The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Sick of the anti-porn bullshit

Sex and the State • 73 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Porn isn't inherently good or bad; it's a neutral topic. It's more about how society views and treats it that matters.
  2. Stigmatizing and trying to ban pornography often leads to more problems instead of solutions. Talking openly about sex is a better way to address concerns.
  3. The real issue isn't pornography itself but the shame around it. This shame affects how people interact with sex and can lead to deeper issues.

A message large nonprofit hospitals should hear: "The judge will see you now…"

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Many large nonprofit hospitals behave like people who often go bankrupt. They spend a lot on fancy buildings and high salaries without really understanding their finances.
  2. These hospitals sometimes close services in poorer areas while investing heavily in more affluent locations. This hurts communities that need healthcare the most.
  3. Just like how a judge talks to people who are bankrupt about their spending, hospital systems also need honest discussions about their financial habits to avoid future problems.

What is a Machine Gun?

The Apéritif • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Supreme Court has ruled that bump stocks are not classified as machine guns, allowing them back on the streets. This decision is based on a specific interpretation of what a machine gun is according to a 1934 law.
  2. Bump stocks help a shooter fire quickly by using the rifle's recoil, but the definition of automatic firing depends on how the trigger is activated. The ruling claims that using a bump stock requires a different method than what is defined as automatic firing.
  3. The debate over bump stocks raises important questions about defining objects in law. It highlights the need to consider how items are used rather than just their physical parts, especially when it comes to safety and regulation.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 194 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Donald Trump's recent inauguration had a mix of typical political elements with some unusual and entertaining choices, like dancing with a famous performance group.
  2. He changed the location of the ceremony because of cold weather and gave notable tech leaders special seating.
  3. His inauguration speech included a blend of serious topics and odd statements, making it feel less formal.

The Great Means-Testing Debate

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The debate around means-testing Social Security highlights a key argument: programs only for the poor tend to be less effective.
  2. This idea, known as the 'paradox of redistribution', suggests that means-tested programs often struggle to provide the necessary benefits.
  3. Research on this topic shows mixed results, indicating that while there are issues with means-tested programs, they still play a significant role in government spending.
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Links to Consider, 10/13/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Urban areas are not friendly to big families, which contributes to decreasing birth rates. When people live in cities, they often have fewer children than those in suburbs.
  2. Social views on marriage and careers have shifted. Now, many see being a single working woman as more prestigious than being a married stay-at-home mom, which can affect family size.
  3. AI is changing the job market a lot, and there’s going to be a lot of job turnover. The official job numbers might not show the full picture of these changes.

The Insane Multitude of Misconceptions About the Epstein Case

Michael Tracey • 70 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a lot of information available about the Epstein case that many people don't seem to read or understand. Instead of digging into the facts, some prefer to listen to rumors and wild stories.
  2. A key report from the Department of Justice highlights that it wasn't just rich and powerful ties that made prosecuting Epstein hard; there were many complicated legal issues and unreliable witnesses.
  3. Many supposed 'victims' actually had mixed feelings about being involved, with some even expressing that they didn't see themselves as victims and didn't want to testify against him.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Putin has significantly changed Russia since he took power, winning popularity by boosting the economy and restoring national pride after the tough years of the Yeltsin era.
  2. Many Western countries failed to build a real partnership with Russia, leading Putin to seek closer ties with China instead, which some view as a mistake in the long run.
  3. The current political landscape shows that traditional liberalism is under strain, and while there is much discussion about new ideologies, many political movements still operate within a liberal framework.

Mass Murderers Gather To Bury a Mass Murderer!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a strong feeling that many people who commit serious crimes should face harsh punishment. It seems unfair when they are not held accountable.
  2. There is frustration towards society for not taking decisive action against those who have caused great harm. Many believe more courage is needed in addressing these issues.
  3. The impact of violence is seen as pervasive and damaging, suggesting that the consequences of these actions are far-reaching and affect everyone.

A talk on regime change

Dominic Cummings substack • 64 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The current political system is seen as broken and dysfunctional. Many believe that to fix things, we need to completely change both the people in power and the way decisions are made.
  2. There's a growing concern about the impact of new technologies, like AI and biotechnology, on society and governance. The idea is that leaders must prioritize understanding these advancements to avoid future crises.
  3. There's an urgent need for alternative systems and solutions outside of traditional political parties. Building new institutions, especially in education, could help prepare for upcoming challenges and replace outdated systems.

We can significantly reduce the impact of the next pandemic by upgrading building ventilation standards

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Upgrading building ventilation to modern standards—combining rapid air mixing with dilution from fresh air, high-efficiency filtration, or UV—makes indoor aerosol transmission of respiratory viruses highly unlikely.
  2. These upgrades are very cost-effective and practical: one-time or incentivized investments (retrofitting HVAC, portable purifiers, etc.) cost far less than pandemic losses and provide lasting protection against future outbreaks.
  3. Public health responses focused on closures and behavior instead of air quality; simple, low-cost steps like smoke tests, opening windows, improved filtration, and tax/loan incentives would keep schools and businesses safer without disruptive lockdowns.

Places without women

Of Boys and Men • 171 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a growing trend where many U.S. counties have more men than women. This is particularly noticeable in the younger age group of 20 to 39.
  2. From 2003 to 2023, the number of counties with a majority of men doubled. This shift is significant and mainly seen in rural areas.
  3. Skewed sex ratios can affect various social issues like crime rates and relationship dynamics. It's important to study these trends to understand their impacts better.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Oppressive forces exist in the world, making life difficult for many people.
  2. Many individuals feel they are facing challenges because the system is set up against them.
  3. It's important to acknowledge these struggles and understand the impact they have on people's lives.

We're Really Gonna Do This Again, Huh?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 247 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. People may not learn from past mistakes, and history can repeat itself. It's important to reflect on our choices and their consequences.
  2. Chaos and uncertainty seem to be a part of the political landscape, and it can be exhausting. Be prepared for more challenges ahead.
  3. Understanding the seriousness of our decisions is crucial. We should strive to make better choices instead of falling into the same patterns.

the new tribe

bad cattitude • 249 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many people feel that current academic systems are failing because they prioritize ideology over objective truth. This has led to a loss of trust in experts and their qualifications.
  2. A new group of builders and creators is emerging, ready to take charge and restore trust and functionality in society. They want to replace ineffective leadership with practical solutions.
  3. The division in society, often caused by political and social issues, is now being recognized as manipulated to keep people fighting each other. A united approach is needed to advocate for freedom and a better future.

Why no one likes land taxes

Economic Forces • 20 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Voters often dislike property taxes because they feel like paying rent to the government on something they already own. Economists, however, believe property taxes are ideal since they are based on the fixed value of land.
  2. Inefficient taxes tend to keep taxpayers more vigilant and engaged in political matters. This means when taxes hurt more, people fight against them, which can keep government spending in check.
  3. Real-world tax systems often blend efficient and inefficient taxes. While economists may recommend more efficient taxes, voters may prefer a mix that protects them from overly aggressive government actions.

Top Links 546 Childcare as infrastructure. Why Larry Summers thinks blended finance is BS and how all that is solid burst into flames.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Childcare should be seen as important infrastructure for the economy. It's essential for supporting working families and boosting economic growth.
  2. Larry Summers is critical of blended finance, arguing that it doesn't really solve financial problems and can lead to more issues.
  3. There's a sense that many established systems are failing or breaking down. It's a call to rethink how things work in society.

“Dear Beloved Elder, Please Stop

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 4 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. ICE is a federal agency bound by statutes, DHS policy, and the Constitution, so calling it a lawless militia misreads how it operates and obstructing its work can cross legal lines the First Amendment does not protect.
  2. If citizens or states pick and choose which federal laws to obey, the rule of law erodes and history shows that can lead to chaos, violence, or even civil conflict, with the most vulnerable — women, children, the disabled, and the elderly — suffering most.
  3. Many anti‑ICE protesters are relatively privileged, and tactics like blocking vehicles, harassing people, or bringing weapons create real dangers and unintended harms; if you oppose immigration policy, the democratic way to fix it is to change the law, not to obstruct enforcement.

Stop it.

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The idea of creating more spaces for gender nonconforming individuals is seen as unnecessary. There’s a belief that society should not have to accommodate what some may consider delusions about gender.
  2. The push for inclusivity in spaces, like bathrooms or sports teams, is criticized for being costly and emotionally draining for others. It suggests that these efforts are not true kindness but rather complicity in a harmful agenda.
  3. There’s a strong opinion that accommodating these demands is a step toward losing personal boundaries and safety. The idea is that such actions are not for genuine concern but rather a means of exerting control over societal norms.

The Zohran Mamdani Machine

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Huey Long shows how a charismatic, mid-30s populist can overthrow entrenched elites and quickly deliver massive public works, schools, hospitals, and programs for the poor. He combined mass popularity with savvy use of media, patronage, and state power to get things done.
  2. Long’s record mixes real material gains with strongman tactics — intimidation, control of the press, patronage, and alleged fraud — which is why historians warn about demagoguery even as they acknowledge his achievements.
  3. Zohran Mamdani arrives with a rare mass base and has tried a coalition-building, accommodationist approach with elites, but to realize big social-democratic reforms he may eventually need to wield both carrots and sticks while operating within the limits of mayoral and state power.

CROSSPOST: 23 Economics Nobel Prize Winners for Kamala Harris

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many Nobel Prize winners in economics believe Kamala Harris would be better for the economy than Donald Trump. They think her ideas will strengthen the middle class and promote fairness.
  2. Harris's economic agenda focuses on enhancing competition and creating job opportunities. These policies are seen as more beneficial for the country's overall economic health.
  3. In contrast, Trump's policies are viewed as harmful, leading to higher prices and greater inequality. Experts worry that his actions could jeopardize essential economic stability.

Biden Pardon Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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 Pursuit of Parenthood

Asimov Press • 219 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.

The DOJ is investigating how many crimes are committed with masks on

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Wearing masks in public hasn't shown to help stop the spread of viruses and was even advised against by health experts before the pandemic. Many believe mask mandates are not useful.
  2. There is a concern that masks provide anonymity, which some criminals may exploit. This has prompted the DOJ to look into how many crimes are committed by people wearing masks.
  3. As more people stopped masking, some places started banning public masking altogether. This shift highlights a growing belief that masks can hinder law enforcement and harm social interactions.

Some Observations on Criminality and Recidivism

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Prisons should focus more on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Helping prisoners find jobs and complete education can lower the chance of reoffending.
  2. Countries like Norway, which has nicer prisons and a focus on rehabilitation, have lower crime and recidivism rates. This suggests that how we treat prisoners matters.
  3. We might need to change how we sentence people. Young offenders could get longer sentences since they might reoffend more, while older, first-time offenders could get shorter sentences for better chances of reform.

The Kindergarten Intifada

The Truth Fairy • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a growing concern about teachers in America promoting anti-Israel views to students. Many educators are openly discussing ways to push their political beliefs in the classroom without getting in trouble.
  2. Jewish students are increasingly facing harassment and bullying related to the anti-Israel sentiment in schools. This negative climate can make Jewish students feel isolated and targeted by their peers.
  3. The inclusion of ethnic studies in school curricula is being used as a platform for anti-Israel activism. Some believe this is creating a generation that holds prejudiced views against Jews and Israel.

Links to Consider, 11/12/2024

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Censorship can be split into two types: hard censorship, which is the removal of content, and soft censorship, which reduces exposure to certain content. Soft censorship is seen as serious because it limits the perspectives people can access.
  2. Identity politics has grown from media focusing on group identities instead of ideas. This shift affects how people engage with each other, often prioritizing identity over actions.
  3. There is a lot of unnecessary laws because people believe every problem needs a legislative solution. Emphasizing common law could potentially be a better approach to managing legal issues.

Why Should Government Solve This Problem?

Points And Figures • 453 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. College athletics is undergoing a major transformation due to changes like the transfer portal and name, image, likeness (NIL) rules.
  2. Coaches like Nick Saban are important figures in guiding the future of college sports amid these changes.
  3. The author questions the need for government intervention in the evolving college athletic marketplace and advocates for letting the free market and NCAA adapt on their own.

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 Public Policy
  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.

Compassion ceilings

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Some jobs limit how compassionate a person can be. This means people in certain roles cannot show their full kindness because of their job requirements.
  2. If the most compassionate people are excluded from roles, the overall compassion in that group decreases. This can lead to a culture that is less caring and more harsh.
  3. Compassion ceilings can have negative effects, even if the actions causing them aren't seen as wrong. The result is a workplace or society that is less understanding and more likely to harm others.

As the Smears Go Passing By

Unpopular Front • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Eric Adams has faced past allegations of antisemitism but has since worked to build relationships with Jewish communities in New York. His connections complicate current political debates about antisemitism and race.
  2. Zohran Mamdani is trying to distance himself from controversial comments that could be seen as antisemitic, showing a more careful approach than some past political figures. He represents a different vision for New York politics focused on unity rather than ethnic divisions.
  3. The political landscape in New York is changing, with shifting demographics affecting the power of Black communities. As older communities exit, new alliances, like those between Black and Orthodox groups, may be necessary to navigate future conflicts over resources and representation.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

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

When is DOGE Going to Focus on Reducing Bureaucracy Rather Than Increasing It?

The Good Science Project • 152 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. DOGE seems to be making government processes more complicated, which can lead to less efficiency. Instead of streamlining things, they are adding new layers of rules.
  2. Efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse might actually make things worse by creating more bureaucracy. It's often better to accept a little waste instead of drowning in paperwork.
  3. There are already dedicated agencies that can help reduce waste without reinventing the wheel. It makes more sense to work with existing organizations to become efficient.

Data Wars and the DOJ

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

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

Philosophy bear • 200 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Public Policy
  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 Elusive Built-in not Bolted-on

Resilient Cyber • 239 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. Cybersecurity should be included from the start of product design, not added later. This means making security a priority throughout the whole development process.
  2. Products should come secure by default, so users don't have to figure out how to protect themselves. Just like cars come with seatbelts, software needs built-in security features.
  3. There needs to be accountability for software security. Companies should not shift the blame to users but should instead be responsible for ensuring their products are secure and safe to use.

Bogus Documents fueled the Russia Hoax

The Reactionary • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New documents show that some claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election might not be trustworthy. These documents were said to be based on unreliable sources.
  2. The Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) concluded that Russia helped Trump win, but it used questionable evidence to support this claim. Critics say the information was manipulated.
  3. There were various interpretations of key claims about Russia's motives, indicating that the intelligence may not be as clear-cut as once thought.

Whats next for CX in government?

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The federal government is working on improving customer experience with public services. This is meant to help citizens feel respected and decrease frustration with processes.
  2. Recent laws are pushing agencies to focus on better service delivery. Each agency will have to appoint someone to oversee these efforts, ensuring they prioritize public needs.
  3. Four key themes emerged for better service: putting the public first, having dedicated customer experience teams, collaborating across departments, and simplifying processes to make them easier for everyone.