The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Environmental Policy Ethics Health Policy
  1. When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
  2. The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
  3. Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.

THE SHOW NOTES: Stenographers Revolt, Kamala's Employment Data Problem, & What Is Happening at CNN?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Campaigns Public Policy
  1. Job growth in the U.S. has slowed down a lot, with only 12,000 new jobs added in October. This is a big drop from what experts expected, which could hurt the Harris campaign's message about the economy.
  2. The White House changed a transcript to remove comments made by President Biden that insulted Trump supporters. This has caused a disagreement with the federal stenographers' office over transcript accuracy.
  3. CNN faced backlash for allowing a guest to mock JD Vance's family struggles during a discussion. This was seen as disrespectful, given the serious background of addiction in his family.

VINDICATED! (sadly). The govt can no longer hide the decline in jobs

COVID Reason • 812 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Government Labor Market Public Policy
  1. Job losses in the private sector are alarming, with 28,000 jobs lost, especially in manufacturing and retail. This shows a real problem in the economy.
  2. Government jobs increased by 40,000, which may cover up serious issues in other job sectors. This is a sign the economy isn't as strong as it looks.
  3. The labor force is shrinking, with many not participating anymore and unemployment rising. This trend is not sustainable and needs urgent attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Government Funding for R&D

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Research & Development Economic Growth Public Policy Innovation
  1. The US government spent about $160 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2022, but this is a declining share of overall GDP. In contrast, the private sector spends significantly more on R&D.
  2. Averaging across sectors, every dollar spent on R&D can generate about $5.50 in economic growth, with some estimates suggesting even higher benefits when considering broader impacts.
  3. Government funding is important because it explores research areas that might be overlooked by private companies, ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is developed for public benefit.

Sorry, I Still Think MR Is Wrong About USAID

Astral Codex Ten • 36891 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid NGOs Government programs Public Policy Political Debate
  1. There's a big debate about how much money from USAID goes to charities and how much is wasted. Some people think a lot is wasted, while others argue it’s not as bad as it seems.
  2. The overhead costs of big charities like Catholic Relief Services can look high, but they actually spend most of their money on important stuff like food and health services, not just admin costs.
  3. It's important to figure out if local charities are actually better at helping people than American ones. Finding the right balance between efficiency and trust in aid distribution is crucial.
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The LVT Landscape #1: Movement Across the U.S.

Progress and Poverty • 1270 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Legislation Urban planning Public Policy
  1. Land value tax (LVT) is becoming popular in various states in the U.S. as a way to manage property taxes more fairly.
  2. Cities like Baltimore and Spokane are making efforts to adopt LVT to deal with issues like vacant properties and encourage development.
  3. Legislation supporting LVT is being introduced and discussed in places like Minnesota and New York, indicating growing interest in this tax reform.

On "Internews"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13541 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Policy Journalism Censorship
  1. USAID has secretly funded a group called Internews Network with nearly half a billion dollars. This money has helped create a lot of media outreach and training for journalists.
  2. Internews Network has worked with thousands of media outlets and has produced many broadcasts that have reached millions of people.
  3. There are concerns about Internews supporting social media censorship, which raises questions about freedom of speech and information.

WARNING: Elon Musk is crippling the future of the United States

Marcus on AI • 8457 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Education Science Public Policy Technology
  1. Drastic cuts to funding for science and universities could hurt America's future. Less money means fewer resources for research and education.
  2. Many talented scientists and academics might leave the country because of these funding cuts. This can damage the reputation of American universities.
  3. The decisions being made could have negative effects even on people in red states, showing that these cuts impact everyone, not just certain areas.

Democrats should not be kissing up to Musk

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3164 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Electoral Politics Public Policy Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.

Announcing the Center for Land Economics

Progress and Poverty • 2655 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Nonprofit Public Policy
  1. The Center for Land Economics is a new nonprofit formed to tackle the housing crisis using specific economic principles. They aim to provide data-driven solutions and policy analysis for better land management.
  2. There will now be a weekly blog post schedule to share updates on land value tax and housing policies. This blog will serve as a central place for discussions on these important topics.
  3. An open-source software library for land assessments will be released soon. This tool will help improve the accuracy of property valuations, making it easier for communities to work on land-related issues.

Welcome to Hamassachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2652 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Education Legislation Activism Public Policy
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism in Massachusetts public schools. Lawmakers are highlighting this issue during discussions and hearings.
  2. A recent event featured a state representative showing a folded dollar bill as a symbol of antisemitism, sparking reactions from teachers and union leaders.
  3. The leader of the Massachusetts Teachers Association did not make a judgment when asked if that imagery was antisemitic, reflecting a complex conversation around these topics.

There Is No Antisemitism Crisis In Australia. It's A Carefully Constructed Lie.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Antisemitism Public Policy International relations Social Issues
  1. There is a belief that the accusations of antisemitism in Australia are exaggerated or fabricated. Some incidents that were labeled as antisemitic may have been staged or manipulated.
  2. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions around antisemitism, sometimes conflating criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people.
  3. The real issues in Australia might be more related to anti-Palestinian sentiments and general apathy toward serious humanitarian crises, rather than a widespread problem of antisemitism.

MAPPING THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 303 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Agencies Public Policy
  1. Government spending has been growing much faster than the number of employees and inflation. This shows that more money is being spent without a proportional increase in personnel.
  2. Many federal agencies are outdated or no longer exist, making it hard for the public to track government activities and spending. There's a push to create a better record of how taxpayer money is being used.
  3. Specific agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Education, have seen huge increases in spending while sometimes cutting staff or having poor performance in their services.

Paris AI Summit Train Wreck

Marcus on AI • 3003 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Regulation Events Global Issues Public Policy
  1. The Paris AI Summit did not meet expectations and left many attendees unhappy for various reasons. People felt that it was poorly organized.
  2. A draft statement prepared for the summit was criticized, with concerns that it would let leaders avoid making real commitments to addressing AI risks. Many believed it was more of a PR move than genuine action.
  3. Despite the chaos, French President Macron seemed to be the only one enjoying the situation. Overall, many felt it was a missed opportunity to discuss important AI issues.

The Purge of the Deep State and the Road to Dictatorship

The Chris Hedges Report • 605 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Authoritarianism Civil Rights Political History Public Policy
  1. The Trump administration is pushing for a major shift in how the government operates, aiming to replace officials with their loyal supporters. This could lead to a situation where laws are only what the leaders say they are, weakening democracy.
  2. There are concerns about the increasing power of large corporations and technology companies, which could misuse personal data and control more aspects of government. This threatens both people's privacy and their rights.
  3. The rise of authoritarianism in leadership can lead to divisions in society, where dissenters face harsh repression. People are urged to resist this and hold onto their moral values, even if it seems difficult.

Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Policy Free speech Education
  1. There has been a significant shift in the conversation around gender identity, with actions taken to limit certain medical practices for children. This shows a growing recognition of the complexities involved with gender issues.
  2. Concerns have been raised about how young people, particularly young women, are navigating their identities. There were many urgent appeals for surgeries that might have long-term consequences.
  3. The debate around gender identity has become highly polarized, with some voices being suppressed, especially those that challenge popular narratives. This highlights the tension between free speech and activism in this area.

The Epstein Rerun

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Criminal Justice Law enforcement Public Policy
  1. The Department of Justice released a 200-page binder related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most of it included old documents and was heavily redacted. It's not the fresh information people were hoping for.
  2. Attorney General Pam Bondi found out that the FBI was hiding thousands of pages of documents on Epstein. This raises concerns about transparency and the effectiveness of the investigation.
  3. The focus on Epstein's case needs to expand beyond the FBI to include the Department of Justice, especially regarding past plea deals and communication with victims.

A politician's speech

antoniomelonio • 57 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption Media Speech Public Policy
  1. Politicians often give speeches that can be confusing or vague. It's important to listen carefully to understand their real message.
  2. Sometimes, political speeches might seem to cover important topics but can actually avoid the main issues. Be critical and think about what is truly being said.
  3. It's essential to stay informed and question what politicians say. Don't just take their words at face value; think about what they really mean.

A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Can’t Read His Diploma. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Government Public Policy Social Issues
  1. A high school graduate with a decent GPA didn't learn how to read, highlighting serious issues in education today. This has sparked legal action against the school district for not providing proper education.
  2. Many people agree that kids today are not performing as well academically, partly due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about declining intelligence and skills among young students.
  3. Recent political events have raised questions about justice and accountability, especially regarding figures like Trump and his pardons for individuals involved in corruption. Such actions have sparked debate about fairness in the legal system.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

Can We Still Govern? • 248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Military Public Policy
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.

Goodbye to Joe Biden, and Whoever Was President the Last Four Years

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15182 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Policy Political Commentary Biden administration
  1. Biden gave a farewell speech that expressed concerns about an 'oligarchy' forming in America. He mentioned how tech companies could threaten democracy.
  2. Many people feel Biden’s presidency was mostly about him being a public figure rather than an effective leader. There seemed to be a powerful force behind the presidency itself, separate from him.
  3. Biden highlighted a growing disconnect between the president as a person and the presidency as an institution during his term. This indicates a complex understanding of leadership in America.

Trudeau was a poor steward of Canada's economy

Noahpinion • 22118 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Leadership Immigration Public Policy
  1. Trudeau's government struggled to improve Canada's economy, especially with inflation and low business investments. Many Canadians felt disappointed as they saw little change during his leadership.
  2. There was a notable shift in public opinion about immigration in Canada under Trudeau, with concerns over housing and integration rising. As a result, many Canadians became less supportive of high immigration rates.
  3. Canada's economic growth didn't keep up with other countries, notably the U.S., since Trudeau took office. Many believe this issue stems from long-term problems with productivity and investment that were not effectively addressed by his administration.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for exit liquidity!

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Elections Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Ramp is growing really quickly, now valued at $13 billion with strong revenue. It's impressively outperforming competitors and still chooses to stay private for now.
  2. There's concern about the U.S. government’s crypto plans under Trump, suggesting it might favor investors over the general public. This move seems to help the crypto wealthy rather than promoting financial access for everyone.
  3. Apple is falling behind in the AI race. While they still have loyal users, their lack of advancements could hurt their market share in the long run.

Monthly Roundup #27: February 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Trump administration Social media Civic engagement Public Policy Effective Altruism
  1. Trust your instincts about people. If something feels off, it's often right to be cautious.
  2. Effective communication is important. It's better to express your true feelings rather than making up excuses.
  3. Having a strong sense of agency can help you take control of your life. Imagining what actions a more capable person would take can inspire you to act differently.

This Progressive Has a Plan to Win Trump’s Base. Steve Bannon Calls It ‘Brilliant.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1493 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Campaigns Public Policy Political Discourse Media Relations
  1. Ro Khanna wants to connect with voters who feel ignored, especially those who support Trump. He believes he can win them over with the right message.
  2. There was a heated exchange between Khanna and J.D. Vance about a controversial figure who made racist comments. Khanna thinks it's important to discuss these issues openly.
  3. Khanna feels that the political climate should encourage respectful conversations rather than insults. He values honest dialogue over divisive arguments.

The Weaponization of Trauma

Can We Still Govern? • 224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Social justice
  1. Public employees are facing serious emotional challenges due to job instability and harsh government changes. Many report feeling anxious, paranoid, and stressed.
  2. There is a sense of betrayal among workers who relied on their institutions. When their commitment was questioned, it deeply hurt their trust and identity.
  3. The actions of the administration are seen as intentionally creating trauma to control and diminish the morale of public workers, leading to fears about the future.

BREAKING: Crime Actually Did Go Up in 2022

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2218 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Rates Media bias Government oversight Public Policy
  1. Crime went up in 2022, contrary to some reports. This means that the fears about rising crime were not unfounded.
  2. The FBI quietly changed its crime statistics without much public notice. This raises questions about how transparent they are with the data.
  3. Corrections to important data usually receive less attention than the original shocking stories. This could mislead people about the true situation.

What are the checks and balances on the power of Elon Musk?

Noahpinion • 24647 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Oligarchy Public Policy Influence
  1. Elon Musk holds a lot of power in the U.S. political landscape, acting like an influential figure during critical government decisions. His online presence and threats can sway lawmakers, showing the power of private individuals in politics.
  2. Historically, checks and balances were designed for government leaders but not for wealthy private individuals like Musk. This raises concerns about whether the U.S. is becoming an oligarchy, where a few rich people like him have too much influence.
  3. The American people ultimately hold the power over Musk's influence. If enough people oppose his actions and lose trust in him, he could lose his sway in politics, demonstrating the importance of public opinion.

morning in america

bad cattitude • 344 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Public Policy Propaganda Social Issues Governance Mental health
  1. People have started to feel more hopeful and positive lately, even if the problems haven't fully disappeared. There's a sense that things might be getting better.
  2. Humiliation and constant control can really wear people down and make them feel helpless. When daily annoyances pile up, it can crush a person's spirit.
  3. Believing that tomorrow will be better can create a positive cycle. Hope can return when people feel like there's a chance for improvement in the future.

Danielle Sassoon’s Courage and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Law enforcement Justice System Political appointments Public Policy
  1. Danielle Sassoon, a federal prosecutor, chose to resign rather than drop corruption charges against New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, showing strong commitment to the rule of law.
  2. Sassoon's decision highlights concerns about potential corruption in politics, where personal benefits for officials can undermine public trust and justice.
  3. The response from the Justice Department and others involved raises serious questions about political interference in legal matters, which could affect the fairness of law enforcement.

At least five interesting things: Build Something, Dammit! (#56)

Noahpinion • 17235 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Public Policy International relations Labor Market
  1. There's a debate in progressive politics between focusing on delivering more goods and services for people versus fighting for control of the Democratic party's direction. Both sides have valid points, but it's important to prioritize tangible benefits for everyone.
  2. China's cyber espionage has grown alarmingly, with hackers accessing sensitive information from U.S. political figures. This raises concerns about privacy and national security, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
  3. Despite worries about disappearing good jobs, recent data shows that the landscape is changing. More high-skilled jobs in management and STEM are emerging, suggesting a positive shift in the job market.

Gaslit Nation

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13645 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Public Policy Media Society
  1. Many people are frustrated with confusing news and feel like they're being manipulated by those in power. It seems authorities are not being honest with the public.
  2. The term 'Gaslit Nation' suggests that citizens feel deceived and misled about important issues. Trust between the public and officials is eroding.
  3. There's a sense that sensational stories are distracting people from real problems. People want clearer communication from their leaders and more transparency.

Horrifying, Sickening, Stomach Turning

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary Free speech
  1. The government and organizations like the CIA may manipulate events for their own goals, which often harms ordinary people. It's important to question their motives and actions.
  2. Many people believe that the push for electric cars is more about control than the environment. This raises concerns about privacy and autonomy.
  3. There's a strong belief that the current system doesn't respect citizens’ freedoms or rights, and some feel it needs a complete overhaul to truly serve the people.

Radicals Have Burned California Before

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Environmental Issues
  1. California's progressive policies have often led to unintended disasters, like wildfires. Good intentions don't always result in good outcomes.
  2. Environmental activism can sometimes slow down crucial safety projects. In this case, protecting a rare plant delayed fire safety improvements.
  3. The struggle between environmental concerns and safety measures is an ongoing issue. It's important to find a balance to prevent disasters while protecting nature.

GDP is a good measure. Don't mess with it for political reasons.

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, including government activities. It’s not just about private sector spending.
  2. Removing government spending from GDP calculations would create an incomplete picture of the economy and is unnecessary since we already have ways to measure private sector performance separately.
  3. Changing how we measure economic data for political reasons can harm the integrity of statistical agencies and lead to poor decision-making in the economy.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Government Public Policy Compliance Energy
  1. The NRC claims to calculate the probability of a release using PRA, but this is misleading. They only look at certain paths and ignore many other possible scenarios.
  2. There are countless ways a release could happen, and focusing only on a few higher probability paths does not guarantee safety.
  3. The core issue isn't the method of reliability analysis itself, but how the NRC misuses it in their approach.

The Taiwan posts

Noahpinion • 9706 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Studies Public Policy
  1. Taiwan has a unique culture that combines influences from both Chinese and Japanese traditions. It's famous for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife, making it a fun place to visit.
  2. Taiwan's public health system is highly effective, demonstrated by how well they handled the COVID-19 pandemic. They used strict measures and technology to keep their population safe.
  3. Taiwan is a progressive society, leading in areas like gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. It's known for being tolerant and open-minded, setting an example in a region often dominated by conservatism.

Lessons From Michigan's DEI Failure

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Political culture Public Policy Activism
  1. The University of Michigan spent a lot of money and time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, but many people felt frustrated and saw it as a failure.
  2. Students from different backgrounds thought that the DEI programs were well-intentioned but didn't achieve their goals.
  3. Research suggests that people who are religious report being happier compared to those heavily focused on DEI principles.

Federal workers fired to improve efficiency - media outraged; Federal workers fired for not complying with an unethical vaccine mandate - media silent

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Vaccine Mandates Employment Public Policy Government Ethics
  1. The media shows a double standard when covering different types of worker firings. They react strongly to layoffs for efficiency but often ignore firings for not taking vaccines.
  2. Vaccine mandates raised ethical concerns because they did not significantly protect others and forced individuals to lose their jobs. Many people who were fired have not been given a voice in media discussions.
  3. The way the media reports on firings affects public trust in vaccines. Layoffs from companies like Elon Musk's may feel random, but firings due to vaccine mandates can lead to specific anger and distrust.

Part 3: Who can suffer the most “for the greater good.”

COVID Reason • 614 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Pandemic response Civil Liberties Social Behavior Mental health
  1. People have started to believe that their safety relies on how strictly they isolate themselves, sometimes even turning against one another for not following the rules.
  2. Many individuals are competing to show how much they can sacrifice for others, feeling proud of their suffering for the supposed 'greater good.'
  3. There are some who are questioning the restrictions and looking for balance in life, but they are often faced with pressure to conform and are labeled as selfish.