The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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

TLP Week in Review, 1/28-2/3

The Liberal Patriot • 471 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Social Issues International relations Elections Government
  1. The Atlantic discusses the negative mindset affecting trust in people. Let's focus on positivity and belonging.
  2. Foreign Affairs compares current conflicts to pre-WWII signs. Awareness is crucial to prevent a global war.
  3. Freedom House reports on autocratic regimes using tactics on US campuses. This undermines academic freedom.

O abraço da sucuri

O Observador de Corcyra • 923 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Government Policy Corruption Elections Populism
  1. Recent decrees in Brazil are potentially reversing progress in public policies, particularly in the sanitation sector.
  2. The current government's actions reflect a historical trend of state appropriation by bureaucratic elites, impacting social and economic outcomes.
  3. Policy changes, like those affecting sanitation, may serve political interests at the expense of societal progress and taxpayer welfare.

Donald Trump Wants Another Nakba

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has shown support for aggressive actions against Palestinians in Gaza. He believes Israel should have the freedom to remove Palestinians from the area.
  2. Recent talks indicated that Israel made significant concessions to Hamas in a ceasefire. This shows a shift in dynamics that might affect the ongoing conflict.
  3. The conversation highlights the moral implications of U.S. foreign policy and how it shapes conflicts in the Middle East. It raises questions about ethics in international relations.

The Paradox of Progress: Trying to Predict Impact Often Prevents the Highest Impact

The Good Science Project • 55 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🔬 Science Innovation Research Funding Technology Policy
  1. Predicting the impact of scientific research often stifles creativity and innovation. Instead of following strict guidelines, we should be open to unexpected paths that can lead to breakthroughs.
  2. Today's funding systems are overly cautious and focus on safe, predictable outcomes. This conservatism can prevent transformative ideas from getting the support they need.
  3. To encourage real progress, we need to embrace uncertainty and risk. Funding should support talented researchers and bold ideas, even when the results are uncertain.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, John B. Taylor, & Kevin Warsh Are Not Professional Analysts, But Rather Republican Courtiers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Policy Analysis Political Influence
  1. Kevin Warsh's role in politics shows how personal identity can outweigh professional expertise. He is seen more as a supporter of party lines rather than a strictly analytical voice.
  2. Several economists, like Cogan and Hubbard, are criticized for aligning their views with political agendas instead of relying on data. This raises questions about their credibility in economic discussions.
  3. The long-term decline in U.S. productivity is significant, and some economists downplay this reality. Ignoring the actual data trends can harm their reputations as credible professionals.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-11-10 Su

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Economics Political parties
  1. NVIDIA's profits are not typical. They benefit from a unique position in the market, unlike many other companies whose profits are more stable and predictable.
  2. The concept of 'safe assets' is important in understanding economic stability. They can rise in value during tough times and provide liquidity, which gives certain countries, like the U.S., a special financial edge.
  3. The current state of AI technology is useful but limited. It can handle repetitive tasks well, but it still can't solve new problems that it hasn't been trained on.

🧪⚛🧬 Broken promises: CHIPS Act funding for science research falls short

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Research Economics Policy AI Health
  1. Despite promises made in the CHIPS and Science Act, Congress significantly underfunded key agencies and programs for scientific research, hindering progress in fields like artificial intelligence.
  2. Investment in basic scientific research, often a public good with long-term benefits beyond immediate financial gains, is essential for innovation and societal advancement.
  3. Government-funded R&D has historically played a crucial role in business sector productivity growth, supporting the argument for increased federal spending on research and development.

Chartbook 237: Whither China? (4): Zero-Covid myths, dynamic clearing & the Omicron crisis of 2022

Chartbook • 1702 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics China COVID-19 Policy Economy Mortality
  1. The zero-Covid policy in China was not always about sustained repression, but involved dynamic clearing to contain outbreaks.
  2. The economic impact of China's Covid policy was influenced more by global demand and housing market than by the lockdowns.
  3. The sudden abandonment of zero-Covid in China in 2022 resulted in a significant projected death toll, showcasing the complexity and consequences of the regime's decisions.

Elon versus the USG

Gray Mirror • 146 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political theory Administration
  1. Elon Musk may be more valuable on Earth than in space. Some believe his ideas could improve how the US government works instead of focusing on Mars.
  2. The US government is more bureaucratic than it seems. Many people think the President is in charge, but Congress actually has more control over decisions and spending.
  3. Restoring the Constitution and fixing the government may not be possible. The systems in place now are so different that some question if the Constitution is even relevant today.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Failure Venture Capital Policy
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

What They Meant by Essential and Nonessential

COVID Reason • 1863 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Social Issues Civil Rights Democracy
  1. The distinction between essential and nonessential work was decided by a previously unknown agency called CISA.
  2. The terms essential and nonessential reshaped the commercial world in unprecedented ways.
  3. The categorization of essential and nonessential roles reveals a societal divide between those considered indispensable and those perceived as dispensable.

The Case for a "National Clarification Initiative" to Reduce Needless Bureaucracy

The Good Science Project • 100 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Policy Law Administration
  1. A National Clarification Initiative could help clear up misunderstandings about laws that make government work less effective. Many agencies operate under incorrect beliefs about what the law actually requires.
  2. Simplifying and clarifying legal requirements could free up resources and improve innovation in federal programs. There's a lot of unnecessary bureaucracy that slows things down.
  3. Getting feedback directly from agency employees about what's confusing or restrictive can help highlight problems. This initiative would proactively seek these insights to make government processes better.

Weekend Update #101: Biden throws in the Towel

Phillips’s Newsletter • 172 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership International relations
  1. Biden has made a significant decision that may indicate a change in direction for his administration. It's important to keep an eye on how this will affect his leadership and policies going forward.
  2. There is a focus on the importance of support for Harris, emphasising her role in future plans. Her success seems crucial for the party's strategy.
  3. Stoltenberg acknowledged a mistake regarding Ukraine's strategy, hinting at a need for reassessment. This shows that there are ongoing challenges that require careful handling.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Policy Leadership History
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

The Borjas-Caplan Immigration Debate

Bet On It • 75 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Debate Policy Public Opinion Ideology
  1. The debate highlights different views on immigration research. Borjas focuses on the flaws in the research rather than saying immigration is outright bad.
  2. Borjas believes that gut feelings about immigration policies are valid, even if they lead to stricter immigration rules.
  3. The author argues that Borjas has a misguided understanding of ideology, launching a critique against relying solely on instinct over informed decisions.

Exchange Balances Finally Affected by Bitcoin ETF Inflows

Bitcoin Magazine Pro • 412 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Economy Investing Policy Market Analysis
  1. Bitcoin ETF inflows have been strong in January, reaching $1.3 billion in net inflows.
  2. Price reactions to ETF inflows have not been strong yet, but are expected to come.
  3. The recent FOMC decision had no change in policy, causing initial stock sell-offs, but stocks rebounded, and the macro thesis suggests potential recession signals.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 11.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Policy International relations Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk has suggested shutting down U.S.-funded media like Radio Free Europe, arguing they are ineffective and filled with 'radical left-wing' activists. This has sparked a debate on the role of state-funded media.
  2. USAID is often viewed as a humanitarian organization, but some claim it operates like a regime change apparatus that influences media for political purposes, particularly in Eastern Europe.
  3. Experts are warning against the Norwegian government's heavy investment in unproven energy projects and emphasize the need to reassess the economic viability of these initiatives to avoid wasting taxpayer money.

Everyday Freedom

News Items • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership Institutions
  1. Trump's popularity stems from his rejection of the establishment and tapping into American resentment towards broken systems.
  2. Americans are seeking a new public operating philosophy that prioritizes trust and accountability in government.
  3. The need for rebuilding government on a foundation of human responsibility and simplicity to restore everyday freedom for Americans.

About that whole "gender-affirming care" for kids thing...

Tilting At Windmills • 393 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Public Opinion Policy Media Parental Rights
  1. Many children who explore different genders tend to outgrow it, so caution is advised before irreversible actions.
  2. A majority of voters support laws protecting children from transgender procedures, showing bipartisan concern.
  3. Public opinion against pushing gender-affirming care for kids is growing, even among Democrats.

Hello!

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Climate Tech Africa Policy
  1. Kibao means 'a lot' in Swahili and also refers to a notice board. The author writes about various topics like energy, climate, tech, and Africa.
  2. The author offers a unique perspective as an African, scientist, policy wonk, feminist, and former stand-up comedian, bringing fresh insights to a range of subjects.
  3. The author welcomes feedback and comments from readers, aiming to engage in discussions and learn from others.

Doofuses That Write About Economics

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Immigration Government Policy Partisanship
  1. The author criticizes mainstream media for lacking understanding in economic analysis, particularly in their coverage of immigration and its impact.
  2. The author argues against the notion that illegal immigrants bring economic benefits, highlighting the importance of considering opportunity costs and the true impact on wages.
  3. The author suggests a solution to the issue of illegal immigration by advocating for securing borders and deporting all illegal immigrants, emphasizing the potential cost savings in comparison to housing them.

MAGA, Brain Drain, Not Practicing Law, My First Book, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Ideology Education Identity
  1. The author discusses various topics in response to reader questions, such as why he didn't practice law after obtaining a J.D. from a top school and the value of his law school education.
  2. There's an interesting perspective shared on MAGA and the concept of 'Bullying Grandma,' highlighting the author's view on the emotional dynamics within the movement.
  3. The author shares insights on the likelihood of new educational institutions like University of Austin Texas and the Peterson Academy successfully challenging traditional educational systems.

"The Time for Empty Talk is Over

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political Campaigns Government Activism
  1. Change is needed in leadership. People want action from politicians instead of just talk.
  2. There's a strong feeling of national pride and unity. Everyone, no matter their background, is fighting for the same American dream.
  3. Challenges ahead should be faced with determination. The American spirit is strong, and there's confidence that the country can overcome any obstacle.

Who is a scientist?

Science Forever • 338 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Diversity Philosophy Collaboration Policy Education
  1. Recognizing and valuing collaboration between Western and indigenous scientists is essential in making groundbreaking discoveries.
  2. The definition of a scientist can vary from narrow to broad, but ultimately, anyone contributing to the scientific enterprise is considered a scientist.
  3. Being a scientist is not limited to just lab work; it encompasses various roles like science policy, communication, illustration, and education.

Ignore that bomb, someone lit a fire-cracker!

The Crucial Years • 1295 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Weather Policy Natural Disasters
  1. False information spreads quickly, like rumors about electric vehicle fires, aided by social media and anti-environmental amplifiers.
  2. Compared to fossil fuel vehicles, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch on fire.
  3. It's important to consider the larger picture and relative impacts when evaluating new technologies or risks, like the benefits of windmills in reducing fossil fuel use.

Debt ceiling hypocrisy: US boosts military budget while restricting food stamps for poor

Geopolitical Economy Report • 757 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economy National Debt Military
  1. The US government prioritizes boosting the military budget over providing assistance to those in need, like restricting access to food stamps for the poor.
  2. US politicians across parties show little concern for the national debt, as evident from the bipartisan agreement to increase the military budget significantly.
  3. The US economic dominance, particularly with the dollar as the global reserve currency, affords it privileges that other nations, especially in the Global South, do not have, allowing the US to handle debt and deficits uniquely.

Changing Covid-19 isolation?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1250 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Policy Guidelines Public Health Isolation CDC
  1. Contagiousness of Covid-19 remains the same, spreading for 5-12 days.
  2. Health policy decisions involve balancing protection, actionability, and feasibility for diverse populations.
  3. CDC's consideration of new Covid-19 isolation guidelines raises questions about following guidelines, impact on community transmission, and stakeholder views.

Sorry, This Is Not Going Away

COVID Reason • 1467 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Pandemic response Government Trust Civil Liberties
  1. Various consequences from the pandemic response are still present such as educational setbacks, economic issues, and distrust in government.
  2. A group of individuals criticized the US policy response to the pandemic and suggested different strategies for the future.
  3. The book by the Covid Crisis Group attempts to address the pandemic aftermath but faces skepticism and criticism for its content and approach.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Economics Policy Criticism
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

What Healthy Boards Look Like

DruGroup • 159 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Governance Management Strategy Decision-making Policy
  1. Healthy boards focus on governance, avoiding micromanagement. They concentrate on big-picture decisions rather than getting caught up in daily operations.
  2. Good boards prioritize setting strategic direction over just directing actions. They work on long-term goals instead of getting bogged down in immediate tasks.
  3. Instead of panicking during crises, successful boards take time to think things through. They focus on understanding the situation for lasting solutions rather than quick fixes.

💥💥 Two takes on America’s emerging (maybe) productivity boom

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economics AI Policy Clean Energy
  1. There are signs of a significant economic transformation with productivity growth outpacing historical averages.
  2. The American economy may be experiencing a new productivity boom, setting it apart from other advanced economies.
  3. The recent productivity upshift is likely a response to a tight hiring environment, prompting firms to boost efficiency and automation.