The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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An Exam for the Social Code

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. Understanding social issues is complex and requires different thinking than just what works for small groups.
  2. It's important to recognize that truth about society isn't always clear, and not everyone sees it the same way.
  3. We need better ways to manage discussions, especially on social media, to help everyone share their views constructively.

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 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.

My Debate with Curtis Yarvin

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Democracy allows for change in leadership, which can prevent bad leaders from staying in power. It's important that citizens can vote out leaders who aren't doing a good job.
  2. Absolute monarchies might seem appealing as they could mean strong leadership, but they come with risks like power struggles and potential tyranny. History shows that not all leaders are good.
  3. Choosing leaders based on competence is essential. In democracy, we try to pick capable people, while in monarchies, we might end up with unstable or dangerous leaders.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

Leaders, Followers, and Casuals

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Leaders are politicians or intellectuals who have strong opinions on various issues, but their reasoning may not always be sound. They often justify their views with logical arguments, even if those arguments aren't based on the truth.
  2. Followers support leaders but don't deeply engage with the reasoning behind their positions. They can easily switch their support to a different leader if they change their stance, similar to sports fans shifting their allegiance.
  3. Casuals are not very informed about politics and only pay attention during major events like elections. They might make poor choices due to their lack of knowledge, while leaders and followers can also create problems by clinging to biased beliefs.
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Bullet Points: "We're in Danger" edition

The Future, Now and Then • 190 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Substack is now worth over $1 billion, but its business model may create challenges for newsletter writers. As they try to make money, it might affect the services offered to creators.
  2. The outrage over Trump’s connections to Epstein is likely more about shocking drama than genuine concern. For the MAGA base, it's really about what grabs attention for clicks and views.
  3. There’s a growing debate about the influence of the ultra-wealthy in politics. Some believe we should cater to their interests, but this viewpoint overlooks the need for more equitable representation for everyone.

OPEN LETTER TO ELON: Let's Build "America's Checkbook"

OpenTheBooks Substack • 465 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Creating a tool called 'America's Checkbook' can help Americans see government spending in real time. This tool would make it easier for taxpayers to understand how their money is being used.
  2. Transparency in government spending is important. The founders of the United States believed that the public should have access to detailed records of expenditure.
  3. By working together, Americans can push for more accountability and efficiency in how government funds are managed. This will ensure that future administrations remain open and responsible to the public.

What is Modern Scandinavian Socialism in 2025?

Erik Examines • 223 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Scandinavian countries practice mixed economies, combining elements of capitalism with significant public ownership and high taxes. This means they are not purely socialist or capitalist, but something in between.
  2. Modern socialists in Scandinavia don't aim for complete government control or the end of private property. They mostly want to increase worker participation in businesses and ensure that essential services, like healthcare and education, are publicly owned.
  3. Socialism in Scandinavia isn't about making everyone earn the same, but rather reducing extreme inequality. Policies focus on fair wages and strong unions to empower workers and create a more balanced society.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

Odds and Ends #46: The transformation of London's skyline, a big week for nuclear, and installing software updates in Antarctica

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. London's skyline has changed a lot over the past 30 years, showing how cities can evolve over time.
  2. This week was significant for nuclear energy, but its implications could affect the future power landscape.
  3. Patching software in Antarctica is a unique challenge due to the extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of tech even in remote places.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump has a strong belief that China is gaining control over the Panama Canal, which he thinks is a serious issue for the U.S.
  2. He often reminds people that the U.S. built and owned the canal before it was handed over to Panama.
  3. Some political figures are starting to take Trump's concerns seriously, discussing actions that could be taken regarding the canal's operations.

Marc Andreessen on His Intellectual Journey

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 533 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. In 2016, major political events made many people, including Marc, rethink how they understand both the left and right sides of politics. It showed that the way people behave in politics can change in surprising ways.
  2. There's a debate about whether people's actions are driven more by their ideas or by their interests. Sometimes people's emotions take charge, and they move in a certain direction, which then influences the ideas that follow.
  3. We need a new understanding of what it means to be part of an elite class. New leaders should focus on results and unite people instead of dividing them along political lines.

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 Public Policy
  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.

Migration, Housing, and Beyond

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Combining strict housing rules with high immigration leads to higher housing prices. Instead of seeing this as a problem, it should be viewed as a chance to build more housing.
  2. High demand for housing, whether from immigrants or tourists, is a good thing. It creates opportunities for everyone involved, benefiting both new arrivals and local residents.
  3. There are many positive effects of building more housing, such as increased job opportunities and social interactions. These benefits often outweigh any negative impacts.

Democrats Weaponized FBI To Falsely Claim White Supremacists Posed Greater Terror Threat Than Radical Islamists

Public • 528 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The FBI has claimed that white supremacists are the biggest terrorism threat, but this claim lacks solid evidence. Many believe that radical Islamist violence is actually a bigger concern.
  2. A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans was carried out by someone motivated by radical Islamic beliefs. This incident contradicts the FBI's focus on white supremacy as the main threat.
  3. The government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have consistently highlighted white supremacist violence, raising questions about their motives and the accuracy of their assessments.

Odds and Ends #53: Now TfL is betting on AI cameras to improve safety

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. Transport for London is planning to use AI cameras to make transportation safer. This technology aims to enhance safety measures in public transport.
  2. A discussion is taking place about how AI could help improve government services. Experts want to focus on real solutions rather than just hype or negativity.
  3. There are concerns about why governments might be hesitant to take action. Some believe that fear of power is stopping them from making necessary changes.

Dingus of the week: January

Men Yell at Me • 435 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. January felt like a very long month, with many challenges and frustrations piling up. It’s a time when people try to improve themselves but also struggle through the cold and dark winter days.
  2. There's a lot of political chaos happening, especially with decisions made by leaders that seem surprising or frustrating to many. It feels like there's a lack of strong action against troubling changes in the government.
  3. Despite all the challenges and serious issues, there's still hope and joy found in little things, like music and family connections. It’s important to remember the good things even in tough times.

Whose Standards Are Too High?

Bet On It • 573 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

Can We Still Govern? • 433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is growing concern that wealthy individuals are gaining too much power, which threatens democracy and fairness in society. People are worried about how this could affect basic rights and opportunities for everyone.
  2. A group known as DOGE is seen as being run by billionaires who oppose government regulations while benefiting from government contracts. This raises questions about their accountability and the real intentions behind their actions.
  3. DOGE aims to use social media to sway public opinion and cut government programs, relying on a powerful media presence. Many believe this could lead to unpopular decisions that are masked as necessary reforms, potentially undermining important social services.

Inflation And The Moral Erosion of Society

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 46 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💰 Finance Public Policy
  1. Inflation is often misunderstood as just rising prices, but it's really about the government increasing money supply. This change in meaning makes it hard for people to see who is really responsible for the problem.
  2. When money loses value due to inflation, it affects people's lives deeply. It rewards borrowing and spending over saving, changing how society thinks about money and effort.
  3. To fix the issues caused by inflation, we need to go back to honest money that retains its value. Sound money can help society reconnect with hard work and planning for the future.

The Misuse and Abuse of "Market Failure"

Knowledge Problem • 314 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🚌 Education Public Policy
  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.

Mini Exasperations #2

Exasperated Infrastructures • 14 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The TRB annual meeting is the most valuable week for researchers and academics — go for hallway conversations and selective evening receptions, and don’t try to see everything.
  2. U.S. transit systems need massive, sustained investment (roughly $230 billion a year in one estimate) to repair decades of underfunding and remain competitive.
  3. Transit planning is full of tradeoffs like coverage versus speed, so practical changes (for example, fewer bus stops) and strong community input can free resources and improve service.

Meditations in an Emergency

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over important data and government operations, which raises serious concerns about privacy and security. It's crucial to ask who really benefits from this data control.
  2. Musk's push to shut down agencies like USAID is not just about foreign aid; it's a power grab that could undermine democratic systems. Ignorance and conspiracy theories seem to drive his decision-making.
  3. Public servants are standing up against illegal actions from the administration, and they need support from courts, media, and Congress to protect government integrity. These officials are crucial in maintaining checks on power.

The Dingularity 2024

Men Yell at Me • 531 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Dingularity describes a situation where too many foolish leaders come together, creating chaos and losing meaning in the world. It's a funny way to highlight how absurd things can get in politics.
  2. The author jokingly points out that many questionable figures are being appointed to important positions. This reflects a mix of humor and frustration about the current political climate.
  3. Even amidst all the craziness, the author emphasizes the importance of laughter and not losing sight of joy while fighting for justice and freedom.

BREAKING: Politician Gives Good Speech

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which surprised many people who don't expect politicians to speak well.
  2. He warned about the dangers of overregulating artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of keeping it free from strict rules.
  3. This speech stood out because it's rare to hear a politician articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively on such a complex topic.

The Social Justice of STEM

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Using STEM can really help people and make the world a better place. However, focusing too much on social justice can discourage innovation and growth.
  2. Equality and equity are different concepts. True equity may require some sacrifices, but fairness often gets complicated by bureaucracy and can lead to frustration.
  3. STEM advancements have significantly benefited underprivileged communities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, improving lives and access to technology in many ways.

Fixing the Web without the Stanford Internet Observatory?

Unmoderated Insights • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  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.

morning in america

bad cattitude • 344 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

✊🏽 People Power

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Rules made by an administration are fragile — a new president can reverse them quickly, so memos and internal policies don't guarantee long-term protections.
  2. Lasting civil rights protections require legislation, court victories, or state-level laws; relying solely on executive policy is insufficient.
  3. Mass public action — big protests, strikes, and sustained organizing — is what makes protections durable, because movements, not memos, lock in change.

Saturday Commentary and Review #190

Fisted by Foucault • 143 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Right now, U.S. politics feel really stable and boring, which people find hard to get excited about. Many are wrestling with what they expected when Trump first came into power versus what actually happened.
  2. There's a disconnect between what Trump's supporters want—a revolution—and what he can realistically achieve within the current system. Many Republicans are caught between wanting change and sticking to traditional conservative values.
  3. Anti-globalization has shifted from the left to the right over time. As people face negative impacts from globalization, right-leaning politics have capitalized on this sentiment, while leftists are trying to figure out how to reclaim that anti-globalization spirit for their own agendas.

RedNote, Uber Eats in Kinmen, Jimmy Carter's Taiwan Legacy, AI EO and More

ChinaTalk • 385 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, has become a new favorite for TikTok users in search of a platform that connects them with genuine interactions. People are enjoying sharing jokes and cultural experiences across borders.
  2. Jimmy Carter's approach to U.S.-China relations helped protect Taiwan's interests, allowing the U.S. to provide arms to Taiwan even after recognizing China. His actions laid the groundwork for Taiwan's future as a democratic society.
  3. Uber Eats is expanding its reach in Kinmen, Taiwan, but it faces unique challenges like local mischievous monkeys that like to swipe food from delivery drivers. This highlights the quirky side of food delivery in the region.

The Cost of Restoring Order in Los Angeles

OpenTheBooks Substack • 177 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Los Angeles is facing high costs due to record overtime pay for emergency services. The city spent $1.1 billion on overtime, which is a big burden on taxpayers.
  2. There are many job vacancies in the city, especially in the police department, because of early retirements and hiring delays. This has led to increased overtime as the remaining staff try to cover the gaps.
  3. Top city officials are earning high salaries, with many workers making over $100,000 a year in overtime. This pay structure is raising concerns about financial sustainability for the city.

The Dark Side of Recall Madness

Taipology • 113 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Great Recall movement in Taiwan was led by influencers whose extreme views have raised concerns about their tactics and ideologies. Some leaders even borrowed ideas from historical authoritarian regimes, which makes many uneasy.
  2. After the recalls failed, there were mixed reactions within the DPP about how to handle the situation. They faced a dilemma because they had relied on these influencers while publicly claiming the effort was grassroots and not party-driven.
  3. The media coverage of the recall efforts often favored the pro-recall narrative, overlooking the voices of regular Taiwanese who may feel tired or frustrated with the ongoing conflict narrative, which they see as damaging to democracy.

Drug War: Trump Takes a Step Toward Liberty

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III is a modest legal step that makes research easier and lets state-legal businesses take ordinary tax deductions, but it does not end federal criminalization.
  2. The drug war has enabled police-state tactics, rights violations, and even foreign interventions, causing widespread harm without solving the problem of drug demand.
  3. Adults should be free to make peaceful, even unwise, choices about drug use, with families and communities handling prevention and the ultimate goal being a complete end to federal drug prohibition.

Are laws just vibes now?

Can We Still Govern? • 342 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Cuts to university health research funding can severely harm medical care and research. This might create gaps in funding that affect the quality of healthcare in the U.S.
  2. There's a worrying trend where laws are being ignored or bypassed by the government. This makes it feel like the rule of law doesn't matter anymore, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
  3. The debate over these legal issues often gets framed as a simple disagreement. However, many experts believe that clear violations of the law are happening, which should not be overlooked.

The "broligarch" threat to criminal justice reform

The Watch • 493 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A new group of wealthy Republican donors, like Elon Musk, is spending a lot of money to undermine criminal justice reforms that many people support. They use fear and misinformation to influence public opinion against these reforms.
  2. Recent elections showed mixed results for criminal justice reform, but the narrative often ignores that where voters understood the real situation, reform generally succeeded. Some losses were fueled by huge funding to spread misleading information.
  3. Progressive prosecutors face unique challenges, including intense scrutiny, aggressive recall efforts, and media backlash, often related to crime rates that may not directly link to their policies. This creates an environment where their actions and reforms get blamed for crime increases, despite evidence to the contrary.

Anatomy of a Fact Check

Machine Learning Everything • 459 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Fact checks can be biased in what they choose to examine and how they define the claims. This means they may not always provide a clear or balanced picture.
  2. In a recent case, an 11-year-old was arrested, but it was for violent disorder and not for posting mean tweets. This shows how information can get misinterpreted.
  3. There are indeed laws in Britain against sending offensive messages online, highlighting that some people can face serious consequences for their posts, even if it seems extreme.

Why Praising Trump Is Destructive

Phillips’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Praising Trump for small actions can be misleading and counterproductive. It risks giving him credit he may not deserve.
  2. Acknowledge that even if Trump does something actually good, praising him can still feel morally wrong.
  3. It's important to stay critical of leaders regardless of their actions to ensure accountability and avoid misguided support.

Gordon Klein Goes to Court

Heterodox STEM • 156 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Gordon Klein is going to trial after being punished for not discriminating against students at UCLA. His case raises important questions about fairness in education.
  2. The lawsuit targets the dean personally, which could change how university leaders respond to outside pressure. It might make them think twice about taking unfair actions.
  3. If Klein wins, it could set a precedent that encourages universities to protect academic freedom and discourage bullying towards educators.