The hottest Populism Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Saturday Read: The velvet curtain

The Saturday Read • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political culture Populism Party Dynamics Geopolitics
  1. The rise of pop political movements, like MAGA and Thatcherism, show that they can reshape party identity and power dynamics in profound ways. This isn't just a short-term trend; it's likely to stick around.
  2. There's a real worry about the growing alignment of countries in the Brics group, which could change how global politics work. Many leaders aren't addressing this potential shift, leaving concerns about balance of power.
  3. North Korea sending troops to help Russia in Ukraine raises alarms, especially for neighboring countries like South Korea. It's a reminder of how tensions can escalate and lead to a larger conflict.

Germans Say ‘No’ to Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Immigration Populism Foreign Policy
  1. In Germany's recent elections, the right-wing populist party AfD made big gains, highlighting public concern over immigration. Many voters want to stop mass immigration but prefer not to support AfD directly.
  2. Trump's new policies are changing America's approach to Ukraine, which some view as a betrayal of both Ukraine and American values. Critics are worried about the potential consequences of this shift.
  3. A small group held a vigil in New York for a recently killed terrorist leader, but many attendees did not even know his name. This raises questions about awareness and understanding of international issues among people.

Chartbook 353 How Munich got Maga-ed, or Vance, bull**** & the European furore.

Chartbook • 4306 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Populism Security Immigration Political parties
  1. MAGA politics often come off as confusing and illogical, but they do pose a real threat. Leaders like J.D. Vance play on nationalistic ideas, creating divisions rather than solving actual problems.
  2. Europe's relationship with the U.S. is strained, especially after Vance's speech at the Munich Conference. Many Europeans feel they might have to treat the U.S. as a foreign country due to these differences in political style and values.
  3. For Europe to dismiss radical right-wing ideas effectively, it needs to develop its own security strategies. Relying solely on American support could backfire and bring MAGA-style politics into European conversations.

We All Live on 4Chan Now

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Cultural Issues Media influence Political Behavior
  1. Right-wing troll culture has become popular and is now everywhere. Many people are starting to use the same language and attitude as extreme right actors.
  2. People are more relaxed about serious issues now, sometimes even joking about things that should concern them. This makes it hard to have real discussions about important topics.
  3. It's okay to care about things and express your feelings. We shouldn't let popular trends make us act tough or indifferent about serious matters.

What's Behind Trump's War on Science?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 731 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political Commentary Populism
  1. The Trump administration cut science funding significantly, with research funding dropping drastically in many fields. This has created a crisis for the National Science Foundation.
  2. The slow distribution of research funds is linked to both incompetence and a focus on politically favored themes. This shows a lack of value for basic research.
  3. Overall, this issue reflects broader problems with populism, where anger can lead to harm without clear targets, often causing more chaos than resolution.
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the winds of phase change

bad cattitude • 293 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Media Control Elites Censorship Culture Wars
  1. People are starting to recognize that they have been misled and manipulated by a small elite, realizing they're not alone in feeling this way. It's like a collective awakening to the truth.
  2. Cancel culture is about silencing voices and creating division among people. It aims to maintain control by making individuals afraid to express non-mainstream views.
  3. Recent events, like the changes brought by social media, show that the elite's control is weakening. More people are finding their voices and uniting against those who try to keep them isolated.

About Those Onesies

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16872 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Health Civil Liberties Populism Media Critique
  1. Senator Sanders had a tense exchange with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which seemed surprising given they agree on many issues. It raised questions about why there was such hostility.
  2. The Virality Project labeled both Sanders and Kennedy as 'censored,' showing how the content moderation system can target people for their overall views, not just specific statements.
  3. Sanders once had a strong populist appeal but lost some of that by not defending free speech for those with differing views, which goes against the core of liberal values.

From Flatland to Reality: Escaping the Political Pendulum

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Authoritarianism Political theory Political Movements Globalism
  1. People often think they can solve problems by switching from left to right in politics, but they often end up in the same spot. It's like two ants walking in opposite directions on a loop, thinking they are getting away from each other.
  2. The political system is designed to keep us distracted by left versus right arguments instead of looking at the bigger issue of increasing authoritarianism. This makes it hard for people to realize they are being led toward the same outcome regardless of which side they support.
  3. To truly make change, we need to focus on the underlying issues of power and control rather than just swapping one authoritarian leader for another. It's important to address the larger concept of freedom versus control.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Foreign Policy Bureaucracy Administrative state
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

Gold, volk and IQs

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2551 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Neoliberalism Racism Populism Intellectualism
  1. Hayek's later ideas strayed from classical liberalism and opened doors for distorted interpretations of his work. This led to a rise in beliefs that emphasize race and ethnicity over universal principles.
  2. The alt-Right's claims about intelligence and ethnic success are flawed. They ignore historical and structural factors that contribute to economic achievement and focus too much on innate differences.
  3. Many contemporary thinkers are more about making money than sharing true intellectual ideas. They profit from promoting unrealistic views rather than pursuing genuine understanding and solutions.

Make America Gilded Again

Campaign Trails • 5064 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaign strategies Economic Policy Social movements Populism
  1. Many people support Trump's idea of making America great again, but it's mostly based on nostalgic feelings about the past. They often don't really specify what that 'great' time is.
  2. Trump's idea seems to relate to the 1890s, a time known for wealth for a few and poverty for many. Most people were struggling to get by while a small number of rich people thrived.
  3. The 1890s also had serious issues with racism and restrictions on people's rights. For many, that period was quite harsh, showing that Trump's vision might not be good for everyone.

Musk's Hyper-McCarthyism

Unpopular Front • 110 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Ideology Populism Media influence
  1. Some believe that the actions of Musk and Trump are part of a larger plan connected to old ideological beliefs. Even if it seems chaotic, there might be a deeper reason behind their strategies.
  2. The attacks on government and its officials are seen as part of a larger goal to undermine social democratic values, similar to past political movements. This is not just about individual actions, but about changing the system itself.
  3. Musk is using social media as a way to gather support and spread his ideas, much like past leaders used their platforms. It's important for media and society to recognize this and not validate actions that have harmful intent.

A Trump presidency could unite Europe - in obedience

Gulf Stream Blues • 59 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Far-right International relations Populism Sovereignty
  1. If Trump wins again, it could boost far-right parties in Europe. These parties are gaining popularity but not as much as Trump in the U.S.
  2. Some European leaders think a Trump presidency could shock Europe into becoming more independent. However, there's skepticism about whether this will really happen.
  3. It's likely that Europe's far-right might come together in support of Trump rather than against him, which could strengthen their power and influence.

Right-Wing Intellectuals under Trump, Andrew Jackson and MAGA, "Ethnic Niches" and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1462 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Intellectuals Trump Era Populism Activism
  1. Different intellectuals have different roles in the political landscape. Some focus on specific issues and work within the current system to make a difference.
  2. It's okay for intellectuals to express discontent at times. Everyone has their own style when it comes to speaking out against things they believe are wrong.
  3. Having a strong sense of integrity can lead people to voice their opinions more openly. Some find it hard to stay quiet about issues that frustrate them.

The authoritarian political agenda: beyond populism

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Populism Electoral Politics Governance Political Philosophy
  1. Many recent political leaders, like Trump and Modi, seem to share a dislike for traditional institutions. They often challenge or bypass established political systems and laws to push their agendas.
  2. These leaders come from different backgrounds but have gained support by tapping into public dissatisfaction with current systems. They use populism to connect with voters, even if their specific policies vary widely.
  3. The modern economy has shifted towards large-scale operations, which makes nations and big corporations more intertwined. This shift affects how these leaders approach governance and their relationships with businesses.

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political History Political Commentary Elections Media
  1. Populism is a strong feeling in America that often pits ordinary people against the powerful elite. It's more about emotions and attitudes than strict political plans.
  2. Trump's approach to politics echoes past leaders like Andrew Jackson, who also promised to challenge the established order and 'drain the swamp.' This shows how deeply rooted populism is in American history.
  3. Populism can lead to big changes in government, where people express their frustration with the ruling class and demand action. It can shake things up and even remove those in power.

"There is no room for firewalls": U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance denounces the closed and exclusionary European political elite to their faces

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 378 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Democracy International relations Populism Authoritarianism Migration
  1. J.D. Vance criticized European leaders for being closed and not listening to the people. He believes that real security comes from embracing democratic values and voices of citizens.
  2. He pointed out that issues like internet censorship and political repression are undermining democracy in Europe and the U.S. He urged leaders to fight for free speech instead of shutting down dissenting opinions.
  3. Vance highlighted that mass migration is a pressing issue that people are concerned about. He called for leaders to take these concerns seriously and respond to the will of the voters.

Martin Gurri: Trump Has a Mandate to Lead. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Governance Democracy
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current system and feel that leaders do not care about them. There is a growing distrust toward institutions that were once respected.
  2. Public dissatisfaction is seen in various movements worldwide, highlighting a desire for change and a disconnect between elites and everyday citizens.
  3. The rise of digital communication has exposed the problems with traditional institutions, making it harder for them to maintain authority without accountability.

✨⏩ JD Vance offers an accelerationist AI vision in Paris

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Technology AI Policy Economic Policy International relations
  1. JD Vance spoke about how technology can empower workers instead of taking their jobs away. It's important to focus on how AI can help people do their jobs better.
  2. He emphasized the need for more support in areas that are less technologically advanced. Investing in the heartland can help create a balanced economy.
  3. Vance's speech addressed the idea of balancing innovation with careful development. It's crucial to ensure that the rapid growth of AI doesn’t lead to negative social impacts.

Social Learning Links, 5/31/2025

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Populism Executive Power Progressivism
  1. TikTok boosts right-wing populism by making emotional content easily shareable and bypassing critical thinking. This makes it very appealing and dangerous as a social media platform.
  2. It's important for individuals to reflect on their beliefs, and to be open to the idea that they might be wrong sometimes. This kind of self-examination can help improve understanding and reduce defensiveness.
  3. The power of the presidency has grown partly because Congress has given up its authority. This shift means that the executive branch now has more control, which raises concerns about the balance of power in government.

MAHA- Populism to Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Policy Health Government Regulation
  1. Populism focuses on the divide between the ordinary people and the corrupt elites. It's important for political movements to transform people's frustrations into real policy changes.
  2. MAHA, which promotes health, aims to improve American health within 12-18 months but must balance regulations and individual freedoms to avoid becoming too controlling.
  3. There are ongoing debates about the role of government in personal health choices, like dietary habits and medical decisions. Finding the right balance between public health and individual rights is crucial.

Neoliberalism is Back!

KERFUFFLE • 57 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Neoliberalism Economic Policy Political History
  1. Neoliberalism is making a comeback, resembling previous political patterns where promises of change ultimately benefit the elite.
  2. Past leaders like Obama and Trump had populist messages, but their actions often favored corporate interests instead of truly supporting the public.
  3. Current political moves are seen as repeating historical mistakes, with influential figures like Elon Musk drawing attention away from genuine worker empowerment.

Chartbook 336 Trump's victory in 2024: consolidating the anti-PMC coalition.

Chartbook • 2660 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Identity Populism
  1. Trump's victory in 2024 showed that the divide in U.S. politics is still very close, with many voters split almost evenly between the two main parties. This means no dramatic changes were seen in the overall support for each side.
  2. There is a growing tension between the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and the working-class voters who feel disconnected from the traditional Democratic party values. This conflict has fueled the rise of anti-PMC sentiments, particularly among those who feel disenfranchised.
  3. The Democratic party has struggled to maintain support among diverse groups, especially working-class voters, leading to challenges in winning elections. The current political climate reflects deep-seated frustrations that both major parties need to address to stay relevant.

Global Elites Ram Digital IDs To Prevent Populist Victories

Public • 404 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Government Populism Digital Identity Globalization
  1. Governments are considering using a single app to store all personal information, which would make it easy for citizens to access important documents. This includes everything from vaccination status to tax records.
  2. This app could also give governments the power to control people's access to public services based on their behavior online. If someone spreads misinformation or hate speech, they could lose access to certain services.
  3. Digital IDs and tracking could lead to more surveillance and privacy concerns for citizens. Many fear that this could be a way for elites to maintain control and prevent populist movements.

Don't Buy Into Phony Anti-Establishment Schtick

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1723 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Messaging Populism Corruption
  1. Many people believe the media is corrupt, and that's true. But just because some leaders point this out doesn't mean they are offering real solutions.
  2. It's important to be careful about which political movements we support. Some anti-establishment figures might actually be leading us back to the same problems we want to escape.
  3. Real change requires looking beyond mainstream party politics. We need to seek genuine revolutionary ideas, not just those packaged as 'populist' by political leaders.

American Strong Gods

The Upheaval • 3204 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History National Identity Governance Populism Political theory
  1. Donald Trump represents a major shift away from the values of the Long Twentieth Century, promoting action and change instead of the procedural politics that dominated. He embodies a new spirit that prioritizes national interests and direct action.
  2. The idea of an 'open society' has led to a weakening of national identities and strong moral bonds, which many see as harmful. There's a growing desire to restore strong communal values and cohesive identities to counter this trend.
  3. Recent political movements are pushing back against the old liberal consensus, favoring a return to strong beliefs and identities. This reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the previous order and a quest for a more united and purposeful society.

The Trump Restoration

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1762 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Electoral Politics Party Dynamics Media influence Populism
  1. The idea that the Trump family could become part of the elite class in the future seems possible, especially with younger generations like Barron's kids. This shows how power dynamics can shift over time.
  2. Many people are confused by the political state where a convicted felon can become president. This blending of reality TV and politics complicates our understanding of what's real and what's a show.
  3. Democrats seem to have lost touch with everyday Americans, focusing too much on identity politics instead of real economic issues. This disconnect has allowed Trump and his supporters to thrive.

Don’t Fight Populism — Let It Fail on Its Own

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political resistance Political Dynamics Governance
  1. Populism has been a recurring theme in American politics, often rising during times of crisis. The electorate seems to keep returning to populism, showing a strong desire for change.
  2. Instead of fighting against populism, letting it play out might allow people to see its true effects and failures. This could help break the ongoing cycle of discontent and disillusionment with politics.
  3. If traditional institutions keep obstructing populism, it may lead to stronger support for these movements in the future. People need to see whether populism truly works or not, rather than having it stifled before it can fully unfold.

What the state of the US economy can tell us about Trump's populist appeal

Econ Populi • 19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elections Political trends Governance
  1. Bad economies can help populist candidates win elections. When people's lives are hard, they may choose someone who promises big changes, even if that candidate has been less successful.
  2. Populists like Donald Trump can be popular even when the economy is doing fine. Many voters don't rely on economic indicators and instead follow narratives that make them feel understood.
  3. Good economic governance might not be enough for traditional parties to win against populists. They need to connect with voters on a personal level and address their feelings about the elites and the current system.

Europe's absent-minded revolution

Wrong Side of History • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Migration Populism European Politics Cultural Issues Social Policy
  1. Europe is experiencing a political shift to the right, with right-wing populist parties gaining support and power in multiple countries. This reflects a broader public concern about immigration and economic challenges.
  2. The initial intent behind mass immigration to Europe was to fill labor gaps, but many assumptions about immigrants and their integration proved to be wrong. As a result, tensions have risen over the cultural and economic impacts of immigration.
  3. The debate over immigration in Europe is more about culture and community than economics. Many people value cultural sameness and fear the changes that immigration brings to their society.

I Welcome Trump Supporters

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political Discourse Political Behavior Populism Political parties
  1. It's okay to have Trump supporters follow and engage with you, even if you disagree with them. Respect can exist even amid different political views.
  2. People can change their values and opinions over time, even if they hold extremist views now. Everyone has the potential to evolve into a better version of themselves.
  3. The conflict isn't just left versus right; it's about dealing with movements that spread hate and division. It's important to call out harmful behavior while still being open to discussion.

Kayfabe, Cruelty, Sanewashing, Hierarchy, Musk, Bannon, & Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Media Critique Populism Political Figures
  1. There is a division within right-wing politics, with one group focused on technology and immigration, while the other emphasizes hiring Americans. This conflict reveals deep disagreements on priorities and treatment of certain demographics.
  2. Journalistic narratives often misrepresent political situations, making them seem more normal than they are. This 'sanewashing' can hide essential truths from readers.
  3. Donald Trump's upcoming presidency suggests continued chaos, with various factions vying for power and unclear policy directions. The interactions and conflicts in online discussions illustrate a tangled political landscape.

The Death of British Conservatism

Striking 13 • 3833 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Populism Government Ideology
  1. The Conservative party in Britain is facing potential annihilation with its support dropping drastically in polls.
  2. Populist conservatism has replaced traditional conservatism in the UK, leading to a significant ideological shift.
  3. There is a call for true conservatives to regain control and fight for the core values within the Conservative party to prevent complete ideological loss.

The End of the Cordon Sanitaire

Gideon's Substack • 124 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Coalitions Governance Populism
  1. When political parties distance themselves from extreme groups, they might inadvertently empower those very groups. This creates a cycle where the extremes gain more influence in politics.
  2. Political coalitions often need to include groups they disagree with to gain power. This can lead to instability because the goals and values of these groups may not align.
  3. Ignoring the need for compromise can lead to fragmentation of political parties, making it harder to achieve any unity. Realizing this is crucial for facing the current challenges in politics.

Colonization, Replaceable Man, and Love of One’s Own

The Upheaval • 1852 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Colonialism Cultural Identity Populism Migration
  1. Colonization changes how people see themselves and their culture. It often leads to a loss of national identity and local traditions.
  2. Modern society is experiencing a kind of self-colonization driven by globalization. People and cultures are treated more like replaceable cogs than unique communities.
  3. Nationalism is rising as people respond to the loss of their identity. Many are now striving to take pride in their own culture and seek to protect it.

Back and to the Right: The Pendulum Swings Again

The Corbett Report • 27 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Right-wing Censorship Political Movements Globalism
  1. Populist movements and right-wing ideas are gaining traction worldwide, challenging the political status quo. It's changing how people think about politics and power.
  2. Today's younger generations are becoming more conservative and questioning the ideas that were once considered progressive. This shift is redefining what it means to be anti-establishment.
  3. Despite political changes, core issues surrounding censorship and control by powerful elites remain. There's a need to look beyond the traditional left-right political spectrum to grasp the full picture.

Migration Mess

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Elections Populism Asylum International relations
  1. Immigration is a hot topic in elections, with many people feeling overwhelmed by the number of migrants and their needs.
  2. Historically, immigrants have faced challenges, and the perception of them has often been mixed, depending on their ability to fit in and contribute.
  3. Today's migration is influenced by global conflicts and human smuggling, leading to a rise in populist reactions against migrants.

Why Americans Should Die for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political narratives Liberalism Populism Foreign Policy Social Issues
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.

USA with NPD

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Current Events Government Critique Populism Social Issues
  1. There's a big divide in how people view the current political situation. Some are really scared, while others think things are going well.
  2. Many people are feeling lost and angry, especially due to changes in power and wealth. This might lead to more extreme behavior in society.
  3. The tech industry's weaknesses are becoming clearer. Some companies are out of touch and can't compete globally, which could impact their future.

Trump vs. the Law

Comment is Freed • 106 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Law Elections Governance Populism
  1. Democracy in America is at risk if Trump makes permanent changes to its structure. His actions might affect how future elections and governance work.
  2. There’s a real fear of a shift toward a system similar to Hungary, where leaders gain power using media control and different election rules.
  3. Some wealthy Americans and media outlets are supporting Trump, which could make it harder for normal government functions to operate and discourage open debate.