Privacy
  1. TikTok may be influencing American youth significantly, leading to concerns about its impact on their views and behavior. Many worry that the platform could be promoting narratives that align with Chinese interests.
  2. Research suggests that TikTok downplays negative content about China, raising alarms about potential indoctrination among young users. This could shape how they perceive important global issues.
  3. The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain as legal debates continue, with discussions about whether it should be sold or banned due to privacy and influence concerns. This situation has sparked a lot of political discussion and uncertainty.

Stop pretending Meta cares about free speech

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6598 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Tech Policy Censorship Activism Media Regulation
  1. Meta doesn't really care about free speech. They are making rules that often silence voices that challenge their views or threaten their profits.
  2. People who say they support free speech often try to shut down discussions that go against their beliefs. This includes laws that restrict what can be taught in schools about racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
  3. Billionaires like Zuckerberg use the idea of free speech to protect themselves from consequences while preserving their power. Real change requires creating an internet that serves everyone's needs, not just the powerful.

How ‘The Babylon Bee’ Predicted the Vibe Shift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 913 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Satire Comedy Free speech Political Commentary Media
  1. The Babylon Bee is a conservative satire site that found success by filling a void in political humor, particularly when most comedy was coming from the left. They use humor to comment on current events and political absurdities.
  2. The site has faced scrutiny and censorship from big tech companies for its jokes, especially those that challenge progressive ideas. Their CEO believes defending satire is crucial for free speech.
  3. Many of the Babylon Bee's jokes have turned out to be surprisingly prophetic, capturing and predicting cultural trends and reactions. This shows how humor can reflect and influence the times.

Twitter's White Terror era

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media influence Political Movements Historical comparisons Censorship
  1. The end of strict censorship on Twitter has led to more vocal expressions of conservative viewpoints. This shift can sometimes feel aggressive and even vengeful.
  2. The current Twitter atmosphere is compared to historical events where one group experiences oppressive rule, followed by a backlash from those silenced.
  3. The changes on social media mirrors shifts in power dynamics, much like political movements throughout history, where voices once suppressed start to push back.

RIP Shein and Temu?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3791 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Ecommerce Free speech Political Campaigns Influencer Culture
  1. Shein and Temu are facing tough times due to new U.S. tariffs that could significantly raise prices for consumers. Many packages from China are now being stopped by customs, making it harder for these companies to operate.
  2. Joe Rogan defended himself against accusations from Kamala Harris' campaign about not being honest regarding an interview. He claims that the campaign never committed to appearing on his show, while Trump was easy to book.
  3. Substack won a legal battle over free speech, allowing a journalist to keep reporting on sensitive issues without being censored. This supports the idea that independent journalism should be protected.

The Free Speech Union of Canada

Critical Mass • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Governance Civil Rights Activism
  1. The Free Speech Union of Canada has launched to protect and promote free speech rights in Canada. It aims to help people understand their rights and offer support for anyone facing issues.
  2. There is concern about proposed laws, like the Online Harms Act, that could limit free speech by allowing the government to shut down social media access based on accusations of hate speech. This could unfairly silence people.
  3. The union will lobby against anti-free speech legislation and provide resources for members, including legal representation if needed. The ultimate goal is to make the organization unnecessary by restoring and maintaining free speech rights.

saturday overton musings

bad cattitude • 247 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Discourse Social norms
  1. The way we talk about things is changing, and there are shifts happening around what can be said in public. This gives people more freedom to express their thoughts without worrying so much about censorship.
  2. People are starting to stand up against the fear of backlash for what they say. It’s important to speak openly and to set standards about what is acceptable to talk about.
  3. The recent changes show us that we can push back against bullying behavior in conversations. By speaking honestly and boldly, we can change the way discussions happen and reclaim our rights to express different viewpoints.

On drugs, Glenn Greenwald, and serious jobs

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Drugs Free speech Public Policy
  1. Personal life choices, like sexual preferences, shouldn't affect how we view someone's professional work. What people do in their private lives is their business.
  2. Drug use, especially with dangerous substances, can lead to serious issues that affect not just the user but society as well. It’s important for people in influential roles to be cautious about their choices.
  3. We have a responsibility to discourage harmful behaviors, like drug use and gambling, for the good of everyone. These activities can lead to real harm, and it's important for society to address them.

The last four years were the most repressive of my lifetime

Unsafe Science • 907 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Cancel Culture Political Ideologies Higher education Social movements
  1. Over the last few years, many people have felt pressured to censor themselves due to fear of backlash from others. This fear often came from their peers, rather than any single leader or group.
  2. The culture of intolerance has created an environment where speaking out against popular opinions can lead to serious personal and professional consequences, making many people afraid to express their true thoughts.
  3. This situation has led to what some term a 'spiral of silence,' where the majority of people feel they can't speak up because they believe they are alone in their views, even when they actually share those views with many others.