The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Sen. Blackburn (R-TN) used the "socialism" trope. It proves she doesn't know her history about Tennessee.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Government programs Political criticism Public Policy
  1. Senator Blackburn claims Tennesseans don't want socialism, but many benefit from government programs like the Tennessee Valley Authority. This program has provided jobs and improved living standards in Tennessee.
  2. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), created during the New Deal, was seen as 'socialism' but has had a positive impact on the community for many years. It helped people get jobs and electricity.
  3. The history of programs like the TVA shows that what some label as 'socialism' can actually lead to progress and improve lives. It's important to consider the benefits of such programs.

Assisted Suicide

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy End of Life Care Patient rights
  1. Assisted suicide is a complex and emotional topic that many people face, especially those with terminal illnesses. It raises important questions about how we support those in suffering.
  2. In some places, like Canada, the approach to physician-assisted suicide is becoming more common and complicated. This shift impacts many lives and decisions.
  3. Personal experiences with assisted suicide can be profound and challenging. Sharing these stories helps us understand the real-life implications of this practice.

The Left Should Embrace Meritocracy if Only for the Signal It Sends

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Meritocracy Social Trends Public Policy
  1. Meritocracy can send a strong positive message about valuing talent and hard work. Embracing this idea can help shift perceptions and improve support for the left.
  2. Amidst growing polarization, the left needs to be cautious of being seen as the party of elites. It’s important to connect with everyday people to avoid being labeled as out of touch.
  3. Using meritocracy as a policy can also yield practical benefits. It encourages fairness and competition, which can strengthen society overall.

The United States of Anarchy

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 25 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Mass Shootings Political culture Public Policy
  1. Gun violence is a huge problem in the U.S., with mass shootings happening frequently and laws not changing much afterwards. Many find it easier to buy guns than to vote or drink beer.
  2. Many mass shooters are men who have a deep attachment to guns, often stemming from feelings of insecurity about their masculinity and societal role. This cultural issue is tied to their identity and coping mechanisms.
  3. Other countries have successfully reduced gun violence through stricter regulations, but in the U.S., debates over gun rights often lead to shouting matches without real solutions being implemented.

America's Downfall

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Governance Safety Public Policy
  1. Many old buildings in Florida are in bad shape and might be abandoned. This is because owners often don’t spend money on repairs or safety measures.
  2. The lack of building regulations in Florida and across America can lead to dangerous situations. Regular inspections and maintenance are important to keep people safe.
  3. Deregulation in various industries has caused serious problems in America, like financial crises and safety issues. People need to understand that regulations can help protect them.
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Why I'm Voting For Trump, and Why You Should, Too

The Other Side of Fear • 8 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Ideologies Government Public Policy
  1. The author believes voting for Trump is crucial to address problems like open borders and crime. They see it as a way to prevent worsening issues in the country.
  2. They express concern about justice in the U.S., citing cases of unfair prosecutions and the treatment of individuals like Daniel Penny and John Eastman. This reflects a belief that there is a systemic problem with how the law is applied.
  3. The author views voting for Democratic candidates, especially Harris, as supporting harmful policies like funding Hamas and child trafficking. They feel strongly that voting should be against what they see as evils in society.

Overthinking Transportation Funding Reform & Policy: Steelmanning Reauthorization I

Exasperated Infrastructures • 7 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Policy Federal Funding Public Policy Climate Policy
  1. Transportation funding needs reform to better align incentives and support sustainable practices. We need a plan that addresses both building and reducing infrastructure to help fight climate change.
  2. People can influence how transportation policy is shaped by organizing and voicing their concerns. Understanding the legislative process is key to making meaningful changes.
  3. Important deadlines are coming up, which will affect transportation funding. If Congress doesn't act by September 30, 2026, they may just pass temporary measures instead of long-term solutions.

Why a School Shooting Database Exists: "Clear school safety data is nowhere to be found"

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transparency Public Policy
  1. Clear data on school safety is lacking, making it difficult for parents and policymakers to understand and address issues.
  2. Government crime data is often not timely, lacks quality control, and varies between agencies, causing confusion in decision-making.
  3. Public government data on school safety is not user-friendly or transparent, highlighting the need for accurate and accessible information.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Civil Rights Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Recent intelligence leaks have raised concerns about U.S. spying and the ongoing challenges in the Ukraine war. The leaked documents suggest Ukraine may face limitations in its offensive capabilities.
  2. There is a growing movement against AI development, with some tech leaders and countries calling for a pause due to potential risks. Many feel that AI could severely impact society if not managed properly.
  3. The Tennessee State Legislature's recent expulsions of two lawmakers over a gun control protest highlights deep political divisions. This event shows significant tension in democratic processes and raises questions about the legitimacy of current governing bodies.

Breast binders for 13-year-old girls funded by RainbowYOUTH NZ

A B’Old Woman • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Mental health Public Policy Reproductive Rights
  1. RainbowYOUTH NZ provides breast binders to 13-year-old girls without needing parental permission. This raises questions about parental rights and the safety of the children.
  2. Breast binders can be harmful, as they may lead to health issues like breathing difficulties and back pain. They are similar to old-fashioned corsets that shape the body unnaturally.
  3. There are concerns about the ethics of giving potentially harmful items to minors. Some people wonder if organizations like RainbowYOUTH truly have the best interests of young people in mind.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 17.11.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Legislation Public Policy Health Policy International relations
  1. Radical gender ideology is changing how people understand gender, emphasizing personal feelings over biological facts. This shift is affecting schools and laws, teaching that anyone can choose their gender based on how they feel.
  2. Legal changes in Norway since 2013 are supporting this new view on gender, allowing individuals to change their legal gender without medical consent. This has raised concerns about children's rights and their ability to make informed decisions about gender.
  3. Many parents feel anxious about the ideology being taught in schools, worrying it might lead to harmful decisions for their children. The dialogue around gender is becoming more restrictive, making it difficult for parents to discuss these issues openly with their kids.

What I’m reading in health care this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medicare Insurance Legislation Public Policy
  1. Restaurant workers' money is being used for lobbying instead of improving their wages and healthcare. This is hurting low-wage workers who really need better support.
  2. More seniors are signing up for Medicare Advantage plans, which may not be as beneficial as they seem. It's important for legislators and the public to be cautious about these private plans.
  3. The process for getting medical approvals is becoming a huge hassle for doctors and patients. There are calls for reforms to make it easier and less burdensome to access necessary healthcare services.

How Trump can Reform the "Mean Girls" White House Press Corps

The Other Side of Fear • 4 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) has a lot of control over who can ask questions in press briefings. This can make it hard for independent media to get a fair chance.
  2. Many members of the WHCA are accused of being dishonest and spreading fake news. There are claims that some reporters don't follow their own rules, like wearing masks when they’re on camera.
  3. To make press briefings better, it's suggested that the WHCA should be reformed or even removed, and that seating should be assigned fairly, possibly through a lottery system.

The Politics of a Great Unconformity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Issues Political History Geology Public Policy Social justice
  1. Seattle's Light Rail stations display a mix of very old and relatively new rocks, creating interesting geological features called unconformities.
  2. In 1989, a decision to use stone from South Africa led to a controversy concerning the ethics around apartheid, making local officials reconsider their choices.
  3. The fallout from the stone controversy resulted in a resignation at Metro, highlighting how political and ethical decisions can impact public projects.

A quick programming note! Tomorrow morning Chris Cuomo and I are having a live video chat/debate about the failure of US politics, right here on Substack!

Unreported Truths • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Political crisis Public Policy Current Events Media
  1. There will be a live video chat tomorrow about US politics. It's at 11 AM Eastern time.
  2. Chris Cuomo and the host will discuss issues like the overdose crisis and housing shortage.
  3. The discussion will take place on the Substack app and they invite everyone to join in.

Is This Our Future?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 14 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political trends Social Dynamics Cultural Commentary Public Policy
  1. There is a big gender gap in political views in South Korea, with young men leaning more conservative and young women supporting progressive causes. This divide is creating tensions between the two groups.
  2. Economic issues like high housing costs and job insecurity are worsening gender relations. Many men feel threatened by their experiences in the job market, leading to negative attitudes towards women.
  3. Women in South Korea are facing significant challenges, including sexual harassment and a strong societal expectation to prioritize family over career. This has pushed many to delay marriage and having children, contributing to low birth rates.

Commentator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Analysis Foreign Relations Civil Liberties Public Policy
  1. Substack aims to create an alternative space for writers and readers, free from ad-driven content and censorship. It's about giving writers control over their work and promoting diverse voices.
  2. There's a growing trend of writers who feel constrained by mainstream media, and Substack allows them to express their thoughts more freely. This attracts those who are critical of current narratives.
  3. Coverage on major issues like the Shanghai lockdown is often limited or biased in mainstream media, leading to a gap filled by firsthand accounts from platforms like Substack that highlight real struggles.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.10.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict analysis Human Rights Public Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is worsening, with many people facing food shortages due to a blockade. Humanitarian aid has been blocked, increasing the risk of famine.
  2. Zelensky's statements about Ukraine seeking nuclear weapons led to confusion and were officially denied by his office. Ukraine did not have control over the nuclear arsenal it inherited after the Soviet Union collapsed.
  3. There are concerns about the European Union's growing centralized power under Ursula von der Leyen. Critics say this shift reduces national democratic control and could lead to a more authoritarian governance structure.

The Super

Disaffected Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Public Policy Identity politics Media
  1. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is being criticized as a form of brainwashing in American public schools.
  2. Some school officials are very focused on supporting trans and non-binary youth, even to the point of removing political materials from public areas.
  3. There are discussions around unusual topics, like a nuclear waste official who has been in trouble for stealing luggage.

What is the point of confirmation hearings?

Matt’s Five Points • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Judiciary Elections Public Policy
  1. Confirmation hearings are mostly for show, not for real information gathering. Senators often already know how they'll vote and use these sessions to make public statements.
  2. The main goal of these hearings is to shape public opinion. Politicians want their actions and decisions to be seen in the best light, regardless of the actual content of the discussions.
  3. Even if they seem pointless, these hearings can have benefits. They can raise awareness of issues, communicate party positions, and help the public understand the political process better.

Legislative procedure isn't really hard

Matt’s Five Points • 139 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Decision-making Public Policy
  1. Legislative procedures may seem confusing with all the jargon, but they're similar to everyday group decisions like a family deciding where to eat. Understanding the basic concepts makes it easier to follow.
  2. Procedures are necessary to prevent chaos in decision-making, as they help manage how discussions happen and ensure everyone's voice can be heard without fights breaking out.
  3. At their core, legislative processes boil down to three main questions: what to discuss, how long to discuss it, and how to change proposals. This structure is similar across many group settings, not just Congress.

SOCIALISM FOR THEM: 60% of Anthem’s 2021 revenue was subsidized by American taxpayers.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Public Policy Insurance Corporate Influence Economic Inequality
  1. Anthem, a major health insurance company, got 60% of its 2021 revenue from taxpayer money. This means a lot of their profits depend on government funding.
  2. While Anthem's profits have soared, many Americans are seeing higher health insurance deductibles and premiums that take up a big part of their budgets.
  3. Most of Anthem's recent growth comes from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, rather than traditional health plans that people used to buy directly.

Was the DMED Psyop a British Intelligence Operation?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Military Health Data Integrity Government Contracts Public Policy
  1. The DMED project involves military health data, and there are claims of serious data issues that were ignored. This lack of action raises suspicions about its integrity.
  2. There seems to be a connection between figures in the movement against COVID vaccines and intelligence agencies, which adds layers of complexity to the conversation about vaccine safety.
  3. Some of the leading individuals in the Medical Freedom Movement have backgrounds that hint at broader agendas, creating doubt about their true intentions.

China 1, America 0

Diane Francis • 99 implied HN points • 29 Jan 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Public Policy Economy International relations
  1. China is investing heavily in modern infrastructure, like high-speed rail, while America struggles with outdated systems and poorly maintained public transport. This shows a contrast in how both countries handle their infrastructure needs.
  2. Many Americans feel dissatisfied with their country's infrastructure based on surveys, highlighting a cultural trend of avoiding taxes and cutting government spending. This leads to a lack of funding for important projects and maintenance.
  3. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a step forward for America, but the real challenge will be overcoming political disagreements and the tendency to ignore issues until they become disasters.

A Note From Dave

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism Public Policy Media industry Free speech
  1. Dave is pausing the Silent Lunch newsletter to focus on finishing his book and external research work.
  2. During the pause, paid subscribers will not lose any money, with payments suspended for monthly subscribers and subscriptions extended for annual subscribers.
  3. Dave assures readers that once the newsletter resumes, they can expect more content they love, including investigative pieces like those mentioned in the post.

A Robotaxi Regulation Wishlist

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Regulations Transportation Urban planning Public Policy Technology impact
  1. The decisions made now by San Francisco and California about robotaxis will have a significant impact.
  2. Implementing specific regulations for robotaxis can help in managing traffic congestion and improving city transportation.
  3. There is a need for regulations like congestion pricing, robotaxi-free corridors, and designated pickup spots to enhance the integration of robotaxis in city transportation systems.

The $140 billion the New York Times says Americans owe in medical debt is just the tip of the iceberg.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 21 Jul 21
🏥 Health Politics Medical Debt Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Healthcare Costs Public Policy
  1. Americans owe $140 billion in medical debt, but this number is likely much larger. Many people are also using credit cards to cover healthcare costs, which adds to the debt.
  2. A significant amount of medical debt comes from insured people, not just the uninsured. High deductibles make it hard for many to afford care even with insurance.
  3. High-deductible health plans can be risky, as they can lead to big out-of-pocket costs when people get sick. This situation needs more attention from lawmakers to protect individuals from financial ruin.

American Nightmares

Scholar's Stage Updates • 4 HN points • 28 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics American Society Technological Impact Public Policy Global Competition
  1. Tocqueville and Wang Huning both observed American self-confidence but attributed it to different sources - Tocqueville to individual and collective action, Wang to faith in science and technology.
  2. Tocqueville expressed concerns about the potentially isolating effects of American individualism and equality, while Wang Huning worried about the societal fragmentation caused by technological advancement.
  3. Wang Huning's analysis suggests that modern American society is largely managed by technology and disregards traditional democratic values, leading to potential alienation and loss of human agency.

vanshnookenraggen on the past, present, and future of transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Transportation Urban planning Public Policy Infrastructure Advocacy
  1. Andrew Lynch, known as vanshnookenraggen, got into mapping and transportation history out of pure curiosity and interest in urban planning.
  2. His work focuses on creating maps that visualize transportation systems and history to make complex information easier to understand.
  3. There's a need to connect land use policy with transportation policy, understand the political realities of planning, and engage communities effectively in urban planning decisions.

Authoritarians and their shitty childhoods

Sex and the State • 6 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Social Issues Healthcare Public Policy
  1. Life for bottom-half Americans has been worsening over the years due to factors like market concentration, stagnant wages, rising costs, and increasing inequality.
  2. These hardships could be contributing to the rise of Trumpism, affecting mobility, mental health, and overall well-being.
  3. Factors like reduced economic mobility, increasing precarity, and societal challenges like teen depression are linked to the decline in conditions for many Americans.

Power to the Immigrant

Ben’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Entrepreneurship Public Policy Economic Impact Cultural Diversity
  1. Immigrants are a big part of the workforce and entrepreneurship in the U.S. They bring skills and a strong work ethic, often helping to build successful businesses.
  2. Many successful companies were started by immigrants, showing that they have unique insights and resilience that lead to innovation and growth.
  3. There is a need for better immigration policies to support immigrant entrepreneurs. More opportunities and resources could help these individuals contribute even more to the economy.

Everything you always wanted to know about a government shutdown

Matt’s Five Points • 19 implied HN points • 02 Dec 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Public Policy Constitutional Law
  1. A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn't pass new budget laws, leading to a funding gap. This means the government can't spend money on things like salaries and supplies.
  2. During a shutdown, not all federal workers stop working. Some are deemed essential and continue their duties, but they won't get paid until the budget is approved.
  3. Shutdowns can affect different parts of the government differently. Some agencies might keep operating if they have non-appropriated funds, while others come to a halt.

Policy should be adaptive

Perambulations • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Behavior Public Policy Laws
  1. Policy should be designed to be adaptive and respond to changes in behavior to encourage better outcomes.
  2. Creating new equilibria through adaptive policies can lead to more sustainable changes in collective behavior rather than just individual actions.
  3. Adaptive policies, like those seen in traffic management or public health initiatives, can help promote common goals and shared norms to achieve lasting change in society.

Making at-home screens a thing

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Testing Trust Issues Information Sharing Public Policy Preventive measures
  1. At-home screening for Covid-19 can be efficient and effective, according to evidence from studies.
  2. Trust issues regarding reporting test results and ensuring people follow safety measures can be addressed through penalties or verification processes.
  3. Regular at-home screening, even if not perfect, can help minimize the risk of transmission and improve our ability to measure and manage risks during the pandemic.

Democracy of evidence

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Policy Analysis Econometrics Social Sciences Public Policy
  1. Econometrics helps to reveal truths in small-scale matters, but applying them to large societal issues requires many assumptions. Democratizing knowledge generation can be a social game-changer by putting economic tools in the hands of more people.
  2. Academics often focus on big questions about human nature, but the implementation of policies by governmental and social organizations could benefit from more hands-on and practical application of econometric tools to measure the impact of these policies.
  3. Government and social institutions should embrace a more incremental approach, like carpenters, making gradual improvements as opposed to sweeping changes. There's potential for significant social change when institutions start questioning and measuring the effectiveness of their own operations.

The hubris of social scientists

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🔬 Science Social Science Public Policy
  1. Researchers should expand beyond randomized trials in social science evaluations due to the complexity of the social world and challenges in replicating findings.
  2. The 'hubris of social scientists' refers to the overconfidence and limitations in assuming new ideas will succeed, highlighting the commonality of failures in various fields, not just social policy.
  3. Identifying small effects in social science research is difficult due to the high variability across contexts, limitations in sample sizes, and challenges in replicating studies, necessitating a more systematic approach to data collection and policy evaluation.

Causal research: More, not less

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Research Policy Social Science Evidence Public Policy
  1. Understanding the effects of policies on people's lives is crucial, and causal research can provide valuable information to guide decision-making.
  2. Critiques of causal social science highlight the need for improvement in research publishing practices, such as publishing null studies and ensuring clarity on statistically significant but small results.
  3. Replication studies in policy-making, especially with experimental interventions like RCTs, can offer valuable insights to refine policies before widespread implementation, and continuous use of evidence can help in making incremental progress.