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Health NZ puts the ‘men’ in menstruation.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social Issues Activism
  1. Health NZ's new policy claims that menstruation is not just for women, stating that people of all genders can menstruate.
  2. Many people are surprised and upset by this policy, feeling it's confusing and not in line with most people's understanding of gender.
  3. There are concerns about how this affects cultural beliefs, especially in Māori culture, which emphasizes the sacredness of women's experiences.

What if societies were (deliberately) built to learn? (part one)

Brain Pizza • 794 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning methods Social Issues Public Policy Behavioral Science
  1. An 'experimenting society' uses real-life experiments to solve social problems. Instead of guessing solutions, we can test ideas to see what really works.
  2. Complex issues like poverty and health don’t have easy answers. We often need deep expertise and careful study to find effective solutions instead of relying on common sense.
  3. Learning from mistakes is important. If societies are built to learn, they can adapt and improve over time by evaluating what strategies succeed or fail.

Whats next for CX in government?

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Customer Experience 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.

Fauci is pardoned

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 311 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Health Policy
  1. Biden's last pardons included Anthony Fauci, which raises questions about his past actions related to pandemic research.
  2. Fauci might face consequences for his alleged past actions, especially if questioned again about funding controversial research.
  3. His handling of the pandemic was criticized, as he oversimplified responses and made many incorrect recommendations that impacted public health and schools.

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

Public • 528 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Terrorism Government oversight Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. The FBI has claimed that white supremacists are the biggest terrorism threat, but this claim lacks solid evidence. Many believe that radical Islamist violence is actually a bigger concern.
  2. A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans was carried out by someone motivated by radical Islamic beliefs. This incident contradicts the FBI's focus on white supremacy as the main threat.
  3. The government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have consistently highlighted white supremacist violence, raising questions about their motives and the accuracy of their assessments.
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February 14, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Justice Elections Corruption Public Policy
  1. There are serious issues in the Department of Justice about whether to follow the law or support Trump. Many lawyers have resigned due to pressure to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
  2. The chaos in the DOJ is similar to a past event where officials resisted orders from the president to protect the law. It shows the tension between doing what is right and protecting political interests.
  3. Protests are happening because the Trump administration removed certain references to LGBTQ+ rights from a historic monument's website. Activists are standing up to keep the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ persons recognized.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 194 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Political Humor
  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.

Yes, Prime Minister, bathrooms do matter on planet Earth, despite saying that anyone who thinks so is “on another planet”.

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Gender Rights Public Policy Social Issues Election Campaigns
  1. Some people believe that bathrooms are important and should be a topic in elections. Many feel uncomfortable about who can access these spaces.
  2. Once, women had more private spaces for themselves, but now there are concerns about safety with mixed-access policies.
  3. There are specific stories shared by individuals, like fathers worried about their daughters' safety in changing rooms, highlighting real-life impacts of these policies.

Top Links 604 China's booming exports. A new gas pipeline and America's murder epidemic of 2020.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Trade Economy Public Policy Violence
  1. China's exports are growing a lot because prices for things like solar panels are going down. More products are being sold even if they are cheaper.
  2. A new gas pipeline is being developed, which could affect energy supplies and markets. This could change how countries trade and use gas.
  3. The murder rate in America rose dramatically in 2020, which raised concerns about safety and crime rates in the country. This trend has led to discussions about social issues and law enforcement.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Media
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

Los Angeles Fires: Water & Power Officials Among Top-Paid City Employees

OpenTheBooks Substack • 283 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Government Local Governance Public Safety
  1. Los Angeles is facing severe wildfires, and the city's mayor, Karen Bass, is being criticized for being out of the country during this crisis. Many people feel it's wrong for her to be away while her city is in such danger.
  2. The pay for top city officials in Los Angeles is high, with the fire chief earning over $400,000. This raises questions about whether their compensation matches the effectiveness of their response to the ongoing fires.
  3. There seems to be a focus on diversity and inclusion in the fire department, but some argue that these goals are not helping to tackle real problems like wildfires. Critics believe that the main focus should be on practical solutions to emergency situations.

🏫 A DARPA for education

Faster, Please! • 1370 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Government reform Political Commentary Public Policy Economic Policy
  1. The U.S. Department of Education may need significant changes, focusing more on innovation and effective solutions rather than just maintaining the status quo. A proposed model inspired by DARPA could help create practical educational tools and practices.
  2. Shifting key functions of the Department of Education, like student aid and education research, to other agencies could improve efficiency. This would allow states to have more control over their education systems and tailor solutions to their specific needs.
  3. Using advancements in technology, especially artificial intelligence, could revolutionize education. A dedicated research organization for education could lead to important developments that enhance learning and address gaps created by recent challenges, like the pandemic.

The Christchurch City Council NZ opens up another women’s swim session to men if they say they’re women, but bar them if they don’t.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Discrimination Gender identity
  1. The Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to join women-only swim sessions but does not allow men who don't identify as such. This raises questions about fairness and discrimination.
  2. There is concern that the Council's policy might violate rights under New Zealand law since it doesn't clearly separate sessions based on sex.
  3. Many people are starting to push back against policies that seem to blur lines between men and women, showing a growing demand for clarity and fairness in these spaces.

Sall Grover gets cancelled in New Zealand, as entirely expected.

A B’Old Woman • 1059 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Cancel Culture Political Activism Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Sall Grover's speaking event in New Zealand was canceled by a taxpayer-funded venue. This shows how some organizations can be influenced by public opinion.
  2. The Women's Rights Party is looking for alternate venues for the event and has a backup plan in place. They believe in standing up for free speech.
  3. Complaints were made against the event, but it's unclear how many were legitimate. It raises questions about how venues handle bookings based on public sentiment.

🗽 The America we have, the America we could have

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Technological Impact Future Vision Social Trends
  1. Many Americans are supporting new technologies, especially in clean energy and biotechnology. This shows a growing hope for a better future.
  2. Better policies in the past could have made America more successful and advanced by now. Focusing on technology could lead to a wealthier and healthier society.
  3. People are imagining a future where life is longer and filled with more possibilities, like space travel and advanced learning methods. There's excitement about where technology can take us.

Answering your questions

Comment is Freed • 54 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties International relations 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.

Fool Me Twice

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Public Policy Wokeness Election Impact Government actions
  1. Both Democrats and Republicans have used social issues to push their own agendas, with Democrats focusing on wokeness and Republicans on anti-wokeness.
  2. There have been extreme reactions to social justice issues, which can sometimes lead to unfair consequences for individuals involved.
  3. Recent changes in federal policies may dramatically affect funding for essential services like education and healthcare, all in the name of fighting supposed elitism.

Reading Thiel's Op-Ed

Unpopular Front • 127 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Philosophy Public Policy Media Critique Power Dynamics
  1. Peter Thiel's op-ed suggests a belief in a revolution against the old government system. He thinks exposing the past is necessary for moving forward.
  2. Thiel connects technology and politics, claiming that the internet has the power to reveal hidden truths, but this could also lead to increased paranoia and conspiracy thinking.
  3. There are worries about Thiel's approach to reconciliation, as he hints at the potential for scapegoating and power dynamics, which could lead to authoritarian control disguised as truth-telling.

Will the federal government become a toxic employer?

Can We Still Govern? • 287 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Political Rhetoric Leadership
  1. Musk and Ramaswamy make big promises about changing government, but many claims are misleading or unrealistic. They seem more interested in getting attention than actually fixing issues.
  2. Their ideas about mass firings and relocations are not well thought out and could hurt the effectiveness of federal agencies. Making government a worse place to work might not lead to better performance.
  3. Federal employees are encouraged to stay in their positions despite tough conditions. Their presence is important for maintaining effective governance and democracy.

Now that men have been given control of female spaces in New Zealand, what do we do from here?

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights LGBTQ+ Issues Public Policy Social Issues Civil Rights
  1. Women and girls in New Zealand are feeling unsafe because they might have to share their spaces with men who identify as women. This makes many women uncomfortable and worried about their privacy.
  2. There are concerns about unisex toilets, as they may not be safe or clean for everyone. Some people believe that having clear male and female spaces could help reduce risks.
  3. A new group called Inflection Point is working to raise awareness about these issues and bring people together to fight against gender ideology, even if they have different beliefs.

The vocabulary of democracy's architecture

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Political theory Political Reform Public Policy
  1. We need new words to describe democracy better, especially as society becomes more complex. Current terms like 'capitalism' and 'socialism' don’t really help much anymore.
  2. Demodexio is a proposed system that combines the needs of the people with the expertise of skilled individuals. This approach aims to create a more effective democracy suited for our specialized world.
  3. It's important to standardize terms when discussing threats to democracy, like misinformation. This clarity can help us address issues more effectively.

Saturday Commentary and Review #183

Fisted by Foucault • 198 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideologies International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  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.

Top Links 598 The impact of HIV/AIDS. The legacy of Commons. Austerity amongst downfall & the year when left-conservative populism became a thing.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Historical Events Social Issues Political theory Health Policies
  1. The long-lasting effects of HIV/AIDS have significantly impacted life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows how health crises can change a whole region's future.
  2. Understanding the legacy of Commons helps explain how past governance affects current political landscapes. It’s important to look at history to grasp today's issues.
  3. The rise of left-conservative populism marks a shift in political movements. This change highlights how people's feelings about politics and economy are evolving.

Get ready to eat beans, peas, lentils--as cuts in meat, poultry, and eggs are proposed for next Dietary Guidelines

Unsettled Science • 800 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Chronic Disease Public Policy Food Safety
  1. The new Dietary Guidelines may suggest eating less meat, poultry, and eggs for everyone. This change could encourage more consumption of beans, peas, and lentils.
  2. Changing the guidelines is important because they influence what food programs, like school lunches, serve. The guidelines can also impact health issues like obesity and diabetes in children.
  3. There seems to be a long-standing bias against animal foods in these guidelines, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan diets despite concerns about nutrient deficiencies from those diets.

No, DOGE Checks Wouldn’t Cause Inflation

Economic Forces • 3 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Inflation Government spending Public Policy
  1. Sending out DOGE checks is unlikely to cause inflation. It's because they would probably just raise the price level temporarily, not create ongoing inflation.
  2. The impact of these checks on the economy depends on how spending changes and whether the central bank keeps spending stable.
  3. Whether giving out DOGE checks is a good idea depends on how the saved money could be used instead, like paying off government debt or funding other programs.

Odds and Ends #57: The government isn't as sluggish as it feels

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political theory Political Movements
  1. The government may seem slow, but it is actually getting things done behind the scenes. It's important to stay patient and not worry too much for now.
  2. One European country is ahead in the AI competition, which might surprise many. It's interesting to see how different nations are approaching technology and innovation.
  3. There's an impressive light show that sends a strong message against Putin. Creative expressions like this can really make a statement in politics.

How the Indigo Blob runs a bluff

Silver Bulletin • 397 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Government Public Policy Political Analysis
  1. Biden's age-related decline is often hidden by the White House. Many around Washington know about it, but it's not openly discussed.
  2. Media coverage has been inconsistent about Biden's age. While some outlets pointed it out, others downplayed or ignored the issue.
  3. Claims of a conspiracy regarding Biden's ability seem to have some truth. There was effort to manage how his decline was presented to the public.

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 Urban life Animal Behavior Public Policy Transportation Environmental Issues
  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.

Deceitful Messages, Scarcity, American Abyss

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Cultural Trends Human behavior Public Policy
  1. Couples in America spend less quality time together than they did 50 years ago. Many of them don't do activities like meals or outings together anymore.
  2. Men's noses are generally bigger than women's due to puberty, which helps provide more oxygen for larger muscles. It's a small but interesting difference between the sexes.
  3. People feel happiest when they're making progress on meaningful goals that feel achievable. It's important to aim for goals that provide purpose without being too overwhelming.

The prophet of parking

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban planning Public Policy Transportation Environmental Policy Housing policy
  1. Donald Shoup changed how we think about parking, showing that it's too cheap and needs proper pricing to avoid problems like congestion. This change affects where we live and how our cities are planned.
  2. Minimum parking requirements can lead to unnecessary costs and too much parking being built, which wrecks city layouts and makes housing more expensive. Eliminating these requirements can help allow for better city designs.
  3. Shoup's approach includes using money from parking fees to improve local areas, gaining community support for pricing parking. His work has sparked a global movement for parking reform.

Top Links 586 Choices for the dollar. France's bond market humiliation. Federal payrolls and attacks on the Kosovo water works.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Global Finance Public Policy
  1. The U.S. dollar has many different choices and options available, making it a complex topic.
  2. France recently faced difficulties in its bond market, which has caused concern.
  3. There have been notable occurrences involving federal payrolls and issues related to water services in Kosovo.

Please Don’t Spread Bizarre Conspiracies About Undocumented Immigrants

Singal-Minded • 808 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Conspiracy Public Policy Political Rhetoric
  1. Don't share strange conspiracy theories about immigration. They can create unnecessary fear and confusion in communities.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind immigration can help clarify the situation. Many immigrants are fleeing bad conditions in their home countries.
  3. It's important for journalists to be responsible when writing about sensitive topics like immigration. Spreading unverified claims can fuel harmful narratives.

ScienceVs: Trans Kids Health Care: Are We Getting It Wrong? (II)

Carolina Curmudgeon • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Trans rights Medical Ethics Child Health Mental health Public Policy
  1. 1. The podcast only featured experts who support gender-affirming care, not those who might question its effectiveness. This creates a one-sided view of a complicated issue.
  2. 2. The discussion did not challenge any ideas about gender identity or question the idea that being trans is just as normal as being cisgender. This could limit understanding of the topic.
  3. 3. A study noted that using a preferred name can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts in gender dysphoric kids. However, instead of pushing for medical treatments, maybe simple name changes and support could be a better first step.

OSD 310: How to take a newbie to the range

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Legal issues Public Policy Civil Rights
  1. Introduce newbies to guns slowly and safely. Start with talking about noise and safety, and allow them time to get comfortable before shooting.
  2. Choose the right kind of gun for their first experience. A .22 LR is good for beginners as it has less recoil and noise compared to larger firearms.
  3. Make the range visit fun and pressure-free. Focus on their comfort and enjoyment rather than on rules or complex topics like gun laws.

Committee size is the same as efficiency: the central bank versus the legislature

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Economics Legislation Public Policy Political theory
  1. Smaller committees are usually more efficient than larger ones. A tiny group can make decisions faster than a big group full of different opinions.
  2. Fiscal policy can be more effective than monetary policy, especially during tough economic times. Governments can take action on economic issues more quickly when they have a smaller legislative body.
  3. To manage complex government tasks better, we might need more specialized committees. A focus on smaller, efficient groups could help create better laws and address the needs of a diverse society.

NORD STREAM AND THE FAILURES OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Media
  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.

What the future looks like from here.

The Future, Now and Then • 770 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Trumpism is not going to last forever, but it will cause a lot of pain for people and will take a long time to recover from.
  2. The future looks bleak for everyday people. We could see less government protection and more power for the wealthy, leading to issues in health care, justice, and the environment.
  3. Even though it seems tough right now, there's hope that one day society can rebuild and move past Trumpism, since authoritarianism has its weaknesses too.

Twenty-two observations about American politics

Matt’s Five Points • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Policy Governance Political theory
  1. The Republican Party is likely to move away from a national abortion ban due to changing public opinions on the issue. This change could lead to policies that are more moderate and similar to those in other countries.
  2. Many voters are concerned about Biden's age and health, which could lead to significant political shifts. There are worries that his age might hurt the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
  3. Getting involved in local politics can be very rewarding and impactful. Participating in community decisions can lead to real changes and is a more effective way to influence politics than just voting or donating.