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What if the USA is about to Become an Ally of Putin?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 113 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Political parties Legislation
  1. Donald Trump has appointed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the next Director of National Intelligence. This move raises questions about how the US might shift its foreign policy.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has a mixed history with war; she opposes some conflicts while supporting others. Her stance seems to protect certain dictators like Bashar Assad, which has drawn criticism.
  3. Gabbard's alignment with controversial figures could suggest a potential change in US alliances, making the idea of becoming an ally of Putin more plausible. Overall, this situation could reshape global politics significantly.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 13.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Government Political Figures Legislation
  1. The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, is open to working with the leftist party Rødt if they gain a majority in the upcoming elections. He believes in maintaining good communication and cooperation with them on important issues.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has been appointed as the head of US intelligence agencies, overseeing significant resources and responsibilities. Her new role is expected to be closely watched due to her controversial political history.
  3. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This signals a possible shift in diplomatic efforts but does not guarantee that the conflict will end soon.

Rwanda bill passed by MPs

A Lawyer Writes • 530 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Legislation International Law Government Immigration
  1. A bill concerning the safety of Rwanda was passed in the UK by MPs, despite concerns about international law
  2. There were debates about human rights and Strasbourg court injunctions during the bill's passage
  3. The bill includes a provision allowing a UK minister to potentially break international law, creating a complex situation for civil servants

Biden Should Follow UK Government Lead And Ban Puberty Blockers

Michael Shellenberger • 1370 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender identity Puberty Blockers Legislation
  1. The UK's National Health Service stopped prescribing puberty blockers to children, leading the way in reevaluating medical treatments for gender dysphoria
  2. There is a lack of long-term evidence for the safety and effectiveness of puberty blockers in children, as per the independent review commissioned by NHS England
  3. Advocates are calling for the US, including President Biden, to ban puberty blockers for children and follow the UK's lead
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Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Research Legislation Therapy
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Political Movements Legislation
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political strategy Public Policy Government oversight
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Public Opinion Legislation Political Views
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

MPs to assess Holocaust memorial bill

A Lawyer Writes • 511 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Government Memorial Legislation General election
  1. Committee of MPs to assess government plans for Holocaust memorial and learning center in public park near Palace of Westminster
  2. Objectors to the plans include campaigners seeking to maintain the park in its current state and members of the Jewish community concerned about the chosen location
  3. The committee can't consider objections to the principle of the bill, but other concerns may still be raised

January 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Party Politics Judiciary
  1. North Carolina's recent elections show a divide: while Trump won the presidency, Democrats gained important state offices. This has led to ongoing political struggles.
  2. Republican lawmakers are accused of changing laws to limit the new Democratic governor's power, which raises concerns about fairness and democracy in the state.
  3. Gerrymandering has long affected North Carolina's representation, with maps being drawn to favor one party, making it tough for the majority's voice to be heard.

January 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 15 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Biden has taken steps to boost cybersecurity, requiring software companies to meet certain security standards before the government buys their products.
  2. The Equal Rights Amendment is being pushed for certification after more states ratified it, although there are ongoing legal challenges regarding its status.
  3. Biden also shortened sentences for many people imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses, addressing a past law that unfairly treated people based on race.

Misogyny in the Heartland

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 577 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Women's Rights
  1. Pregnant women in Missouri face unique legal restrictions, like being unable to finalize a divorce while pregnant, highlighting challenges faced in the state.
  2. Missouri lawmakers have proposed stringent legislation that further limits women's reproductive rights and autonomy, sparking controversy and showcasing ongoing struggles for gender equality.
  3. The existing laws in Missouri, such as complete abortion bans and restrictive divorce regulations for pregnant women, reflect a larger issue of control over women's bodies and reproductive choices in the state.

How the European Union passed a brave new law to protect our planet's forests, only to realise that it is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare that nobody wants

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 158 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Legislation Bureaucracy Sustainability Trade Relations
  1. The EU passed a new law to protect forests, but many people now think it's too complicated and doesn't really help anyone.
  2. The law could hurt trade relationships, especially with countries in South America, affecting a lot of local economies.
  3. Even the lawmakers who supported this regulation are now realizing it may be unworkable and possibly damaging to their own industries.

Democrats Want to Tax Unrealized Gains, Badly

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Taxation Government oversight Ideology
  1. Democrats are pushing to tax unrealized capital gains, which has sparked debate and concern about overreach in government interference in private business.
  2. There is dissatisfaction with both Republican and Democratic parties for their roles in supporting legislation that may infringe on individual business privacy and rights.
  3. The issue of government overreach and control extends beyond tax policies, as political motivations and power dynamics play a significant role in the push for increased transparency in private ownership.

Twelve Million Deportations

Thinking about... • 366 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Legislation Law enforcement Political strategy
  1. A plan to deport twelve million undocumented people would drastically change American society, leading to increased violence and a culture where people might betray their neighbors.
  2. This mass deportation would break up many families, impacting about twenty million people, and lead to children losing their parents.
  3. The attempt to deport so many people could create widespread fear and change the role of law enforcement, making it less about safety and more about targeting specific groups.

Edging Armageddon

The Dollar Endgame • 758 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics Finance Debt Legislation
  1. The debt ceiling is a legal cap on how much money the US government can borrow to pay for its expenses. It's a self-imposed limit to control borrowing.
  2. A US debt default would have severe global consequences like loss of confidence in US financial stability, spike in interest rates, and turmoil in financial markets.
  3. The recent debt limit deal promises two years of complete debt limit suspension until 2025, new spending caps, and potential removal of budgetary limits on government spending post-2025.

Akin To Fraud.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Some American states oppose ESG investing in public pension funds.
  2. New Hampshire introduced a bill to make ESG investing a felony.
  3. New Hampshire Retirement System faces financial challenges due to historical funding issues, not ESG investments.

Retirees in Cortland County, New York, opposed UnitedHealth's Medicare grab and won. At least, for now.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Patient Advocacy
  1. Retirees in Cortland County successfully resisted being moved to a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealth. This shows that organized opposition can make a difference.
  2. Healthcare insurers often hide important information about coverage and approval processes, making it hard for patients to understand what they are entitled to. This lack of transparency can lead to patients missing out on necessary care.
  3. There is growing pressure for legislative changes to protect retirees' choices between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. This means that there might be more options for seniors in the future.

January 13, 2025

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Legislation Elections Political parties Media
  1. The incoming Trump administration is trying to fill key roles in national security with people who are loyal to him. This raises concerns about national security because experts are being replaced by those who may not have the necessary experience.
  2. Republicans are working on a big budget deal that includes cuts to social programs while trying to raise the national debt limit. This could be complicated because they still need support from members who don't want to increase the debt.
  3. A new media outlet called 'The Contrarian' has been created by journalists who want to provide honest news and analysis opposed to the current political climate. They aim to defend democracy and criticize the influence of wealthy owners on traditional media.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 412 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Legislation
  1. There were four separate mass shootings in the United States this past week, resulting in five deaths and 12 injuries.
  2. Roger Stone reportedly made threatening comments towards Democratic Members of Congress before the 2020 Presidential Election.
  3. The IRS collected over $500 million in back taxes from 900 millionaires as part of the Inflation Reduction Act initiative.

Election Countdown, 271 Days to Go: ‘Can't Anybody Here Play This Game?’

Breaking the News • 743 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dysfunction Courts Legislation Impeachment
  1. The Trump-era Republicans are facing a decline in basic operating competency.
  2. In court, there was a contrast between intelligent defense of Trump and clownish claims of absolute immunity.
  3. GOP's actions indicate a lack of care for democracy's principles and a focus on tribalism, causing political disagreements to be harder to resolve.

January 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Economy Justice
  1. Under Biden, the U.S. economy created 16.6 million jobs and had the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. It shows the economy bounced back better than expected after the pandemic.
  2. Trump continues to spread false claims about Democrats and various issues, and his supporters rally around these narratives. This makes it hard for them to accept reality.
  3. Biden's administration is actively looking out for immigrants and combating climate change, while Trump proposes controversial actions that many Americans may not support.

Open Thread, and also: The Dumbest Knife Law of All Time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 126 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Security Immigration Governance Public Safety
  1. Germany is trying to pass a new knife law, which may not actually make anyone safer. It includes strict rules but has lots of exceptions that make it confusing.
  2. The proposed law suggests no knives at public events, but then lists many situations where knives are still allowed. This makes it seem like there's no real restriction at all!
  3. Although the government is making changes, it might still not stop the real issues, like violence. It's more about giving the appearance of action rather than truly improving safety.

🚨 The House of Lords could liberate the Postcode Address File if they back this amendment 🚨

Odds and Ends of History • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Government Innovation Policy Legislation
  1. The Postcode Address File (PAF) is a critical database of postal addresses in the UK, owned by Royal Mail and requires expensive licensing fees for access.
  2. An amendment proposed in the House of Lords aims to make UK address data freely available for public use, potentially liberating the PAF.
  3. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to House of Lords members to support the amendment, as it moves through the legislative process towards potential implementation.

Issue #1: Changing Greece

The Greek Analyst • 679 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Development Legislation Investments Innovation
  1. Greece is seeing positive changes such as opening voting to its diaspora, a booming stock market, and substantial investments in startups and businesses.
  2. The maritime tech sector in Greece is experiencing growth, with acquisitions, expansions, and new investments indicating a promising future for the industry.
  3. The circular economy is becoming popular in Greece, with the launch of impact funds, international conferences, and government strategies focusing on sustainability.

A Rebuttal to a School Choice Legislator

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 517 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Policy Funding Legislation School choice
  1. School choice arguments often promote a free-market approach to education, but they may not be suitable for all communities.
  2. Rural towns might not have the necessary market conditions for school competition or choice to be effective.
  3. Public school funding issues, particularly in rural areas, are a significant concern and can be exacerbated by privatization schemes.

Endangered Promises

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Legislation Biodiversity Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. The Endangered Species Act has had successes in saving various species from extinction over the years.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the Endangered Species Act, largely driven by political and industry interests.
  3. Challenges facing the ESA include legislative and judicial attacks, as well as the broader threat of climate change and biodiversity loss.

NZ's Human Rights Commission is going to undergo some changes "in terms of the personnel".

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Government Legislation Political parties Activism
  1. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission is changing its leadership. The current Commissioner, Paul Hunt, will not be reappointed, which some see as a step towards improvement.
  2. There is criticism about the Commission being too focused on activism, which some feel should not be funded by taxpayers. People are hoping for a more balanced approach in the future.
  3. Recent appointments within the Commission raise questions about their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some believe these changes might lead to confusion rather than clarity in human rights issues.

January 8, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Legislation Government Response Elections Climate Policy
  1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant devastation, killing people and forcing many to evacuate. High winds and dry conditions are contributing to the fire’s rapid spread.
  2. President Biden is actively supporting California's firefighting efforts with federal resources, including the deployment of helicopters and funds for recovery. In contrast, Trump has been critical of the state leadership during the crisis, blaming them for the fires.
  3. Biden's administration has made strides in addressing medical debt, while Trump is focusing on controversial policies and making accusations against Biden. There's a clear difference in their approaches to pressing issues affecting Americans.

Debt Ceiling Threats Gets Ugly

cryptoeconomy • 609 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt Ceiling Government spending Legislation Economic Impact
  1. Debt ceiling is approaching, and the government is trying to scare voters with extreme consequences like starving schoolchildren and financial market defaults.
  2. Negotiations involve significant spending cuts, particularly from rolling back spending to last year's level and applying a 1% annual cap for the next 10 years.
  3. If government spending reduces by roughly 50%, it could lead to a surplus to pay down debt, suggesting a need to cut unconstitutional and unnecessary programs.