The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Answering your questions

Comment is Freed • 54 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a lot of confusion in U.S. politics, making it hard for opposition parties to work together against leaders like Trump or Musk. Without a single leader, responses can be slow and ineffective.
  2. Legal challenges are being used to push back against controversial actions taken by Trump and Musk. Courts are blocking some of their orders, but legal battles often take time, and problems can arise in the meantime.
  3. In the UK, there's a concern about future leaders gaining too much control. It’s important for political parties and civil servants to think ahead and prepare for any potential threats to democracy.

After the Ball Is Over...

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

Is KitKat the Modern-Day Horst Wessel?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. KitKat, a bodega cat, was killed by a driverless car, leading to public outcry. This incident sparked protests and calls for more regulations on autonomous vehicles.
  2. Jackie Fielder, a San Francisco politician, is using KitKat's death to rally against driverless cars. She believes this tragedy should be a symbol for those who oppose the technology.
  3. The comparison between Fielder's actions and historical figures like Goebbels highlights how some see political exploitation in tragic events. This suggests that using a pet's death for political gain can be controversial.

MAGA Republicans Are Misreading 2025 in a Very Dangerous Way

Proof • 61 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. MAGA Republicans may not understand the serious political tensions brewing in America. This misunderstanding could lead to significant consequences for them and the country.
  2. The party in power seems disconnected from the challenges and feelings of people across the nation. This lack of awareness could escalate existing conflicts.
  3. Recent events, including extremist attacks, highlight the urgency of addressing far-right sentiments in society. It's important to pay attention to these issues to prevent future violence.

AMA: Ask a Donald Trump and Elon Musk Biographer Anything About the Ongoing Trump-Musk Civil War

Proof • 28 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's an ongoing conflict known as the Trump-Musk Civil War, which is gaining a lot of attention.
  2. A biographer of both Donald Trump and Elon Musk is answering questions about this conflict in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) format.
  3. People interested can ask questions and get insights directly from someone who has written extensively about both figures.
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Summer 2025 U.S. Vibe Brief

Breaking Smart • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. In the summer of 2025, people in the U.S. are feeling calm despite a lot of noise around them. They seem to enjoy familiar shows and hobbies.
  2. Many Americans are choosing to save their energy while everything from politics to the economy continues to buzz in the background.
  3. For anything new or demanding attention, like technology or art, it has to really prove itself to get noticed.

The Politics of a Great Unconformity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

Safety Versus Inclusion

Reactionary Feminist • 16 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a big debate in feminism between those who want to include everyone and those who think keeping women safe in private spaces is more important. This conflict shows how different values can clash in social discussions.
  2. Safety and inclusion are both important to women, but sometimes safety might take the lead when it comes to laws and rules. Many women feel that their safety is being threatened, especially in discussions about immigration.
  3. Recently, more women are voicing their concerns about safety regarding migrant policies. It's changing the way people think about protests, showing that women's voices are crucial in these conversations.

Open Thread #32

Fisted by Foucault • 70 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. It's hard to predict what will happen in the future because there are many factors to consider. So, it's okay to admit uncertainty.
  2. This is an open thread for everyone to share their own predictions. Sharing ideas can help us think through complex situations.
  3. Sometimes, situations can drag on longer than we expect, which adds to the uncertainty. Being open about this can prepare us for surprises.

Anti-Wokeness Is a Mental Autoimmune Disorder

KERFUFFLE • 51 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The argument connecting diversity initiatives to wildfires lacks real evidence and is more about stirring emotions than facts. It's not a logical explanation of what’s happening with the fires.
  2. Critics often use inflammatory rhetoric to distract from serious discussions about wildfires, changing the topic to political agendas instead.
  3. Blaming 'wokeness' for complex issues like wildfires serves only to push certain narratives, without addressing the actual causes or the effectiveness of emergency responses.

Accelerating Spirals of History

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Historical cycles are believed to be speeding up, repeating similar events more quickly over time. It's like watching old movies play on fast-forward and noticing familiar patterns.
  2. There's concern about how current leaders and events might negatively impact education, culture, and truth in society. It's like a warning that important lessons from history could be ignored.
  3. Current developments might feel like we're reaching a turning point in human history, as if we're facing a significant shift or crash. It’s like riding a roller coaster and sensing a big drop ahead.

July 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Senate passed a budget bill that many Americans dislike because it cuts taxes for the wealthy and removes support for programs like Medicaid and food assistance. People are protesting to change lawmakers' minds.
  2. Donald Trump is pressuring Republicans to pass the bill before the Fourth of July, but some lawmakers are worried about how it will affect their chances of getting re-elected.
  3. There is a struggle within the Republican Party, as Trump tries to gather votes for the bill while facing threats from Elon Musk about forming a new political party if lawmakers don't support it.

Achieving Government Efficiency Requires More, Not Less, Investment

The Good Science Project • 44 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Government efficiency means getting more value from every dollar spent, not just cutting costs. Investing wisely can help achieve better results.
  2. To make government work better, we need to invest in research and development. This can help find smarter ways to deliver public services that benefit everyone.
  3. Cutting government spending isn't the answer to making it more efficient. We need to assess which programs work best and invest in them to create more social value.

The Beekeeper's Dilemma

Breaking Smart • 18 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The main character, GD, is considering retiring from his detective work because cases have become rare and unfulfilling. He’s thinking that maybe it’s time to explore other passions.
  2. GD has developed a serious interest in beekeeping, which he finds enjoyable and meaningful despite feeling he’s moving away from his original career in law enforcement.
  3. The policing environment has changed a lot since GD started, focusing less on justice and more on control, making him feel outdated and disconnected from the current system.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
  2. Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
  3. A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

How to Save Oakland

KERFUFFLE • 25 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Oakland's new mayor, Barbara Lee, needs to focus on improving the city's problems and making it a better place for everyone.
  2. The Oakland Ballers, an independent league baseball team, is bringing hope and excitement back to the community.
  3. Engagement and support from locals can play a big role in turning around Oakland's current challenges.

Commentator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

NORD STREAM AND THE FAILURES OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Biden administration has faced serious criticism during its leadership. Many believe that Biden's lack of visibility in his physical and mental capabilities hindered the party's ability to present a strong candidate.
  2. Donald Trump's return to power seems tied to Biden's failures. Some people think the Democratic Party was slow to respond to the need for a new candidate as Biden struggled.
  3. Elon Musk's influence has grown in the political sphere. There are concerns about how much control he has over key government positions and what that means for democracy.

Join my Conversation with Lyman Stone

In My Tribe • 45 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

Bad Moon Rising

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There are serious concerns that the U.S. could move toward a situation similar to past genocides, targeting groups like ethnic minorities and political opponents. It's important to pay attention to warning signs that are happening now.
  2. Rhetoric that dehumanizes certain groups, like calling immigrants 'poison,' mirrors language used in historical genocides. This shows how dangerous ideas can spread and lead to violence if left unchecked.
  3. The potential for future violence hinges on current politics and attitudes, especially among those in power. People need to be aware of these changes to help prevent them from escalating.

Work. Wealth. Wisdom.

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Fund the fight. Even modest donations to candidates, organizations, and lawsuits can make a big difference in winning fights and holding power accountable.
  2. Build solutions locally. Start or support community-focused projects and training programs that create practical systems to reduce inequality and help people directly.
  3. Document and show up. Record and report misconduct by officials, and volunteer or support local groups so resistance and relief happen where people live.

The Media Beast Targets the Reform

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Mainstream media can quickly rally against individuals or changes they don't like. They work together to amplify their messages and create a strong narrative.
  2. Government agencies, like the NIH, can face pushback when they try to make big changes. Even small dissenters can get a lot of attention from the media.
  3. Despite the challenges, some leaders are making proactive changes for reform and transparency. Their efforts show that change is possible, even against tough opposition.

The Super

Disaffected Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

OSD 303: Why isn’t there more violence?

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Laws alone don't heavily influence crime rates; many other factors play a significant role. Neighborhoods with the same laws can show huge differences in violence rates due to social and cultural differences.
  2. Most people choose not to engage in violence because they have better life choices and moral values. It's a positive sign that people's personal choices, rather than just laws, limit violence.
  3. Issues like gun misuse are not just about making laws tougher but about changing cultural attitudes toward violence. Making misuse culturally unthinkable can be more effective than focusing solely on legislation.

What is the point of confirmation hearings?

Matt’s Five Points • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

An assassin for our time (PART TWO)

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Luigi Mangione had several health issues but chose to target a health insurance executive, suggesting his anger was more about feelings than specific grievances.
  2. His medical problems connect to a complex area of modern medicine, where physical and mental health often blur together, making treatment difficult.
  3. There are concerns about the potential role of cannabis and psychedelics in Mangione's decline, raising questions about their safety and impact when used frequently.

It's Harris's Race to Lose...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. It's an election where many people want change, but some voters feel stuck with the same options. They might choose to stay home instead of voting for someone they don’t feel excited about.
  2. Harris is struggling to connect with working-class voters because her campaign messages don’t resonate. They want stronger, more direct approaches that tackle economic issues more aggressively.
  3. Many people feel that democracy itself is not functioning well, making them less responsive to warnings about threats to democracy. They see billionaires as a bigger problem than political party conflicts.

The American Government Should Buy Spirit Airlines

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The U.S. government should consider buying Spirit Airlines instead of constantly bailing out struggling airlines. This could help create a more affordable flying option for taxpayers.
  2. Creating a public airline would allow the government to focus on passenger welfare and lower fares, making air travel better for everyone.
  3. Countries like New Zealand and Finland already own airlines to serve their citizens. This idea isn't new and could be a step toward improving air travel in America.

Tram trains

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Tram-trains can help smaller cities improve public transport by connecting areas that trains and trams currently don't reach. This makes it easier for people to get around without needing a car.
  2. Karlsruhe in Germany shows how tram-trains can work by running on both tram and train tracks. This setup has significantly boosted ridership and made travel times faster for passengers.
  3. While tram-trains have their limits, they offer an affordable way for cities to enhance transit systems, especially where traditional trains aren't efficient or practical.

Sunday Strip: First They Came for Peanut;

Who is Robert Malone • 55 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  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.

Musk to audit the Pentagon?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk's involvement with the Pentagon raises concerns about conflicts of interest, especially since his companies benefit from military contracts. People question if he can truly audit the Pentagon without bias.
  2. Many believe the U.S. government's budget decisions prioritize military spending over helping the American public. This leads to frustration among citizens who feel their tax money is wasted.
  3. There is skepticism about whether genuine change will happen in military spending or audits, as past experiences indicate little accountability for budgeting issues in defense contracts.

Huang Qifan on deepening reforms around urban-rural integration

Pekingnology • 45 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Huang Qifan believes that blending urban and rural areas is crucial for China's growth. This means making sure both city and countryside develop together and share resources.
  2. He highlights that many farmers need bigger pieces of land to boost productivity. Current small farms struggle to produce enough food efficiently, which affects the entire economy.
  3. To make progress, policies must change to support farmers’ rights and income. This way, both rural and urban communities can benefit from their work and improve their living standards.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #103

Creative Destruction • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The idea of 'the CEO of America' suggests that politics has become more business-like, focusing on deals and short-term gains instead of traditional values.
  2. A new phase called 'autocapitalism' is emerging, where automation and AI replace human jobs, pushing more people to become capitalists instead of workers.
  3. There's a global crisis in self-esteem where many people feel inadequate compared to billionaires, making normal life feel like a personal failure.

Why Are Rat Populations In Big Cities Really Exploding? Leash Laws!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Public Policy
  1. Keeping un-neutered and un-spayed pets roaming in cities may help control rat populations. Allowing animals to do their natural job can help keep rodents in check.
  2. The rise of car culture in America has harmed pets and reduced their ability to manage rodent populations. By prioritizing cars, many cities have made it unsafe for pets to do their jobs.
  3. Rats are often blamed for problems caused by humans. Historically, they have been wrongfully accused of spreading diseases due to human actions and messy situations.

New Q&A Series, No. 2: Elon Musk’s Lies About Looting in California—Premeditated and Malevolent—Are Endangering Us All

Proof • 39 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk is making false claims about theft laws in California. This is causing concern and spreading misinformation.
  2. The discussion revolves around the idea that these lies could harm public safety and trust in leadership.
  3. Experts are clarifying the actual situation regarding theft laws to combat the misleading narrative.

Giving Trump Just What He Wants

Gideon's Substack • 45 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Both violent actions and political pardons can push society closer to authoritarianism. It's important to recognize that these reactions stem from a belief that democracy is breaking down.
  2. Preemptively pardoning people can look like an abuse of power and may harm public trust. This kind of action might seem reasonable in response to threats, but can actually fuel more distrust and paranoia.
  3. Engaging in normal politics and upholding the rule of law is crucial. Abandoning these principles only strengthens authoritarian figures by giving them more reasons to justify their actions.

Legislative procedure isn't really hard

Matt’s Five Points • 139 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Activating to Prevent AI Catastrophe

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. AI has the potential to really change our lives, but it also poses big risks. We need to talk about how to benefit from AI without getting hurt by it.
  2. Creating a Universal Basic Income could help everyone adapt to job changes caused by AI. This way, people can focus on improving their skills without the fear of losing everything.
  3. We should form groups of everyday people to discuss and oversee AI's use and effects. This helps ensure that decisions about AI work for everyone, not just a few powerful companies.