The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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

Banning natural gas exports

Slow Boring • 4697 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Climate
  1. Banning natural gas exports may have complex effects on global emissions and energy use.
  2. The decision to block LNG exports seems to be made without clear analysis of its net impact on emissions.
  3. Climate advocacy should focus on sustainable decarbonization through jobs, growth, and innovation.

Commentator

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political parties Campaigns
  1. If Donald Trump had been shot and hadn't reacted, it could have changed politics a lot, making the Republican party scramble for a new leader. It might have led to violence, but it also could have been calmer than expected.
  2. The Democrats seemed resigned to losing the upcoming elections, with many believing Biden needed to step down. Their response has been quiet, as some leaders were preparing a plan to encourage Biden to leave gracefully.
  3. Now that Biden is out and Kamala Harris is the nominee, she needs to lead a strong campaign against Trump. Harris must highlight Trump's threats to democracy while showing she's capable, even though people often view her as insincere.

Trump Was Right To Pull The United States Out Of The Corrupt World Health Organization

Unmasked • 75 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Healthcare Elections Public Health
  1. Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) has been seen as a positive move. Many believe the WHO was corrupt and not helpful during the COVID pandemic.
  2. The WHO made mistakes by misreporting COVID's mortality rate, which caused unnecessary panic. They also promoted measures like masking without solid evidence backing them up.
  3. Countries like Sweden showed that it was possible to stay open during the pandemic without lockdowns. The WHO's strict measures did not provide real public health benefits and had harmful effects.

Wilful Ignorance of Evil is a Luxury No One Can Afford

Welcome to Absurdistan • 4422 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Society Policy Global Affairs
  1. The current economic growth is unsustainable as it is based on borrowed money.
  2. The financial system is at risk due to the massive amount of derivatives, which are essentially bets on our labor and property.
  3. To restore prosperity, we need to oppose elite tyranny, demand inclusive economic institutions, and abolish monopolies.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Tourism is good, actually

Slow Boring • 4127 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Tourism Leisure Policy Opinion
  1. Despite being cringe and annoying, tourists play a role in bad policy commentary.
  2. There is a negative perception of tourism being harmful due to aesthetic considerations.
  3. Efforts to limit tourism, such as curbing AirBNB, often have underlying reasons beyond just tourism impact.

Will RFK Jr get confirmed?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 113 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Public Opinion Political parties
  1. People have strong opinions about RFK Jr.'s hearing, often based on their own beliefs. It's hard to say who came out on top because opinions are so divided.
  2. For RFK Jr. to get confirmed, he has to win over a few Republican senators without losing Democratic votes. It's a tricky balance, and some senators are unsure about their support.
  3. RFK Jr. claims he isn't against vaccines but wants more studies to ensure their safety. However, the arguments about vaccine safety are complicated and not fully addressed during the hearing.

immigration, immigrants, and the american way of life

bad cattitude • 241 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Identity Policy Culture Society
  1. Human capital is really important for a country's success. We need to create an environment where people's talents can grow and be used effectively.
  2. Immigration and cultural assimilation matter for maintaining a society's values. Newcomers should embrace the American way of life to keep the social fabric strong.
  3. Many Americans feel frustrated with how immigration policies and systems are set up. A fair approach that focuses on merit and recognizes everyone's contributions is needed.

H-1B is about corruption and fraud, not ideology

The Dossier • 272 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Policy Corruption Legal
  1. The H-1B visa program has a lot of corruption and fraud, rather than just being about helping skilled workers. It often benefits middleman agencies that control the hiring process.
  2. Most H-1B visa holders come from only a few countries, especially India and China, which shows a lack of diversity in skilled labor coming to the U.S.
  3. Many of the workers brought in through the H-1B program may not have the right skills or cultural fit for American workplaces, causing problems for both employers and American job seekers.

congressional immunity

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Accountability Government Policy
  1. The new funding bill includes a hidden section that grants Congress members immunity from legal oversight. This means they can ignore subpoenas and investigations, making it hard to hold them accountable.
  2. This immunity is retroactive, which could stop ongoing legal cases from gathering important data from Congress. It's like they're protecting themselves from any scrutiny of their actions.
  3. Such actions go against the idea that public officials should be accountable to the people. If Congress can avoid investigation, it's a big problem for democracy.

2024 Interconnects year in review

Democratizing Automation • 229 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Policy Open Source Modeling Evaluation
  1. In 2024, AI continued to be the hottest topic, with major changes expected from OpenAI's new model. This shift will affect how AI is developed and used in the future.
  2. Writing regularly helped to clarify key AI ideas and track their importance. The focus areas included reinforcement learning, open-source AI, and new model releases.
  3. The landscape of open-source AI is changing, with fewer players and increased restrictions, which could impact its growth and collaboration opportunities.

*Open Borders* Back in Print!

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Libertarianism Demographics Political trends
  1. The book 'Open Borders' is back in print and is considered the author's best work. It's aimed at showing the benefits of immigration.
  2. Despite fears about immigration policies worsening during crises, the author notes that immigration has generally returned to normal levels post-Covid.
  3. The author believes that immigration restrictions are harmful and that there's still hope for better immigration policies in the future, even amidst political challenges.

Sunday Strip: DOGEing the Dems

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Funding Policy Activism
  1. The judiciary plays a crucial role in supporting the government and its actions, as highlighted by thinkers like Murray Rothbard.
  2. There are ongoing challenges in balancing governmental power and the role it plays in society, often causing tensions.
  3. The idea of saving the government contrasts with the obstacles posed by its own system and regulations.

"Nothing Will Fundamentally Change."

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health Policy Misinformation Debates
  1. RFK Jr. is being questioned about his ability to limit research on diseases and access to vaccines. His responses have been evasive and controversial.
  2. Democrats are very concerned about the impact of his misinformation on vaccination rates, especially among adolescents, which they say has led to tragic outcomes.
  3. There are doubts about RFK Jr.'s chances of confirmation, but the long-term effects of his potential power could still be serious for public health.

What to watch for: The weaponization of government

The Watch • 634 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Trump Policy Accountability
  1. Trump may try to use the government to punish his critics and opponents. This includes possible actions like arrests and public humiliation.
  2. His cabinet appointments show a trend of choosing unqualified loyalists. This raises concerns about whether these individuals can act in the country's best interest.
  3. The potential for social media to be used as a tool for harassment is growing. With Trump’s close ties to platforms, it might lead to targeted attacks on those who oppose him.

Feeble Jobs Report

Points And Figures • 1039 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Employment Government Elections Policy
  1. The recent jobs report shows a big reliance on government jobs, which many think is not a good sign for the economy. Without these jobs, things would look much worse.
  2. Government spending isn't really helping the economy grow. Taxes and debt fund this spending, but they don't create real jobs in the private sector.
  3. A potential change in leadership could mean a big cut in government jobs, which might lead to more opportunities in private industry instead.

Chris Hedges Live Q&A NOW: What Happens Under Trump in Palestine

The Chris Hedges Report • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary
  1. Chris Hedges is hosting a live Q&A about Trump and Palestine. He encourages people to join and ask questions during the session.
  2. The discussion likely focuses on the impacts of Trump's policies on the situation in Palestine, which is a sensitive and important topic.
  3. People can support Chris Hedges' work by subscribing to his publication, which offers both free and paid options.

The pandemic's lesson on teacher licensure

Slow Boring • 4048 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🚌 Education Policy Pandemic impact
  1. Consider reevaluating teacher licensing requirements to improve access to quality educators.
  2. During the pandemic, emergency measures allowed flexibility and potentially revealed unnecessary licensing barriers.
  3. Evaluating and potentially removing certain licensing requirements can save time and money while increasing the pool of potential teachers.

Top Links 567 How Trump's moves against EV subsidies play into Tesla's hands. Why R&D spending does not raise productivity & Kazakhstan’s Golden Man.

Chartbook • 572 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Environment Innovation Business
  1. Trump's actions against electric vehicle (EV) subsidies might actually benefit Tesla. This could give Tesla an advantage in the market while affecting other EV makers.
  2. Research and Development (R&D) spending does not always lead to higher productivity. It's important to consider how the investment is managed and applied.
  3. Recent changes in tax credits for EVs are causing a drop in stock prices for renewable energy companies in the US. This suggests that policy changes can significantly impact the market.

Top Links 573 US bank failures. Gas-powered trucks. The Suriname debt crisis & the underground struggle in Colombia.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Debt Economics Investments Policy
  1. There have been 573 bank failures in the US, which is a significant number. This may affect the economy and people's trust in banking.
  2. Gas-powered trucks are still widely used, indicating ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. This might have implications for environmental discussions and policies.
  3. The Suriname debt crisis and struggles in Colombia show that economic challenges are not only local but also global. These situations need attention and understanding from a broader perspective.

DeSantis' Drag Show Fiasco, Hate Crimes on Rise, Lauren Boebert Encourages Teen Sex, Idaho Doctors Flee State, James Paterson Banned, Stephen King vs Ted Cruz, Hungry People Don't Exist, More

kareem • 6918 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Culture
  1. We must back up opinions with factual evidence, not just claim superiority based on the right to express our views.
  2. In heated discussions, we can't just 'agree to disagree' and walk away; we need to use reason to address complex issues.
  3. GOP priorities seem misplaced when focusing on banning harmless activities like drag shows instead of addressing critical national concerns.

✨ Central planning in the Age of AI: A Quick Q&A with … economist and regulation expert Lynne Kiesling

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Regulation Policy AI Impact
  1. Central planning has often failed in the past, but some people still find it appealing. It suggests that government control can better manage resources compared to free markets.
  2. Knowledge and data are different. Personal experience and understanding shape our knowledge, while data is just numbers generated from actions, like purchases.
  3. Markets are important because they turn personal knowledge into useful data. Through buying and selling, individual choices help coordinate production and drive innovation.

On Day 2 of His Presidency, Donald Trump Fired a Bazooka Directly Into the Faces of His Voters

Proof • 75 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Many supporters feel that their values and expectations were ignored by Donald Trump early in his presidency. It seems like the decisions made didn't align with what voters wanted.
  2. The first few days of Trump's presidency were filled with actions that caught many voters off guard. This created a sense of betrayal among his supporters.
  3. Overall, the reactions to Trump's early actions highlight a disconnect between what his supporters hoped for and what he delivered right after taking office.

How will the US political upheaval influence the Ukraine War?

Glenn’s Substack • 379 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political parties Governance
  1. Kamala Harris is expected to continue Joe Biden's foreign policies, even though she has less experience in this area. This means the current strategy in Ukraine might not change much.
  2. If Trump were to win, he might push for quicker peace talks regarding Ukraine. His focus is on getting allies to pay for protection and recognizing the costs of the ongoing conflict.
  3. The outcome of the U.S. political situation could impact how the Ukraine war is managed. Both sides may have different approaches that could lead to either continued conflict or negotiations.

A Free Future

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Housing Policy Futurism
  1. Open borders can lead to more opportunities and growth for everyone. Allowing people to move freely can benefit economies and societies.
  2. Housing deregulation can help make living more affordable. Reducing restrictions can lead to more homes being built and lower prices.
  3. The ideas of freedom and less regulation can lead to a better future. It's important to consider how these changes could positively impact society.

Top Links 591 Place-based Bidenomics did not help Harris. The ghost particle gap & the terrors of nuclear tripolarity.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Federal Spending Democrats
  1. Place-based federal spending didn't support Harris in the elections. Many hoped that local investments would change voter opinions, but that didn't happen.
  2. There's a focus on nuclear tripolarity and its risks. This situation highlights increasing global tensions, especially with nuclear powers.
  3. The importance of understanding scientific concepts, like the ghost particle gap, is emphasized. It shows how complex scientific ideas affect broader discussions.

The State of Play

Points And Figures • 985 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Media Public Opinion
  1. Many people feel that the election process is unfair and that institutions lie to the public. This has led to a loss of trust in political leaders and the media.
  2. Voter sentiment has shifted, with issues like lockdown policies, economic struggles, and social issues influencing people to lean more towards Republican perspectives.
  3. The debates around social issues, like gender identity in sports, may be turning some voters away from the Democrats, especially among suburban women who value traditional rights.

Power trip: Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over Bird Flu

The Dossier • 292 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Emergency Response Policy Media
  1. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California over Bird Flu. He is looking to strengthen monitoring and testing for it, even though there's been no significant risk to the public.
  2. The Bird Flu has not been shown to easily spread from birds to humans, which raises questions about the urgency of this emergency declaration.
  3. Some experts warn about potential human transmission due to untreated infections, but solid evidence for human-to-human spread is lacking.

The bottomless financial insanity of the Rwanda scheme

Striking 13 • 2515 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Government Finance Policy International relations Economics
  1. The UK's Rwanda scheme is shown to be financially insane, with exorbitant costs and no real impact, according to a recent report.
  2. The Home Office's approach to the scheme is criticized for its irrationality, waste of money, and failure to address the asylum backlog effectively.
  3. Comparison with the costs of a functioning asylum system highlights the extreme financial inefficiency and lack of logic in the Rwanda scheme.

Top Links 572 Tariffs & toys. The Trump non-linearity. A Miami real estate mystery. Keeping the Panama Canal open.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Economics Real Estate Trade Policy
  1. Tariffs can impact holiday shopping by raising prices on various goods. This might make things like toys more expensive for consumers.
  2. There are unique stories, like the mystery surrounding Miami's real estate market, that highlight interesting trends in the economy.
  3. Global issues, such as keeping the Panama Canal open, show how interconnected our world is and why these logistics matter for trade.

POSIWID and the Moderate Liberal Meltdown

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 3478 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Policy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. POSIWID principle emphasizes that the purpose of a system is what it does, leading to accountability and prevention of excuses.
  2. Political discourse on the right is increasingly incorporating the POSIWID principle to analyze and address complex system-level issues.
  3. There is a disconnect in moderate liberal views, as they advocate for meritocracy while ignoring the actual results of policies and systems, highlighting the importance of honesty in addressing societal issues.

YLE milestone, Red Dye #3, air quality in LA, raw cat food, and more on alcohol.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Nutrition Epidemiology Environmental health Policy
  1. The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs because it was linked to cancer in lab animals. Even though it's mostly gone already, some products in stores still have it.
  2. Air quality can be misleading after wildfires. Just because the air is rated as 'healthy' doesn't mean it's safe, as many harmful pollutants might still be present.
  3. Moderate drinking might not be as safe as we thought. Recent reports suggest that even one drink a day could increase health risks, especially if there are other health issues involved.