The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

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

Suppression of Free Speech at MIT: "On Pacifism" and the Ban on Written Revolution

Heterodox STEM • 99 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Higher education Censorship Activism
  1. MIT recently banned a student magazine for an article discussing the limitations of nonviolent protest, sparking a debate about free speech on campus.
  2. The situation highlights how expressing controversial or radical ideas can lead to disciplinary actions at universities.
  3. The case shows the challenges students face when trying to discuss extreme views and the balance between safety and free expression in academic settings.

A housekeeping note about Substack and Nazis

Read Max • 3899 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content Moderation Network Effects Free speech
  1. Controversy around Nazis on Substack led to some writers considering leaving, but network effects and practical reasons keep others on the platform.
  2. Substack's decision not to moderate content like Nazi blogs sparked debates over content guidelines and platform responsibilities.
  3. Subscription newsletters on platforms like Substack offer a sense of independence for writers, but also come with challenges and complexities.

Pensioner convicted of incitement for posting negatively about migrants in the latest politically charged German speech prosecution

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Immigration Legal issues Political critique Public Opinion
  1. A 74-year-old woman in Germany was convicted for expressing negative views about migrants on social media. Her comments were deemed incitement, leading to a hefty fine.
  2. The case highlights the tension in Germany over free speech and political criticism, especially related to migration policies. Many believe her opinions reflect common sentiments among the public.
  3. The woman's conviction could lead to financial hardship, as her monthly pension is relatively low. She could be paying off fines for many years if her sentence is not overturned.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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.

Do You Condemn Piers Morgan?

Pen>Sword • 1937 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Islamophobia Genocide Bias Free speech
  1. Piers Morgan is criticized for his coverage of Gaza, accused of exploiting the situation for personal gain.
  2. Morgan is accused of focusing on sensationalism, ratings, and controversy rather than providing balanced journalism on the Palestinian perspective.
  3. Critics argue that Piers Morgan's approach to discussing the Gaza crisis shows a lack of understanding and sensitivity towards the complexities of the situation.

Parler is Back!

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Health Freedom Social media Censorship Political Discourse
  1. Parler is back online, aiming to be a safe space for free speech and open discussions about health and politics. It's a platform where people can express their views without the fear of censorship.
  2. Over the years, Parler faced challenges and was even deplatformed by major tech companies, highlighting the struggle for free expression in today's digital age. This situation raises questions about how much control big tech should have over public conversations.
  3. Now, with a renewed focus on health freedom and individual rights, Parler wants to encourage open dialogue and protect the right to speak up. It stands as a reminder of the importance of free speech in society.

If Berkeley Wants to Protect Free Speech It Will Expel Its Rioters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2453 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Violence Academic Freedom Civil Discourse
  1. Violence should not be tolerated on college campuses as it undermines the principles of free speech and debate.
  2. Consequences must be implemented for those who engage in violent behavior or disrupt events on campus.
  3. Universities must actively defend free speech and academic freedom while maintaining zero tolerance for violence.

German retiree facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme implying that the Minister of Economic Affairs is a moron

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 294 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political criticism Legal issues Social media Government Action
  1. A German retiree is facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme that insults a government minister. This shows how serious authorities can be about online criticism.
  2. The case highlights laws in Germany that punish anyone who insults politicians, which can lead to heavy fines or even jail time. It's a tough stance on freedom of speech.
  3. The situation reflects ongoing debates about what people can say online, especially regarding those in power. It's a reminder of how different countries handle criticism of their leaders.

How Rupert Murdoch and Fox News Blew the Voting Machine Lawsuit

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2417 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Free speech Lawsuits Cancel Culture First Amendment
  1. The lawsuit against Fox News had a chilling effect on free speech by intimidating people from speaking out.
  2. Fox News failed to investigate voting machine tampering allegations, which may have weakened their defense.
  3. The lawsuit may lead Fox to settle, setting a precedent that lawsuits can silence news organizations.

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.

New Zealand’s hate speech laws get kicked to the kerb; Rex Landy makes the news; and the woman who got trespassed from a supermarket for wearing a truth-telling t-shirt tells her story.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Legislation Social Issues Current Events Public Opinion
  1. New Zealand has decided not to proceed with its proposed hate speech laws, which many people welcomed. They felt these laws could lead to more problems than solutions, despite the good intentions behind them.
  2. Rex Landy made headlines for her frank comments during a governmental hearing about prisons. She criticized a current MP for not listening adequately, which sparked controversy and was labeled as an 'anti-trans rant' by media.
  3. A woman named Phillippa was banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that stated 'men are not women, even if you squint.' She shared her experience, highlighting her belief in free speech and planned a protest against the supermarket.

In Sanctioning Amy Wax, Penn Targets Truth

Heterodox STEM • 234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social justice Higher education Censorship
  1. There's a clash in universities between those who believe in objective truth and those who focus on social justice. This disagreement is affecting how knowledge is produced and shared.
  2. Universities are increasingly favoring identity-based policies over merit in admissions and hiring. This means some qualified candidates may be overlooked because of their race or background.
  3. The case of Amy Wax highlights the tensions of this debate. She faced sanctions for her views while other controversial opinions on campus seem to be ignored.

Schwachkopf

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 231 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Government Action Political criticism Civil Liberties Media censorship
  1. The government has been cracking down on free speech, with leaders filing many complaints against critics. This shows a troubling shift where people are getting punished for simply expressing their opinions.
  2. A recent case involving a retired man facing police action for calling a minister a 'moron' has sparked widespread outrage. This incident highlights how extreme responses to criticism can become a major issue.
  3. Politicians like Robert Habeck are using their power to silence dissent, suggesting that freedom of speech is only acceptable when it aligns with their views. This raises important questions about the state of democracy and personal freedoms.

Carole Hooven: Why I Left Harvard

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2504 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🚌 Education Free speech Academic Freedom Higher education
  1. Challenges to free speech on college campuses are exemplified by instances where individuals are penalized for opposing campus orthodoxy or stating scientific views that contradict prevailing beliefs.
  2. Higher education institutions often prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which, while aiming for inclusivity, may inadvertently stifle viewpoint diversity and open debate, hindering the essence of thriving educational environments.
  3. The importance of ensuring a balance between promoting diversity and maintaining free speech is highlighted through personal experiences, illustrating the impact of DEI culture on academic freedom and the need for universities to re-establish environments supportive of open dialogue and diverse perspectives.

Biden Administration Implicated In Brazilian Court’s Attack On Congressman Fighting Censorship And Corruption

Michael Shellenberger • 923 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Corruption Censorship Political Power Legal issues
  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.

Free Speech Is Actually Really Simple

Castalia • 1278 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech First Amendment Civil Rights Political Discourse Media Regulation
  1. Free speech is important because it allows everyone to express their ideas, even the ones that are controversial. When we let others speak freely, we protect our own right to speak up too.
  2. There are some concerns that free speech can support harmful ideas or groups. However, allowing open discussion can help check power and make society stronger over time.
  3. Private companies can set their own speech rules, but this can create problems and complicate open discussions. It's often better to stick with the basic idea of free speech to keep conversations simple and honest.

Free Subscriptions for College Students

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1752 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education College Free speech Independent Journalism Critical Thinking Student activism
  1. Free speech is crucial for a free society and intellectual growth, but is often viewed as political in the current era.
  2. Campus culture sometimes discourages questioning and different perspectives, leading to fear of being judged for holding alternative views.
  3. Reading independent journalism and engaging in conversations can inspire critical thinking, challenge beliefs, and empower individuals to speak up for what they believe in.

The Canceling of the American Mind Explains the Silence of University Leaders Last Week

After Babel • 2868 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Cancel Culture Free speech
  1. The book 'The Canceling of the American Mind' by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott explores the impact of cancel culture in various fields.
  2. The silence of university leaders after recent events raises questions about fear and self-censorship.
  3. American higher education institutions need to address the challenges posed by cancel culture and prioritize free speech to regain trust.

The Most Corrupt Country in the History of the World

donaldjeffries • 1592 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Tyranny Free speech Civil Liberties Inequality
  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.

I got banned from BlueSky for committing wrongthink

The Dossier • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Political Activism Censorship Political parties
  1. BlueSky was created to be a platform for free speech, but it has turned into a space for strict censorship and only allows certain political views.
  2. Users can be banned quickly for expressing unpopular opinions, showing that the platform may not truly support diverse ideas.
  3. The experience on BlueSky can be chaotic and filled with extreme viewpoints, making it feel unsafe for those with different beliefs.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

‘If I Die, They’re Dying with Me’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Security Government Privacy Free speech
  1. Iraq combat veteran Kristofer Goldsmith leads a team of veterans targeting neo-Nazi terrorists in the US, facing numerous threats and dangers in his line of work.
  2. Google's AI chatbot Gemini has caused controversy by producing absurd and morally questionable responses, highlighting concerns about biased politics influencing tech products.
  3. College student Jack Sweeney has stirred debate by tracking celebrities' private jets on social media, facing legal actions from figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk, prompting discussions on privacy, free speech, and data in the digital era.

I Am A True Progressive

Society & Standpoint • 1375 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Progressivism Free speech Civil Rights Social justice
  1. Gender roles have evolved over time due to movements like feminism, allowing for more freedom of expression.
  2. Critical race theory reduces individuals to stereotypes based on race, contradicting the idea of individuality.
  3. Today's progressives seem to be moving away from valuing principles like due process and free speech.