The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

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

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 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.

Jed Rubenfeld: The Macrons Are Suing Candace Owens. Do They Have a Chance?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 268 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The Macrons are suing Candace Owens for defamation over some wild claims she made about them. This includes saying Brigitte Macron is a man and that they are related.
  2. In the US, public figures like the Macrons must show 'actual malice' to win a defamation case, which is really tough to prove. This makes their lawsuit difficult.
  3. Even with the outrageous statements made by Owens, the legal rules mean the Macrons have a challenging road ahead in court.

Chris Hedges Confronts the N.J. State Assembly on Dangerous Antisemitism Bill

The Chris Hedges Report • 263 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A new bill in New Jersey might define criticism of Israel as antisemitism. This could limit free speech and make it harder for people to speak out against Israeli policies.
  2. The bill's definition of antisemitism could punish many voices, including Israelis who criticize their own government. This raises concerns about who gets to express opinions on important issues.
  3. It's crucial to protect constitutional rights and free speech, especially as authorities might try to silence dissent on sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Woke Stormtroopers Persecute German Civilians For Wrongthink

Public • 287 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is spending a lot of money to label his political opponents as Nazis, despite presenting a moderate image.
  2. There has been a serious crackdown on free speech in Germany, with police conducting raids and fines for online posts.
  3. An American journalist is facing legal trouble in Germany for his social media posts, highlighting concerns about freedom of expression.

New York Times journalist rage quits Substack over inability to censor everything he deems 'hate speech' and 'extremism'

The Dossier • 2214 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A New York Times journalist quit Substack because he couldn't censor what he considered 'hate speech' and 'extremism'.
  2. Substack stayed true to its mission by refusing to engage in censorship, even under pressure from major publications.
  3. The situation highlights the importance of free speech and the dangers of censorship in shaping narratives and promoting government control.

Dingus of the week: Mark Zuckerberg

Men Yell at Me • 753 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta is shutting down its fact-checking department, claiming it's biased. This means users can share their opinions without being corrected.
  2. Misinformation on social media has led to real violence and harm, raising concerns about the consequences of this new policy. People have been hurt or even died because of false information spread online.
  3. The community has shown kindness by supporting important causes, like abortion access. Together, people can make a difference and help those in need.

True Threats And American Cultural Gulfs

The Popehat Report • 3630 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Did New Zealand's mainstream newspapers collude to collectively cancel an unobjectionable advert?

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. New Zealand's mainstream media seems to avoid controversy and only promotes certain values. This has led to a boring and uniform direction in their content.
  2. A conservative group had ads approved in major newspapers, but then all the newspapers canceled them without clear reasons, suggesting a possible collusion.
  3. The idea of 'cancellation' can affect anyone, and it's important to stand up for different viewpoints to protect everyone's rights and speech.

Smiley’s People

Heterodox STEM • 320 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. In Canada, many professionals feel they can't speak freely because of fear of losing their jobs for holding unpopular opinions. This is harming free speech in the workplace.
  2. Merit should be the most important factor when choosing people for jobs, but many institutions are prioritizing things like race and gender instead. This shift can hurt quality and excellence.
  3. There’s a concern that political correctness is influencing professions like medicine and education. People worry that real discussions may be stifled, leading to poor decision-making.

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
  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.

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 Free speech
  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.

Free Subscriptions for College Students

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1752 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Free speech
  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.

For the offence of tweeting three thumbs-up emojis, a 64 year-old German woman has been fined €1,800

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 258 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A 64-year-old woman in Germany was fined €1,800 for liking a tweet that supported vigilante justice. This shows how serious some countries are about regulating online speech.
  2. There are concerns about the increasing disorder caused by migrants in Europe, which some believe is getting more attention than the crimes themselves.
  3. The government seems to be cracking down more on public criticism of migrant issues rather than the issues themselves. This suggests they want to limit discontent among citizens.

Cluck cluck peck peck

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. People react differently to styles of communication; some prefer straightforward and blunt expressions. It's important to recognize that personal preferences shouldn't dictate how others express their ideas.
  2. If someone is resistant to a message, emotional appeals won't necessarily change their mind. It's often more about the content of the idea than the way it's delivered.
  3. Not everyone seeks to please or follow conventional advice on communication. Some individuals prioritize expressing their truth over trying to fit a more palatable mold.

New Retarded German Speech Prosecution Just Dropped

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A politician in Bavaria was fined for sharing a video of someone making a Nazi salute to criticize them, raising questions about free speech and legality.
  2. The case highlights the challenges of distinguishing between true expressions of fascism and actions intended to criticize fascism.
  3. German laws against Nazi symbols are strict, leading to complicated legal situations when it comes to sharing images or videos that may appear fascist but aren’t intended as such.

How to become a right-wing star? Harass people

Can We Still Govern? • 275 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A Brown University student used a faulty AI to label staff negatively, which got him media attention and led to him testifying in Congress. His actions were controversial and seen as a form of harassment.
  2. The news often frames stories based on who the protagonist is, which can influence public perception. In this case, the student was portrayed as a free speech advocate, while the impact on the staff was largely ignored.
  3. The situation highlights a growing trend of targeting individuals in educational institutions for their beliefs, with severe implications for free speech and workplace harassment. It raises questions about how universities should respond to such tactics.

Muted

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 238 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Free speech
  1. Free speech means people should be able to share different ideas, even if they disagree. It's important to actually talk about those ideas instead of just shutting down conversations.
  2. Everyone has a right to choose who they engage with and what opinions they accept. It's okay to set boundaries, but being open to challenging views can lead to better understanding.
  3. Real friendship includes accepting differing opinions and having honest discussions. If we only converse with those who agree with us, we miss out on meaningful connections.

Kellie-Jay Keen's coming back to New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is returning to New Zealand for a court case related to an incident where juice was thrown on her at a rally. This case is set for September 20.
  2. The person charged, Eli Rubashkyn, has faced criticism for his actions at the rally, where he pretended to have different views to get close to Kellie-Jay. His court appearance is expected to draw attention.
  3. There are growing concerns in New Zealand about policies affecting single-sex spaces, as some believe these changes impact women's rights and safety.

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
  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 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.

Twitter's White Terror era

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Dean Jenny Martinez Speaks Out About The Protest Of Judge Duncan At Stanford Law

Original Jurisdiction • 919 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Dean Jenny Martinez issued a detailed and courageous statement addressing the protest at Stanford Law School.
  2. She emphasized the importance of academic freedom, free speech, and diversity in a legal profession.
  3. Martinez outlined next steps, including education on freedom of speech and updating policies to protect rights of speakers and protesters.

I got banned from BlueSky for committing wrongthink

The Dossier • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Notes From A Trial

The Popehat Report • 2558 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The author is in San Diego for a trial, balancing work and enjoying the city.
  2. The author is recording episodes for Serious Trouble during the trial.
  3. The author is updating a classic post about censorship tropes in First Amendment discussions.

Teachers Became Activists, and Censorship Followed

KERFUFFLE • 31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🚌 Education Free speech
  1. Teachers in public schools have become more openly political and have taken activist roles in classrooms and on campuses.
  2. In response, schools — notably in California — have introduced new speech rules that restrict what students and staff can say about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.
  3. This politicization of education has led to increased censorship and a shrinking space for open discussion of controversial topics.

Anti-woke gadfly Steven Pinker suddenly pimping for Harvard

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Steven Pinker wrote an article defending Harvard, surprising many of his supporters who see him as anti-woke. It highlights both the flaws and the achievements of the university.
  2. He argues that funding for STEM research, which comes from taxpayers, is crucial and indicates that Harvard's ways may need reform to secure more support.
  3. There is a call to action for scholars to join in reform efforts to change the current direction of higher education and ensure that funding continues.

I’ve invited Elon Musk to New Zealand for Kellie-Jay Keen’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A person invited Elon Musk to a rally in New Zealand that's focused on women's rights. It seems like a playful idea meant to get attention.
  2. The rally is coming back after an earlier one was disrupted by a protest. People are excited and expect strong support this time.
  3. There was a past incident where a trans activist threw a liquid at the rally, which raised serious concerns. People want to make sure everyone feels safe when expressing their opinions.

Disaffected audio-MI 'hate speech' bill

Disaffected Newsletter • 479 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Michigan is proposing a law that could criminalize misgendering, seeing it as a form of harassment. This could mean fines or even jail time for people who misgender others.
  2. The discussion around this law highlights the complexities and potential issues in defining hate speech and harassment.
  3. It's important to stay informed about such laws as they can impact free speech and how people communicate with each other.

What to watch for: free speech and the free press

The Watch • 536 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. There are serious concerns about how the current political climate could threaten the freedom of the press. Some politicians aim to make it easier to sue journalists, stifling critical coverage.
  2. The possibility of government retaliation against journalists is high. Officials may use government resources to target those who publish unflattering stories about them.
  3. Protests might be met with harsh responses from the government. There are fears that leaders will employ military force to suppress dissenting voices and silence activists.

Changing values

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 334 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Religious people are not barred from public life, despite some claims to the contrary.
  2. Being honest about personal beliefs, even if controversial, is important in leadership.
  3. The divide in discussions about free speech and cancel culture often revolves around whether faith-based views should receive special treatment in public discourse.

Stefan Niehoff, the German pensioner famous for a meme calling Robert Habeck a moron, is found guilty of five criminal retweets and one criminal reply and fined €825

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 208 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Stefan Niehoff, a German retiree, was fined €825 for retweeting memes that were deemed criminal. His case highlights how strict laws around social media and speech can be.
  2. Niehoff's original meme about a politician sparked a large controversy, leading to a police raid and a national debate on free speech. This shows the potential for social media posts to have serious legal consequences.
  3. The court found Niehoff guilty based on several shocking retweets related to Nazi themes. His case raises questions about what constitutes free speech and the limits of expression online.

Saturday Commentary and Review #193

Fisted by Foucault • 125 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The war in Ukraine remains largely unchanged, with little progress seen on either side. This ongoing situation leaves many frustrated as the same points keep being reiterated.
  2. There is a growing concern about how free speech is being handled differently in Europe compared to the USA. While the US has strong protections, Europe is imposing more restrictions under the guise of protecting democracy.
  3. The nature of the US economy is shifting towards intangible assets, like intellectual property and brand value, which could lead to increased market volatility. This change means that a smaller number of companies have a larger influence on the stock market.

The End of Academic Freedom (w/ Maura Finkelstein) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🚌 Education Free speech
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, especially for those who speak out against powerful political narratives, like the situation in Gaza. Even tenured professors can lose their jobs for expressing dissent.
  2. Universities are becoming more focused on business interests and donor influence instead of education. This shift affects how open and free discussions can be on campus.
  3. Many students and faculty are feeling scared and pressured to self-censor. The environment is becoming hostile to diverse opinions, especially those that support Palestinian rights.

Why Doesn't Matt Taibbi Want to Talk About Gaza?

KERFUFFLE • 213 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Matt Taibbi used to write confidently about the Israel-Palestine conflict, but now he avoids discussing it. It’s unclear why his stance on the topic has changed over the years.
  2. The ongoing violence and issues in the region remain serious, with the situation described as complicated but rooted in historical conflicts.
  3. People can learn from various sources, even if the source isn’t an expert, suggesting that sharing knowledge might be valuable regardless of one’s background.