The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Temple monkeys

Wyclif's Dust • 3219 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Welfare state Public Policy Social Issues Political Commentary Cultural critique
  1. Monkeys at temples in India and Bali can be a nuisance, stealing food and belongings, but they're considered sacred and can't be harmed.
  2. Living close to social issues can be uncomfortable, as it exposes people to the struggles and misery of those less fortunate.
  3. The welfare state often supports those in need, but it can create tension and discomfort for others who see it as a burden rather than a support system.

*Progressive Myths*: The Caplan-Huemer Interview

Bet On It • 196 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political theory Public Policy Philosophy Wokeness
  1. The difference between a neutral and objective presentation is important. An objective approach aims to provide a fair and accurate account without taking sides.
  2. Many myths exist around racial pay gaps and other social issues, often attributing them to discrimination rather than productivity differences.
  3. The conversation around wokeness and climate change is complex. Some claims are true, but it's essential to approach these topics with careful analysis.

The Folly of Freeing Ross Ulbricht

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 551 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Criminal Justice
  1. Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road drug market. This move was seen as a way to appeal to Libertarians who have been advocating for his release.
  2. Many people believe this pardon goes against Trump's earlier promises of law and order. They argue it raises questions about his commitment to serious crime issues.
  3. The situation shows the tensions within political platforms about how to handle crime and punishment. Some see it as a step toward freedom, while others view it as a dangerous message.

Jake Tapper's Unoriginal Sin

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Government Elections Public Policy Media Criticism
  1. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book 'Original Sin' lacks new and important information about Joe Biden's mental decline. It mostly restates what many already knew.
  2. The media has praised the book as groundbreaking, but it does not address its own failures in covering Biden's issues during his presidency.
  3. Good journalism should question authority and seek the truth, rather than just echoing popular opinions or the status quo.

Development hailed as biggest transformation of town’s centre since ‘great fire’ has likely ‘considerable viability and funding gap’

NN Journal • 238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Public Policy Urban Development Economic Development Infrastructure
  1. The Greyfriars area in Northampton is set for a big redevelopment, but there are concerns about money to make it happen. A partnership with a regeneration company aims to figure out the costs and plans soon.
  2. This project could create over 7,000 jobs and boost the local economy by one billion pounds, but how to pay for it all is still unclear.
  3. Local leaders are excited about this transformation, viewing it as a chance to fix past development mistakes and improve the town's center significantly.
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OSD 312: Do you remember how hyped you were to buy your first gun?

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Civil Rights Legal issues Public Policy
  1. Buying your first gun feels like a big deal, especially if you've never had one before. It's exciting and can feel like a major life choice.
  2. For many people, modern gun culture is still new and unknown. There are many opportunities to introduce them to this world.
  3. The future of gun culture and tech is bright. As more people get involved, there will be many amazing and innovative things created in the coming years.

Places without women

Of Boys and Men • 171 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Social Issues Gender Studies 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.

E(X)>0: An Open Letter to Elon

Bet On It • 925 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Government Entrepreneurship
  1. It's important to welcome people who can contribute positively, not just those who are obviously exceptional. This means considering everyone who has something to offer, even if they're not the top experts.
  2. Investment and hiring should be seen as opportunities with positive expected value, not just focused on certainty of success. This idea helps to foster growth and innovation in both companies and society.
  3. A good immigration policy should allow more people in, as long as they can contribute positively, like how the UAE has seen success by welcoming a range of skill levels instead of just the elite.

Grading the World's Shortest Manifesto

Cremieux Recueil • 1944 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Healthcare Criminal Justice Social Issues Mental health
  1. The manifesto written by the killer does not support his actions and lacks logical reasoning. It fails to make a strong case for why he committed such a violent act.
  2. The killer misunderstands the U.S. healthcare system and its costs. Poor life expectancy in the U.S. is mostly due to factors unrelated to healthcare quality, like obesity and violence, rather than the system itself.
  3. Blaming 'corruption and greed' in the healthcare system oversimplifies complex issues. Good people can make bad choices in healthcare policy without being motivated by greed or corruption.

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 Foreign Relations Public Policy Government Technology Policy History
  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.

Meet Kemi Badenoch, New Tory Leader and Would-Be Thatcher. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1576 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leadership Party Politics Public Policy Political Legacy Elections
  1. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the UK Conservatives and faces big challenges after her party's recent losses. She wants to fix her party and bring back traditional values to revive the UK economy.
  2. Badenoch sees herself as a defender of classic liberal values, which she believes are under threat. She wants to protect ideas like free speech and the rule of law from progressive ideologies.
  3. Angela Merkel's legacy is viewed negatively now compared to eight years ago, with critics pointing to her policies as contributing to Europe's issues today. Her memoir tries to explain her controversial decisions during her time in office.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

Can We Still Govern? • 433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Political Influence Democracy Corruption
  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.

Should a Government Help People Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2142 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Disability Rights Legislation Public Policy
  1. Jamie Hale needs constant care due to his serious health issues and feels grateful for the National Health Service's support. Without it, he worries he might not be alive today.
  2. Hale is aware that his medical care costs a lot and feels like a financial burden on the system. This awareness makes him think deeply about his value and how society sees it.
  3. He strongly opposes the assisted suicide bill in the UK, worried it might pressure vulnerable people like himself to end their lives. He fears this could gradually lead to more extreme measures against disabled and disadvantaged individuals.

Achieving Government Efficiency Requires More, Not Less, Investment

The Good Science Project • 44 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Public Policy Research Investment
  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.

This Dystopia Depends On Hiding Inconvenient Truths

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Government reform Media Control Public Policy Human Rights
  1. Our society often ignores uncomfortable truths to maintain a sense of normalcy. This hiding helps keep people from realizing the suffering that exists in the world.
  2. Inconvenient realities, like waste disposal and poverty, are often pushed away from our view. By doing this, we avoid facing the consequences of our actions.
  3. The truth eventually comes to light. Sooner or later, we will have to confront the realities we've been avoiding and take responsibility for them.

From cradle to grave (derogatory)

Capital Offences • 99 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Disability Rights Public Policy Ethics
  1. It's concerning when people criticize the government's treatment of vulnerable groups but then support euthanasia for them. This shows a disconnect in how we value human life.
  2. The way healthcare systems, like the NHS, might judge the value of lives based on productivity raises serious ethical issues. It could lead to discrimination against those who are less 'productive'.
  3. We need to rethink our support for the NHS if it starts to prioritize cost savings over the dignity of individuals who are disabled or unwell. Supporting a better system means recognizing its potential flaws.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Public Policy Local government Regulation Political Debate
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

Nationalists Already Have the World They Want but Need to Pretend Otherwise

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3706 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Foreign Aid Immigration Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. Nationalists often claim that the U.S. government prioritizes foreigners over citizens, but the reality shows that a tiny percentage of the federal budget actually goes to foreign aid. Most funds are directed towards helping American citizens.
  2. Even though nationalists argue for policies that benefit Americans, they often ignore facts about how much the government already does for its own people. This leads to misconceptions about foreign aid and immigration.
  3. The nationalist mindset may come from a tribal instinct, where they feel the need to show loyalty to their group. However, this can make them overlook the good that comes from global connections and shared interests.

German political crisis deepens as protests against the CDU continue and suddenly no major party wants to govern with anybody else

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 267 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Elections Political parties Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Germany's political scene is in chaos. Major parties are refusing to form coalitions or work together after new migrations plans were introduced.
  2. The CDU party is facing backlash for its sudden hardline stance on migration, making it hard to find potential partners for a government.
  3. There are fears that the political deadlock could lead to a more extreme right-wing approach, as no clear path to a stable government has emerged.

Only the State Forgives

News from Uncibal • 278 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Human Rights Judiciary State power
  1. The modern state has taken on the role of providing forgiveness and redemption, much like the medieval church did. This change is so complete that many people don't realize it's happened.
  2. There are complex cases, like that of a young man involved in a violent crime, where the state considers human rights and mental health before making decisions on punishment and deportation.
  3. The situation reflects a deeper political theology, showing how state decisions can influence personal lives and highlight the tension between justice and compassion.

Gov. Wes Moore leads the way

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Social Issues Public Policy Education Mental health
  1. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is focusing on supporting boys and men, highlighting their challenges like low job participation and rising suicide rates. It's important to uplift all genders, and he believes addressing men's issues can benefit everyone.
  2. Moore’s approach is not just to help one gender but to ensure opportunities for both boys and girls. He aims to create solutions that support the growth of young boys while also caring for young girls.
  3. Other governors have shown interest in similar initiatives, but Moore's commitment is seen as the most serious so far. His leadership may encourage more political action on these important issues.

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Science Public Policy
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

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 Government Efficiency Bureaucracy Public Policy Innovation Government spending
  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.

Is a Foreign Adversary Flying Drones over New Jersey?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1303 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Government Defense Public Policy Surveillance
  1. There have been strange reports of large drones flying over critical places in New Jersey. Residents are confused and want to know where these drones are coming from.
  2. A congressman suggested that an Iranian mothership is behind the drone sightings, but this claim was quickly denied by the Pentagon. They said there is no evidence of such a mothership.
  3. Local and state officials are struggling to provide clear answers about the drones. Despite concerns, the Pentagon states that there has been no threat to military installations.

Thoughts of Chairman Mao on GenZ

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Education & Policy Social Critique Public Policy
  1. Many younger people today have a lot of education but lack real-world experience. This can lead to confusing ideas about life and work.
  2. There’s a suggestion that younger generations should engage in hands-on jobs or military service to gain practical skills and understanding.
  3. The older generations could help by admitting mistakes in how they educated younger people and offer real job training to help reduce issues like student debt.

Friday brief: Concern as Northampton’s Guildhall statues set to move

NN Journal • 218 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Civic engagement Public Policy
  1. There's a plan to move statues from the Guildhall courtyard, which is causing concern among locals. These statues honor important figures in the town's history.
  2. The town council is being asked to move out of the Guildhall but still wants a say in what happens to the statues and the building's future.
  3. A vacant council building is set to be sold to a shoe manufacturer after previous plans for it fell through. This sale could lead to the creation of new jobs and restoration of the building.

Power also comes from the bottom up

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3352 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political Advocacy Health Systems
  1. Federal grants are really important because they support many services that people rely on, like food programs and shelters. Changes to these grants can have a big impact on communities and people's lives.
  2. There are efforts to fight back against the recent funding freeze, with many groups coming together to challenge it. This shows that people can still have power and make a difference even in tough situations.
  3. Staying connected with local communities and sharing stories can help highlight the issues at hand. Small actions like reaching out to representatives or joining efforts can spark positive change.

a crisis of competence

bad cattitude • 332 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Environmental Issues Societal Issues Media Critique
  1. Society seems to have lost its ability to think critically and evaluate leaders' competence. Many people now accept poor decisions without question.
  2. There is a growing trend of placing individuals in important roles based on factors like identity instead of skills or experience, which leads to ineffective systems.
  3. People are becoming demoralized and feel helpless, believing there's nothing they can do to change the issues around them.

Top Links 618 America's mounting insurance crisis. US record homelessness. Beijing's Himalayan mega dam & who killed Jazz?

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Insurance Homelessness Disaster Public Policy Risk management
  1. America is facing a serious insurance crisis, especially in areas that are prone to disasters.
  2. More people are experiencing homelessness in the US than ever before.
  3. China is constructing a massive dam in the Himalayas, raising concerns and questions about its impact.

On drugs, Glenn Greenwald, and serious jobs

Unreported Truths • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Drugs Free speech Public Policy
  1. Personal life choices, like sexual preferences, shouldn't affect how we view someone's professional work. What people do in their private lives is their business.
  2. Drug use, especially with dangerous substances, can lead to serious issues that affect not just the user but society as well. It’s important for people in influential roles to be cautious about their choices.
  3. We have a responsibility to discourage harmful behaviors, like drug use and gambling, for the good of everyone. These activities can lead to real harm, and it's important for society to address them.

How the Sall Grover event went in Christchurch NZ, and how the audience that questions gender ideology has changed in three years.

A B’Old Woman • 1458 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Civil Rights Activism Public Policy Women's Rights
  1. Sall Grover's event in Christchurch showed a growing audience that is concerned about gender ideology. People are more aware and ready to take action compared to a similar gathering three years ago.
  2. There has been a noticeable change in attitudes towards gender issues, with attendees at Grover's event feeling frustrated and motivated to fight against gender self-identification practices. The need for clarity and support in women's rights has become a pressing issue.
  3. Different groups are willing to set aside their differences to focus on key goals, like protecting single-sex spaces for women and safeguarding children from harmful gender ideology. There’s a sense of determination to work together for these objectives.

Republican Calculation: Don't Support Obama's Affordable Care Act

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Public Policy Misinformation Insurance Industry Bipartisanship
  1. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to help many people, especially those with preexisting conditions, get health insurance. However, there was a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding it from the start.
  2. Many Republicans initially rejected working with Democrats on the ACA, believing it would help them in future elections by framing it as a 'government takeover of health care.' This strategy worked, as Democrats faced significant losses in the following elections.
  3. Despite the ACA being based on ideas that once had bipartisan support, misinformation continued to spread, making it harder for people to understand its actual impact and benefits over the years.

Musk to audit the Pentagon?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Public Policy Political Commentary Elections
  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.

assessing the case for pardoning fauci

bad cattitude • 233 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Law Health Public Policy Government
  1. Pardoning Fauci may send a message that he is being protected from accountability. This could shape public opinion in favor of Fauci rather than promote transparency.
  2. Many people are not aware of the controversies surrounding the NIH's role in COVID-19. It's important to publicize the facts to educate the general public.
  3. There should be accountability for public figures like Fauci. Exposing the truth about their actions can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Philosophy
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

‘Policing’ is not a dirty word, and women and girls need to reclaim our ‘frontline policing’ role of female spaces.

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Women empowerment Legal issues Human Rights Public Policy
  1. Policing our spaces is important for women and girls. It helps ensure safety and comfort in female-only areas.
  2. Women should feel empowered to challenge anyone they think shouldn't be in their spaces. It's about safeguarding and taking back control.
  3. The term 'policing' can be seen positively as a way to keep spaces safe, rather than something negative or harsh. Women need to reclaim this role for their own security.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Government Political Philosophy
  1. The family functions very differently than larger societies. In a family, people support each other unconditionally, while in broader society, abstract policies cannot replace personal relationships.
  2. Kant's ideas about moral rules might work in theory, but they often fail in real life. What feels fair for small groups doesn't always make sense on a larger scale.
  3. Elinor Ostrom showed that cooperation can work in communities without government intervention, highlighting the importance of the community size when solving problems. What's right for a family or village doesn't always work on a national level.

Marc Andreessen on His Intellectual Journey

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 533 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Ideologies Social movements Elite influence
  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.

deregulating barn raising fixes this

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics Disaster Recovery Regulation Public Policy
  1. Government help often doesn't work well during disasters. People usually find it more helpful to rely on local efforts and free markets instead.
  2. Price controls and regulations can hurt recovery by limiting supply and making it harder to rebuild. Higher prices actually signal that more help is needed.
  3. Bureaucratic rules can create more problems than they solve, slowing down aid and making recovery from disasters much harder for communities.

Inside The Trump-Affiliated Outfit Trying to Repeal The Affordable Care Act

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Public Policy Healthcare Reform
  1. There's a group trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, led by people connected to Trump. They believe that Obamacare has failed and want to make major changes.
  2. Bobby Jindal, a key figure in this group, argues that patients should have more control over their healthcare choices, but this could risk leaving some people without proper coverage.
  3. Critics say Obamacare has actually helped many Americans get health insurance, and there's evidence suggesting that healthcare costs have not risen as much as claimed by its opponents.