The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

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

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.

The Fight For Anonymity: How to help Douglass Mackey and Preserve Free Speech

Myth Pilot • 1316 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Douglass Mackey, also known as Ricky Vaughn, is facing trial for posting satirical memes on Twitter and is charged with election interference.
  2. The DOJ is using an old law on violence to prosecute speech, setting a dangerous precedent for free speech in the US.
  3. Ways to help include donating to his legal defense, contacting Congress, and raising awareness about the case to protect free expression.

Liberalism Versus Democracy 0

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Liberalism Populism Free speech Social media
  1. Many people believe that democracy and populism cannot work together. This creates a worry that democracy is failing.
  2. There is a lot of talk about free speech and how it might hurt democracy. People are questioning if this is true.
  3. Some argue that social media is damaging to democracy. Yet, it raises the question of whether those claims about democracy's end are valid.
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Berating The Bumptious: Whittier College’s Extraordinary Threat Letters

The Popehat Report • 4105 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Defamation Civil Rights First Amendment
  1. Dumb defamation threat letters can lead to practical censorship of free speech.
  2. Non-public threats of litigation can intimidate individuals from exercising their rights.
  3. Efforts are needed to educate the public about free speech rights, provide accessible resources, and encourage legal support to protect speech.

True Threats And American Cultural Gulfs

The Popehat Report • 3630 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system First Amendment Free speech Gender Dynamics Supreme Court
  1. American society is diverse and faces challenges in applying legal standards like the reasonable person test across different cultures.
  2. Cultural context plays a significant role in determining what constitutes a true threat in First Amendment cases.
  3. To strike a balance between free speech and protection from threats, considering the intended audience's cultural context in true threats analysis could be a valuable approach.

Dingus of the week: Tony Hinchcliffe

Men Yell at Me • 472 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Comedy Racism Free speech Political Satire Social Commentary
  1. Tony Hinchcliffe made racist jokes at a Trump rally that many people found offensive. His comments included stereotypes about Puerto Ricans, Black people, and Latinos.
  2. While some support Hinchcliffe, many others, including celebrities, called out his jokes as racist and demanded better from comedians.
  3. There is a growing concern about free speech and the consequences of making offensive jokes. Some feel people should laugh at all jokes, even if they are hurtful, while others believe that jokes can reveal deeper prejudices.

Breaking: Chris Rufo calls for tighter censorship on X

Karlstack • 505 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Online Platforms Right-wing Politics Media influence
  1. Chris Rufo believes that there should be more censorship on the social media platform X. He thinks that recent relaxed censorship has allowed harmful ideas to spread more easily.
  2. He points out that anti-Semitic views are becoming more common on the platform, which he finds concerning.
  3. Rufo argues that there needs to be increased oversight to ensure healthier discussions and limit the spread of conspiracy theories.

"Men are not women, even if you squint" said the t-shirt which got a woman trespassed from a NZ supermarket.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Free speech Activism
  1. A woman in New Zealand was removed from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that said 'Men are not women, even if you squint'.
  2. The incident started when a staff member, identifying as transgender, became upset about her shirt, leading to her being physically escorted out by the manager.
  3. The woman has since shared her side of the story, aiming to clear up misunderstandings about her behavior during the incident.

When Safety becomes Dangerous

Deep Dives and Articles by Gummi Bear • 1081 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Free speech Climate change
  1. An excessive focus on safety can lead to the erosion of individual liberty and the rise of authoritative tyranny.
  2. Safetyism breeds a culture of fear and intolerance, leading to censorship and suppression of free speech.
  3. Values are crucial in protecting us against our worst instincts, even when safety seems to be the only priority.

Creepy government-funded 'anti-hate' organisation run by a weird Egyptian man becomes Germany's first official internet censor under the Digital Services Act

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 200 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Social Issues Government Regulation
  1. Germany has introduced a new system where selected individuals, called Trusted Flaggers, will report online content they consider harmful, including hate speech and fake news. This means that some people will have the official power to censor what goes online.
  2. The Trusted Flaggers must apply and show they are qualified to flag illegal content. This process allows almost anyone with the right intent to report content without complicated red tape.
  3. One of the first organizations operating as a Trusted Flagger is REspect!, led by Ahmed Haykel Gaafar, who has a background in studying online hate. They plan to not only report illegal content but also push for changes in laws around speech.

Links to Consider, 10/26/2024

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Social movements Free speech
  1. Noah Smith emphasizes that police are important for public safety and crime reduction. However, he believes there are still ways to improve police practices.
  2. Greg Lukianoff notes that campus deplatforming is at an all-time high, with many attempts to silence differing opinions. It's a worrying trend for free speech.
  3. Aswath Damodaran questions whether breaking up big tech companies is beneficial, suggesting that it may hurt innovation and favor legal professionals instead.

Why liberalism and leftism are increasingly at odds

Silver Bulletin • 1339 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideologies Political polarization Free speech Education
  1. Liberalism and leftism are at odds due to differences over Israel and identity politics.
  2. Classical liberalism, rooted in individual rights and free markets, is distinct from socialism and conservatism.
  3. Social Justice Leftism diverges from liberalism in its focus on group identity, totalizing tendencies, and constrained view on free speech.

How Dare They Not Denounce Me as a Racist!

Unsafe Science • 122 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Issues Social Science Free speech
  1. Critics of microaggression research often face accusations of racism, which can stifle scientific discussion. It's important for science to allow critical evaluation without labeling dissenters negatively.
  2. Many claims about microaggressions lack strong scientific backing. Researchers have not effectively shown that microaggressions are widespread, harmful, or caused by racism.
  3. The current approach to discussing microaggressions may threaten free speech and genuine academic inquiry. It's essential to keep an open mind and question research claims for a healthy scientific environment.

Open Thread: Also Two Recent Interviews

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 96 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Humor Judicial system Free speech Social Commentary
  1. Some recent court cases in Germany are quite silly, making it important to find humor in them. It's funny when the legal system reacts strongly to harmless things like emojis.
  2. Despite the humor, it's wise to be cautious and prepare for unexpected situations, like police visits. It's better to be safe and plan ahead.
  3. The writer has shared thoughts through interviews about current events in Germany, offering insights into the situation. Listening to these discussions can provide a deeper understanding of ongoing issues.

Burlington is persecuting a good man

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civil Rights Political Activism Legal issues Community support
  1. A retired teacher named Bill Oetjen is facing fines for putting up stickers expressing his views on gender issues. He feels targeted by the city government for his opinions.
  2. Bill believes that the city is violating free speech rights by labeling his messages as 'hate speech' while ignoring more extreme messages from others.
  3. There is a call for financial support to help Bill with legal costs as he challenges the fines and fights for his rights.

Save Democracy From Informed Citizens: Vote Censorship!

The DisInformation Chronicle • 385 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Misinformation Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Media organizations are teaming up to push narratives that silence critics of politicians. This raises concerns about free speech in a democratic society.
  2. YouTube and other platforms are being pressured to remove content labeled as misinformation, often targeting conservative voices. This suggests a targeted effort to control the information available to the public.
  3. There is increasing scrutiny and criticism of social media platforms like Twitter for their handling of misinformation, particularly as they relate to upcoming elections. This scrutiny often coincides with efforts to diminish the reach of certain viewpoints.

On Disney v. DeSantis

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1038 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Government Contracts Free speech Constitution
  1. Florida's actions against Disney in response to their criticism of new laws may violate Disney's constitutional rights, including the First Amendment and the Contracts Clause.
  2. The specific laws enacted by Florida to target Disney and revoke their contracts could be considered unconstitutional under the Contracts Clause, regardless of the stated intentions of the lawmakers.
  3. The legal battle between Disney and Florida showcases the complexities of constitutional law and the potential implications of using legislation to retaliate against private entities for exercising their rights.

Mr. Lukianoff goes to Washington & introducing FIRE’s Campus Deplatforming Database

The Eternally Radical Idea • 412 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Artificial Intelligence First Amendment Podcast
  1. Greg Lukianoff testified before the House about AI threats to free speech, emphasizing the risks of AI in monitoring, flagging, and censoring individuals.
  2. FIRE introduced Campus Deplatforming Database, aiming to track incidents of censorship on college campuses.
  3. The intersection of law and AI is explored through historical reviews, highlighting the impact of technology on free speech and legal norms.

Free Speech Is Truly Under Assault

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Censorship Free speech
  1. Free speech is facing significant challenges, especially with the way information is being controlled and manipulated by various entities.
  2. There is a growing concern about government interference in elections and the use of agencies to suppress opposing viewpoints.
  3. Calls have been made to disband certain government agencies, overhaul the system, and start over in order to address the issues around free speech and manipulation of information.

New Hate Speech Laws Threaten Freedom Across the West

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 797 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech First Amendment Biden administration Civil Liberties
  1. Freedom of expression is fundamental for all other rights to exist.
  2. Recent hate speech laws in English-speaking countries like Canada, Britain, and Ireland are threatening free speech.
  3. It is essential to protect free speech as a core element of democracy, as seen in the ongoing censorship challenges in various countries.

"But..hey..aren't protests meant to be disruptive?"

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 179 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Free speech University Policy Social movements
  1. Protests are meant to create change, but they shouldn't disrupt everyone's access to shared spaces. It's important for everyone to have a voice without excluding others.
  2. While it's okay for protests to be loud and visible, rules exist to keep order and respect for all students. Breaking rules can lead to consequences that could silence future protests.
  3. Universities need to support students' right to protest, but they also have a duty to maintain fairness and order for everyone on campus. Finding a balance is key.

Thoughts On Tolerance, Virtue, and Failure

Glenn’s Substack • 825 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Education
  1. Higher education institutions are beginning to show positive responses to uphold free speech and academic freedom.
  2. Lee Bollinger's book emphasizes the importance of tolerating objectionable speech to build a 'tolerant mind.'
  3. Allowing space for ideas we hate can free us from the compulsion to react negatively, which is beneficial for both free speech and personal growth.

Most important episode of Disaffected yet

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civil Rights Local Politics Media Activism
  1. A man in Burlington, Vermont is being prosecuted for putting up stickers that share his views on gender identity. The stickers express beliefs like 'No one was born into the wrong body.'
  2. The city is taking action against him while ignoring other stickers that promote violence against people who disagree with transgender views.
  3. The episode aims to highlight the differences in how authorities respond to various forms of expression related to this topic.

The Silencing of Kennedy's Most Notable Critic

husseini • 707 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Free speech Lawsuits Media Censorship
  1. Jared Beck sued the DNC in a landmark lawsuit, but the DNC won the case giving them the power to choose their nominee legally.
  2. Beck believes RFK Jr. is being used to gather support for the establishment, drawing parallels to Bernie Sanders' role.
  3. Beck and his wife were banned from Twitter for challenging the Democratic Party, highlighting issues of censorship and power dynamics.

Free Speech on College Campuses

The Future of Education • 495 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Free speech Academic Freedom Podcasts Online Education
  1. In the dialogue on college campuses, there is a need to broaden perspectives and engage in deeper conversations to foster resilience.
  2. University leaders should maintain neutrality on controversial issues, creating an environment for open debate without imposing specific viewpoints.
  3. Higher education institutions should focus on developing students' abilities to engage with complexity, debate ideas, and build humility for better societal cohesion.

It was a good day in New Zealand yesterday, Friday 24th November.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Gender Issues Free speech
  1. New Zealand's new government is starting to change school curriculums to focus more on academics and less on gender ideology. This means less emphasis on topics around gender and sexuality for students.
  2. Sporting policies are changing to ensure fair competition, which means only biological women will compete in women's sports. This is a response to concerns about men participating in women's categories.
  3. The new government is also taking steps to protect free speech by rejecting hate speech laws and ensuring universities maintain free speech policies. This shows a commitment to open discussions and diverse viewpoints.

Links to Consider, 10/15/2024

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Free speech Psychology Society
  1. Personality tests like the Big Five or Myers-Briggs might not be very good at predicting important life outcomes. Their accuracy isn't much better than just guessing.
  2. Free speech has changed over time, moving from a focus on persuading others to simply expressing one's own beliefs. This represents a shift in how we communicate and engage with each other.
  3. Modern societies often value citizenship over family ties, which affects people's views on having children. Many may feel pressured to prioritize social status over family-building.