The hottest Government Accountability Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

CBS Loses Its Mind

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15007 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political speech International relations Government Accountability
  1. J.D. Vance gave a powerful speech in Europe defending free speech and democracy, warning that the U.S. may not support Europe if it continues to jail people for speech.
  2. CBS responded to Vance's address by airing a segment that appeared to compare defending free speech with dangerous historical events, which sparked a lot of discussion.
  3. The coverage from CBS seemed more like a political statement rather than a straightforward news report, raising questions about media bias.

Trump roundup: Five days

The Watch • 585 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Executive Power Immigration Policy Political violence Government Accountability
  1. The administration is facing serious issues, like ignoring court orders and appointing unqualified people to key positions. This raises concerns about how the government is being managed.
  2. Immigration policies are getting stricter, with reports of plans for mass deportations and detaining people for simply checking in with authorities. This is creating a lot of fear among immigrant communities.
  3. There are increasing threats to free speech and the press, with officials targeting critics and controlling narratives. This could have lasting effects on how information is shared and how citizens engage with their government.

Meditations On The Notion That Obama "Never Had Any Scandals"

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Public Perception Historical Analysis Government Accountability
  1. Barack Obama is often seen as scandal-free compared to other presidents, but this ignores serious actions he took that caused harm. Many people focus more on political feelings rather than real events.
  2. A lot of Americans don't recognize the destructive consequences of U.S. actions abroad, viewing them as problems only for other countries. This shows a disconnect from the reality of global issues.
  3. The media and social platforms shape our thoughts and beliefs, leading to a limited understanding of what's really happening. It’s important to question and think critically to have a clearer view of the world.

Andrew Sullivan Calls on Rachel Levine to Resign Over Trans Children Research Coverup

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 812 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Transgender Issues Legal issues Public Opinion Government Accountability
  1. A significant number of minors have undergone gender transition treatments in recent years, which raises concerns about the long-term effects on their health and wellbeing.
  2. There are serious doubts about the informed consent process for young children undergoing major surgical procedures, as they may not fully understand or appreciate the consequences.
  3. Critics argue that political motives have influenced health policies regarding transgender care for children, with calls for accountability from those involved in these decisions.

Hurricane Helene and the Lost Mandate of Heaven

Postcards From Barsoom • 12273 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disaster Response Government Accountability Public Perception Civil Society
  1. Hurricane Helene caused a lot of destruction and loss of life, with many bodies not being recovered. The situation is dire, and there's confusion about the real number of victims.
  2. There are reports of the government not properly responding to the disaster, leading to frustration among locals. Many people believe the government is prioritizing other issues over helping those affected by the hurricane.
  3. Despite the government's slow response, local communities and private groups stepped up to help quickly. This shows how important civil society is in times of crisis when official support is lacking.
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The Plan To Ethnically Cleanse Gaza Didn't Start With Trump

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign affairs Political Ideology Civil Rights Government Accountability
  1. The idea of removing Palestinians from Gaza isn't new and didn't start with Trump. It's been a long-standing plan that has roots going back decades.
  2. Many politicians and media outlets are pushing the narrative that this plan is a new concept, which is misleading and ignores its historical context.
  3. Democrats seem to be more focused on their feelings about political leadership than actually addressing the ongoing issues. Their actions during the Biden presidency highlight that they are not truly opposed to the injustices happening.

Given FARA, were US Public Health Administrators and US-Based NIAID-Funded Researchers Working Illegally on Behalf of Other Nations?

Popular Rationalism • 534 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Research Ethics Government Accountability Foreign Relations
  1. U.S. public health officials and researchers may have acted in ways that helped foreign countries, especially China, instead of focusing solely on American interests. This raises questions about whether they were following the law.
  2. There is evidence suggesting that decisions made by U.S. health leaders, like lifting a ban on risky research, potentially contributed to the COVID-19 outbreak. Their actions may not have prioritized public safety.
  3. A lack of transparency and accountability in how health officials manage information during the pandemic has eroded public trust. Many feel that critical details about the virus's origins were suppressed to protect certain interests.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Military Policy National Security Government Accountability
  1. Europe is shifting resources from welfare to military spending. This change is happening because of security concerns and a belief that a stronger military is needed.
  2. The military industry is making significant profits from the current conflict in Ukraine. Major defense companies are benefiting while social programs suffer due to budget cuts.
  3. There are serious human rights concerns regarding government actions against families, especially in cases involving child protection services. Many believe crucial rights are being overlooked in these situations.

Only Pathetic Bootlickers Spend Their Energy Criticizing China

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political critique Government Accountability Global Power National Security
  1. Criticizing China while ignoring the actions of Western countries is seen as hypocritical. It's important to focus on the more severe issues happening within our own governments.
  2. Many Westerners believe China is as harmful as Western powers, but this viewpoint overlooks China's different approach to foreign policy and military action.
  3. Instead of pointing fingers at other countries, it may be more beneficial to address the abuses and problems we live under in our own nations.

They Don't Just Tell Us What To Think, They Train Us HOW To Think

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Public Perception Government Accountability
  1. People are taught not just what to think, but how to think within a set framework. This means they start with certain assumptions about politics and society.
  2. This framework makes it hard for individuals to see outside of the mainstream narratives since thoughts that don't fit in are often ignored or dismissed.
  3. To create real change, we first need to recognize and free our minds from this conditioning, allowing for new perspectives and ideas.

1776 2.0: dismantling the aristocracy

bad cattitude • 352 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Accountability Political corruption Civil Liberties
  1. Complicity can trap leaders into a life of allegiance to harmful practices. When people are part of unjust actions, they are often unable to change their ways.
  2. There's a long history of the powerful abusing their positions, often under a system that protects the elite. This leads to a cycle of unaccountability and harm that persists through generations.
  3. The current moment is viewed as a chance to challenge this old system of aristocracy. It’s time to expose wrongdoings and push for true accountability to rebuild a just society.

The Worst Thing About The Gaza Holocaust Is Knowing It Will Happen Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2072 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Crimes Civil Rights Government Accountability Media Critique
  1. The death toll in Gaza is rising as bodies are discovered after the fighting. Many people have been trapped for a long time, leading to slow and painful deaths.
  2. The destruction in Gaza is described as intentional, aiming to make the area unlivable and displacing its people due to their ethnicity.
  3. There's a strong belief that the violence in Gaza will happen again, as there are no significant policy changes to prevent it and the U.S. continues to support such actions.

Note on the FBI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11481 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Political History Public Policy Government Accountability Civil Rights
  1. The FBI has changed a lot over the years, especially after 9/11 and during Trump's presidency. Its focus has shifted from solving crimes to gathering information about people, sometimes even based on their beliefs.
  2. Historical patterns show that the FBI has often acted politically, targeting groups they consider threats. This raises concerns about their current role in monitoring American citizens.
  3. There's a call for the FBI to undergo a major overhaul. Some believe that new leadership, like Kash Patel, could help redirect the agency towards a more lawful mission.

Apologies to Afroman

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9295 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Issues Political Satire Government Accountability Social Issues
  1. Afroman has a new song called 'Hunter Got High' that comments on Hunter Biden's situation. It's interesting how music reflects current events.
  2. There was a discussion comparing the seriousness of Hunter Biden's actions to those of Donald Trump. Opinions on this topic vary widely across different groups.
  3. The lyrics of Afroman's song cleverly tie in political themes, showing how artists can engage with social issues through their work.

None Of These War Criminals Will Face Justice While The US Empire Exists

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2463 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Crimes Justice Government Accountability International Law Media Criticism
  1. Many officials involved in war crimes don't face justice because powerful countries protect them. They often continue their careers without consequences.
  2. Questions about war crimes can lead to disrespectful treatment, even removal from press conferences. The focus is more on the questions being asked than the issues raised.
  3. Real change and justice seem impossible as long as the current power structures exist. The cycle of violence and impunity will continue unless there's a shift in global power.

ACX Endorses Harris, Oliver, Or Stein

Astral Codex Ten • 37235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political theory Government Accountability Political Campaigns
  1. It's suggested to vote for Kamala Harris in swing states and consider third-party candidates in safe states. This is a way to support candidates seen as better alternatives to Donald Trump.
  2. There are concerns about Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including potential manipulation of election processes and threats to opponents. This could gradually undermine democracy.
  3. Some argue that while both major parties have authoritarian traits, the urgency to prevent Trump's rise is heightened since he might more openly challenge democratic norms compared to the Democrats.

The DOJ is investigating how many crimes are committed with masks on

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Criminal Justice Public Health Government Accountability
  1. Wearing masks in public hasn't shown to help stop the spread of viruses and was even advised against by health experts before the pandemic. Many believe mask mandates are not useful.
  2. There is a concern that masks provide anonymity, which some criminals may exploit. This has prompted the DOJ to look into how many crimes are committed by people wearing masks.
  3. As more people stopped masking, some places started banning public masking altogether. This shift highlights a growing belief that masks can hinder law enforcement and harm social interactions.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.03.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Political strategy Government Accountability International relations
  1. NATO's influence on European security has faded, which raises concerns about the potential for conflict between European nations. Leaders now face questions about their own defense and strategic interests.
  2. Billionaires see the situation in Ukraine as a chance to profit, leading to worries over the misuse of financial aid. There are claims that much of the support does not reach the people who need it.
  3. Countries may consider forming a Nordic alliance instead of relying on EU or NATO. This could potentially strengthen their independence and ability to handle security matters on their own.

A Big Year for Big Lies. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Public Policy Political Commentary Government Accountability
  1. There have been many claims about Joe Biden's sharpness and involvement in his son's business dealings that turned out to be false. This has raised questions about honesty in politics.
  2. The immigration debate is filled with tension, especially among Indian Americans, as some face backlash for supporting figures in the MAGA movement while still holding onto their cultural identities.
  3. There's a growing push for educational standards that include teaching young children about gender identity. This has sparked discussions about what topics should be appropriate for kids in school.

Bullet Points: Everything is Collapsing Edition

The Future, Now and Then • 195 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social movements Media influence Government Accountability
  1. Elon Musk's management of Twitter, now called X, has not gone well. Despite some people still supporting his approach, many see that things have clearly gotten worse since he took over.
  2. Activist strategies need to adapt to a changing political landscape where media and social platforms wield less influence than before. This means finding new ways to create impactful confrontations and inspire collective action.
  3. Curtis Yarvin may not have as much real influence as some believe. His popularity among certain powerful people reflects their own views more than it indicates he is shaping political direction.

CIA Says Covid Likely Originated From Lab In Tacit Admission Of Illegal Cover-Up

Public • 637 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Intelligence Government Accountability Pandemic response
  1. The CIA now suggests that COVID-19 likely came from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier beliefs.
  2. Many people once dismissed the idea of a lab leak as a conspiracy, calling it prejudiced and unfounded.
  3. This development indicates a significant shift in how officials are viewing the origins of COVID-19 after years of debate.

They Lied About Gaza, And They're Lying About Syria

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Government Accountability
  1. The situation in Syria involves complex political maneuvers, and the U.S. has played a role in fostering chaos there. It's important to question the official narratives about conflicts instead of accepting them at face value.
  2. Many people see through lies about one conflict, like Gaza, but still believe the stories told about another, like Syria. It's vital to maintain curiosity and seek the truth across all situations.
  3. The way homelessness is treated reflects larger societal issues. Instead of hiding homelessness from view, we should confront the underlying problems and injustices that cause it.

Gender-Care Whistleblowers Go to Court. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2031 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Gender Issues Government Accountability Activism
  1. Two main court cases are examining gender-affirming care for minors. One case involves the Biden administration challenging a Tennessee ban on these treatments, while the other focuses on a doctor who faced legal issues after whistleblowing about such practices.
  2. Whistleblowers like Jamie Reed and Dr. Eithan Haim have raised concerns about the impact of gender transition on young patients. They argue that the current medical system could be misleading vulnerable youth, leading to regret after irreversible procedures.
  3. These ongoing legal battles highlight the larger debate around gender care, with differing opinions on safety and ethics. Many are calling for more science-based approaches rather than political influence in these sensitive matters.

Nothing To Add

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Domestic Policy Government Accountability Social Issues Terrorism
  1. There is a growing concern about violence and terrorism in the U.S., especially involving individuals with military backgrounds. This raises questions about the military's culture and training.
  2. New Orleans, while known for its resilience and charm, struggles with significant issues like crime and inadequate public services. Many believe the city needs better leadership and resources to improve safety and education.
  3. The concepts of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are criticized for being ineffective and harmful. There is a belief that they distract from addressing important societal issues.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

Fisted by Foucault • 309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Executive orders Political strategy Deep State Government Accountability
  1. Trump signed many executive orders on his first day back in office to show he's serious about changes. This was meant to impress both his followers and the world.
  2. One of the key goals for Trump is to reduce the influence of government insiders, often called the 'Deep State'. He believes that without this, his efforts won't last.
  3. Trump took action against former officials he believes manipulated information during the last campaign. He revoked their security clearances as a bold statement against political interference.

Declarations And Graduations

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 133 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Accountability Civic engagement
  1. Public declarations often feel meaningless and just for show. Instead of writing open letters, it's better to have real conversations or actions that create change.
  2. Seeing children grow up can bring mixed emotions. Graduation marks the end of one phase but also opens doors to new experiences and memories.
  3. Change in political leadership is more likely to happen from within rather than through external declarations. Supporters turning away from leaders can lead to significant shifts.

PREEMPT-ive Pardon for Fauci

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 356 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ethics Government Accountability Legal issues Public Health Pandemic response
  1. A preemptive pardon for Fauci raises serious questions about its legality and ethics. It's unusual to pardon someone before they are even charged with a crime.
  2. Concerns exist that Fauci's actions may have contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigations have found troubling evidence regarding the research funded by his agency.
  3. The call for further investigation into Fauci's NIAID is essential for understanding the truth about the pandemic. Many believe that stopping these inquiries is like obstructing justice.

Gulag For You

Points And Figures • 959 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Government Accountability Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Corruption in Illinois is rampant, especially within its government and judicial systems. Many residents feel they can't get a fair trial due to biased and corrupt officials.
  2. The case of Steve Fanady shows how the judicial system can mistreat individuals, holding them indefinitely while ignoring their rights. His situation raises concerns about the motivations behind such actions.
  3. Many believe that political leaders prioritize their power and financial interests over the welfare of citizens. This has led to calls for better investigative journalism to expose and address these corrupt practices.

Dispatches from the Group Chats, Vol 5

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 273 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Immigration Government Accountability Cultural Issues Economic Policy
  1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have been worsened by poor government management and environmental policies. This has led to high winds and many causes for concern, including homeless encampments and inadequate fire support.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in political power dynamics in LA, due to recent catastrophic events and state-level insurance failures. This could force local governments to become more accountable after poor disaster responses.
  3. The global landscape is changing, as political sentiments shift further to the right. This is influenced by major events like the pandemic and societal upheavals, raising questions about contemporary American identity and culture.

A Memo for Trump's Energy Czar

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1226 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Legislation Climate change Government Accountability International relations
  1. Energy policy shouldn't just be about undoing past actions. There needs to be a clear plan moving forward that addresses the future needs of the country.
  2. The new energy czar has a chance to shape America's energy policies in a positive direction. This involves creating a comprehensive energy plan that considers reliability and affordability.
  3. It's important to balance energy production with environmental concerns. Supporting cleaner energy technologies can help reduce emissions while also meeting economic goals.

Rand Paul Says Fauci Should Be In Prison

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 4284 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics COVID-19 Response Legislation Conspiracy Theories Government Accountability
  1. Rand Paul believes Fauci should be in prison for misleading the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Paul accuses Fauci of contributing to the deaths of millions through his decisions on gain-of-function research.
  3. Fauci faces scrutiny for his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak and conflicting testimonies, suggesting dishonesty.

Anthony Fauci Isn't Out Of The Woods Yet, Thanks To New State Investigations

Unmasked • 54 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Health Government Accountability Pandemic Management Political Commentary
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying during the COVID pandemic, suggesting he didn't always tell the truth about key issues.
  2. There are ongoing investigations that could still hold Fauci accountable despite any pardons he might receive.
  3. The discussion includes concerns about his decisions on public health measures, like lockdowns and vaccine mandates, which many feel were misleading.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Public Opinion Government Accountability International relations
  1. Many people believe Biden should drop out of the race because he seems too old and is dragging the party down, but he refuses to listen to that advice.
  2. Electoral shifts in Britain and France show that political power is moving away from the centrist parties and towards the extremes, leaving a lot of uncertainty in how these countries will be governed.
  3. The response to COVID highlighted serious flaws in trusting experts without questioning them, which led to unnecessary restrictions and a loss of trust in government and public health authorities.

The trouble isn't with young people, it's with grownups who won't be the grownups they need to be.

A B’Old Woman • 919 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Youth culture Government Accountability Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Young people are acting just like they always have and are not the problem in society. The real issue lies with adults who fail to take responsibility and guide the youth.
  2. It's important for adults to use their life experience to help young people learn how to handle power and responsibility. Young leaders may not always be ready, so they need support from experienced adults.
  3. Mixing generations is valuable, but adults in leadership roles need to have enough life experience. This way, they can manage situations better and set a good example for younger people.

Fulton County's Lawyers Disappear! Election Officials Admit They Destroyed Ballots!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4959 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Fraud Legal battle Court Proceedings Voting Rights Government Accountability
  1. Fulton County's defense lawyers withdrew from the election fraud case, indicating possible destruction of evidence illegally.
  2. There are missing ballot images needed for verification, raising concerns of illegal vote changes.
  3. Georgia's courts faced delays producing absentee ballots, potentially impacting the 2020 election certification.

Biden gives a Medal to Moderna and Pfizer - 10 reasons that was a bad idea

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 190 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceutical industry Health Policy Government Accountability Public Health
  1. Awarding a medal to Moderna and Pfizer seems unfair because it ignores the dangers of other vaccines, and many people felt misled about vaccine risks.
  2. These companies have already made a lot of money from their products, so giving them a medal feels unnecessary and insulting.
  3. Some people suffered due to vaccine mandates and the actions of former officials. Recognizing these companies with a medal might send the wrong message.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-28 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Government Accountability Election Dynamics Social Issues Foreign Policy
  1. There's a trend in America moving away from clear laws towards decisions based on discretion, which could lead to corruption. It's important to have clear rules to prevent misuse of power.
  2. The idea of conquering places for resources is outdated. It's much more efficient to trade for what we need instead of trying to take over land.
  3. In Berkeley, there's a shift from strict neighborhood controls to more inclusive housing policies. This change reflects a desire for more affordable living in the area.

UNCOUTH.

The Future, Now and Then • 301 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Accountability Election Integrity Public Perception
  1. Hunter Biden's situation shows how the media and political elites often care more about appearances than actual justice. His prison time and pardon seem to reflect more on his family name than the crimes he committed.
  2. The response to Joe Biden pardoning his son highlights how elites prioritize maintaining social order and propriety over accountability. There's a certain way presidents are expected to behave, which can shield them from criticism.
  3. Democracy works best when there's a balance between the elites and the public. However, current actions by political and media figures often miss the opportunity to question or resist power, favoring stability instead.

Release: LexipolLeaks (68GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 531 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Data Privacy Public Policy Hacking Government Accountability
  1. A large data leak called LexipolLeaks contains policy manuals from over 8,500 police agencies in the U.S. This information helps the public see what rules their local police follow.
  2. The leak was carried out by a group of hackers who believe there should be more scrutiny on police practices. They targeted Lexipol because of its significant role in creating police policies.
  3. Not all police departments share their policy manuals online. This leak provides a way for people to access manuals that were previously unavailable to the public.