The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Should a Government Help People Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1609 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Disability Rights Legislation Public Policy
  1. Jamie Hale needs constant care due to his serious health issues and feels grateful for the National Health Service's support. Without it, he worries he might not be alive today.
  2. Hale is aware that his medical care costs a lot and feels like a financial burden on the system. This awareness makes him think deeply about his value and how society sees it.
  3. He strongly opposes the assisted suicide bill in the UK, worried it might pressure vulnerable people like himself to end their lives. He fears this could gradually lead to more extreme measures against disabled and disadvantaged individuals.

‘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.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Philosophy
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

Nobody knows how to stop humanity from shrinking

Noahpinion • 24941 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Fertility Immigration Public Policy
  1. Humanity faces a big problem with declining population and aging, which is not getting enough attention. As birth rates drop, we risk having fewer young people to support our growing older population.
  2. The U.S. now relies heavily on immigration to maintain its population. Many other parts of the world are experiencing the same low birth rate trends, making future immigration uncertain.
  3. Fertility rates are continuously declining globally, and no one knows how to stop this trend. A smaller, older population could threaten the quality of life and economic stability.
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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.

All the Little Unborn Babies

Freddie deBoer • 16676 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Healthcare Reproductive Rights Public Policy
  1. IVF involves many ups and downs, including the high likelihood of miscarriages, which can lead to a lot of anxiety for parents. The process makes individuals very aware of the fragility of early pregnancy.
  2. Miscarriage is common and often goes unnoticed, but it is a significant loss for would-be parents. Many people feel guilt or blame themselves even though it's often just part of nature.
  3. Understanding the realities of pregnancy and loss can change perspectives on abortion. The chaos of nature shows that life doesn't always happen the way we plan or want it to.

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1903 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Science Public Policy
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

At least five interesting things: Trump aftermath edition (#52)

Noahpinion • 20117 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting behavior Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Election narratives that blame racism or sexism might not explain how people voted in 2024. Many nonwhite voters shifted towards Trump, showing Democrats need to rethink their approach to win back support.
  2. Democrats could benefit from focusing on economic growth while also supporting social safety nets. They should prioritize public services and aim for a shared American identity to unite voters.
  3. Recent signs suggest that progress in AI might be slowing. A variety of factors, including data limitations and ongoing issues like 'hallucinations', point to a more uncertain future for AI development.

dear washington DC

bad cattitude • 328 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Policy Political Commentary Civic engagement
  1. A new group of highly skilled and productive people is coming to Washington, D.C., and they are different from the usual insiders. They are capable of achieving remarkable things quickly.
  2. This new team operates with a mindset of moving fast and breaking things, challenging existing processes and norms in government. They are ready to disrupt the status quo.
  3. With their talent and determination, this group could bring significant change to government agencies, leaving the current officials surprised and unable to keep up.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 302 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

November 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 4 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Thanksgiving is a time for sharing warmth and gratitude. It's a chance to connect with loved ones and reflect on what we're thankful for.
  2. Communication plays a key role in our relationships. Keeping in touch, especially during special occasions, helps strengthen our bonds.
  3. Looking forward to the future is important. It's good to have something to anticipate and be excited about after a holiday.

Biden Pardon Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 202 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government
  1. President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, ending his legal troubles related to tax evasion and gun possession. Biden believes these charges were politically motivated.
  2. Biden had previously denied he would pardon Hunter, but he's now acting to support him after facing pressure from political opponents. This situation highlights a discrepancy between what was said publicly and what was considered privately.
  3. The pardon could have broader implications, possibly giving other politicians like Donald Trump a moral reason to pardon their supporters in similar situations.

The American Government Should Buy Spirit Airlines

JoeWrote • 32 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Economics Government Airlines
  1. The U.S. government should consider buying Spirit Airlines instead of constantly bailing out struggling airlines. This could help create a more affordable flying option for taxpayers.
  2. Creating a public airline would allow the government to focus on passenger welfare and lower fares, making air travel better for everyone.
  3. Countries like New Zealand and Finland already own airlines to serve their citizens. This idea isn't new and could be a step toward improving air travel in America.

The Chicoms are Coming! Quick, Close the "AI" Gap!

The Corbett Report • 8 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security International relations Cybersecurity Public Policy Military Spending
  1. There is a growing concern about the 'AI gap' between the US and China, which is becoming a new focus for national security. People are worried that if the US doesn't catch up, it could lose its edge in technology.
  2. The idea of an 'AI gap' is likened to the old 'missile gap' scare from the Cold War. Both were used to create fear and justify increased spending on military and technology.
  3. Even though the 'AI gap' talk may feel exaggerated, the real dangers of AI technology, like autonomous weapons, shouldn't be overlooked. It's important to be aware of the genuine risks while questioning the motives behind the narratives.

Thinking about "temporary hardship"

Noahpinion • 12823 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Public Policy
  1. The US economy is doing well, but the government has high borrowing and deficits that need to be addressed. People are worried about rising interest costs eating into the budget.
  2. Elon Musk is suggesting big cuts to federal spending to help reduce the deficit, which could lead to temporary economic hardship for many. This has raised questions about how much pain people might actually feel if these cuts happen.
  3. There's a debate over the best way to handle spending cuts and taxes. Some believe there are better methods to manage these changes without causing so much impact on everyday people, especially the poor and middle class.

After the Ball Is Over...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Governance Parties Public Policy
  1. If Kamala Harris wins, she may struggle to pass her agenda due to a divided Congress, leading to a challenging presidency.
  2. A Trump victory could intensify political conflict, but he may not be able to maintain dictatorial power without military and judicial support.
  3. The political landscape could shift significantly depending on who wins, with growing divisions and potential generational power shifts in future elections.

Get ready to eat beans, peas, lentils--as cuts in meat, poultry, and eggs are proposed for next Dietary Guidelines

Unsettled Science • 772 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Chronic Disease Public Policy Food Safety
  1. The new Dietary Guidelines may suggest eating less meat, poultry, and eggs for everyone. This change could encourage more consumption of beans, peas, and lentils.
  2. Changing the guidelines is important because they influence what food programs, like school lunches, serve. The guidelines can also impact health issues like obesity and diabetes in children.
  3. There seems to be a long-standing bias against animal foods in these guidelines, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan diets despite concerns about nutrient deficiencies from those diets.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.4. Post-2010 "Polycrisis": Culture, Communications, Politics, & War

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Public Policy Cultural Studies
  1. We're facing a big change in how we organize our economies and societies after the old Neoliberal Order collapsed. Right now, there's no clear leader or system guiding us towards the future.
  2. Global warming is a major challenge we're dealing with, and it will likely change how we approach economics and society. It could cost us a lot and make it harder to adapt to new technologies.
  3. Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.

Scott Alexander's "Prison And Crime: Much More Than You Wanted To Know": My Thoughts

Philosophy bear • 157 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Justice Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Prison doesn't seem to effectively reduce crime overall. Instead, we should consider reducing incarceration since it often causes more harm than good.
  2. The costs of imprisonment go beyond just the economic side. They include suffering for prisoners and their families, and even increased crime within prisons.
  3. Even if people feel good about tough on crime policies, a cost-benefit analysis suggests that it's better to invest resources into alternatives to prison that can lead to safer communities.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political theory Management Regulation
  1. A government that does a few things well is better than one that tries to do many things poorly. When the government gets involved in too many areas, it often struggles to manage them effectively.
  2. The federal government acts like a big, clumsy business conglomerate. It has overlapping agencies and goals that conflict, making it hard to oversee and improve its work.
  3. When considering government interventions, we should expect them to be less effective than planned. This means we should rethink how much we ask the government to do and focus on making sure it does a few things really well.

The Russian Bomb Threats

Thinking about... • 286 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign interference Voting Rights Public Policy
  1. Russia has tried to disrupt American elections by sending bomb threats to polling places, which is a serious issue that must be addressed.
  2. The threats affected multiple states, causing chaos and potentially scaring voters away from the polls.
  3. To ensure fairness, there should be an extension of voting for areas impacted, showing that such intimidation won't change the outcome and protecting democracy in the future.

Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Economic Theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Many people start with a simple understanding of economic theories, often identifying with one school without fully knowing its details. It takes time and deeper study to really understand the nuances between different economic thinkers.
  2. As people grow and learn, they often reassess their beliefs about economics and may find they resonate more with certain schools over others. It's okay to change your mind as you gain more knowledge.
  3. A strong pull toward empirical data and analysis can lead someone to align with mainstream economics rather than strictly adhering to one specific school of thought, like the Austrian School.

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.

Odds and Ends #44: The New Statesman still needs fixing

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Transportation Sanctions Public Policy
  1. The New Statesman needs a new strategy because its current direction isn’t working, especially with recent management changes. It's suggested that they should find a fresh approach to regain readers' interest.
  2. Channel Tunnel news indicates new train operators could start here, which means more travel choices for people. However, the slow process for getting these services running is frustrating.
  3. The Sekforde pub is facing NIMBY threats due to possible new licensing rules that could limit outdoor seating. It's highlighted that such pubs are important for social interaction and community events.

Why are we badly governed?

In My Tribe • 1032 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political parties Elections Corruption
  1. Governments often choose leaders based on their ability to navigate politics rather than their skills in managing and delivering results. This leads to poor governance because the focus is not on actually solving problems.
  2. Unlike businesses that need to perform to survive, governments tend to take on too many roles and rarely stop doing something, even if it is not effective. This makes them inefficient and less effective.
  3. Limitations in government activities can lead to better governance. Businesses succeed by focusing on a few things they do well, while governments often try to do everything without a clear focus, leading to clumsiness.

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.

C-SPAN, Paranoia, Sleeping Babies

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 833 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Media Studies Psychology Social Issues
  1. You can watch my C-SPAN interview about various topics related to public affairs. It's interesting to see how different subjects are discussed in media.
  2. I have a new lecture series on the psychology of social status, exploring why people seek status and how it influences behavior. This could help you understand social dynamics better.
  3. I shared some links to articles that discuss responsibility in society, paranoia, and modern issues. These readings could offer a deeper understanding of our current world.

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.

Data Wars and the DOJ

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Data security National Security Public Policy
  1. The DOJ is creating new data security rules to help protect American personal data from foreign threats. This is important because foreign adversaries could use sensitive information against us.
  2. Companies need to be careful about how they handle sensitive data, especially when dealing with countries considered 'adversarial'. There will be strict rules about who they can sell data to and how to keep it secure.
  3. Public feedback is vital in shaping these new rules. The DOJ wants companies to share their thoughts so they can finalize a plan that protects national security without harming the economy.

🏫 A DARPA for education

Faster, Please! • 1370 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Government reform Political Commentary Public Policy Economic Policy
  1. The U.S. Department of Education may need significant changes, focusing more on innovation and effective solutions rather than just maintaining the status quo. A proposed model inspired by DARPA could help create practical educational tools and practices.
  2. Shifting key functions of the Department of Education, like student aid and education research, to other agencies could improve efficiency. This would allow states to have more control over their education systems and tailor solutions to their specific needs.
  3. Using advancements in technology, especially artificial intelligence, could revolutionize education. A dedicated research organization for education could lead to important developments that enhance learning and address gaps created by recent challenges, like the pandemic.

THE SHOW NOTES: Yahya Sinwar, The Interview, & Canceling Student Loans

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 839 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Public Policy Societal Issues
  1. Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, may have been killed in an Israeli military operation, but this hasn't been officially confirmed yet.
  2. Kamala Harris's recent interview didn't resonate with Republican voters, as she struggled to connect and was late to the taping.
  3. The Biden administration has canceled an additional $4.5 billion in student loan debt, continuing their efforts to ease the financial burden on borrowers.

The Pursuit of Parenthood

Asimov Press • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Medical Ethics Biotechnology Public Policy
  1. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become widely accepted in society, with many people knowing someone who has used this technology. Just 50 years ago, it faced a lot of criticism from scientists and the public.
  2. The journey to making IVF mainstream involved many scientific breakthroughs and changes in public perception, starting from early experiments in the 1930s to the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978. This shows how challenging and slow scientific progress can be.
  3. Despite the success of IVF, there is a lack of federal regulation, which can lead to some issues like inflated success rates and high costs. Still, this absence of strict rules has allowed for a lot of innovation and diverse options for people seeking reproductive assistance.

Whose Standards Are Too High?

Bet On It • 573 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Democracy Government Regulation Public Policy
  1. Many people have high standards for politicians and democracy, but they should consider that the alternatives might not be better.
  2. The free market is often held to very high standards, but voters and politicians should think about whether government actions can truly improve things.
  3. Instead of pushing for more government intervention, maybe people should appreciate the benefits of a free market and how it has worked historically.

Please Don’t Spread Bizarre Conspiracies About Undocumented Immigrants

Singal-Minded • 808 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Conspiracy Public Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. Don't share strange conspiracy theories about immigration. They can create unnecessary fear and confusion in communities.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind immigration can help clarify the situation. Many immigrants are fleeing bad conditions in their home countries.
  3. It's important for journalists to be responsible when writing about sensitive topics like immigration. Spreading unverified claims can fuel harmful narratives.

Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off

Original Jurisdiction • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Election Legal News Political strategy Public Policy
  1. Mike Davis is gaining attention as a key figure in the Republican party, especially concerning Trump's potential future judicial nominations. He emphasizes the need for bolder and more conservative nominees.
  2. Judge Frederic Block recently granted compassionate release to a man who had been serving multiple life sentences since 1997. This decision came after a reconsideration of the harshness of the original sentence and the defendant's rehabilitation.
  3. A recent ruling upheld a curfew implemented during the protests following a controversial police shooting. The court decided the curfew was valid as it aimed to protect public safety while respecting First Amendment rights.

The One Ring

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media Critique Social Issues Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. There was a discussion about a disturbing summer camp related to child abuse that was almost near a school. The focus was on the serious implications of this situation.
  2. The media and political figures are reacting strongly, blaming Donald Trump for the violence he's faced, which raises questions about accountability.
  3. The conversation highlighted perceived social biases, specifically how racism is directed towards white people in today's society.

Universal Primary Care: The Antidote to Health Reform Paralysis?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Policy Insurance Access Costs
  1. Universal primary care is important because everyone needs it, even healthy people. It helps with routine illnesses and preventive care.
  2. Primary care is cost-effective, making up a small part of total healthcare spending but providing great health benefits. Investing in primary care can save money in the long run.
  3. Starting with universal primary care could be a smart first step toward broader healthcare reform. It might gain more political support and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.

So You Want to Learn Geoengineering?

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geoengineering Climate change Public Policy
  1. Geoengineering is a real science aimed at fighting climate change. It includes methods like cloud seeding and solar reflection, but it needs full public transparency since it could affect everyone.
  2. There’s a long history of weather manipulation efforts, like Project Cirrus and Project Stormfury. Many of these projects had mixed results, leading to both discoveries and unexpected consequences.
  3. Public engagement is key for geoengineering to be used responsibly. People need to stay informed and participate in discussions about these technologies to ensure decisions are made ethically and transparently.

EXCLUSIVE: As private citizen, Dr. Fauci received $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

OpenTheBooks Substack • 646 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Healthcare Security
  1. Dr. Fauci received $15 million for a security detail funded by taxpayers after retiring. This included things like a chauffeur and law enforcement support.
  2. The agreement for his security was unusual, raising questions about why a private citizen gets this level of protection when others do not.
  3. Fauci's security costs were justified by him, citing threats he's received, but it highlights how taxpayers are often unaware of where their money is going.