The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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This is How We Fall Out of Love with the World

Culture Study • 12118 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Society Politics Education Work
  1. Art and essential services matter, but they often lack sufficient public funding in America. Many believe value only comes from profit, which overlooks the importance of community support.
  2. Cuts to public services mean that everyday Americans are forced to shoulder more costs. This creates a fragile system that risks collapse during tough times, like the pandemic.
  3. Passion jobs, where people work for love rather than money, are at risk as public funding declines. This leads to burnout and instability for those who dedicate themselves to these important roles in society.

American Psychological Association Slammed for ‘Virulent’ Jew Hate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Antisemitism Mental health Social Issues Community
  1. Over 3,500 mental health professionals have signed a letter criticizing the American Psychological Association for allowing antisemitism to grow within its ranks. They believe this issue needs urgent attention.
  2. The letter claims that Jewish members of the APA have faced harassment and have been silenced when trying to address antisemitic comments or misinformation.
  3. The signers have provided examples of antisemitic behavior and discourse within APA divisions, indicating a significant and systemic problem that needs addressing.

Do Artists Suffer?

The Honest Broker • 9009 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Politics Psychology History Creativity
  1. Suffering is often seen as part of being an artist, but research shows it might not be true for creativity. Instead, suffering may boost ambition, especially in leaders.
  2. History shows that many successful leaders and creatives had difficult childhoods, like losing parents. This loss may actually spark creativity rather than hinder it.
  3. The idea that suffering drives creativity is backed by studies showing a link between personal loss and artistic achievement throughout history.

The Most English Man in the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Politics Media Society History
  1. The author humorously explores British culture and customs while visiting London for the first time. They joke about misunderstandings, like 'mushy peas' being a real food and the confusion around British geography.
  2. The author learns about Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent British politician, who is described as very traditional. They explain how he became a 'sir' through a special honor from a former prime minister.
  3. The article highlights the author's curiosity about British life and their playful approach to learning about a different culture through funny anecdotes and questions.

The lone wolves of Germany

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Politics Policy Public Safety
  1. Weak states can lead to collective punishment of citizens. When a government is ineffective, it might target its own people as a way to manage conflicts.
  2. Immigrants can sometimes fall through the cracks of a system. Even if their asylum applications are rejected, they might end up in situations where they commit crimes or cause harm.
  3. The public reacts strongly to tragic events caused by individuals. Such incidents can spark debates about immigration policies and safety in society.
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Contra MR On Charity Regrants

Astral Codex Ten • 25741 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Charity Aid Regulation Politics Government
  1. USAID funds many charities, but does not give money directly to people. All funds first go through other charitable organizations.
  2. Overheads in charities, like salaries and audits, are necessary for ensuring that donations reach the intended causes. USAID’s overhead is about 30%, which is typical.
  3. Even with some flaws, USAID programs save millions of lives, and concerns about corruption are often exaggerated. Many charity workers genuinely strive to help others.

Dear Pastors

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

#209: The death of sex, 3 years later

Maybe Baby • 1058 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Society Politics Technology Media
  1. Culture has become less about genuine connection and more about digital interactions, which can feel unfulfilling. Many people are missing out on real emotional experiences that come from touch and presence.
  2. There's a growing tension in politics where both the left and right have problems engaging with different viewpoints. Instead of understanding each other, they often stick to their own narratives, which doesn't help anyone.
  3. Technology has taken over many aspects of life, making interactions feel faster but less meaningful. While some tech is helpful, it often alienates people from each other, making real connections harder to find.

Beware The Yard Sign Thieves!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politics Activism Social Issues
  1. Yard sign theft is becoming a problem as election day approaches, especially in some communities. People are stealing signs for various political candidates, causing frustration for those trying to show their support.
  2. In a town where many liberal artists live, the focus is on the missing Harris/Walz signs, which keep getting stolen. This makes it harder for those wanting to display their political views.
  3. Replacing these stolen signs can be costly for residents, as they often have to buy new ones multiple times. The ongoing thefts are creating tension between different political views in the area.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academia Freedom Expression Politics Censorship
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

The Parable of Anna Akhmatova

The Honest Broker • 30154 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Politics
  1. The power of art can overcome even the strongest dictators. Artists like Anna Akhmatova show that creativity can stand firm against oppression.
  2. Success in today's world is often measured by money and popularity, but true creative expression is about more than just those metrics.
  3. Even when artists face harsh censorship, their work can survive and resonate over time, leading to eventual recognition and respect.

Why We’re Obsessed with JFK Conspiracies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories History Politics Media Film
  1. Many people are really curious about JFK's assassination and the theories surrounding it. These theories often stem from a mix of history and pop culture.
  2. The 1991 movie _JFK_ played a big role in shaping public interest in these conspiracy theories. It questioned the government's involvement in the assassination and got people talking.
  3. Recently, the idea of releasing more documents on JFK's assassination has garnered attention, especially with Donald Trump's involvement. It shows that the topic is still relevant and controversial today.

Box # 8

What Is Called Thinking? • 13 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Philosophy Politics Technology
  1. Confidence in higher education has dropped a lot in recent years. Many people worry that colleges are too liberal and not preparing students for real jobs.
  2. Workplace politics are a big part of any job. Depending on the company, you might spend anywhere from 25% to 50% of your time dealing with office politics.
  3. Dostoevsky is gaining popularity on social media, showing a shift in what people are interested in today. It seems like deeper themes are resonating with a lot of people.

Calling the Lonely Charts Club!

Chartbook • 801 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Relationships Society Politics
  1. There's a fun initiative where people can create personal ads looking for partners who share similar interests, especially in political economy and culture.
  2. The project encourages creativity in writing these ads, making them unique and tailored to individual preferences.
  3. People can submit their ads anonymously through a Google form, making it easier to express themselves.

Eithan Haim: ‘We Took On the Federal Leviathan and We Won’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Healthcare Civil Rights Government Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim faced serious legal trouble after exposing a children's hospital for performing gender surgeries on minors. He believed it was important to stand up against this practice.
  2. After a hard-fought battle, the charges against him were dropped by the Trump administration, allowing him to move on with his life and celebrate with his family.
  3. Despite the financial and emotional toll, Haim and his wife feel proud of their actions and believe they made the world a better place for children.

Twitter and Content Moderation

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

What DEI Isn’t

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Culture Social Issues Identity
  1. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn't just about hiring minorities for the sake of it. It's more about creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
  2. The discussion around DEI often misses the point of what true inclusion means in practice. It's not only about having diverse faces in a workplace.
  3. Real inclusion involves actively engaging with and understanding different backgrounds, rather than superficially checking off boxes. It's about making everyone feel genuinely welcome.

Headlines of Interest - Week of March 1st

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 56 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
📰 News Culture Technology Science Politics Health
  1. China is telling its AI experts not to travel to the US due to fears of espionage. This shows a growing tension in international relations over technology.
  2. A new mRNA vaccine shows promise in treating pancreatic cancer, with early trials indicating a high percentage of patients cancer-free after a few years.
  3. Biohybrid robotics are emerging, combining living materials like fungi with machines to improve their abilities. This could lead to smart robots that are more aware of their environment.

Gaslit Nation

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13645 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Public Policy Media Society
  1. Many people are frustrated with confusing news and feel like they're being manipulated by those in power. It seems authorities are not being honest with the public.
  2. The term 'Gaslit Nation' suggests that citizens feel deceived and misled about important issues. Trust between the public and officials is eroding.
  3. There's a sense that sensational stories are distracting people from real problems. People want clearer communication from their leaders and more transparency.

What Do We Know Now, About the Airline Crash in DC?

Breaking the News • 2052 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📰 News Current Events Accidents Transportation Politics
  1. A regional jet and a military helicopter collided near DC National airport, raising many questions about what went wrong during the incident.
  2. Air traffic controllers attempted to manage the situation but communication with the helicopter crew will be scrutinized to see if there were errors in judgment.
  3. Helicopter pilots are expected to fly below 200 feet in that area, but it’s unclear if they adhered to this rule, which could have played a role in the crash.

Immortality and its Discontents

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Health Philosophy Politics Innovation
  1. There's a growing interest in immortality and how technology, like AI, could help us live longer. Some people believe that embracing these advancements is the key to a better future.
  2. Not everyone agrees with how some tech entrepreneurs are promoting longevity. Critics say their methods and products are often unproven and may not lead to the promised health benefits.
  3. Studies show that bad behavior learned in one area can spread to other areas, especially with AI. Just like in humans, training AI on negative examples can lead to undesirable outcomes in different contexts.

Hollywood's Dumb Scare

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9099 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Hollywood Media Race Identity Politics
  1. Hollywood is facing a crisis where careers are being damaged without proper accountability. Many people seem to feel sorry for themselves but not for those unfairly affected.
  2. There have been events where white individuals gathered to discuss their shared identity, but this has sparked controversy and questions about racism. It’s unclear if these gatherings were truly well-intentioned.
  3. The reaction to these events highlights the complex dynamics of race and identity in Hollywood. People are concerned about who gets labeled as racist after these discussions.

The Lamplighter Problem

Jeff Giesea • 718 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Labor Economy Politics
  1. AI is likely to displace a huge number of jobs, similar to how lamplighters lost their roles when electric lights came in. We need to prepare for these changes now to help people transition to new work.
  2. The Lamplighter Problem shows us that job loss due to automation is not just an economic issue but also a political and social one. If we don’t address it, it could lead to bigger problems in society.
  3. There are different opinions on how to handle the rise of AI. Some people think we should slow down and reconsider, while others want to speed up its development. We need to find a balanced approach that helps everyone.

Trumpers Are Not Entitled to Respect

Erik Examines • 1209 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Trumpism Nationalism Empathy
  1. Respect has to be earned, and many MAGA supporters haven't done that. They often act disrespectfully towards others but expect respect in return.
  2. There is a double standard where MAGA supporters don't recognize their own harmful statements. They can insult others but get upset when the same is done to them.
  3. Freedom is often misinterpreted. For some, it means the freedom to dominate others instead of true liberty for everyone.

Articles You'll Want to Read

OK Doomer • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
📰 News Current Events Politics Health Environment
  1. It's hard to keep up with all the news because there are so many updates happening every day. Important information can easily get overlooked.
  2. There's a need for news that offers context and is presented less frequently so we can process it better. Fast news can be overwhelming.
  3. To help people stay informed without the chaos, a new news roundup will provide important stories and analysis in a more digestible way.

The Vagabond King

The Abbey of Misrule • 657 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Spirituality Culture Politics
  1. Christianity and modern civilization often clash. Many argue they can't be reconciled because current society prioritizes wealth, power, and politics over Christ's teachings.
  2. Living a Christ-like life means focusing on love, humility, and caring for the poor, rather than seeking worldly power or material success.
  3. True change comes from within communities through genuine faith and action, not through top-down coercive efforts to build a 'Christian civilization'.

My "Perplexing" Response to Ta-Nehisi Coates's New Book

Glenn Loury • 2023 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Race Politics Identity
  1. It's okay to criticize someone's past views while still recognizing their current work as valuable. You can appreciate a good piece of writing even if you don't always agree with the author.
  2. Ta-Nehisi Coates expresses deep feelings about injustices he sees, which can be important in understanding his perspective. Understanding emotions in discussions about complex issues can lead to more meaningful conversations.
  3. Writing can be powerful, and even if you disagree with the message, you might admire the craft and skill of the writer. It's worth giving credit where it's due, regardless of personal beliefs.

How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

The Truth Fairy • 1074 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Healthcare Gender Issues Social movements Politics
  1. An executive order was signed to stop the federal support for child sex transition treatments, which many see as harmful. This change aims to protect vulnerable youth from potentially life-altering medical procedures.
  2. There was a widespread belief that medical science should be trusted without question, leading some parents to allow their children to transition. Many of these parents were just trying to do what they thought was best for their kids.
  3. The debate around gender identity treatments has involved many professionals and institutions, but it often lacked robust scientific evidence. This has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of these treatments for young people.

Black Intellectuals in the Twenty-First Century

Glenn Loury • 337 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Politics Identity
  1. In the 1980s, many African Americans strongly opposed apartheid in South Africa. This shows a sense of unity against oppression, even if the situations were different.
  2. The conversation highlights how some issues today, like the treatment of Palestinians, can be more complicated than past issues like apartheid.
  3. Understanding historical context helps us see why certain causes gain widespread support while others struggle for the same level of recognition.

Links, May 2025

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society History Parenting Politics
  1. The 'Lost Cause' narrative around DOGE is misleading. People need to recognize the falsehoods behind it to address real budget issues.
  2. Cruise ships are getting bigger and better because they aren't held back by strict regulations. This shows how market decisions can lead to impressive innovations.
  3. The unification of Italy was influenced more by foreign victories than by internal strength. It's interesting to see how some states are formed in unusual ways.

‘I say the Americans really won the war’

Wrong Side of History • 417 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💾 History War Politics Economics Society Culture
  1. Many people in Vietnam felt that the U.S. helped them realize they preferred American presence over communism after the war. This shows how complex feelings about the war can be.
  2. After the war, Vietnam faced many issues due to communist policies that hurt its economy, leading to hunger and poverty for many years. The country struggled with efficiency and food shortages at that time.
  3. Vietnam saw a big change when it shifted towards a market-based economy in the 1980s. This led to significant economic growth and lifted many people out of poverty.

Luther and the Spark of the Reformation

Papyrus Rampant • 178 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Education Politics Europe
  1. Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which wasn't meant to start a movement but turned out to spark the Protestant Reformation.
  2. He challenged the sale of indulgences, emphasizing that faith in God, not money, is what saves people from sin.
  3. Luther's actions led to a push for education and Bible translation, helping more people understand their faith and read scripture in their own language.

The Truth About Bob Dylan’s Falling Out with Pete Seeger

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4229 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Film Politics History Art
  1. Bob Dylan's conflict with Pete Seeger was more about differing political views than Dylan going electric. Seeger and others were concerned about Dylan's lack of interest in their leftist politics.
  2. Dylan's career has played tricks on fans and critics alike, creating misunderstandings about his true beliefs and intentions. His complex lyrics and infrequent interviews lead to lots of interpretations, some far from the truth.
  3. The film 'A Complete Unknown' attempts to provide a straightforward take on Dylan's early career, but it misses the bigger picture of his unique relationship with the political scene around him. Dylan chose his own path, moving away from the expectations of his folk singer peers.

Principles for the Permaweird

Breaking Smart • 219 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Theory Culture Politics Strategy
  1. Chiang's Law states that science fiction focuses on strange rules, while fantasy revolves around special people. This idea helps in understanding different storytelling styles.
  2. Chor-Pharn's Law suggests that knowing your identity leads to bigger conflicts, while uncertainty can cause cultural battles. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in societal issues.
  3. Boyd's Razor emphasizes prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty in leadership. This balance fosters a healthier work culture and encourages diverse ideas, preventing toxic environments.

Meditations On Bono Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Joe Biden

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3166 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Activism Politics Society
  1. Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, raising questions about the authenticity of such awards in a society perceived as fake.
  2. Despite his humanitarian claims, Bono has strong ties to powerful figures and institutions, leading to criticism of his commercialized activism.
  3. The current state of art and creativity is often corrupted, serving the interests of the elite instead of promoting genuine change for the betterment of society.

Why there's no "Joe Rogan of the left"

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Politics Society Identity
  1. There's no 'Joe Rogan of the left' because Rogan appeals to a non-political crowd. To engage more people, the left needs to communicate in spaces outside traditional politics.
  2. Rogan has created a strong connection with his audience by producing a lot of content. This helps him fight loneliness for listeners who feel like he is their friend.
  3. People are drawn to fun and relatable content. If the left wants to attract more followers, they need to focus on building positive relationships instead of criticizing others.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Education Philosophy Media Politics Society
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

We Live In A Nightmare

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Governance Activism Human Rights
  1. Many people don’t realize that we are already living in a dystopia where societal problems like capitalism and militarism are ignored. Understanding this is crucial for recognizing the real issues in our world.
  2. When you wake up to the truth, you begin to see the suffering caused by your government and the media. This awareness can be upsetting but is vital for genuine change.
  3. True happiness isn’t found in what society defines as success, like careers or consumerism. Instead, it lies in meaningful connections, nature, and honest experiences.

Gold and Brown

Unpopular Front • 97 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Fascism Democracy Politics History
  1. Libertarianism and fascism in the U.S. share surprising connections. Many people who identify as libertarians have been drawn to fascist ideas, showing how political beliefs can change over time.
  2. Both ideologies fundamentally distrust existing political structures. They believe that the state doesn’t serve everyone fairly and should be replaced with something that favors their specific interests.
  3. The push for privatization and corporate control often leads to the weakening of the state. This can confuse citizens, who may see these changes as improvements instead of a loss of their rights and freedoms.

New column: Headlines of Interest

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 121 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Politics Science Technology Entertainment
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.