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J.D. Vance was right that "there is no room for firewalls," and if the CDU are not careful, they may well prove his point with their own destruction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 243 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Policy Government Political Analysis
  1. The current German political system is facing a crisis due to the fear of the political class towards their own people. They are stuck in old ways and unable to change policies that aren't working.
  2. The CDU, a major political party, might find itself in a tough spot. If they don't collaborate with the far-right AfD party, they risk losing power to the left-wing parties who could form a strong coalition.
  3. There's a chance the CDU will have to make hard compromises to stay relevant. If they keep ignoring the AfD, they may end up with a government that doesn't reflect what many voters want.

If They Don't Believe They're Enemies, Why Should You?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2267 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Public Policy Social Issues Political Conflict Media influence
  1. If leaders from opposing sides, like Trump and Obama, can be friendly, it makes you question why others believe they have to fight constantly.
  2. Many supporters have strange contradictions in their beliefs, like claiming to support America first while backing a foreign country's interests.
  3. There's a serious gap in understanding the real conflict, where one side is portrayed as a victim while the other is seen as the oppressor, making it crucial to recognize the true relationships and not just the narratives.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Higher education Health Policy Government funding Social Issues
  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.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Public Policy Political Science Civics Political theory
  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.
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Links For January 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 15898 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Political Behavior Public Policy
  1. Running for Congress can be really tough. You often spend a lot of your own money and have to pause your job for a long time.
  2. The debate around AI's progress is heating up. Some people worry that if AI makes a big breakthrough but not everything it was supposed to, it could lead to misunderstandings about its true capabilities.
  3. There's a new dating site idea that matches people based on their chats with an AI helper. It's still in the early stages, but it's an interesting concept.

Does watching gun sports increase gun sales?

Random Acts of Medicine • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Legislation Public Policy Social Issues Cultural Trends
  1. Watching gun sports at events like the Olympics might lead some people to try shooting sports, but it doesn't seem to cause a big overall increase in gun sales.
  2. Gun sales usually go up during certain seasons, like hunting seasons or holidays, and they've also spiked after events that cause fear, like elections or mass shootings.
  3. Even if there were an increase in sales due to the Olympics, it would be hard to tell if it was because of the games or other events happening at the same time, like presidential elections.

The War For Middle Earth!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Science Natural Disasters Public Policy
  1. The next ice age could potentially arrive much sooner than expected, possibly around 2033, and many people may need to relocate due to extreme weather changes.
  2. There is growing concern that climate issues are being hidden by governments and the true cause, including past nuclear tests, is not being fully acknowledged.
  3. Digital tracking and registration are becoming more common, making it easier for governments to monitor populations, especially as crises increase due to climate change.

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 Criminal Justice Public Health Government Accountability
  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.

Against The Generalized Anti-Caution Argument

Astral Codex Ten • 26154 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy International relations Crisis Management
  1. Being cautious and warning about potential risks is important, even if past warnings seem wrong. These warnings can still highlight dangers that may eventually happen.
  2. Just because someone has made incorrect predictions in the past does not mean we should ignore future concerns. Some risks gradually increase over time, like health issues or the dangers of powerful technologies.
  3. It's crucial to maintain a balanced approach to assessing risks. We should not let past inaccuracies cause us to dismiss all warnings, as they can help us stay alert to genuine threats.

Eric Adams Is in Deep Sh*t

Glenn Loury • 535 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Analysis Race relations
  1. Eric Adams is facing serious legal trouble, being the first sitting New York City mayor to be charged with a federal crime. This makes his situation quite unprecedented.
  2. He's attempting to use race as a defense strategy, but many are skeptical that will be effective. There seems to be a general belief that this approach won't help his case.
  3. Adams's time in office is viewed as lacking by many New Yorkers. There's a feeling that he might only serve one term due to his performance.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Foreign Relations Elections National Security
  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.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 10, 2025: "California Fires and America's Competency Crisis"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1662 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Disasters Public Policy Climate change Social Issues
  1. Los Angeles is currently facing severe wildfires, and the situation is critical with no containment in sight. This highlights the growing threat of natural disasters in the area.
  2. The fires raise questions about the preparedness and response of local leaders and public services. Many believe that better planning and resources could have helped manage this disaster.
  3. While some attribute these fires to climate change, it's essential to recognize the area's historical vulnerability to wildfires. There are lessons to be learned about living in disaster-prone regions and the responsibilities of local government.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Military Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

A Mom Asked for Public School Board Records. They Charged Her $33 Million.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3426 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Transparency Public Policy Legal issues Civil Rights
  1. Parents are increasingly suing schools to find out what their children are learning. This shows a demand for transparency in education.
  2. Some schools are responding by suing parents to silence them. This creates a conflict between parents' rights to know and schools' desire to keep information private.
  3. A mom was quoted a shocking amount of over $33 million to access public school records. This highlights how expensive and complicated it can be to get information from schools.

The Georgia Ballot

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 239 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Taxes Public Policy
  1. Voting yes on the constitutional amendment helps protect homeowners from having their property values tied to inflation. This means more consistent property taxes for everyone.
  2. Creating a statewide tax court will provide independent, expert help on tax issues, making the tax process fairer and more efficient.
  3. Raising the personal property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 can provide financial relief to property owners. It's a good move for many families.

Meditations in an Emergency

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Trump administration 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.

TOO MANY SUBSCRIPTIONS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 281 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending Media Public Policy Political News Bureaucracy
  1. The federal government has spent $44 million on POLITICO subscriptions since 2017. This spending comes from various agencies, showing a trend of reliance on paid news sources.
  2. The White House, especially under Biden, dramatically increased its spending on subscriptions, reaching $7.8 million in 2023. This raises questions about efficiency and whether multiple officials need separate subscriptions.
  3. Many people are skeptical about supporting media outlets with tax dollars, especially when there are many who already don't trust these sources. It's worth considering if the government should be funding private news businesses at all.

Universities Are Woefully Under-Resourced For AI Research. They’re Fighting To Change That.

Big Technology • 5129 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Higher education Public Policy Data science
  1. Universities are struggling to keep up with AI research due to a lack of resources like powerful GPUs and data centers. They can't compete with big tech companies who have millions of these resources.
  2. Most AI research breakthroughs are now coming from private industry, with universities lagging behind. This is causing talented researchers to prefer jobs in the private sector instead.
  3. Some universities are trying to address this issue by forming coalitions and advocating for government support to create shared AI research resources. This could help level the playing field and foster important academic advancements.

I Love This Guy

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy Political Movements Political Commentary
  1. We are at an important moment in history that can shape the future of Western values and freedom. It's essential to stay alert and participate in this significant change.
  2. When making policies, ensure they promote freedom for everyone and avoid leaning towards control and restrictions. Past attempts at reform have shown pitfalls when they disguise control as freedom.
  3. It's crucial to expose dishonest actions in politics and prioritize transparent communication. Learning from past mistakes can help build a stronger future without wasting time on revenge.

Things I wish the left got about economics

Philosophy bear • 801 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Regulation Social justice Government
  1. The left should focus on offering positive solutions to economic problems, rather than just criticizing the existing system. Proposals need to be practical and beneficial in real life.
  2. Understanding key economic concepts, like public goods and externalities, is crucial. This knowledge helps in crafting effective policies and regulations.
  3. It's important to recognize that regulations aren't free solutions and need thoughtful design and expertise. A well-organized government can make these regulations work better for society.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.

It’s Not Just Kay Granger. All of Congress Is an Old Age Home.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Government Elections Legislation Public Policy
  1. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old congresswoman, is living in an assisted care facility while still serving in Congress. This raises questions about the ability of elderly politicians to effectively represent their constituents.
  2. Many older members in Congress may not be fully engaged or capable of performing their duties. This situation suggests a broader issue with age and effectiveness within government.
  3. There are calls for reevaluation of compensation for lawmakers who are not actively participating in their work as public representatives. This brings up the debate about taxpayer money and how it's spent on elected officials.

The Pardons

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Biden's recent pardons can help Trump focus on positive actions instead of seeking revenge. This means Trump can start building things up rather than getting caught up in past issues.
  2. The pardons may lead to less media attention on major stories, allowing gossip and rumors to take the spotlight. It's a shift similar to what happened when Nixon was pardoned, making it easier for Trump to move forward.
  3. Trump could gain ground by being extremely open about past documents and issues. By releasing more information on various controversies, he could reshape public perception and show his commitment to transparency.

A Big Year for Big Lies. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Public Policy Political Commentary Government Accountability
  1. There have been many claims about Joe Biden's sharpness and involvement in his son's business dealings that turned out to be false. This has raised questions about honesty in politics.
  2. The immigration debate is filled with tension, especially among Indian Americans, as some face backlash for supporting figures in the MAGA movement while still holding onto their cultural identities.
  3. There's a growing push for educational standards that include teaching young children about gender identity. This has sparked discussions about what topics should be appropriate for kids in school.

October 2024 Q&A

Glenn Loury • 238 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Elections Social Issues Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a Q&A session where people can ask questions and get answers from experts. It's a good chance to learn more about specific topics.
  2. Viewers are encouraged to leave their queries in the comments so they can be discussed later. This makes it interactive and engaging.
  3. Subscription options are available for more content, including a free trial for new users. This allows people to explore more without immediate commitment.

Adam Carolla is Wrong

Points And Figures • 1678 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance Elections Public Policy Political culture
  1. Better forest management could help prevent severe wildfires. It involves clearing brush and controlled burns instead of just letting nature take its course.
  2. People who lost their homes in California fires are unlikely to change their political beliefs. Their deep-rooted views will not easily shift, regardless of the changes happening around them.
  3. Democrats typically expand government to solve problems, while Republicans lean toward private sector solutions. This difference affects how cities like San Francisco and New York handle their issues.

The Political Preferences of DeepSeek AI Models

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 283 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science AI Ethics Public Policy Data Analysis Technology Trends
  1. DeepSeek AI models show political preferences similar to those of American models. This suggests that AI might reflect human biases in their programming.
  2. The findings indicate that AI can carry the same ideologies as the people who create and train them. It's important to be aware of this influence.
  3. For those curious about how political preferences impact large language models, there are more detailed analyses available to explore.

Highlights From The Comments On Prison

Astral Codex Ten • 15485 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Prison Reform Policing Public Policy Societal Impact
  1. Many criminals act without thinking of long-term consequences. They might believe they'd get away with risky behavior, such as driving drunk, which can lead to serious problems later on.
  2. Prison can sometimes offer a break from harmful lifestyles, especially for those already struggling with addiction or crime. It might not disrupt a stable life, since some people had a challenging life full of problems even before incarceration.
  3. The effectiveness of longer prison sentences as a deterrent is questionable. Many criminals don't pay attention to the details of potential punishments, but are more influenced by the chance of getting caught while committing a crime.

February 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Public Policy Health care
  1. The current stability in America has allowed extreme views to grow. Some people don't realize how bad life could be without the freedoms and health protections we have.
  2. Cuts to government jobs under the Trump administration are affecting many, including veterans. These cuts contradict the claims that the government is wasting money.
  3. Recent actions in politics show that some lawmakers are not recognizing the dangers of authoritarianism. This could lead to serious issues if people aren't aware of the past mistakes made regarding freedom and democracy.

‘The Bond of our Common Humanity...’

Breaking the News • 1244 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Civic engagement Democracy Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter believed that unity and compassion among people can overcome fear and prejudice. It's important to focus on our shared humanity.
  2. Carter's grandson shared that the current political system has flaws that lead to division and extremism. He emphasized the need for civil discourse and understanding.
  3. Stories have power, and sharing personal experiences can bridge divides. We should connect over our common goals of peace and stability, no matter our political differences.

Christmas in the Gulag. Trudeau in Trouble. How the Drone Theories Stack Up. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2346 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Political Analysis International Affairs Government Public Policy
  1. There are many Americans wrongfully detained overseas. Some families are fighting to bring their loved ones home for the holidays.
  2. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing serious political trouble. His government could collapse after the resignation of his key ally.
  3. There are mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, and no one knows for sure who's flying them. Some believe it could be foreign governments, while others think it could be our own.

Mr. President, Don’t Abandon the Rule of Law to Save TikTok

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 700 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Government Civil Rights Elections Public Policy
  1. The rule of law is important in a republic and should not be ignored, even for popular apps like TikTok.
  2. As president, there is a responsibility to uphold the law rather than make exceptions for personal preferences.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is essential for shedding light on important issues and maintaining accountability.

Dingus of the week: “A big beautiful bill”

Men Yell at Me • 301 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Finding humor in tough situations can help us cope and maintain our sanity. Laughter can take the power out of serious issues.
  2. Sometimes, government actions seem silly or harmful, like cutting essential services to save money. It's important to recognize the real impact of these choices.
  3. Good news can still happen amidst the bad, like legal wins for marginalized groups and positive changes in work-life balance. Celebrating these wins is important.

By The Book

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Government Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Outsiders often disrupt the status quo and create change, even if they lack traditional qualifications. People like Elon Musk and Henry Kaiser show that success can come from unconventional paths.
  2. Experience in the real world can lead to better decision-making, which is why some believe Trump has gained valuable insights since his first term. His focus on practical solutions may lead to positive outcomes.
  3. Reforming government agencies and taxes could transform how Americans interact with the government. People are looking for changes that align with their needs rather than outdated systems.

A ‘Loco Gringo’ Takes On the Mexican Cartels

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2147 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Crime Public Policy
  1. Sheriff Roy Boyd is taking action against human smugglers by coordinating with other sheriffs in Texas. This teamwork is helping to reduce the influence of cartels.
  2. One day, Boyd spotted a truck filled with smuggled migrants and decided to chase it down. He acted quickly to catch the smugglers, even involving his young son.
  3. Boyd's experience shows the importance of community policing and how local law enforcement can tackle big problems like human trafficking.

The Monarch of Mar-a-Lago

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1112 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Public Policy Political History
  1. Trump's power peaks before he takes office, showing how the moment of being sworn in changes the dynamics of his influence.
  2. The story of Rip Van Winkle highlights how dramatic changes can occur in society, even in just a couple of decades.
  3. Modern political identities can be confusing and overwhelming, as seen in Rip's struggle to understand new party affiliations.

Happy Despot's Day

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Public Policy Civil Rights Government Agencies
  1. Hate and division are increasingly visible in society, with some public figures openly embracing extremist ideologies. It's concerning to see how these harmful beliefs are being normalized.
  2. Fascism promotes control and hate rather than community and cooperation. This ideology can damage individuals and society as a whole, pushing people to project their pain onto others.
  3. The rise of hateful rhetoric has pushed previously hidden prejudices into public view. This indicates a collective struggle with guilt and shame about societal injustices, making it hard to understand how we got here.

NYC’s Mayor Gets His Eyebrows Done

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 783 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Political Leaders Public Policy News Coverage Social Issues
  1. Mayor Eric Adams got his eyebrows done to show off how much the Queens neighborhood has improved.
  2. A few months before, the area was overrun with crime and had a lot of illegal activities, making locals feel unsafe.
  3. His visit symbolized a fresh start for the community after efforts to clean it up and make it more civil.