The hottest Protests Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Civil Rights History Government
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.

Right wing creators are dominating L.A. protest coverage

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1761 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Right-wing Protests Social media Technology
  1. Right wing creators are playing a big role in covering protests in Los Angeles. They're shaping how these events are viewed and discussed online.
  2. Elon Musk recently had a falling out with Trump after supporting him for a long time. Musk's relationship with the MAGA movement is now uncertain.
  3. The break between Musk and Trump shows how tech and politics can conflict, highlighting the changing dynamics in these worlds.

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

Activism, Uncensored: A Clash of Inauguration Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Rights Government
  1. Protests can bring together people with very different views, leading to chaotic interactions on the streets. It's a reminder that activism often sparks intense emotions and actions.
  2. Some protesters use art and symbols to express their messages, which can be open to interpretation. This shows how deeply feelings about rights and identity can influence what people create and display.
  3. It’s important to document events like these without judgment, allowing visuals to tell the story. Capturing these moments helps us understand the context of today's activism.

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Elections Government Advocacy Protests
  1. Netanyahu handed a special 'golden beeper' to Trump during discussions about Gaza, showing close political ties.
  2. A small right-wing group called Betar faced backlash at a pro-Israel rally, promoting aggressive political strategies and targeting critics.
  3. Betar's attempts to gain visibility included spreading false claims about deporting pro-Palestinian activists, leading to public condemnation from various organizations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Immigration protests and media distrust: Everything comes back to 2020

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Immigration Civil Rights Trust
  1. The recent immigration protests in Los Angeles are serious, but the city's size means not everywhere is affected. Media reports can downplay the situation, but it's clear there's unrest.
  2. Past media coverage during protests, especially in 2020, has led to distrust. Many felt the media downplayed violence and unrest, saying protests were mostly peaceful when that wasn't the full story.
  3. The credibility of traditional media has been damaged since 2020. Some are skeptical of their current portrayal of protests, believing that the truth is not always fully reported.

Activism, Uncensored: On January 6th, Protests for and Against Donald Trump

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Activism Election Polarization Culture war
  1. There were protests on January 6th about Donald Trump's election results. Some people wanted Congress to not certify the election, while others were asking for pardons for those involved in the earlier protests.
  2. The protests highlighted a deep divide in American culture and politics. People on both sides expressed strong beliefs and emotions regarding Trump and the events of January 6th.
  3. A video by Ford Fischer showed different viewpoints from these protests. It offered a clear look at the ongoing cultural conflicts in the country.

Ban Masking Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1734 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Crime Public Safety Civil Rights Protests
  1. There's a call to reinstate anti-masking laws because masks can help criminals hide their identity. This relates to incidents of violence in cities like New York and concerns about safety.
  2. The repeal of the anti-masking law has reportedly led to more crime and intimidation, especially against specific groups on college campuses. This highlights the negative impact of masking in certain contexts.
  3. Some believe that banning masks during protests and other public events can help prevent crimes and maintain safety, similar to historical laws that targeted groups like the KKK. The debate continues on whether such measures would be effective today.

Inside Columbia University’s ‘Museum of Terror’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1530 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Protests Education Israel
  1. Columbia University hosted an exhibit showing tools used for a break-in by anti-Israel protesters. This highlighted significant tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue on campus.
  2. A student, Shoshana Aufzien, attended an event that aimed to promote Palestinian experiences but described it as like visiting a 'museum of terror.' She felt this showed the extreme sentiments present.
  3. The event featured various training sessions, including protest and defense training, signaling a growing mobilization around the pro-Palestine cause among students.

‘Polio Ravaged My Family.’ Political Violence Is Back. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2207 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Public Health Protests Government Policy
  1. Polio vaccines have saved many lives and prevented unimaginable pain for families. Ignoring their value can lead to serious health risks.
  2. Political violence is increasing again, and it seems people are accepting or even supporting it more. In the past, similar patterns led to chaos.
  3. In Georgia, protests are happening every night, reflecting deep concerns about the country's direction. People are fighting for their future and EU membership.

In Soviet Germany, the government protests YOU

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Government Elections Political parties Activism
  1. Protests in Germany are increasingly targeting those labeled as 'the right,' which now includes not just far-right parties but also center-right ones. This means many voters are being seen as needing 'reeducation.'
  2. The government is allegedly using taxpayer money to finance protests against political opposition, which raises questions about fairness in democracy. Nonprofit groups linked to the state are involved in organizing these protests.
  3. There is a growing tension in German politics where opposition to the ruling parties is being met with protests and accusations of extremism, which might push voters towards more populist, right-wing parties.

Black Lives Matter Killed 8,682 Black People

Handwaving Freakoutery • 1482 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Crime Rates Protests Public Safety Racial Disparities
  1. Murder rates in the USA rose significantly in 2020, the biggest single-year increase ever. This spike in violence coincided with the protests related to the Black Lives Matter movement.
  2. Using historical data, an estimate suggests that about 8,682 extra black people were killed due to the rise in murder rates connected to these protests. This number reflects the additional deaths beyond what might have been expected.
  3. The impact of protests suggests that social movements can have serious real-world consequences, influencing crime and safety in communities. It's important to consider how actions taken during advocacy can affect the very people they aim to support.

Political Violence Happens Because We Let It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 765 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Domestic Terrorism Protests
  1. Political violence is on the rise due to various ideologies motivating individuals to commit violent acts. Many recent events show how political beliefs can lead to extreme actions.
  2. The history of political violence in the U.S. has repeating patterns, similar to what the country experienced in the 1960s and 70s. This pattern includes assassinations, riots, and domestic terrorism.
  3. Despite the increase in other forms of crime, political violence has become less common for a while, making its return today surprising to many younger people.

Breaking The Iron Triangle of Elite Hate

Welcome to Absurdistan • 6132 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Government Protests Economic Impact Media influence International relations
  1. Canada's Liberal Party, in power for a century, is projected to lose to Conservatives.
  2. The government funded NGO, CAHN, was found to drive bureaucratic action by labelling opposition as hate.
  3. Trudeau's invocation of the Emergencies Act based on fabricated intelligence led to backlash against his leadership.

Getting past the 2010s

Noahpinion • 10882 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Protests Palestine Political Activism Extremism Human Rights
  1. Past unrest can quickly transition to peaceful societies, as seen in Japan's history from protests to tranquil consumerism.
  2. Self-immolation can be a form of political protest, often linked to specific causes like Tibetan resistance or land seizures by governments.
  3. Individuals may passionately fight for extremist causes, willing to die for their beliefs, even if they are not considered mentally ill.

Protestors Stage Die-Ins At Several Florida DMVs Over Trans Drivers License Ban

Erin In The Morning • 5011 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Protests Legislation Social justice Civil Rights
  1. Protesters staged die-ins at multiple Florida DMVs against the new policy prohibiting transgender individuals from changing their gender markers on driver's licenses.
  2. The protests were organized by various organizations in Florida and involved over 100 participants laying on the ground for 37 minutes to symbolize the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
  3. The risks associated with incorrect gender markers on official documents for transgender individuals include increased harassment and abuse, while correct gender markers are crucial for lowering suicide risk and supporting their transition.

Canada first. Then the Spanish. Then the French. The Irish. Now the Germans. And Friday, the Poles.

Welcome to Absurdistan • 5640 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Protests Globalization Government Corruption
  1. Protests against climate regulations and globalization are happening worldwide.
  2. There is growing distrust and resistance towards government narratives and actions.
  3. The working class and immigrants are at the forefront of demanding change and better economic opportunities.

Taking to the Streets with Georgia’s Pro-Western Protesters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Government International relations Civil Rights Law enforcement
  1. Protests in Georgia have been intense, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Many protesters are sharing stories of violence they faced from law enforcement.
  2. The protests started after the Georgian Prime Minister announced that the country wouldn't seek EU membership until 2028, which angered those who support a pro-Western path.
  3. Activists and protestors are facing severe police crackdowns, with reports of arrests and assaults, signaling a tough stance from the government against dissent.

Guatemala Just Ran January 6th In Reverse

Persuasion • 3852 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Corruption Protests International relations Political Movements
  1. Guatemala recently experienced a successful pro-democracy movement against a corrupt political establishment.
  2. A largely-indigenous grassroots movement mobilized to demand respect for their votes and succeeded in getting the new president sworn in.
  3. The international community largely overlooked Guatemala's impressive defense of democracy, pointing to various reasons like lack of attention and conflicting support from different political factions.

WATCH: American Miseducation. A New Documentary from The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3232 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Ideology Youth Education
  1. There has been a rise in pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, targeting iconic institutions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum.
  2. Some of the protesters express anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons, advocating for the liberation of Palestinians but often resorting to derogatory language against Israelis, using terms like Zionist, settler-colonialist, and occupier.
  3. There is concern about the influence of ideologies like decolonization and intersectionality on American campuses, leading to sympathy towards terrorism among the Gen Z population, highlighting a shift away from the pursuit of truth in academia.

Josh Dehaas: The police can't just declare an overpass a Charter-free zone

The Line • 1513 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Police Freedom of Expression Constitutional Rights
  1. Police tend to underreact to illegality at protests initially, then they overreact when the public gets frustrated.
  2. Enforcing laws against illegal actions of protesters from the start is important to prevent overreactions and protect constitutional rights.
  3. Blanket bans on protests by police can violate freedom of assembly and expression protected by the Charter.

Commentator

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Elections Political parties Foreign Relations Social movements
  1. There's a growing divide within the Democratic Party between liberals and progressives, especially around the Israel/Palestine conflict. This split is becoming more visible as protests on campuses reflect differing worldviews.
  2. Protests are showing strong anti-Israel sentiments and are affecting US politics. These movements could add unexpected pressure on the current administration, similar to how unrest shaped past elections.
  3. Internationally, the situation in the Sahel is worsening as countries there are turning away from US partnerships and looking to Russia for support. This reflects a larger shift in global power dynamics.

THE SHOW NOTES: The Fani Willis Bomb, Progressives Want More Crime, & GenZ

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Immigration Protests Government Corruption
  1. A bombshell court filing reveals financial misconduct by Fulton Country DA Fani Willis.
  2. Progressives in New York City are upset that crime decreased due to police crackdowns.
  3. ESG initiatives are causing changes in corporate America, with some leaders avoiding the term.

Why This Berkeley Professor Is Sleeping in His Office

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Antisemitism Higher education
  1. Ron Hassner staged a sit-in protest in his UC Berkeley office to address rising campus Jew-hatred due to inaction by the administration.
  2. There was a violent incident at UC Berkeley involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to campus tensions and fear among Jewish students.
  3. Hassner's demands to the university include keeping Sather Gate open, issuing apologies to disrupted speakers, and providing staff with Islamophobia and antisemitism training.

Israel's War Within

Diane Francis • 899 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Civil Rights Protests Government Policies
  1. Israel is facing a big political crisis, with many people protesting against Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans that could limit the Supreme Court's power. This has caused divisions among different groups in the country.
  2. The population of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) is growing fast, and they want to change Israeli society to align with their beliefs. This worries many secular Israelis who want to preserve a more liberal and democratic Israel.
  3. The ongoing issues in Israel, such as economic inequality and the power struggle between the religious and secular groups, could threaten the country's stability and security in the future.

Censorship: How Does It Work?

Moly’s Substack • 334 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Censorship Propaganda Conspiracy Theories Protests
  1. Censorship in China focuses on making the country look good, hiding negative information, and implying that other countries are just as bad.
  2. The Great Firewall of China is not very effective due to the widespread use of VPNs for accessing banned content.
  3. Chinese censorship also includes subtle methods, like controlling English education and promoting government-approved conspiracy theories.

Upheaval in Bashkortostan Signals the Beginning of the End of Putin’s Russia

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Protests Russian Politics Environmentalism
  1. The protests in Bashkortostan started over environmental issues but are now pushing for independence. People want their land protected and feel it needs to be part of their national identity.
  2. Ignoring the unrest in Bashkortostan could be a mistake. Just like in Estonia years ago, these movements can lead to significant changes in government power and national independence.
  3. Bashkortostan is in a strategic location with a diverse population, making it a vital area for potential independence movements. If the protests grow stronger, it could inspire other regions in Russia to seek their own freedom.

Bloody awesome day at New Zealand’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Activism Protests Trans issues Public Safety
  1. The Let Women Speak rally in Auckland was a big event that gathered a supportive crowd of around 400 people. It aimed to give women a platform to share their views.
  2. There was a noticeable police presence at the rally to ensure everyone's safety, which helped attendees feel more at ease despite previous concerns about protests.
  3. The atmosphere was more relaxed compared to a previous rally, with fewer protestors trying to disrupt the event. This allowed for a successful and positive gathering celebrating women's rights.