The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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A new era dawns

Unreported Truths • 85 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Trump is back with a stronger desire to make big changes in how the government works. He seems more focused and ready to use his power differently this time.
  2. His leadership style looks to be less about compromise and more about taking decisive action, which might mean playing rough in politics.
  3. Trump wants to prioritize American citizens over outside issues, but his vision can feel darker and more intense than previous presidents like Reagan.

So what if they’re below average?

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Public Policy Social Issues Labor Market
  1. Immigration can be beneficial even if new arrivals have lower average intelligence. People with high intelligence can greatly contribute to economic growth and help lift others out of poverty.
  2. Knowledge is essential for progress, but it's not shared equally. Smart people create innovations that can benefit everyone, even if some tasks are done by less skilled workers.
  3. Countries benefit collectively from advancements made in one area. For example, technologies developed in rich nations can significantly improve lives and economies in poorer regions.

The left's open borders insanity, caught in a single email

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Ideologies Media Criticism Public Policy
  1. Some people believe there's a plan to flood the U.S. with migrants to help Democrats, but that's not supported by evidence. It looks more like a mix of mistakes and interests rather than a big conspiracy.
  2. Unchecked migration has actually pushed some working-class voters, including Black and Hispanic groups, towards Trump, which is the opposite of what some might expect.
  3. The author examines why there's such strong support for open borders, suggesting it stems from a moral panic rather than a coordinated strategy.

America has a worsening hospital crisis. The new documentary "American Hospitals" charts a way out of it.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Public Policy Documentaries Legislation
  1. There is a growing crisis in American hospitals, especially with large hospitals making a lot of money while smaller ones struggle and close down.
  2. The documentary 'American Hospitals: Healing a Broken System' highlights these issues and features experts sharing insights on the hospital situation.
  3. Some lawmakers are starting to pay more attention to the hospital industry's problems and are encouraging changes to make healthcare more fair and accessible for everyone.
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Recognize who the opposition is

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social Issues Public Policy Activism
  1. Know who your true opposition is. It's important to recognize who is not on your side in any battle you're fighting.
  2. Don't feel obligated to pretend to like people who don't share your values. It's okay to stand firm in your beliefs.
  3. Be aware that some people may betray you or your cause. Trust your instincts about who to rely on in difficult times.

Sunday Strip: First They Came for Peanut;

Who is Robert Malone • 55 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government oversight Bureaucracy Public Policy Animal Rights Law enforcement
  1. A squirrel named Peanut and his raccoon friend Fred were taken from their owner by the New York State police, leading to public outrage.
  2. The authorities used aggressive tactics during the raid, including interrogating the owner's wife and not allowing them to care for their other animals.
  3. The incident highlights issues of government overreach and raises questions about the treatment of pets in captivity.

Mysteries at the Top of Sky and at the Bottom of the Swamp: Drones, Barbarians and Gatekeepers (Part Two)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 24 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Technology Surveillance Defense Public Policy
  1. There's a lot of strange stuff happening with drones and UAPs. Sometimes, it seems like electronics go haywire when these drones show up, which is unusual.
  2. The government seems to have a plan to flood the skies with drones to confuse people. If they shoot something down, it’ll be hard to tell if it was a drone or an alien craft.
  3. There's a worry that the government is stifling new tech companies to keep their secrets safe. Some believe they might be hiding advanced technologies from the public.

The Mathematics of PsyWar

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Propaganda Public Policy Social media Psychology Government
  1. Governments and companies use advanced technology and psychology to influence how we think and behave, similar to controlling drones. This means our actions might be shaped without us even knowing.
  2. Social media platforms analyze our interactions and opinions using mathematical models, which helps them manipulate our feelings and responses in real-time.
  3. When we engage online, we are part of a system where our thoughts and communications are tracked and influenced for various purposes, including commercial and political agendas.

Kellie-Jay Keen's coming back to New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Free speech Civil Rights Activism Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is returning to New Zealand for a court case related to an incident where juice was thrown on her at a rally. This case is set for September 20.
  2. The person charged, Eli Rubashkyn, has faced criticism for his actions at the rally, where he pretended to have different views to get close to Kellie-Jay. His court appearance is expected to draw attention.
  3. There are growing concerns in New Zealand about policies affecting single-sex spaces, as some believe these changes impact women's rights and safety.

My presentation in November's webinar for Women's Declaration International - Australia & New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Legal rights Public Policy Social justice
  1. A recent decision by the Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to access women-only spaces, which has raised concerns among some women about their safety and privacy.
  2. Although the Council claims they prioritize equitable access and safety, they have not consulted with groups opposing this policy, leading to feelings of being disregarded.
  3. There are calls for more transparency and feedback mechanisms to better understand the impact of such policies on women and to ensure women's voices are heard.

Links to Consider, 10/23/2024

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Policy Housing policy Political elites
  1. American politics has been stuck in a deadlock because both parties are close in power, leading to constant fighting for control. This makes elections contentious and the political environment very tense.
  2. Public-private partnerships can lead to problems like corruption and a focus on global interests over national ones. This disconnect can happen when these partnerships are not accountable to the public.
  3. In India, excessive regulations and government control hinder economic growth and worsen poverty. Many people work informally because the rules are so strict that it limits job opportunities.

Disinformation aplenty from the aptly named Disinformation Project.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Trans rights Hate Speech Public Policy Social Issues
  1. There is growing online hate towards trans people, especially after certain events that sparked this backlash. This highlights ongoing tensions in discussions around trans rights.
  2. The argument that there is 'no evidence' of trans people being violent is seen as misleading. Critics say that this overlooks the need for better data collection on the impacts of trans policies.
  3. Some believe that allowing trans women into women's spaces increases risk to women and girls. This viewpoint stresses the need for careful consideration around policies involving gender identity.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 27.01.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Public Policy Geopolitical Issues Military Affairs
  1. Ukrainian cities are falling quickly to Russian forces, and there are talks of a peace plan within 100 days, but doubts exist about its feasibility.
  2. The elite in the U.S. are rallying around Donald Trump, who is seen as having a better chance to maintain America's global influence than current leadership.
  3. Panama has raised concerns to the UN about Trump's threats regarding the Panama Canal, indicating stress over potential geopolitical conflicts involving the U.S. and China.

NZ Parliament’s biscuit tin unleashes a bill to make ‘gender identity’ a protected characteristic.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Rights Gender Issues Public Policy
  1. A new bill in New Zealand aims to prevent discrimination based on 'gender identity' and 'gender expression.' This could impact women's rights and spaces.
  2. The bill claims to not change existing protections for sex and sexual orientation, but many worry it might still harm women's safety and rights in public spaces.
  3. Some groups, including Māori advocates, are concerned about how the bill uses cultural references and how it might not truly support the rights of women and girls.

Politicians care about (some) debt

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Public Policy Elections Debt Management
  1. Politicians pay attention to government debt, but mostly when it's short-term. A small increase in debt can lead to a slight decrease in budget deficits, showing they take action to manage it.
  2. The maturity of debt matters a lot. If debt matures within 3 to 5 years, politicians are more responsive to it because it affects their chances of getting re-elected.
  3. Once the debt maturity goes beyond 10 years, politicians tend to ignore it. This can create long-term issues if they keep running large deficits, leading to unsustainable debt levels.

Biden’s Economic Time Bomb: A Warning to Trump

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 38 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Public Policy Inflation Debt
  1. Biden's spending policies are causing high inflation and soaring public debt. This is leading to economic instability and a potential recession.
  2. Job growth is largely coming from government positions, while the private sector struggles to grow. This could harm the overall economy in the long run.
  3. Cutting government spending may hurt the economy temporarily, but supporting the private sector and reducing inflation could lead to a more stable future for American citizens.

Julebrev til abonnentene våre

steigan.no • 23 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Economic Policy International relations Media Analysis
  1. The organization has created important discussions about major events like the Libya war and the COVID-19 response. They believe these issues impact people daily.
  2. They aim to provide original content instead of just translating articles. This will help offer unique insights on the challenges facing society.
  3. To grow and have more writers, they need financial support from readers rather than relying on wealthy donors. Every small donation helps maintain their independence.

December 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Dynamics Campaign strategies Public Policy Government Institutions Political appointments
  1. Trump's recent campaign seemed more like a performance for voters than a plan for real governance. He focused on attention-grabbing promises rather than practical policies.
  2. His presidency may emphasize revenge on political enemies and personal gain, with appointments that reflect loyalty over competency. This approach could damage American institutions.
  3. Trump appears to use his inauguration fund as a way for wealthy donors to influence his administration without any required transparency on how the money is spent.

The Misuse and Abuse of "Market Failure"

Knowledge Problem • 314 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🚌 Education Economics Public Policy Regulation Markets Government intervention
  1. Market failure is often casually used to criticize outcomes not liked, but in economics, it has specific technical meanings like external costs or benefits.
  2. The concept of market failure is misused and misunderstood in policy analysis, leading to inaccurate criticisms of market outcomes.
  3. Critiques of market failure should consider the imperfections of government interventions as well, and focus on reducing transactions costs to enhance resource allocation.

5 Essays I'm Excited to Write This year

Exasperated Infrastructures • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Public Policy Transportation Government spending Urban planning
  1. The writer plans to explore ways to spend federal transportation money more effectively. They want to understand past spending to improve future projects.
  2. There will be a focus on making air travel better by looking into its economics. The goal is to encourage airlines to adopt practices that benefit travelers and boost profits.
  3. The writer wants to investigate how municipal bonds can fund infrastructure projects. They aim to understand state spending behavior to create more resilient financial systems.

If Greenland Becomes a State, DC Will DEFINITELY Become a State, Right?

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Representation Democracy Public Policy
  1. If Greenland were to become a state, it wouldn't make sense for it to be prioritized over Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, which have larger populations and are already part of the U.S.
  2. Washington, DC has been paying federal taxes and has served in the military, showing a solid commitment that supports its case for statehood.
  3. Many of the arguments against DC and Puerto Rico becoming states seem politically motivated, rather than based on fair criteria, as these areas meet basic requirements for statehood.

Fixing the Web without the Stanford Internet Observatory?

Unmoderated Insights • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Misinformation Public Policy Social media Child safety
  1. The Stanford Internet Observatory did important work to study online abuse and misinformation, helping inform lawmakers and create tools for research.
  2. Unfortunately, it closed after facing legal troubles, which affected its ability to continue funding and operations.
  3. Despite the closure, some projects and research from the Observatory are being handed over to other organizations to keep the work going.

Summer of '23

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economic issues Public Policy Civic engagement Political parties
  1. Summer of 2023 felt peaceful and calm as people enjoyed being outside and the pandemic seemed less serious. There was a sense of civility in society, and tensions had eased compared to previous years.
  2. Political conversations grew more complex, with former patterns returning but underlying issues remaining. Figures like Trump were still influential, and concerns about Biden's capability to lead resurfaced.
  3. Missed opportunities arose in dealing with significant issues like AI regulation and the impacts of the pandemic. It highlighted how good governance can lead to a positive cultural moment, but many challenges are still looming.

I really don’t care why evolution happened

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🔬 Science Evolution Economics Cultural Studies Public Policy Research Ethics
  1. Science should help us make better choices now, not just speculate about the past. We should focus on how what we learn can improve our lives today.
  2. Understanding historical impacts like slavery can teach us more about current issues, such as trust and economic development, rather than just dwelling on the past for its own sake.
  3. Scientists should prioritize research that benefits society instead of just following personal interests. Our work should aim to make the world better and address current problems.

December 9, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Media influence Government Critique
  1. Trump still hasn't provided a real plan for healthcare, despite claiming he has ideas. His past attempts at replacing the Affordable Care Act haven’t produced anything concrete.
  2. He spread a false claim about thousands of murderers being released in the U.S. in the last three years, ignoring the facts and creating a narrative of danger to gain support.
  3. There’s growing opposition to Trump’s choices for key positions, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, with experts warning he could harm public health due to his past actions and beliefs.

How to Get Policy Totally and Completely and Exasperatedly Wrong

Exasperated Infrastructures • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Legislation Local government Transportation Civic engagement Political Commentary
  1. New legislation in NYC about e-bikes may not solve the real problems of street safety and congestion. Instead of just registering bikes, the focus should be on redesigning streets for better safety for everyone.
  2. The support for this e-bike legislation from various politicians suggests a lack of understanding of the real issues. Many are using it as a way to appear proactive without actually addressing the deeper problems at play.
  3. There are big questions about how this new law will be enforced and funded. Without clear answers on who pays and who manages it, this policy may end up being ineffective and a waste of resources.

Congestion pricing reduces driving. That doesn't make it a good idea.

Economic Forces • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Economic Policy Transportation Urban planning Environmental Impact
  1. Congestion pricing reduces the number of cars on the road, but this doesn’t automatically make it a good policy. We need to think about its overall impact on society.
  2. Different drivers react differently to congestion charges. Some can easily switch to other transport options, while others can't, so we see varying effects on traffic.
  3. How the money from congestion pricing is used is really important. If it is spent wisely on things like infrastructure, it can benefit everyone. But if not, it might just be wasted.

‘Weaponization’ — House Speaker on FBI and ‘traditionalist’ Catholics

The Pillar • 137 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religious freedom Law enforcement Conservatism Government oversight Public Policy
  1. A group of Catholics celebrated a Mass at the U.S. Capitol, following a controversial FBI memo on Catholicism.
  2. The FBI memo raised concerns of targeting traditionalist Catholics for their beliefs, linking them with extremist views like white nationalism.
  3. Lawmakers are still investigating the origins and impact of the FBI memo on Catholic Americans, with ongoing concerns about religious liberty.

Why I Am Voting for Trump

Natural Selections • 107 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Government Social Issues Public Policy Media
  1. Trump is independent and doesn't answer to the old power structures in politics. Many people prefer his honesty over politicians who seem insincere.
  2. He is focused on health, including food safety and pharmaceutical practices. The idea is to support real, science-based approaches instead of relying on big companies.
  3. Trump's policies during his first term led to better job creation and a focus on small businesses, which many believe is crucial for American families and the economy.

Ministry of Health NZ discards the word 'women' in favour of inclusive language, but men are still ‘men’.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social Issues
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Health is using terms like 'pregnant people' instead of 'women', which some people find confusing. Despite this change, they still refer to men as 'men'.
  2. The Plain Language Act was created for clear communication, but many feel that using terms like 'pregnant people' does not meet this goal. People want clear language that everyone can understand.
  3. There are concerns that some people in government, especially those focused on academic language, may not understand everyday people's needs. This leads to communication that doesn’t always make sense to the general public.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance International relations Elections Public Policy
  1. Sometimes, leaders might create problems to make their solutions seem necessary. This idea is called 'problem-reaction-solution'.
  2. When big issues arise, some people believe they can push through changes they wanted all along, taking advantage of the situation. This is called opportunism.
  3. In a world pushed towards sustainability and inclusion, some worry that the goals might mainly benefit the wealthy while the general population suffers.

November 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 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.

Trump And The Evil "Deep State!"

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Election Integrity Political Commentary Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that the real power in the U.S. isn't the deep state, but a group of wealthy elites who control the government for their own interests.
  2. Some people argue that the current political drama distracts from important issues, like how the rules and leadership are being shaped by money.
  3. The idea that public service and government jobs are under threat highlights a struggle between working people and a powerful corporate influence in politics.

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Issues Public Policy Civil Rights Social movements
  1. During a rally in Melbourne, some activists attacked police horses, which is alarming and shows a dangerous level of violence.
  2. The rally is centered around giving women the chance to speak, but there are tensions between different activist groups that complicate the situation.
  3. Media coverage often sparks controversy, with claims being made against rally leaders that may not reflect the reality of their actions or intentions.

Chaos reigns across Great Britain | article

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Accountability Social Issues Public Policy Civic engagement
  1. Many people are upset about the lack of accountability in the UK government regarding serious issues, especially involving children. It's important for society to recognize these problems and demand change.
  2. There is a feeling that the current leadership in Britain operates like a criminal group, punishing those who speak out against injustices. This environment can lead to fear and silence among citizens.
  3. Unity and public outcry are crucial for avoiding further decline in society. Citizens need to stand together and call for a new government to bring about real change.

Join my Conversation with Lyman Stone

In My Tribe • 45 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Fertility Public Policy Social Issues Global trends
  1. There will be a Zoom talk about worldwide fertility decline. It's a chance to learn about why it's happening and what could be done about it.
  2. The talk is happening on January 20 at 8:45 PM New York time. Attendees can join and ask questions after the discussion.
  3. The event is for paid subscribers, and the conversation may be recorded for later viewing on YouTube.

Information Disorder Syndrome

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Mental health Free speech Public Policy Censorship
  1. Information disorder is when people share false information, whether on purpose or not. It can be categorized into three types: misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
  2. There are different levels of severity for this 'syndrome.' The mildest level involves sharing false info without intending to harm, while the most severe level involves sharing harmful false information on purpose.
  3. Managing information disorder requires careful handling of false information and may need community engagement and counseling for those who repeatedly share harmful content.