The hottest Free speech Substack posts right now

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

Northwestern Cancels Former Trustee

Heterodox STEM • 284 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Northwestern University cancelled a former trustee without due process over student complaints.
  2. The former trustee believes that NU's 'Safetyism' is harming students by limiting free speech and due process rights.
  3. The former trustee highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the damage caused by 'safetyism' on college campuses.

On Substack, medicine, and journalism

Unreported Truths • 34 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Substack allows writers to express their thoughts freely and connect directly with readers, unlike traditional media.
  2. There are concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, with a belief that they were not tested thoroughly enough.
  3. The battle over free speech is important, as some believe that regulating opinions can limit open discussions on topics like vaccines.

Denmark Moves to Ban Quran Burnings

Pen>Sword • 59 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Free speech
  1. Denmark is taking steps to ban Quran burnings in response to widespread anti-Muslim protests and hate crimes.
  2. Free speech has been misused as an excuse for Islamophobic actions, such as Quran burnings, in Denmark and other Western democracies.
  3. Pressure from Muslim-majority nations and organizations is pushing Denmark to address Islamophobia, showing the impact of external pressure on the treatment of Muslim minorities in Western nations.
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Open Thread: Also Two Recent Interviews

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 96 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Imago DEI at Cornell University

Heterodox STEM • 199 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🚌 Education Free speech
  1. The theme year for Freedom of Expression at Cornell University is controversial, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
  2. There is a concern about the prioritization of DEI over free speech, leading to a culture of fear and conformity on campus.
  3. Efforts are being made to bring in speakers who promote fearless, rational, and civil speech on campus, to counteract the perceived lack of free expression.

Berenson v Biden is at a critical moment

Unreported Truths • 29 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The Trump White House has a chance to support free speech by settling the Berenson v. Biden case, but they seem uninterested right now. If they don't act, important parts of the case might be dismissed.
  2. Appealing the recent ruling could lead to a better outcome for the claims about free speech and potential damages against the government. The case raises questions about the rights of unvaccinated individuals that could go all the way to the Supreme Court.
  3. If the Trump administration chooses not to settle, they could end up defending a position that many of their supporters might not agree with, which could be a big mistake for their image.

On drugs, Glenn Greenwald, and serious jobs

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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 surveilled campus

Can We Still Govern? • 239 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Story highlights how the professional outrage machine targets faculty and students on American campuses.
  2. Conservative campus groups use tactics like building plywood walls to provoke and surveil, leading to media scrutiny and consequences for individuals.
  3. Incidents like these reveal a trend of surveillance, recording, and media pressure for punishment that undermines trust and community on college campuses.

American Sovereignty is Back

From the New World • 70 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is planning to work with Trump to resist European laws that he feels limit American tech companies. This shows a shift in power dynamics between the US and Europe regarding tech regulations.
  2. American tech companies have relied heavily on European markets but are pushing back against strict regulations like the GDPR and Digital Markets Act. They believe it's time for the US to take back control over its tech landscape.
  3. The competition in technology, particularly around AI, is now seen as a matter of national security. American companies want to innovate freely without foreign interference, which aligns with the values of freedom of speech and democracy.

I Can’t Believe That Free Speech, Color Blindness, and Meritocracy Became Right-Wing Issues

I Might Be Wrong • 67 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Free speech, color blindness, and meritocracy have become associated with the right, even though they used to be core liberal values. It's surprising how politics has shifted these concepts.
  2. Many people on the left feel that America is fundamentally flawed, which can overshadow the progress that's actually been made. This mindset can lead to dismissing positive changes.
  3. Some radical left ideas don't reflect the views of the people they claim to advocate for, causing confusion and debate within the community about what true beliefs should be.

Online Censorship's Institutional Power

Mad at the Internet • 139 HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. There is a growing concern about powerful interests in technology and media that can control online content and silence dissent. People are worried that without organized action, the internet could become less free.
  2. The Kiwi Farms forum has shown how sharing information online can impact reputations significantly. When people share thoughts and stories freely, it can create lasting effects, especially on influential figures.
  3. The anti-censorship movements often lack coordination and resources compared to pro-censorship groups. This makes it hard for them to effectively combat censorship efforts that threaten open dialogue online.

American Panopticon

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. There's a growing concern about surveillance and loss of personal freedom in the U.S. Many feel like we are heading towards a totalitarian state if we don't resist this.
  2. The use of technology, like AI and big data, is making it easier for the government to track and control citizens. This poses a serious risk to our privacy and liberties.
  3. To combat this, it's important for people to become aware, take legal action against harmful practices, and advocate for privacy rights. Education and active participation in democracy are key.

UPDATE on Berenson v Biden: a (senior) federal lawyer just joined the case and the gov't wants to extend the stay

Unreported Truths • 23 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A senior federal lawyer has joined the case, which means the government is taking it seriously. They also want more time to decide on how to proceed.
  2. The outcome of this case could affect how the Trump administration views censorship and free speech online. They will need to make a decision soon.
  3. The Justice Department's request for more time could mean they are thinking about settling or preparing for potential appeals in the future.

A quick update on Berenson v Biden

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Trying to intimidate journalists is wrong

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Intimidating journalists is not okay. Everyone should be able to share their work without fear of government retaliation.
  2. Even if you disagree with a journalist's point of view, supporting their right to speak is important for free speech.
  3. The First Amendment is crucial for allowing different ideas and opinions to exist, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Free speech is a hot topic, especially in schools. There are big debates about what should be allowed, and many believe we need to follow the rules of free speech laid out in the Constitution.
  2. In Ukraine, the fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight. While there are talks of peace, both sides seem determined to keep fighting, making it hard to reach an agreement.
  3. Science is struggling to make big breakthroughs, especially in areas like Alzheimer's research. Many believe that instead of finding new solutions, scientists are mostly just making small improvements.

Free Speech To The Supreme Court — And Beyond!

Public • 234 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The Fifth Circuit court heard oral arguments in the Missouri v. Biden case revealing government coercion of social media companies.
  2. US Attorney announced a crackdown on illegal supervised drug consumption sites in Harlem and San Francisco.
  3. Michael Shellenberger will be joining Ireland's free speech advocates in Dublin to fight against the hate censorship bill.

Bill C-11 Becomes Law of the Land

Karlstack • 264 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Bill C-11 has become law in Canada, impacting the future of the internet.
  2. The law allows for regulation of user-generated content and can affect what content is shown to viewers.
  3. Public awareness of Bill C-11 in Canada is limited, with only a small percentage expressing complete support for it.

Ex-US Army Psyops Expert: Fox Fired Carlson To Maintain "Semi Lobotomized Quasi Retarded Population"

Global Community Weekly (GloCom) • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. A former US Army psychological warfare officer believes Fox fired Tucker Carlson to keep the population uninformed
  2. Carlson was seen as a threat to institutional power because he encouraged critical thinking
  3. The ex-host's departure symbolizes a decline in American media and was influenced by political pressure

Jim Acosta's World Bends To Substack's Truth

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 49 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Jim Acosta has moved to Substack after leaving CNN, seeking a platform where he can express his views freely. It shows a shift in how journalists are approaching their work.
  2. Substack is seen as a space for diverse opinions and genuine conversations, contrary to the idea that it's just for conspiracy theories. This change reflects a growing interest in alternative media.
  3. There's a need to recognize different perspectives and the importance of free speech. Embracing all sides of a story can lead to a more balanced discussion.

Saturday Commentary and Review #130

Fisted by Foucault • 218 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Free speech protections in the US are envied in Europe where new laws regulate online content.
  2. The Orkney Islands are exploring independence due to financial disagreements with the UK government.
  3. Discussion around African American identity, diaspora, and representation in cultural institutions continues to evolve.

Berenson v Biden gets stronger

Unreported Truths • 48 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Berenson's lawsuit against Biden is moving forward, and new evidence from 2021 supports his claims of censorship. This case highlights concerns about free speech.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the Biden administration pressured social media companies to censor content related to vaccines. This admission strengthens Berenson's case.
  3. The lawsuit process includes several stages, and each outcome will determine how the case proceeds. Berenson believes the evidence will help push the case forward.

How to fight fascism

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Germany and Genocide

John’s Substack • 38 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Germany has a strong stance against supporting extremist political parties like the AfD, but there's a contradiction in its actions regarding international issues.
  2. The German government's support of Israel in the Gaza conflict raises questions about its commitment to free speech and protests within Germany.
  3. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the values that different countries uphold and how they apply them in various contexts.

We Brought Down the House

Unsafe Science • 134 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Reported on how foreign funding impacts political corruption in American institutions of higher education
  2. Highlighted how speech intolerance and antisemitism are associated with funding from foreign regimes in universities
  3. Influence from external actors on university campuses led to a lack of accountability in protecting free speech and academic freedom

What's the difference between a Nazi and a pornographer?

reedmolbak • 19 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Content moderation is a complex issue for platforms like Substack, with controversies around what kind of content should or should not be allowed.
  2. Substack's moderation policies are driven by a mix of factors, including branding, promotion of free speech, and distinguishing between harmful content and open discourse of ideas.
  3. There's a fine line between allowing free speech and banning harmful content, and platforms like Substack make value judgments based on what is considered harmful or not communicating ideas.

URGENT: Free speech wins at Meta

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Meta is stopping its efforts to censor posts about immigration and gender. This change is being framed as a return to free speech on the platform.
  2. The debate around fact-checking is ongoing. It often shows how opinions can differ on what is true, rather than just stating hard facts.
  3. Zuckerberg aims to bring back civic content to Facebook because people want to see all sides of an issue, and just sharing fun content isn't enough.

NO APOLOGIES

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 112 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Free speech
  1. Katherine Brodsky has a new book titled 'No Apologies' focusing on freedom of speech in today's society.
  2. The book highlights the importance of open discourse in various fields like science, art, and academia.
  3. Brodsky's book aims to empower individuals to speak up against enforced silence and radical ideas.

Banned!

Unpopular Front • 150 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The author got permanently banned from Twitter without clarity on the reason.
  2. The ban may have resulted from a misunderstood thread of tweets about guns and violence.
  3. While the ban impacts the author's reach, it also provides a break from Twitter's negative aspects.

I need your help

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. The lawsuit Berenson v Biden is an important case about free speech, and it’s now at a critical point. The author is asking for help as they prepare to respond to the defendants' motions.
  2. The author has evidence on their side but the defendants are trying to avoid the discovery process, which could reveal more information. They are seeking to have the case dismissed instead.
  3. There may be fewer articles coming from the author in the near future while they focus on the lawsuit. They are encouraging supporters to subscribe to continue the fight for free speech.

The Free Speech Union of Canada

Critical Mass • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  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.

Free speech is under attack all over

Unreported Truths • 75 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech
  1. Free speech is facing challenges and restrictions in democracies worldwide.
  2. The Overton window theory explains the acceptable range of political ideas; elites often control this range.
  3. Elites are attempting to restrict free speech by silencing dissenting voices and controlling the narrative on important issues.