The hottest Politics Substack posts right now

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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 Congress Economics History Culture
  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.

A Sex Strike isn't Going to Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 7576 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Society Media History Politics Gender
  1. Cultural appropriation happens when one group takes aspects of another group's culture without understanding its significance. American women joining the South Korean 4B movement might be seen as doing this, as they are adopting a struggle that is not theirs.
  2. A collective sex strike faces many challenges. It requires everyone to agree and act together, which is hard since individuals might choose to break the strike and miss out on the potential benefits without facing consequences.
  3. Looking at history, past movements didn't always work out as planned. Striking for change isn't as simple as withholding something, especially in a democracy where individual freedoms and choices are valued.

The Biden Administration’s Prosecution of Dr. Eithan Haim

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1446 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Law Ethics Gender Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim is facing serious legal trouble for speaking out about gender transition treatments being offered to minors at Texas Children's Hospital. He believes these treatments are unethical and harmful.
  2. Haim feels that delaying puberty in children with gender dysphoria is making them sick and is against his medical ethics.
  3. Many of Haim's fellow doctors also have concerns but are afraid to speak up due to the pressure and potential consequences they might face in their careers.

The $25B Kroger-Albertsons Merger Is Going to Fail

BIG by Matt Stoller • 19710 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Antitrust Monopoly Merger Labor Politics
  1. The $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger is facing challenges as the Federal Trade Commission and nine states sue to block it due to potential negative impacts on consumer prices and wages.
  2. The case is significant because it involves a novel application of antitrust law, focusing on labor grounds and the impact on union bargaining terms.
  3. The merger's potential consequences, including higher prices and lower wages, have sparked political response from politicians and unions, indicating widespread concern and opposition.
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The Messy Thicket of Change

Culture Study • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Social justice Community Politics Race relations
  1. It's important to let everyday people create their own solutions for social change, instead of just following easy steps set by others. This helps them feel more connected and invested in the process.
  2. The journey towards racial justice is messy and often includes mistakes, but the willingness to work through those challenges together is crucial for real progress.
  3. Building a supportive community where everyone feels they belong encourages deeper conversations about tough topics like racism, making it easier for people to come together and act for change.

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Health Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

The Dumbest Cover Story Ever

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16432 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Politics
  1. The article criticizes New York Magazine's cover story, describing its support for children's access to sex-changing medical care as extreme and problematic.
  2. The author argues that the piece promotes a radical rejection of norms like the nuclear family and patriarchy, advocating for a collective reimagining of society.
  3. The concept of child liberation and absolute political agency for children is highlighted as a controversial and concerning aspect of the cover story.

Links for January

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 515 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Politics Science Music Food Psychology
  1. Jimmy Carter once told a funny story about a rabbit that scared him while fishing, and it became a big deal in the news, even though he only shared it privately.
  2. There's interesting talk about how we classify mental disorders nowadays and if labels like 'ADHD' will still be relevant in the future.
  3. Recent studies show that drinking alcohol can lead to a higher risk of cancer, and it's great when reports present this information clearly and let people draw their own conclusions.

assessing the case for pardoning fauci

bad cattitude • 233 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Law Health Public Policy Government
  1. Pardoning Fauci may send a message that he is being protected from accountability. This could shape public opinion in favor of Fauci rather than promote transparency.
  2. Many people are not aware of the controversies surrounding the NIH's role in COVID-19. It's important to publicize the facts to educate the general public.
  3. There should be accountability for public figures like Fauci. Exposing the truth about their actions can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Chartbook 340 Against synecdoche! … A plural taxonomy of capitalist globalization

Chartbook • 686 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💼 Business Capitalism Globalization Economics Politics Finance
  1. Global capitalism is complex and can't just be understood as one single economy. Different sectors, like finance and agriculture, have their own unique ways of operating.
  2. It's important to recognize the different sectors of capitalism to fully understand how they interact. For example, globalization affects industries like manufacturing and real estate in distinct ways.
  3. By acknowledging that capitalism is made up of many different parts, we can avoid oversimplifying it and appreciate the specific factors at play in each aspect.

Dissecting A Modern Vaccine Propaganda Piece

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 8824 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Science Politics Propaganda Disinformation
  1. The author dissects a modern vaccine propaganda piece and reveals tactics used to defend unchallenged arguments.
  2. Peter Hotez is highlighted as drawing the ire of the vaccine safety community by defending the vaccine narrative and attacking critics.
  3. Hotez's suggestions to silence opposition and his rhetoric are critiqued for their implications on free speech and public debate.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture History Society Politics Housing Urban planning
  1. Britain has a strange dislike for air conditioning, which affects how people stay cool in hot weather. It seems many prefer to tough it out rather than use AC.
  2. There are ongoing delays in UK projects like HS2, which is causing frustration for those hoping for improvements in transport. People are looking for better public transport options, especially buses.
  3. A recent report suggests building more homes and smaller living spaces could help with housing shortages. It also points out that more air conditioning might make these homes more comfortable.

The Origins of Deutsche Physik (1910s)

Cantor's Paradise • 363 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🔬 Science Physics History Politics Philosophy Mathematics
  1. The conflict in the physics community during the 1910s was largely about differing views on science and the influence of World War I. German physicists felt pressure to defend national pride while dealing with the rise of theoretical physics led by figures like Einstein.
  2. There was a significant clash between experimentalists and theorists, with older physicists struggling to accept new ideas. Many were uncomfortable with Einstein's theories because they felt too abstract and removed from traditional experimental methods.
  3. As political tensions grew, the conflict transformed into overt anti-Semitism, particularly targeting Einstein. Some physicists expressed nationalistic and racial ideologies, which later aligned with the Nazi agenda.

The Night Whitney Houston Died

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5691 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics War Tragedy America
  1. Whitney Houston and other 1980s artists shaped American culture, making it feel eternal to many, even as the country faced challenges.
  2. The night Whitney Houston died was significant for many around the world, showing the impact of her music transcending borders and cultures.
  3. The juxtaposition of Whitney Houston's death with the tragedies in Gaza on Superbowl Sunday highlights the importance of raising our voices against inhumane actions and standing up for values, patriotism, and humanity.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Aging Health Technology Society 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.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

All Our Elections are Stolen. It is Why Nothing Works Without Money Printing

Welcome to Absurdistan • 5208 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption Government Policy Politics
  1. The post discusses how elections are being manipulated through various techniques like multiple voter IDs, dead people voting, and ineligible ballots being cast.
  2. There is a focus on the impact of cheating in elections, stating that it can make the country ungovernable and lead to financial instability.
  3. The role of money printing in sustaining the economy is highlighted, suggesting that policies like climate regulation and diversity initiatives may have negative economic impacts.

The Silly Furor Over "Allegedly"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10370 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
📰 News Journalism Media Politics
  1. Kristen Welker of Meet the Press faced criticism for using the word 'allegedly' when talking about Trump trying to overturn the 2020 election.
  2. Using 'allegedly' in journalism can spark heated debates and reactions from colleagues and the audience.
  3. Accuracy and choice of words, like 'allegedly,' can lead to intense discussions and interpretations in news reporting.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International Economics Social Issues History
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

Out of Words

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6909 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Language Politics Education Literature Music
  1. Twitter serves as an important archive of history, essential for transparency and fighting against autocracy.
  2. Learning new languages can be a way to escape from the negative aspects of social media and can provide a new perspective on the world.
  3. Poetry and language have the power to convey deep political sentiments and reveal the true heart of a nation.

The Fog

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5092 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Philosophy Literature
  1. Fog can obscure realities, making it challenging to navigate through the world and see clearly.
  2. The artist Andrew Wyeth's work reflected deep emotions and hidden stories, capturing the essence of loneliness and loss.
  3. Winter symbolizes difficult times, from Covid challenges to political uncertainty, creating a fog of bad information, regret, and grief.

Niccolò Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and the crisis of modern science

uTobian • 4952 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics History Science Medicine
  1. In modern times, freedom is often associated with unrestrained passion, but the idea of freedom through personal restraint from ancient times is considered a better path to happiness and fulfillment.
  2. The writings of Niccolò Machiavelli marked a shift in the concept of freedom towards acknowledging human selfishness and focusing on political security through class conflict.
  3. The current crisis in science and medicine is prompting a reevaluation of the assumption that scientists and doctors are inherently virtuous, suggesting the need for reforms based on the idea that they may be motivated by greed and power.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Comedy Music Politics
  1. Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
  2. Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
  3. Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

The Monday Media Diet with Dan Sinker

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art History Politics
  1. Consuming too much news can cause anxiety, especially with events like elections coming up. It's easy to fall into a cycle of constantly refreshing for updates, but it won't change the outcome.
  2. Enjoying different forms of media can provide a needed break from stress. Listening to entertaining podcasts or watching a funny show can help lighten the mood.
  3. Reading good books, especially by talented writers like Hanif Abdurraqib, can be very rewarding. Their well-crafted words offer a chance to reflect on important themes and enjoy powerful storytelling.

The Re-Enchantment of Men

Reactionary Feminist • 13 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Politics Gender
  1. Men are showing a shift towards more right-wing ideas and groups lately. This change is part of a bigger conversation about masculinity in today's world.
  2. The rise of figures like Bronze Age Pervert has sparked discussions about the 'moral rebellion' of men. It's all about how men are rethinking their roles and identities.
  3. There's a return of a more poetic and heroic sensibility in culture today. This shift is partly due to the impact of the digital age and how we connect with ideas and movements online.

My Podcast With Jim Rutt

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Society Technology Politics Culture
  1. The timing of reactions to a key December paper about AI was off because people didn't realize its importance until much later.
  2. A new executive order on AI aims to reduce government red tape, which could change how tech companies work with the government.
  3. Since 9/11, there’s been a shift in counterterrorism tactics that creates suspicion among everyday people, leading to distrust in society.

Welcoming the stranger

Wrong Side of History • 346 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Immigration Hospitality Society Tradition 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.

It’s expensive to be a Man

New Means • 3930 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Masculinity Politics Equality Society
  1. Masculinity propagated by some influencers can be toxic, isolating, and damaging to men's mental health.
  2. Resistance to harmful stereotypes and embracing individuality can lead to emotional freedom and healthier relationships.
  3. Rejecting oppressive norms benefits not only men, but also promotes freedom and fulfillment for all genders.

Weltschmerz

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mental health Society Politics
  1. Weltschmerz means feeling tired or sad about how the world is. It's a deep emotional exhaustion about life's challenges and problems.
  2. People today face many big issues like climate change and wealth inequality, which can make this feeling even stronger. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these problems.
  3. This sense of world-weariness has worsened over time as we see societal promises break down. It's a struggle that many people can relate to.