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The media is getting Trump's biomedical policy decisions wrong b/c it refuses to discuss the big picture

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 118 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Health Government funding
  1. The media often overlooks the larger issues in biomedical policy and fails to connect the dots in their reporting. They focus too much on individual actions instead of discussing significant systemic problems.
  2. There is a need for reform in the current biomedical system, particularly regarding how funding and resources are allocated. Many aspects of this system are outdated and not effectively serving public health needs.
  3. It's important to have honest discussions about proposed changes in biomedical policies, rather than framing them as attacks on science. Constructive debate can lead to better solutions and improvements in healthcare.

1911-1943: Continued non-existence of legal provisions directing federal agencies to establish and enforce biological product definitions and standards.

Bailiwick News • 1783 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government funding Historical Analysis
  1. From 1911 to 1943, U.S. Congress didn't create laws to establish clear definitions or standards for biological products, like vaccines and toxins. This meant there were no guidelines for safety or labeling requirements.
  2. The 1902 Virus-Toxin Act only focused on the licensing of manufacturers, not the products themselves. This led to a lack of oversight on what was in those products and whether they were safe to use.
  3. Even with new regulations in later years, there was still confusion and gaps in laws about the safety and efficacy of biological products, allowing manufacturers to operate without strict requirements.

NIH Dissolving Pricey Infectious Disease Centers as Scripps’ Kristian Andersen Prepares to Flee the US for Norway

The DisInformation Chronicle • 590 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Research Pandemic response Government funding
  1. The NIH is shutting down its expensive Infectious Disease Centers, which were started to handle emerging diseases. This move means that some funded researchers might lose their grants.
  2. Kristian Andersen, a researcher involved in the controversial 'Proximal Origin' paper, is leaving the US to take a position at the University of Oslo. His past work has sparked serious scrutiny about its ties to grant funding.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into whether Andersen misled intelligence agencies regarding the origins of COVID-19. This has raised concerns about academic integrity and accountability.

My Statement to Congress

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 23995 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Government funding Media Ethics Political speech
  1. The government should not control media or information. Instead of helping people decide what is true, it can weaken public trust in journalism.
  2. Censorship laws in other countries are becoming stricter, and many American citizens are currently facing repercussions for their speech abroad.
  3. Taxpayer money is being used to promote propaganda instead of real journalism, which can distort the truth and undermine democracy.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Higher education Health Policy Government funding Social Issues
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.
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California Pumped Tens of Millions into Immigration NGOs that Fight Deportation, Track ICE and more…

OpenTheBooks Substack • 270 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy advocacy Government funding Nonprofits Legal Services
  1. California has invested a lot of money, around $73.6 million, into nonprofits that help immigrants and fight deportation. These organizations aim to provide legal support and advocacy for immigrant rights.
  2. Some of these groups not only offer legal help but also encourage activism and political engagement among immigrants. They focus on changing laws and policies that affect immigrant communities.
  3. The spending on these organizations has raised concerns about whether taxpayer money should support efforts that challenge federal immigration laws and enforcement.

An Ominous Sign

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9902 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation First Amendment Government funding Political parties Media Relations
  1. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) may not be shut down and could receive a one-year extension. This was part of a deal between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
  2. The GEC has been criticized for funding efforts that involved blacklisting conservative media. This issue continues to raise concerns about free speech.
  3. If the Republican party gives up on standing up for free speech, it could lead to serious consequences for voters. It's important to monitor how this situation develops.

Allow Me A Brief Burst Of Angry Moralizing

Singal-Minded • 2246 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate International Aid Government funding Political Commentary
  1. Cutting funding to programs like USAID can lead to serious harm, like people getting sick or even dying. This shows that spending decisions need to be thought out carefully.
  2. It's important for people in power to understand what their cuts will affect, especially for vulnerable groups relying on aid. Making big changes without warning causes unnecessary suffering.
  3. Making cuts for cost savings can backfire and end up costing more in the long run. Leaders should focus on thoughtful policy instead of quick-fix solutions that create more problems.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 01.03.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Public Health Political Activism Geopolitics Government funding
  1. The relationship between NATO allies is currently in crisis, caused by conflicts involving leaders like Trump and Zelensky. The situation suggests a breakdown in what was once a united West.
  2. There are discussions about the potential for a ban on COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., with concerns growing about their safety and effectiveness as new evidence emerges.
  3. Greece is experiencing unprecedented strikes and protests in response to political corruption and a tragic train accident, reflecting a deep public dissatisfaction with the government.

The Biggest, Most Corrupt News Organization You Have Never Heard of

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Investigative Journalism International relations Government funding Regime Change
  1. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims to fight corruption globally but is heavily funded by the US government, which raises questions about its true motives.
  2. OCCRP focuses on investigating foreign governments deemed hostile to US interests and now appears to influence political situations in allied countries as well, like India.
  3. There are concerns that OCCRP and similar organizations act as tools for the US government, potentially pushing for regime change and affecting the reputation of nations without them realizing it.

Free Money

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Economic Policy Political Ideologies Income Inequality Education reform
  1. Many people wrongly believe that money from the government is free and doesn't have really costs associated with it. Government money actually comes from taxpayers, and there's no such thing as a free lunch.
  2. Loans and financial incentives, like student loan forgiveness, can create bad economic expectations and lead to bigger problems down the road. When the government gives money without a clear plan to pay it back, it burdens future generations.
  3. There are better solutions for improving education and the economy, like school choice and reducing government involvement in funding. Allowing the market to dictate provides more opportunities and encourages personal responsibility.

The GOP Uniparty Must Vacate The Chair!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4543 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Party Dynamics Legislative Process Government funding Bipartisanship
  1. The two-party system is collapsing, leading to a one-party system.
  2. The GOP establishment is aligned with Democrats, pushing for uni-party rule.
  3. There is a battle within the GOP between Matt Gaetz and Kevin McCarthy, highlighting broken promises and alliances with Democrats.

How the U.S. State Department spends millions of dollars to coordinate Western media and direct investigative journalism against its geopolitical rivals and enemies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 211 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Government funding Investigative Journalism Geopolitics Censorship
  1. The U.S. State Department spends a lot of money to influence media coverage against its rivals. This shows how powerful and coordinated media can be.
  2. Many journalists and media outlets may not realize they are being funded or influenced by the U.S. government. This raises questions about the independence of journalism.
  3. People notice that despite having many different media outlets, they often share the same viewpoints. This suggests there might be stronger connections among them than we think.

How "I Might Be Wrong" Will Change Now That Our USAID Funding Has Been Cut Off

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Government funding Satire Public Policy
  1. Funding cuts can greatly affect projects and initiatives. Losing a major funding source can lead to the cancellation of planned activities and changes in future goals.
  2. Creative and provocative content can be put on hold or altered when financial realities change. This can include unique or controversial series that rely on funding to be produced.
  3. Adapting to new circumstances often requires scaling back ambitions. Organizations may need to rethink their events and outreach programs when facing budget constraints.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Legislation Government funding Economic Impact
  1. Retailers are using the narrative of organized theft to justify store closures, blame financial downturns, and push for harsher laws and increased police funding.
  2. There is doubt and skepticism about the actual extent and impact of organized retail theft, despite widespread media coverage and corporate claims.
  3. The response to the perceived rise in theft includes enhanced security measures, stricter laws, and significant funding for law enforcement, generating concerns about over-policing and reinforcing damaging narratives.

Would the bad guys fund this?

Sex and the State • 4 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Cultural Commentary Government funding
  1. Naivety can be a strength because it encourages people to take action and try new things. When people know how hard something is, they might not even attempt it.
  2. The CIA reportedly supports left-leaning voices in arts and media, which can shape cultural perspectives. This might make some ideas less popular among the wider public.
  3. Addressing social inequalities is challenging because it's hard to see and understand the existing hierarchies. Making real progress requires careful thought and effort to avoid creating new problems.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 07.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Health Policy International relations Government funding Public Health
  1. There are strong calls from many medical professionals and organizations to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the market due to concerns about safety and significant health risks.
  2. Recent discussions between Russia and the USA regarding Ukraine suggest a potential shift in strategy, with the USA looking for new elections in Ukraine to facilitate negotiations.
  3. CRISPR technology is being considered in Norway for gene editing in agriculture, but there are ongoing debates about the risks and regulations surrounding its use.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Government Funding for R&D

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Research & Development Economic Growth Public Policy Innovation
  1. The US government spent about $160 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2022, but this is a declining share of overall GDP. In contrast, the private sector spends significantly more on R&D.
  2. Averaging across sectors, every dollar spent on R&D can generate about $5.50 in economic growth, with some estimates suggesting even higher benefits when considering broader impacts.
  3. Government funding is important because it explores research areas that might be overlooked by private companies, ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is developed for public benefit.

Ukraine "foreign aid" bills are taxpayer-funded stimulus packages for the parasites of the D.C. Beltway

The Dossier • 354 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Congress Defense Spending Government funding
  1. American 'foreign aid' to Ukraine is mostly spent in the United States, benefiting Beltway corporations
  2. Government spending on defense does not create real jobs or value, but adds to the national debt and inflation
  3. These 'foreign aid' bills serve as stimulus for the Beltway elite rather than enhancing national security

Government-Funded Stanford Group Successfully Urged Censorship Of Republicans But Not Democrats For Equivalent Claims

Public • 287 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Censorship Government funding Election Integrity Social media
  1. The Government-backed Stanford group censored Republicans for claims but not Democrats.
  2. Republicans faced censorship for election fraud claims while similar claims by Democrats went unchecked.
  3. Stanford's biased censorship efforts raise concerns about government influence on freedom of speech.

February 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Law Government funding Political Accountability
  1. President Trump's administration has frozen government funding, causing problems for farmers who relied on promised financial aid. This has left them in tough situations after they've already made investments based on those promises.
  2. The courts are stepping in to challenge Trump's actions by enforcing the rule of law. Judges are ordering that frozen funds be released and blocking some of his controversial policies.
  3. There are growing concerns about Trump's approach to government and law, including his recent firings of key officials. Many are worried that this could undermine the system designed to keep checks and balances in place.

Invent Your Own Gender. Governor Gavin Newsom Encourages Youth With Millions In Taxpayer Support

OpenTheBooks Substack • 234 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Education system Gender identity Parental Rights
  1. California schools are teaching that genders are limitless and encourage inventing new genders.
  2. Governor Newsom's administration is funneling millions of taxpayer dollars into promoting neogenders.
  3. Gender Spectrum organization's initiatives can exclude parents and keep them in the dark about their child's gender transitions.

On Traffic Fines

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Government funding Social justice
  1. Speeding is harmful because it puts others at risk, so fines are necessary to discourage it. Fines should be proportional to the danger caused, but not excessively punitive to allow for justified speeding in some situations.
  2. Traffic fines should not depend on a driver's income. A speeding rich driver harms others just as much as a poor driver, and fines should reflect that without deterring all speeding, especially in cases where it's efficient.
  3. Instead of relying on fines for profit, speeding should be treated like a toll based on the risk caused. This way, the focus is on protecting others rather than just generating revenue.

The Podcast Tax: If You’re Paying Taxes, You’re Paying For Government Podcasts!

OpenTheBooks Substack • 108 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Podcasts Artistic expression
  1. The federal government has funded numerous podcasts on various topics, including agriculture, linguistics, and religious life, some with ideologically charged content.
  2. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have primary roles in funding podcasts for artistic and cultural expression.
  3. Many Americans might view the government-funded podcasts as wasteful spending, especially in light of the increasing national debt and the questionable topics covered.

A CLOSER LOOK: The Mid Year Earnings of 7 Big For-Profit Insurance Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Medicaid Profitability Government funding
  1. The largest for-profit insurance companies made $43.8 billion in profits and had $620.6 billion in revenue, mostly from taxpayer money. This shows how much they benefit financially from government programs.
  2. Three major insurers control 80% of the pharmacy benefit market. This means they have a huge influence over how prescription medications are managed and priced.
  3. A large number of Americans are underinsured, with 43.4% lacking sufficient coverage. This highlights a growing issue in healthcare, where many people struggle to afford medical care despite having insurance.

December 20, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Political crisis Bipartisanship Republican party Debt Ceiling
  1. The House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure to keep the government running and provide disaster relief. This shows ongoing division within the Republican Party and their struggle over government spending.
  2. Elon Musk influenced Republican lawmakers to reject a bipartisan agreement, which raises concerns about an unelected billionaire having significant power over government decisions. Many people worry about what this means for democracy and accountability.
  3. Despite challenges, House leadership found enough support to pass the funding measure with both Republican and Democratic votes. This situation reveals that cooperation is necessary to prevent a government shutdown and support important programs.

NIH and March-In Rights under Bayh-Dole

The Good Science Project • 18 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Government funding Medical Research
  1. The debate around NIH's march-in rights intersects with concerns over potentially overpriced pharmaceuticals developed with NIH funding.
  2. Empirical evidence suggests that very few drugs could be subject to NIH's march-in rights due to limited NIH funding directly impacting drug development.
  3. The application of march-in rights under Bayh-Dole is complex legally and practically, with challenges such as potential lawsuits over arbitrary interpretation and limited impact on drug pricing.

I have some questions for Elon Musk

Weaponized • 51 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tech Journalism Social media Misinformation Government funding
  1. Elon Musk needs to take responsibility for his decisions, especially if he associates with controversial figures.
  2. Proper interviews with Elon Musk should provide challenging questions about his platform management, decision-making, and claims.
  3. Elon Musk should be held accountable for actions such as re-platforming neo-Nazis and dismantling Twitter's verification system.

The National Parks Service is a Successful Program that Proves Government Works Well

JoeWrote • 29 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government programs Public Services Government funding Government Efficiency
  1. The National Parks Service is a successful government program that shows government can work well.
  2. National Parks Service has a clear mission and funding that leads to exceeding expectations and building a better society.
  3. The NPS is effective, with high visitation rates, economic benefits, and professional services that showcase the value of government programs.

February 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 9 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Border Security Political Dynamics Government funding
  1. MAGA Republicans are struggling in negotiations to fund the government and pass the national security supplemental bill, with Biden trying to weaken them by highlighting their role in preventing new border security legislation.
  2. House Republicans backed off expecting a shutdown and instead passed a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding deadlines, showing divisions within the party.
  3. The struggle for control between Biden and Trump was evident in their contrasting views on immigration in Texas, with Trump blaming Biden for migrant-related issues while Biden emphasized the need for government action to address the situation.

When ‘can’t miss’ programs fail

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social programs Government funding Innovation Research Methods
  1. Experimentation and evaluation are crucial in discovering effective social solutions; funding should consider reinvestment in programs with null results for improvements.
  2. Interpreting null findings from programs is important; reasons for ineffectiveness could range from program inefficacy to delivery issues or changing environments.
  3. Being cautious in prioritizing 'evidence-based' programs is necessary; it may hinder innovation and obstruct the quest for better solutions.