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 Book review Fiction History Politics Cultural Commentary
  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.

Escape from Los Angeles. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2114 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📰 News Wildfires Immigration Crime Media Health Politics
  1. Southern California is facing serious wildfires, leading to evacuations and deaths. Many structures, including famous schools and celebrity homes, have been destroyed.
  2. Women have been exposing the long-hidden issue of grooming gangs in Britain, which involved the exploitation of young girls for years. Their efforts are gaining attention after recent events sparked wider discussions.
  3. Many Indians on H-1B visas feel excluded from the American Dream. Some are experiencing challenges with the visa system and have chosen to return home instead.

On Mary and the Mob

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5332 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Media Identity Politics Art
  1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Jewish, and it's important to acknowledge her heritage. Denying this fact is seen as foolish or antisemitic.
  2. There is a current controversy over the casting of a Jewish actress to play Mary in a Netflix film. Some people are upset that an Israeli Jew was chosen for the role.
  3. The debate around the film reflects a broader conflict and misinformation about Israel and Palestine. Many narratives surrounding this issue are manipulated to serve certain political agendas.

The Weaponization Czar

Thinking about... • 683 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Law Media Politics Russia
  1. Ed Martin has been appointed as the 'weaponization czar' to use the law against Americans, which is seen as a move towards authoritarianism. His role focuses on intimidating and punishing people who haven't committed any crimes.
  2. Martin has connections with Russian propaganda outlets and has aligned his views with those of Trump, creating a troubling overlap between American politics and Russian interests. This connection shows how dangerous authoritarian practices can spread.
  3. The appointment of someone like Martin raises concerns about the growing influence of foreign propaganda in U.S. politics and highlights the need to recognize the reality of such connections in understanding current political events.

Episode 189 Pt I

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Politics Health Entertainment
  1. There were technical issues that caused half an hour of the show to be lost, including important debate analysis. The hosts plan to redo it and offer more content soon.
  2. Residents in Springfield, Ohio, are expressing concerns about a large influx of Haitian immigrants and how it affects their community.
  3. A guest discusses the issues of responsibility among gay men concerning health risks linked to promiscuity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and personal accountability.
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Lead pipes are dangerous? Make 'em mandatory

Experimental History • 7173 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Literature Science Psychology Humor
  1. Lead pipes can poison people, and they have been used for thousands of years despite the dangers. People often realize this every few decades and push for laws to require lead pipes.
  2. Prominent figures like Ronald Reagan sought astrological advice from advisers like Nancy Reagan's astrologer, showing how beliefs in astrology influenced important decisions.
  3. There's a trend of creating similar movies at the same time, known as 'twin films,' where studios release films with similar themes or ideas around the same time, sometimes by coincidence or for profit.

Is Donald Trump Losing His Mojo?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 210 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Politics Economy Trade Public Opinion
  1. People are noticing small wins lately since big achievements are hard to come by. It shows that sometimes you have to celebrate the little things.
  2. Trump is being linked to tacos in a funny way due to his trade decisions. This light-hearted connection has sparked some positive feelings about him.
  3. Many feel weary of bad trade ideas, fearing more economic strain. People want to avoid paying higher prices for things because of poor decisions.

On Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the problem of ketamine

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Public Figures Health Issues Media Social Commentary
  1. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have very different personalities and styles. Musk is focused on big, visionary goals, while Trump is more about managing perceptions and negotiating.
  2. Musk's recent comments about Trump crossing a line with Epstein claims seem impulsive and may not be backed by solid evidence. This could damage Musk's reputation instead of helping him.
  3. There are concerns about Musk's drug use, especially ketamine, which could be affecting his behavior negatively. People worry he might need help managing his stress and responsibilities.

What We Learned This Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2805 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Media Politics Art Philosophy
  1. Tuning out distractions and staying focused on important work can lead to positive results, as shown by efforts to improve safety and create jobs.
  2. Apathy is a major threat to open societies, highlighting the need for active participation in institutions that shape our future.
  3. Vigilance and resilience are crucial. Protecting ourselves and recognizing threats is important for safety and freedom.

Glory days

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Society History Politics Identity Memory
  1. Some older people are still stuck in the past, thinking their youth and ideas from the 1960s still represent today's reality.
  2. Many friends love to share nostalgic stories about their past activism, but they sometimes seem more about reliving glory than promoting understanding.
  3. People who change their political views often feel pushed away by their former friends, showing that kindness fades when faced with disagreement.

[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 Media Feminism Politics Entertainment Social Issues
  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.

What I'm Reading, Post-Election

Culture Study • 6104 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Reflection Social Issues Politics Identity
  1. Reading helps process complex feelings. It doesn't mean you agree, but it can spark important thoughts and emotions.
  2. Misogyny and economic issues are intertwined in politics. Many voters may prioritize financial gain over women's health and safety.
  3. The political landscape is tough and complex. People can engage with issues that matter to them without needing to fix everything at once.

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 Foreign Policy Trade Negotiation Presidency
  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.

Top Links 629 The Credit Suisse Nazi cover-up. Global bond tremors. The Atlas of drowned towns & Eric Dolphy's last date.

Chartbook • 357 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📰 News Current Events International Finance Politics
  1. Credit Suisse was involved in a Nazi cover-up, suggesting significant issues with accountability in major financial institutions.
  2. Global bond markets are experiencing turbulence, which may affect investors and the economy overall.
  3. Eric Dolphy's last performance and the concept of towns that have been drowned offer cultural and historical insights into forgotten places and stories.

a year in podcasts

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture History Technology Politics
  1. China's imperial examination system helped create stability but limited innovation. This has led to current challenges like economic stagnation and political succession issues.
  2. Recent discussions showed that trade alone doesn't change political systems. For instance, the Song dynasty had trade but remained autocratic.
  3. Policymakers need to make tough decisions instead of trying to balance too many interests. An example is the challenges faced by the Biden administration with the export controls on technology.

The One and the Many

The Fry Corner • 21522 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Philosophy Psychology Politics Statistics
  1. Groups of people can behave in predictable ways, even if individuals within those groups act randomly. This means we can anticipate the behavior of a crowd better than that of a single person.
  2. Statistics play a big role in predicting risks and behaviors. For example, actuarial tables help insurance companies set rates based on the likelihood of certain events, regardless of the reasons behind those probabilities.
  3. There is often a disconnect between how we view groups of people versus individuals. While we might feel negatively about humanity as a whole, we tend to appreciate and trust the individuals we meet in our daily lives.

Thinking Under Fascism

Dada Drummer Almanach • 505 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Media Philosophy Politics
  1. Thinking creatively during tough times can help us hold onto our reality. It's important to find a personal truth even when the world feels distorted.
  2. Art can be a powerful tool against oppressive forces, as shown by Chaplin's famous speech in 'The Great Dictator.' Speaking out against injustice can attract both support and backlash.
  3. History shows us that silencing voices of opposition is a strategy used by fascists. We must stay connected and support one another to resist these challenges in the present.

Doomscroll: Trevor Paglen

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 437 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Politics Technology Design
  1. Trevor Paglen discusses how art connects technology and politics, showing us what can often be hidden or ignored. His work helps us think about the important issues behind new tech.
  2. He talks about 'psyops capitalism', where media creates content based on user behavior, which can shape our views and experiences.
  3. Paglen compares early UFO stories to today's social media disinformation, highlighting how misinformation has always been a part of our society.

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Parenting Personal Politics Trends
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.

Northampton MP labels plan to move statues ‘cultural vandalism’

NN Journal • 298 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Community Heritage
  1. Moving the statues is seen as cultural vandalism by MP Lucy Rigby. She believes they should stay in the town center where people can learn about the important figures they represent.
  2. The West Northamptonshire Council is exploring options for using the Guildhall, which has made the statue relocation a topic of discussion. They plan to consult the public before making any decisions.
  3. Local residents feel strongly that the statues belong in their current location. Many consider the historic Guildhall an important part of the town's identity and heritage.

I Met the Alleged CEO Assassin

The Prism • 1757 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Criminal Justice Healthcare Cultural Commentary
  1. The individual named Luigi Mangione, once seen as a nice and thoughtful person, is now accused of murder. This raises questions about how people can show kindness yet still commit terrible acts.
  2. Luigi felt strongly about people losing their sense of agency and believed many were living on autopilot. He was eager to discuss ways to regain control over his life.
  3. There are dangers in attributing blame for societal issues to individuals. The healthcare system is complex, and scapegoating someone doesn't solve the bigger problems at play.

Old Man Yells at Cloud

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Education Crime Health
  1. A new course is available for parents to help them understand and support their kids dealing with gender issues. This program is designed to help parents connect with their teens.
  2. There's a concern that crime and chaos are increasing in America, with reports of gangs taking over neighborhoods and alarming incidents happening daily.
  3. The discussion focuses on how society seems to honor youth while disregarding the wisdom of older generations, suggesting a shift in values that raises concerns.

On my bullshit tonight at 8 pm!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Entertainment Discussion Politics
  1. A live conversation is happening tonight at 8 pm Eastern time. You can join in to hear some interesting discussions.
  2. It's on Rumble, so you'll need an account to participate in the live chat. Make sure to sign up beforehand!
  3. The event will focus on American politics and themes of authoritarianism. It could be a good chance to gain new insights on these topics.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Britain's sinking reputation

Wrong Side of History • 669 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Diaspora Politics Identity Nostalgia Cultural Studies
  1. Some people in the Anglo diaspora feel let down by Britain and its changing reputation. They look back at the old days with a mix of nostalgia and disappointment.
  2. Diaspora politics can be complicated, as it’s often based on memories rather than the current reality in the home country. Feelings about cultural issues can be influenced by generations of distance.
  3. The idea of cultural appropriation is shaped by individuals who have embraced new cultures while losing touch with their own roots. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Look what you made us do

read • 13994 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrities Opinion
  1. Taylor Swift's influence permeates global culture, politics, and media
  2. Writers on Substack provide original, insightful, and sometimes humorous analyses on Taylor Swift's impact
  3. Taylor Swift's actions, endorsements, and mere existence provoke strong reactions and shape narratives in various spheres

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Politics Culture Comedy Social Issues
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

Drop #18. Looking for Fireflies in Times of Fascism

REINCANTAMENTO Drops • 59 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art History Politics Society
  1. Re-enchantment is about reconnecting with the world beyond just science and technology. It emphasizes the importance of myths and spirituality in giving life meaning.
  2. Marginalized groups often hold valuable knowledge that was lost over time, such as practices from witches or diverse cultures. This loss is linked to historical violence and control by dominant powers.
  3. To find hope in difficult times, we should embrace creativity and imagination. By viewing the world differently, we can envision new possibilities and a re-enchanted future.

Porn Is Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Law Society Sexuality Politics
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing laws that require age verification on porn sites, but porn will likely continue to exist regardless of the outcome.
  2. Many states have introduced laws to prevent minors from accessing pornography, citing concerns about the impact on youth.
  3. Despite these regulations, the history of porn shows it's always been around and is easily accessible online, making these laws largely ineffective.

Undoing Biden's Left-Extremism

The Weekly Dish • 230 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Elections Policies
  1. The focus is on changing immigration policies to be more sensible and straightforward. This means making it easier to understand and manage who can come into the country.
  2. There is a push against what is seen as extreme left policies in the current administration. This suggests a desire for a more balanced approach to governance.
  3. The argument implies that returning to former policies could bring back a sense of normalcy and order. It's about shifting back to what some believe worked better in the past.

Steve Earle

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 158 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Politics Cultural impact Artistry Music Industry
  1. Steve Earle believes music has always had a political side, and right now it might be more important than ever. He thinks artists should write about what they feel strongly about, even if those topics are heavy.
  2. Earle points out that in the past, music played a big role in social change. He feels that today's artists have the chance to create impactful songs, especially with current issues in the world.
  3. He also emphasizes the need for empathy in songwriting. When artists connect with their emotions and experiences, they can reach people's hearts better, making them more powerful in conveying their messages.

Aesthetic Warfare (and the Power of Coining an Aesthetic)

Working Theorys • 141 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Politics Identity Aesthetics
  1. Culture fights are more about looks and feelings than simply ideas. Aesthetics are how people connect and relate to those ideas.
  2. Aesthetic authorship is really important today. Anyone can create and share new styles, which can change how people see themselves and their values.
  3. Art needs a human touch. While AI can create amazing visuals, it lacks the deeper meaning and intent that only a human artist can bring to their work.