The hottest Policy Debate Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

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.

The Fight

The Ruffian • 116 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Public Opinion Policy Debate Election Campaigns
  1. Moral outrage is sometimes necessary and ignoring it can feel wrong. It's not always smart to be overly sophisticated about serious issues.
  2. There are often simple truths that are hard to accept, but dismissing them as just tough love is misguided.
  3. It’s important to engage genuinely with significant events rather than adopt a cynical or indifferent approach. Authenticity matters in discussions about serious topics.

WPATH, part I: "The dignity of risk and the right to regret"

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1884 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Patient rights Gender Issues Public Health Policy Debate
  1. Teenagers have the right to make decisions, even if they might regret them later. This is part of growing up and learning about themselves.
  2. Medical decisions, especially about serious treatments like hormone therapy, require careful consideration. They aren't just like normal teenage risks of dating or making silly choices.
  3. Clinicians must take responsibility for their actions and the potential harm they can cause. It's important to really think about the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions for young people.

Indian immigration is great for America

Noahpinion • 28529 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Technology Employment Policy Debate Cultural Identity
  1. Indian immigration has a positive impact on the U.S., especially in the tech sector, where many skilled workers come from India. These workers help boost innovation and drive economic growth.
  2. H-1B visa holders, mostly from India, do not harm American workers and can actually lead to more job creation. Studies show that hiring these skilled workers can benefit native-born tech employees as well.
  3. There's increasing backlash against Indian immigrants from some right-wing groups, which reflects broader issues of cultural identity in America. It's important to recognize that diversity enriches the nation rather than divides it.

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 2

COVID Reason • 793 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Societal Impact Public Perception
  1. Masks became a way for people to show off their moral values, as if wearing one makes them better than others. It's interesting how people judge each other based on this simple piece of fabric.
  2. There’s a lot of confusion about how effective masks really are, with people switching their opinions constantly. This confusion helps keep people divided and distracted.
  3. Wearing masks has turned into a sign of tribal loyalty, where people identify if someone is 'with them' or 'against them.' This shows how easily they fall back on basic group instincts.
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Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Debate Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Jay Bhattacharya was a respected Stanford professor until the pandemic changed everything. He proposed focusing on protecting vulnerable people instead of broad lockdowns.
  2. With support from other scientists, he created the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for 'focused protection' during Covid-19. This approach aimed to keep society more open while safeguarding those at risk.
  3. Despite facing harsh criticism and attacks on his character for his views, Bhattacharya's ideas are gaining more attention, especially as he may soon lead the NIH.

Alberta Clipper

Doomberg • 6739 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Energy Politics Federalism
  1. Canada has huge oil resources known as the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, which can supply energy for over a century.
  2. There is ongoing conflict between Alberta's provincial government and the federal government over climate policies and emissions caps that could hurt Alberta's oil industry.
  3. The battle between local and federal powers in Canada is heating up, especially with approaching elections bringing more attention to these energy issues.

We are going to get pro-DEI backlash

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 170 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Social Issues Diversity Initiatives Education reform
  1. DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, has faced criticism for not being fully inclusive of all viewpoints. It's seen as favoring certain groups over others, creating a backlash.
  2. Many people feel overwhelmed by mandatory DEI training that can feel shaming or pointless. There's a desire for more meaningful conversations about inclusivity that actually lead to change.
  3. There's concern that, after a political pushback against DEI, it could come back even stronger. The future might bring more strongly enforced DEI measures in workplaces and schools.

A Bad Idea

Points And Figures • 906 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Opinions Policy Debate Automation Labor Issues
  1. Automation is important for ports and can help improve efficiency. Using robots and AI is a smart move to reduce costs and better serve customers.
  2. Unions often resist changes that automation brings, even if it can create more efficient jobs. It’s important to understand and support workers during these changes.
  3. Regulations in ports can slow things down, so building new, less regulated, automated ports is a good idea for future improvements.

Britain should ban TikTok

Odds and Ends of History • 1675 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate National Security Social media Government Regulation Public Opinion
  1. There is currently a discussion about banning TikTok in Britain and the U.S. due to national security concerns. Some people believe the app poses threats, but there is no ban in the UK for now.
  2. Not all arguments for banning TikTok are valid or helpful. Many points made in the debate seem irrelevant and distract from the main concerns.
  3. The debate on TikTok is about more than just fun videos. Some argue that even harmless content could have implications for national security.

NIH study sections are broken

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 106 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Research Funding Public Health Scientific Integrity Policy Debate Health Disparities
  1. NIH study sections often fund unambitious science instead of groundbreaking research. This is a problem because many mediocre scientists are in charge, which doesn't help advance science.
  2. There's a heavy focus on diversity and inclusion in NIH grants, but much of it just repeats what we already know. Instead, we need better treatments for everyone, regardless of race or status.
  3. The review process for grants can discourage scientists from speaking out on important issues. This silence can lead to a lack of innovative ideas and solutions in research.

Do We Need Sports Betting to Get to Mars? Maybe

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2340 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Government Regulation Personal freedom Economic Impact Cultural values
  1. Sports betting is a hot topic right now, with some saying it harms society. But people should have the freedom to spend their money how they want, as long as they understand the risks.
  2. Banning things just because they might be bad can lead to more restrictions on our freedoms. If we start with sports betting, what's next? Watching sports?
  3. Allowing sports betting could actually help us learn more about other areas, like political betting. It's important to protect individual choices even if some people make poor decisions.

A San Francisco professor is glad to get Covid and wrote about it

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 181 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Disease Management Policy Debate Healthcare Ethics
  1. The professor felt grateful to get Covid, believing it confirmed that avoiding the virus for so long didn't guarantee safety. She took many precautions, but still got infected, showing that complete avoidance is nearly impossible.
  2. The article suggests that the number of vaccine doses given now may not be effective, especially since the virus has changed. The biggest protection was seen with the first dose, and there isn't much evidence for needing many more.
  3. Masking practices by some families seem to be more about social pressure than actual effectiveness. There's little evidence that selectively wearing masks helps prevent respiratory viruses in casual settings.

😨 How the Crisis Decade set the stage for an Up Wing 21st Century

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Economic Growth Technological progress Historical Analysis Future outlook
  1. The 2010s were tough due to a financial crisis and slow recovery, but they set the stage for future progress. People were worried about jobs and the economy, but good changes were coming.
  2. Despite the problems of the Crisis Decade, new technologies and ideas are emerging that can improve our future, like advancements in AI and space exploration. These are exciting challenges for policymakers to tackle.
  3. Many people felt hopeless during the 2010s, but this period showed that sometimes, after tough times, we can find a path to growth and opportunity. It's important to remember that there can be light after darkness.

'Experts' Running The COVID Playbook Again As Mask Mandates Return

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Pandemic response
  1. Some COVID-19 policies were based on arrogance and made without admitting they failed. It's worrying when experts ignore their mistakes and push for restrictions continuously.
  2. The pandemic showed how dangerous it is when authority figures act with big egos and lack accountability. This issue hasn't disappeared even years later.
  3. Despite all the evidence against them, some people still believe in the effectiveness of masks. Many experts have criticized masks, saying they haven't worked as promised.

Ex-Corrections NZ prison officer, Josie, shares her experience of dealing with trans-identifying-males (men) in women’s prisons.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Prison Reform Trans rights Policy Debate Workplace Safety
  1. A former prison officer discussed the challenges of working with trans-identifying males in women's prisons. She highlighted the lack of proper training for staff on how to handle such situations.
  2. She mentioned how the system seems to prioritize the needs of trans-identifying males without considering the feelings and safety of the female inmates and staff. This led to uncomfortable situations for female officers.
  3. The officer expressed her personal struggles and discomfort resulting from having to conduct strip searches on these individuals, illustrating the broader impact this type of policy can have on female staff in corrections.

More New Information Says COVID Came From Gain Of Function Research In Wuhan Lab

Unmasked • 52 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Pandemic response Research Ethics Government Accountability
  1. Gain of function research in Wuhan might have played a role in the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of research involves modifying viruses to understand their effects.
  2. Anthony Fauci was involved in supporting this risky research, which has led to questions about accountability. His actions have been under scrutiny regarding the origins of COVID-19.
  3. Recent reports suggest that important findings about COVID's origins were not shared with top officials in the U.S. government. This lack of communication raises concerns about transparency and decision-making.

COVID-Era 'Experts' Are Once Again Having A Meltdown

Unmasked • 125 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Trust Issues Covid response
  1. Many experts during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to remain unbiased and instead became political advocates. This led to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. The phrase 'follow the science' was often used to dismiss individual opinions, which made it hard for some people to voice their concerns or disagreements.
  3. Despite low trust ratings in health agencies and experts, there does not seem to be a push for humility or respect from them towards the public.

Race to the Cluster Bottom

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Gender Rights Social movements Public Health
  1. Chris Rufo highlights the rise of extreme behaviors and attitudes in society, like narcissism and hysteria. These traits are becoming more common and accepted.
  2. A school district in Vermont is implementing policies that allow boys to access girls' bathrooms and sports, aiming for inclusivity through gender affirmation.
  3. There is a resurgence of pandemic-like behaviors and attitudes, which some refer to as 'Covidianism'. Discussions around this topic are becoming more intense and critical.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Protests Social movements Policy Debate Activism
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.

New Zealand’s shamefully high use of puberty blockers for kids gets exposed.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Mental health Child Health Policy Debate
  1. New Zealand has a very high rate of puberty blocker use in kids, much higher than in England, and this raises concerns.
  2. Many young people who use puberty blockers end up regretting it, but there isn't enough proper mental health support to help them before transitioning.
  3. Parents feel worried and confused because they want to support their kids but often get mixed messages about the safety of puberty blockers.

Be TERRIFIED RIGHT NOW DAMN YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1358 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Commentary Media influence Public Perception Policy Debate
  1. Some people want you to feel scared like they do, or else they might react negatively towards you. It's more about their emotions than actual danger.
  2. Genuinely scared people usually seek relief from their fears, while 'scared' people may be using their fear to manipulate others.
  3. Recent fears, like about gas stoves, often come from media hype rather than real, observed problems, suggesting we're becoming overly reliant on studies to form our opinions.

How Effective Are Vaccines Targeted To Respiratory Viruses?

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Policy Debate Media influence Epidemiology
  1. The media and some leaders push a strong message that everyone should get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. This view has become widely accepted, even if it might not be entirely based on evidence.
  2. Many claims about the consequences of not getting vaccinated, like severe illness and death, turned out to be exaggerated. This raises questions about the truth behind the common vaccination messaging.
  3. There is a growing concern that the push for universal vaccination against all respiratory viruses may be an overreach, not fully supported by scientific evidence about their effectiveness.

Episode 120: No Bridge Too Far

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political Commentary Legislation Social Issues Healthcare
  1. A Texas Democrat courageously switched sides to support a ban on certain medical treatments for children, showing strong conviction on this issue.
  2. In 2023, it seems tough to maintain a morally respectable stance as a progressive liberal Democrat, suggesting a significant shift in political dynamics.
  3. An Australian malpractice insurer is refusing to cover doctors who provide gender transition treatments for minors, highlighting ongoing concerns about such practices.

What medicos really think about masks

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Mask Mandates Vaccination
  1. Many people agree that masks might not be effective, but they're too afraid to speak out. They often feel pressure from others to go along with the masking rules.
  2. Some staff at medical offices may have private doubts about masks, but they tend to keep those opinions to themselves.
  3. People often want to fit in or avoid conflict, even if they have their own reservations about masking requirements.

Weekly Round-up: Another Interesting Transition Week

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Free speech Legal issues Elections Government actions
  1. Doctors in Washington State are facing investigations for speaking out against COVID-19 policies. They argue that their free speech rights should be protected, even if they have medical licenses.
  2. China has imposed new export restrictions that specifically target the United States, impacting critical technologies and resources. This action is part of an escalating trade war between the two countries.
  3. After recent events, the declining birth rates in countries like Singapore are highlighted as a serious concern. Experts warn that if trends continue, it could negatively affect the future of society.

My argument that the COVID vaccines had NO benefit

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Policy Debate
  1. COVID vaccines did not lower the spread of the virus, and instead, some data suggests they might have increased it. This means that instead of helping to control the outbreak, they may have made things worse.
  2. The vaccines were expected to reduce the risk of death from COVID, but evidence shows that they possibly increased the chance of fatal outcomes in vaccinated individuals, particularly in specific vulnerable populations.
  3. Many studies and data analyses have indicated a correlation between higher vaccination rates and increased COVID cases, challenging the notion that vaccines universally provide protective benefits.

The latest round in the $2M debate

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Policy Debate Data Analysis Risk Assessment
  1. The vaccines may have caused more COVID cases and deaths than they helped prevent. Data shows that vaccinated individuals had higher case rates during 2021 and 2022.
  2. Some studies suggest that vaccines may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, like myocarditis and all-cause mortality, especially with certain brands.
  3. There is ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding vaccine safety, with some polls indicating that a significant number of people believe vaccines have contributed to deaths similar to COVID itself.

NEJM paper (2022): COVID vax will prolong the length of time you can spread COVID + flu shot stats show they don't work either

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Infectious Disease Policy Debate Healthcare system
  1. COVID vaccines may not actually lower the chances of getting infected. They can, in fact, allow you to spread the virus for a longer time.
  2. The flu vaccine hasn’t shown to be very effective either, raising doubts about the COVID vaccine's reliability.
  3. Data suggests that vaccinations don’t really prevent severe illness or death for older people. So it's unclear why COVID vaccines would be different.

The inside story of the battle inside NIH regarding fluoride in drinking water

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Medical Ethics
  1. Fluoride in drinking water is a controversial issue, with conflicting views on whether it is helpful or harmful.
  2. There was significant debate within the NIH, with two groups arguing different sides of the fluoride issue.
  3. To address such disputes effectively, it might help to create a competing government body or agency that can challenge existing beliefs.

Brand comparison studies show that there are differences between the COVID vaccines. But if one is unsafe, so is the other one.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Medical Ethics Policy Debate Adverse Effects
  1. Studies show that the COVID vaccines are not the same, with some evidence suggesting Moderna could be more harmful than Pfizer. However, there are questions about the reliability of this data.
  2. If one vaccine is found to be unsafe and causes problems, it suggests that the other vaccine may also be harmful. Both brands might have serious side effects that need to be acknowledged.
  3. There's a significant lack of transparency in the research data about the vaccines, making it hard to get clear answers on their safety and effectiveness.

Against Education

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 21
🚌 Education Policy Debate Learning Theory
  1. Education mainly acts as a signal for employers to identify smart, hardworking individuals rather than actually teaching useful skills. This means that just having a degree doesn't guarantee better job performance.
  2. Caplan argues that education is a poor investment for society because it doesn't enhance productivity enough to justify its costs. He suggests that we might benefit from reducing education funding and directing efforts towards vocational training instead.
  3. While some ideas in Caplan's arguments are strong, there are valid concerns about the impact of reducing education opportunities, particularly for those who might excel in it. We should look at improving the education system instead of scrapping it altogether.

If you like it so much, you defend it

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Legislative Process Civil Rights Policy Debate
  1. It's okay for a president to not defend a law they think is unconstitutional. It doesn't mean they're ignoring it, just that they don't want to fight for it in court.
  2. Not enforcing a law is very different from not defending it legally. Not enforcing can lead to big problems, but not defending doesn't change how the law is followed.
  3. If the government believes a law is unconstitutional, it might be better for supporters of that law to find different lawyers to defend it, as the government might not do a good job of it.

Good, Bad, Ugly. Well, at least the latter two.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Civil Rights Judiciary Policy Debate
  1. A new bill may give the President more power to cut spending, which could weaken Congress's control over budgets. It could lead to the President influencing lawmakers more than ever, making it harder for them to secure funding for their projects.
  2. There was a discussion about whether U.S. citizens can be detained without trial. The debate showed that just because something is deemed constitutional doesn't mean it's the right or smart thing to do.
  3. Congress has the power to create or repeal laws on issues like detention. They shouldn't rely solely on court decisions to guide what policies they create, because the wisdom of those policies should be their responsibility.

A Critique of Bryan Caplan

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political theory Public Opinion Effective Altruism Social Issues
  1. It's important to focus on convincing people about policies rather than creating divisions. If the goal is to help the poor, we shouldn't insult those who disagree with us.
  2. Critiquing others can be done without undermining the main message. Avoiding unnecessary negative comments can help keep the conversation productive.
  3. Sharing ideas should be done in a way that allows for open discussion, especially with those who may disagree. This helps everyone consider different viewpoints.