The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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REVIEW: Small People Dealing with Looming Fascism Novel Watch

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📚 Literature Politics
  1. Jo Walton's 'Small Change' trilogy is a really engaging read that reflects current societal issues. It explores themes of resistance against rising fascism.
  2. The books show how characters deal with fear and the threat of losing their freedom. They navigate personal struggles in a world turning towards tyranny.
  3. By blending genres like mystery and historical fiction, Walton creates a unique narrative that challenges readers to think about their own freedoms and choices.

Sitting on dogs

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Dog-sitting can be a fun way to relax and enjoy some time off. Playing with dogs like Scout and Snickers can lift your spirits.
  2. Catching up on stories like 'The Lord of the Rings' can provide insights into political and social themes. It's interesting to see how the challenges faced by characters mirror real-world issues.
  3. Making fresh pasta is easier than it seems, and the result can be delicious! Just flour and eggs can create a tasty meal.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Patrick Henry advocated for action, not blind hope, against British rule.
  2. Henry emphasized the importance of experience and proactive resistance.
  3. The message of vigilance and bravery in the face of despotic rule remains relevant today.

Why you can't bring a roast to a rally

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 427 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Comedy works best in the right context. A roast at a comedy club is different from jokes at a political rally. The audience needs to understand that it’s supposed to be funny.
  2. Intentions behind jokes matter, but so does the setting. If the environment is charged with negativity or hostility, jokes might not land well.
  3. Fame can be tricky in comedy. Just because someone is popular online doesn’t mean everyone knows them. This disconnect can change how people react to their humor.

Events like the Western States 100-Miler may now start kindly telling DEI extortionists to take a long hike

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Events like the Western States 100-Miler are facing challenges with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) extortionists.
  2. There is a shift in the cultural landscape due to a pandemic of consumer backlash and overseas issues.
  3. DEI initiatives are evolving, but remain a point of contention in various sectors like running and academia.
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[Captured] Caddy-wack, Chyron the spectrum, and tampons at Meta

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. America's perspectives seem to have shifted, as some now cheer for the wealthy and powerful instead of supporting the underdog.
  2. It would be handy if we labeled people's conversations with details like their medications for better understanding, just like political labels do.
  3. It's great to see women making progress, as it shows how far feminism has come over the years.

Oppenheimer The Movie

Life in the 21st Century • 235 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. The movie 'Oppenheimer' sheds light on the brilliance and quirks of J. Robert Oppenheimer, but falls short in addressing the broader story of science and technology.
  2. Scientific and technological developments are independent of personal character flaws and traits, focusing on facts and discoveries instead.
  3. The film 'Oppenheimer' struggles with its third act by overly emphasizing Oppenheimer losing his security clearance, losing depth in addressing the broader political context of the Cold War era.

Shareholder Primacy Culture and American Decline

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
💼 Business Politics
  1. The current economic system in the US, based on shareholder primacy culture, is facing challenges due to extreme asset valuations and one-sided interventions by the Federal Reserve.
  2. The decline of American civilization is attributed to a shift towards monumental financial architecture under shareholder value pursuit, leading to a lack of capacity for real production.
  3. Under shareholder primacy culture, America may struggle to compete with rising global powers like Russia and China due to a focus on financial gains over tangible achievements.

Welcoming the stranger

Wrong Side of History • 346 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Hospitality is an important tradition found in many cultures. It often means treating guests well but can also highlight a divide between insiders and outsiders.
  2. While we often think of hospitality as a warm welcome, it doesn’t always mean accepting newcomers as part of the community. Many guests are seen as temporary, not true members.
  3. Changes in how immigrants are viewed over time can lead to hostility. Initially welcomed, immigrants may later feel rejected if locals sense they are staying and not fully integrating.

{Part 1} Proof of Devilry: The Crimes of Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein

Proof • 87 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein are linked to a serious child trafficking network. This situation is significant and could impact history.
  2. The book discusses various events and actions involving these figures, including their personal relationships and alleged illegal activities.
  3. Evidence continues to mount regarding Trump's connections to Epstein, raising questions about their past friendship and Trump's actions.

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Politics
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.

Top Links 620 Sanewashing & Starmaggedon. Congress really is at an impasse & would Lenin really have approved of the IMF?

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Congress is currently stuck and unable to make decisions effectively. This shows how divided and complicated politics can be.
  2. There's talk about Britain's bond yields reaching concerning levels, but it's important to consider the larger global context. U.S. bond yields are also very high right now.
  3. The discussion around whether Lenin would approve of the IMF brings up interesting questions about economics and political ideology. It encourages us to think about how different philosophies view financial institutions.

Xleepyfay & Aemmonia: The Xenofeminist Hauntology

Do Not Research • 199 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Questionable fandoms and post-identity roleplays are replacing traditional political identities online, with origins in initially progressive communities.
  2. Xenofeminism challenges current identity politics, transitioning into hyper-aesthetisized roleplay as a response to political disillusionment.
  3. Post-identity roleplay serves as a detached, non-consequential fantasy exploration, replacing traditional political values and aims.

The Don's Corruption Inc.

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 290 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Trump's leadership is seen as lacking core values, which makes his administration feel unstable.
  2. There are concerns about potential changes to the presidency, including the idea of extending Trump's time in office.
  3. Criticism of Trump is expected to continue for many years, as many feel strongly about his actions and their impact.

You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history, even when causes seem morally right now.
  2. Appealing to being on the right or wrong side of history can be a powerful but flawed argument tactic in debates.
  3. Progress is possible, and it's important to think deeply about moral crusades rather than relying on 'right side of history' arguments.

The Case for Being a Hyper-Responsive Leader

America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng) • 216 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business Politics
  1. Responsiveness is crucial for successful leadership in various fields like product development, community building, and politics.
  2. Being hyper-responsive fosters trust, builds brand loyalty, and enhances products or services.
  3. Maintaining a high level of responsiveness can differentiate you, attract allies, and lead to collaborations and growth.

#36: Boundless Range ↔️

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Having a wide range of interests and experiences can lead to a more vibrant life.
  2. Being open to discomfort and appreciating finer details can expand your range.
  3. Cultivating range requires effort and can lead to greater satisfaction and personal growth.

Debt

Life in the 21st Century • 216 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The politics and perception of debt have shifted over the last century, from deficit spending to austerity measures.
  2. The exponential growth of private debt, fueled by government policies and cheap credit, is a significant concern in the contemporary financial landscape.
  3. There is a growing need for a modern-day debt forgiveness or restructuring approach to address the increasing burden of debt on society.

The US Was Right to Nuke Imperial Japan

American Dreaming • 339 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💾 History Politics
  1. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is often misunderstood. Many see Japan as a victim without considering the violence they inflicted in WWII.
  2. Japan was deeply committed to their imperial ambitions, making surrender unlikely. This created a difficult situation for the US, as any alternative to the bombings could have resulted in far greater loss of life.
  3. Many people are not aware of Japan's brutal wartime actions. Understanding this context can change perceptions about the necessity of the atomic bombings.

Book out Book in

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Politics
  1. _A Pearl in the Storm_ is a powerful memoir about resilience and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of inner strength during tough times.
  2. In _The Best and the Brightest_, Halberstam explains how fear of being labeled soft on communism influenced American decisions in the Vietnam War.
  3. Halberstam enjoyed the process of researching and interviewing for his book, finding it to be a fulfilling intellectual journey.

Insights from 2,961 First Dates

Dan's Stack • 692 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Politics
  1. Women tend to rate 72% of men as below average in physical attractiveness.
  2. People value their partner's politics more than their religion, and religion more than ethnicity, with women placing slightly higher importance on these factors compared to men.
  3. Attractive men have more sexual partners, but the number of partners doesn't seem to be influenced by attractiveness for women.

Getting Paid To Wait

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 117 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The podcast shares a story of dealing with loss and adversity.
  2. Viewing politics through a trader's lens can offer unique insights, like considering political risks and their impact on markets.
  3. The idea of 'getting paid to wait' in relation to the Federal Reserve and potential investment implications is an interesting concept to explore further.

She’s a preschooler and a rap star

The Charlotte Ledger • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. year-old viral rapping sensation Savannah 'VanVan' McConneaughey went from freestyling on the playground to performing on big stages with her original songs.
  2. Savannah's parents nurtured her talent from a young age, posting her singing videos on social media, leading to viral success on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  3. Savannah's music journey includes brand deals, magazine features, performances at prestigious venues, and upcoming plans for an album, all while maintaining her love for performing and connecting with her audience.

genghis trump

bad cattitude • 366 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Pride and arrogance can lead to downfall, as shown by ancient Greek beliefs about nemesis. If people get too confident, they might face consequences.
  2. Many people see Trump as a force against an untrustworthy system. They believe he represents their frustration with the current state of politics.
  3. The political climate is shifting, and people are looking for change. There's a growing interest in whether new leadership can improve their situation.

Solar and the Politics of Technology

Life in the 21st Century • 117 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Organization is crucial in politics, but often overlooked in understanding how power is structured.
  2. Regulatory agencies created in response to past technologies may not easily adapt to new technologies like solar power.
  3. Transitioning to solar energy requires not just technological changes, but also social and political reorganization.

Immortality and its Discontents

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Politics
  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.

Notes & Links

Kvetch • 24 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. AI is already reshaping the real economy and offers a huge chance to redesign business models, though current service incentives are often broken and need fixing.
  2. Countries can choose their demographic and strategic paths, so national identity and immigration policy are political choices rather than inevitable fates.
  3. Institutions and leaders are fallible: journalists, bureaucrats, and officials often act from self‑interest or inertia, which breeds mistrust and can let important failures happen; history shows small groups or individuals can make outsized decisions.

Programming Patriotism

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Politics
  1. George Orwell viewed patriotism as a survival strategy during times of crisis, emphasizing the unity it can create.
  2. Orwell focused on optimizing humanity through patriotism, seeing it as a programming language for society's functionality.
  3. Orwell's experiences as a cop and insights into leadership in 'Animal Farm' reflect his beliefs that centralized systems dehumanize individuals and create inefficiencies.

A Short Note About A Mistake

The Abbey of Misrule • 707 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Be cautious of how your words can be hijacked by others for their own agendas.
  2. Make sure to research and clarify the background and intentions of any publication or platform that approaches you for content.
  3. Stand firm in your values and beliefs, and don't allow your writing to be used to support ideologies that you oppose.

Cage Fight: Musk vs. OpenAI

Surfing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Politics
  1. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for allegedly prioritizing AI for profit over humanity's benefit, highlighting concerns about AGI's threats.
  2. The concept of cliodynamics examines the recurring patterns of extreme inequality and elite infighting throughout history, reflecting on current societal tensions.
  3. The Musk vs. OpenAI conflict raises questions about the influence of wealth and power in society, hinting at deeper societal currents and potential consequences.

The Art of the Deal: Trump defies past paradigms to secure better terms for America

The Dossier • 232 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. Trump uses flexible and aggressive negotiating strategies, breaking past norms to get better deals for America. He believes in leveraging various tools like bluffing and urgency during negotiations.
  2. He does not shy away from using strong tactics, even against traditional allies, to ensure America gets a good deal. This includes imposing tariffs or making bold statements to create pressure.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign affairs is pragmatic and strategic, leaving his negotiating partners off-balance. He focuses on achieving the best outcome for the United States, regardless of previous political ideologies.

The Self-Important Feeling: Stephen Colbert and the Comedian's Dilemma

House of Strauss • 93 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Politics
  1. Comedians can get caught up in the feeling that their words matter a lot, which can change how they view their role. It's important for entertainers to remember to be funny, not just political.
  2. Johnny Carson warned that when entertainers start taking themselves too seriously, it can lead to a misguided sense of importance and sway over their audience. This could be more harmful than good.
  3. Stephen Colbert once had a major cultural impact, but it raises the question of whether he has chased that feeling of importance too much, possibly losing sight of his original comedic role.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Politics
  1. There isn't a single fix for aging; it's a complex issue that requires addressing many changes in the body. Solving one part of the problem might only add a few years to life expectancy.
  2. If people lived for centuries, they might change careers or take more leisurely paths in life. This could lead to many people retiring early, but society still needs workers for essential tasks.
  3. Without aging, older politicians could hold power indefinitely, affecting society's decision-making. This might lead to less innovation and a government influenced more by the old than the young.

Abe Left Japan’s Economy Worse Than He Found It

Japan Economy Watch • 519 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
💼 Business Politics
  1. Shinzo Abe failed to improve Japan's economy during his tenure as Prime Minister, falling short of his promises and leaving living standards on a decline
  2. Abe's economic policies led to suppressed GDP growth, low wages, and a shift in national income from people to corporations
  3. Despite claimed achievements like 'womenomics' and ending deflation, Abe's tenure was marked by hollow measures and missed opportunities for real structural economic reforms