The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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

November 11, 2024

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Parties Geopolitics Governance
  1. The Taliban celebrated Trump's election, seeing it as a chance to improve ties with the U.S. They hope he'll back their strict policies, like banning girls' education.
  2. There is confusion within the Republican Party after Trump’s win. Trump wants to control appointments and leadership roles, but traditional Republicans are pushing back against his demands.
  3. Despite Trump's victory, many voters supported Democratic policies, like abortion rights and minimum wage increases, showing a gap between Trump's agenda and what people actually want.

Guaranteed-income realism

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Advocacy Legislation Public Administration
  1. Developing policies like the Child Tax Credit can mirror elements of Milton Friedman's negative income tax, demonstrating the challenges of passing sweeping policies.
  2. Advocates propose refocusing on programs like the Child Tax Credit rather than a more universal approach, citing potential benefits and fewer political obstacles.
  3. Considering alternative approaches like total income phase-out (TIP) for welfare programs could offer new paths forward without requiring immediate program repeals.

Best Posts of 2024

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Society Climate Power
  1. The site experienced significant growth in 2024, showing a 250% increase, thanks to support from its followers.
  2. Issues like climate change and the influence of billionaires are critical and concerning topics that need attention in today's world.
  3. The idea of power and control is still relevant, influenced by both government actions and societal dynamics.

The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion buying back their own stocks in 2022 to enrich CEOs, shareholders

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medical Debt Policy Corporate ethics Healthcare access
  1. The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion on buying back their stocks in just one year, which mostly benefited wealthy shareholders and CEOs.
  2. Despite making over $69 billion in profits in 2022, many Americans are struggling with high medical debt due to high-deductible insurance plans.
  3. Instead of helping patients, the focus remains on increasing share prices, leading to calls for legislation that could tax stock buybacks and support patients with their medical expenses.

Last Week in AI #245: OpenAI Dev Day, Gen AI's impact on white-collar jobs, EU's AI Act negotiations stall, Humane's wearable AI assistant, and more!

Last Week in AI • 178 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Research Policy Analysis
  1. OpenAI introduced new features like GPT-4 Turbo and custom GPT bots without coding at their developer event.
  2. Generative AI like ChatGPT is impacting freelance jobs, but assisting consultants in productivity and quality.
  3. Negotiations for the EU's AI Act stalled over regulating foundation models, posing a risk to the entire law.
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Open Thread #29

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Policy International relations Government
  1. Vicki Nuland has submitted her resignation, a significant move due to her influential role in USA's Russia policy.
  2. Her resignation indicates a shift in USA's approach towards Ukraine and Russia, possibly signaling a move to assign Ukraine to Europe and focus on containing China.
  3. The resignation prompts discussions on the impact and reasons behind this shift in US foreign policy.

The Post-Capitalist Horizon

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Society Economy
  1. Many people are ignoring the worsening political and social issues around them, leading to a dangerous mindset that fuels support for extreme leaders. Some believe that tearing down the existing system is necessary because their lives are getting worse.
  2. Corporations and government are becoming too intertwined, moving towards a scary mix of authoritarian rule and extreme libertarianism. This can lead to oppression and a lack of basic freedoms for people.
  3. There is a urgent need to imagine alternatives beyond capitalism, as many feel trapped in the current system. It's important to explore new ideas for a better future together.

Never Underestimate the Power of Unfinished Business

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Law Bureaucracy Elections
  1. The Senior Executive Service (SES) plays a big role in how U.S. government agencies operate. These employees are appointed and have job security, making it hard for presidents to remove them.
  2. Political changes often affect the SES and its policies. For example, President Trump tried to create a new classification for federal jobs, but President Biden quickly repealed it.
  3. Recent court decisions are shifting the balance of power between federal agencies and the judicial system. This could make it harder for agencies like the SES to hold onto their power without clear support from the law.

Why Policy?

From the New World • 172 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Media Technology History
  1. The evolution of human behavior involves self-deception as an adaptive strategy, which influences decision-making.
  2. Understanding the impact of legislation on industries is crucial, as many tech companies may lack awareness of its effects.
  3. The defense of basic freedoms and the need for effective policy-making is essential to navigate changing social and technological landscapes.

The Economist on New Electricity Technologies

Knowledge Problem • 176 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Energy Digitalization Innovation Policy Renewables
  1. The Economist reports on new electricity technologies, like high voltage transmission and grid-forming inverters, vital for a cleaner energy future.
  2. Systemic changes in energy infrastructure take time and investment, but are crucial for achieving reliable and sustainable power.
  3. Digitization and renewable energy adoption are reshaping grids, calling for new investments and regulatory adjustments to maintain stability and affordability.

Epistemology and Synthetic Market Design: Examples from Ecosystem Services

Knowledge Problem • 176 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Market design Institutions Policy
  1. Some of the most illuminating work in market design has been in payment for ecosystem services (PES).
  2. Synthetic markets and deliberate institutional design are criticized for being epistemic and teleological.
  3. Testing is essential in synthetic market design to understand how people respond to incentives in different institutional frameworks.

Post-Election Emergency Discount: 20% Off An Annual Subscription to PROOF

Proof • 17 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Voting Political trends
  1. You can get a 20% discount on an annual subscription to Proof, a popular politics newsletter. This offer is available until November 30, 2024.
  2. Proof provides over 425 exclusive reports focused on political issues, with more content added every week.
  3. The author of Proof is experienced in journalism, law, and has written bestsellers about politics, making this newsletter a credible source of information.

November 7, 2024

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Immigration Economy
  1. Elon Musk is now closely associated with Trump and is likely to benefit from his presidency through business deals and deregulation.
  2. Trump's promises to cut government spending while also lowering consumer costs create a conflict that could hurt many of his supporters.
  3. Trump's plans for mass deportation may face significant challenges both logistically and politically, as many states are preparing to resist extreme policies.

Links to Consider, 2/16

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Justice Media
  1. Specialization and trade have changed how we interact with others over time, leading to less local solidarity but more wealth.
  2. Publication selection bias impacts different fields like economics and psychology, affecting the presence of certain effects.
  3. Being critical of documentaries and trusting experts with verified beliefs are important in forming opinions on controversial issues.

This is Hypertext

Hypertext • 139 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Political Economy Policy Public Discourse
  1. Hypertext journal is a new platform from the Niskanen Center focused on liberalism, political economy, and policy.
  2. They aim to engage in thoughtful dialogue through essays to bring people together and restore the original promise of hypertext.
  3. The Niskanen Center works to bridge the gap between traditional left and right ideas by injecting fresh perspectives into public discourse.

Biden's AI Vision: A New Era of Innovation and Ethics

Rod’s Blog • 79 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Ethics Innovation Leadership
  1. The executive order on AI by President Biden aims to promote trustworthy and ethical AI, increase access to AI resources, prepare the workforce for the AI era, and collaborate with international partners.
  2. The order includes actions like establishing an AI steering committee, developing AI risk management frameworks, launching an AI research dashboard, and enhancing education for AI skills.
  3. Critiques of the executive order suggest it lacks implementation details, clear definitions, and international engagement, and they emphasize the importance of balancing innovation and regulation in AI development.

What David Brooks Gets Wrong about the Time Tax

Can We Still Govern? • 196 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Conservatism Administration Bureaucracy
  1. David Brooks addresses administrative burdens, but overlooks contributions from private companies and conservative politicians as well.
  2. Bureaucracies tend to create administrative burdens, which accumulate over time and may not align with the organization's mission.
  3. Brooks proposes sludge audits and enhancing customer experience as ways to address bureaucracy, emphasizing that markets also generate administrative burdens.

Xi Closes the Door for the Next Generation of Analysts

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics China US Education Policy Diplomacy
  1. Xi Jinping's policies are limiting opportunities for aspiring China watchers under his leadership.
  2. The avenues that previous generations had to study and work in China are becoming increasingly scarce.
  3. The restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, particularly under Xi's rule, are impacting international relations and understanding of China.

unqualifying immunity

bad cattitude • 146 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Accountability Policy Justice Constitution
  1. Eliminating the concept of 'qualified immunity' can shift power towards accountability to the people
  2. Individuals with power and influence should be held to higher standards and face consequences for transgressions
  3. Supporting civil liability for bad actors, rather than hiding behind 'just doing my job,' can promote accountability and deter misconduct

Episode 111: A Republic If You Can Keep It

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Social Issues Political Commentary
  1. The government has been dishonest about the Capitol incident on January 6, and this has affected conservatives unfairly. They have hidden important information from the public.
  2. A city council in Burlington, Vermont is pushing new laws that seem to target specific groups. This has caused concern for some members of the community, including the local Republican Party chairman.
  3. The episode also includes a segment that mixes humor with current events. It offers a light-hearted look at serious topics.

“Pay Every Claim” Is Not a Viable Model for Any Health Insurance Company

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Policy Ethics Society
  1. Health insurance companies can't pay every claim because it would be financially impossible for them. They need to manage costs to stay in business.
  2. Public anger towards insurance executives can stem from personal experiences with denied claims, but wishing harm on them is not a justified response.
  3. Understanding how insurance works is important; the system is complex, and blaming individuals doesn't address the underlying issues.

Timescale Is Everything

Counting Atoms • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Music Policy
  1. Culture has always been viral in nature, with songs and trends spreading through word of mouth and influence.
  2. The time scale of how quickly viral trends grow and fade has been accelerated by internet technology, causing disorientation for many.
  3. There is a disconnect between the pace of forming opinions on social media and the actual process of implementing political changes, leading to frustrations and unrealistic expectations.

Another Brick In The Wall

Gradient Ascendant • 16 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Policy Research Startups
  1. AI models are hitting a point where progress is slowing down. This means that just getting more data or tweaking algorithms might not lead to big breakthroughs anymore.
  2. Even if AI isn't changing dramatically right now, it's still a useful tool for many people. Startups in this space might find it easier to succeed without the threat of a huge game-changing model wiping them out.
  3. With the slowdown in AI development, concerns about AI risks might lessen. Policymakers will have to address how people continue using current chatbots, even with their flaws.

Why the homeless debate goes in circles

C.W.’s Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Debate Policy Public Opinion
  1. The homeless debate involves conflicting perspectives from people like Adam Mesnick and Jennifer Friedenbach.
  2. Jennifer Friedenbach advocates for more government funding to address homelessness, focusing on long-term solutions.
  3. A realistic solution to homelessness could involve expanding and improving shelter systems to provide immediate support.

Why do people have to live outside?

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Local news Policy Election Government
  1. Questioning why people are forced to live outside despite buildings being available with heating.
  2. Illustrating the challenges faced by the homeless due to lack of shelter beds before winter.
  3. Discussing the shifts in Worcester's media landscape and a proposal to change the police chief position to a public safety commissioner.

Old Sturbridge Pillage

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Law Public Opinion Legislation
  1. The main focus was the approval of an unpopular and morally unjustifiable charter school by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  2. Despite clear opposition, the board approved the school by ignoring public input and critical issues within the proposal.
  3. Efforts are being made to address the financial and ethical problems of the charter school proposal through inquiries by state agencies and potential changes in legislation.

Spain's Electoral Results Are a Perfect Illustration of the Pathology of Centralised Rule

THE FREEDOM BLOG • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Decentralization Government Power Policy
  1. Spain's recent election results show challenges with centralized rule in forming a stable government with diverse opinions.
  2. Centralized democratic States may lead to policies out of touch with citizens' wishes due to a concentration of power in national parliaments.
  3. Devolved government and finances could reduce political conflict, improve accountability, and better reflect local interests.