The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Tough Love for California

In My Tribe • 1306 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Policy Environmental Issues Budgeting
  1. California will likely need financial help from the federal government due to massive damages from wildfires. This support should come with conditions to improve how the state manages its resources.
  2. The state's public employee salaries are much higher than the national average. A bailout should come with rules to give the federal government more control over salary adjustments and workforce management.
  3. California struggles with water and forest management. New laws should allow federal agencies to build necessary water infrastructure and implement better forest practices to prevent wildfires.

What do Statistics NZ and Sall Grover - Aussie femina suprema & creator of the Giggle app - have in common?

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Censorship Human Rights Data Privacy
  1. Sall Grover created the Giggle app for women, but faced legal issues when a trans woman was removed from it. This highlights ongoing debates about gender and women's spaces.
  2. Stats NZ has changed its census questions from 'sex' to 'gender', raising concerns about the reliability of data. Many feel this could mix up important information about biological females.
  3. There is a call for better representation from gender-critical voices in discussions about gender identity. People want to ensure that women's perspectives are included in these important conversations.

Exchange with Amy Wax on Immigration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1341 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Debate Public Policy Cultural Issues Identity politics
  1. High-skilled immigrants can provide huge benefits to the economy, like famous innovators who lead successful companies. Losing out on these talents could seriously harm American progress.
  2. Many immigrants are integrating well into American culture, and younger generations generally feel connected to diverse communities. There's a common misconception that immigrants don’t assimilate.
  3. Debats about immigration should focus on the potential of individuals rather than broad groups. High-skilled workers can bring positive changes, so it's a mistake to view them all negatively.

Musk Reveals, He Really Is A Pentagon Stooge! Covering The Paper Trail With Lies.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Military Public Policy Bioweapons
  1. There's a belief that some big players, like Musk, might be trying to hide government connections to COVID-19 research that could link back to the Pentagon. This raises questions about accountability and the protection of military budgets.
  2. Many people think the Pentagon has a history of obscuring its actions and misusing taxpayer money. There's a call for more transparency to uncover what really happens with military funds.
  3. The idea of whistleblowers is highlighted as being crucial for revealing the truth. Some believe they can connect the dots better than any written record and that they play a key role in holding powerful entities accountable.

Anatomy of a Fact Check

Machine Learning Everything • 459 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fact-checking Social media Freedom of Speech Public Policy
  1. Fact checks can be biased in what they choose to examine and how they define the claims. This means they may not always provide a clear or balanced picture.
  2. In a recent case, an 11-year-old was arrested, but it was for violent disorder and not for posting mean tweets. This shows how information can get misinterpreted.
  3. There are indeed laws in Britain against sending offensive messages online, highlighting that some people can face serious consequences for their posts, even if it seems extreme.
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EXCLUSIVE: As private citizen, Dr. Fauci received $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

OpenTheBooks Substack • 646 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Healthcare Security
  1. Dr. Fauci received $15 million for a security detail funded by taxpayers after retiring. This included things like a chauffeur and law enforcement support.
  2. The agreement for his security was unusual, raising questions about why a private citizen gets this level of protection when others do not.
  3. Fauci's security costs were justified by him, citing threats he's received, but it highlights how taxpayers are often unaware of where their money is going.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Debate Social Issues
  1. Opening borders can lead to both positive and negative selection. While allowing more people in can benefit society, it can also attract individuals who might not contribute positively.
  2. It's important to vet immigrants to avoid potential negative impacts, like crime or community issues. Simply accepting everyone without checks can create problems in the long run.
  3. Using examples like the influx of Ukrainian refugees shows that context matters. Not all immigration situations are the same, and having clear reasons for migration can soften concerns about negative selection.

penny walks free

bad cattitude • 282 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Self defense Public Policy
  1. Self-defense laws like castle doctrine let people protect their homes without fear of legal trouble. It puts the responsibility on intruders, making it fairer for homeowners.
  2. Stand your ground laws mean you can defend yourself without needing to retreat when faced with danger. This concept challenges laws that require people to run away from an aggressor.
  3. Juries play an important role in the justice system. They can make choices based on their beliefs and experiences, which can influence fair outcomes in court.

Whose Standards Are Too High?

Bet On It • 573 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Democracy Government Regulation Public Policy
  1. Many people have high standards for politicians and democracy, but they should consider that the alternatives might not be better.
  2. The free market is often held to very high standards, but voters and politicians should think about whether government actions can truly improve things.
  3. Instead of pushing for more government intervention, maybe people should appreciate the benefits of a free market and how it has worked historically.

Germany: The Land of Stuck Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 133 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Governance International relations Public Policy
  1. Germany's politics are stuck and slow to change. Other countries are moving forward, but Germany is lagging behind in responding to new challenges.
  2. The current political system in Germany seems to prioritize maintaining the status quo over adapting to citizens' needs. This could lead to poor governance in the future.
  3. There is a sense that Germany wants to set a good example for the world, but this approach may not solve its domestic issues or reflect the changing global landscape.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

Can We Still Govern? • 272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Infrastructure Tourism Public Policy Government
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: American Idiots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Governance Elections Public Policy Political Behavior
  1. There was a recent chaotic event in U.S. politics that hints at possible future issues under a second Trump administration. This involved key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump arguing about a government funding bill.
  2. In the end, a deal was reached by some congressional leaders, but it showed how easily politicians can be swayed by people like Musk, even when they spread false information.
  3. Overall, the way politics is handled nowadays resembles a wrestling match more than a serious governing process, making it hard for voters to trust their leaders and their decisions.

Top Links 569 Is College fee inflation back? China in LatAm & China in Hungary. Exploding tankers in the dark fleet and Sudan's death toll.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Economy International relations Public Policy Social Issues
  1. College tuition fees are rising again, and they are going up faster than general inflation. This could be a concern for students and families who are trying to afford education.
  2. China's influence in Latin America and Hungary is growing. It’s important to watch how this changes both regions and their relationships with other countries.
  3. There are serious issues happening globally, like exploding tankers and increasing death tolls in places like Sudan. These events highlight ongoing conflicts and crises that need more attention.

What I would change at NSF

Heterodox STEM • 355 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Funding Public Policy STEM Education Scientific Integrity Government reform
  1. The NSF should refocus on funding high-quality scientific research based solely on merit rather than identity politics.
  2. Key reforms include changing their vision and core values to prioritize excellence in science.
  3. Unnecessary offices and initiatives that do not contribute to scientific advancement should be eliminated to streamline the NSF's efforts.

Complicated Plots, Undetected

In My Tribe • 1199 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Intelligence Elections Media Public Policy
  1. Keeping secrets is really hard, and it's important for countries to figure out how to protect sensitive plans from being leaked. The recent October 7 attack showed how much trust someone needs to have in their team to keep everything quiet.
  2. Communication is key in military strategy. Disrupting your enemy's communication can be just as powerful as using weapons. Militaries need to focus on not just protecting their own communication but also finding weaknesses in the enemy's.
  3. Modern politics struggles with transparency, as seen with the cover-up of President Biden’s health issues. People in charge might prioritize their positions over honesty, which can lead to serious problems for the country.

USAID Staff Cry for Their Fiefdom

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Aid Public Policy Bureaucracy Healthcare
  1. Many USAID employees are upset about being sent home, even though they still get paid. This raises questions about how they handle taxpayer money while many Americans struggle financially.
  2. USAID has been criticized for supporting policies that have led to increased poverty and health issues in other countries. Their actions have harmed many vulnerable communities, conflicting with their mission.
  3. Stopping USAID's programs can directly increase suffering and mortality rates from preventable diseases. There's a need to balance auditing government spending with continued support for global health initiatives.

OSD 308: Instagram matters more than gun laws do

Open Source Defense • 80 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Social media Legislation Public Policy Cultural influence
  1. Social media has a huge impact on discussing gun rights. If people can freely talk about guns online, they can challenge and change laws more effectively.
  2. Current rules on social media limit conversations about guns, which can make laws tougher to fight against. Better communication online can help spread good ideas and innovations about gun rights.
  3. Gun laws are important, but the culture around guns and the ability to talk about them online is even more powerful. A strong gun culture can prevent restrictive laws from being made in the first place.

When RAND Made Magic + Jason Matheny Response

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Think Tanks Foreign Policy Military Strategy Research Funding Public Policy
  1. RAND Corporation was once at the forefront of military and scientific research, making groundbreaking contributions in areas like game theory and defense strategy during the Cold War.
  2. Over time, RAND has shifted its focus from cutting-edge scientific research to social and policy analysis, leading to a decline in its innovative output as it navigated new funding sources and political landscapes.
  3. Despite its challenges, RAND continues to play a significant role in addressing modern security issues, adapting its research to tackle contemporary challenges like military capabilities and psychological impacts of war.

dear washington DC

bad cattitude • 404 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Policy Political Commentary Civic engagement
  1. A new group of highly skilled and productive people is coming to Washington, D.C., and they are different from the usual insiders. They are capable of achieving remarkable things quickly.
  2. This new team operates with a mindset of moving fast and breaking things, challenging existing processes and norms in government. They are ready to disrupt the status quo.
  3. With their talent and determination, this group could bring significant change to government agencies, leaving the current officials surprised and unable to keep up.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

Odds and Ends #54: Voters in 2019 and 2024 were (mostly) the same – it was the parties that changed

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Public Policy Society
  1. The voters from 2019 and 2024 were mostly the same, highlighting that it was the political parties that underwent significant changes. This shows that people's core beliefs can remain constant even if the parties they support shift.
  2. The recent emphasis on patriotism can potentially rekindle the left's appeal in Britain, especially by learning from the millennial experiences of the early 2000s. This might inspire newer ways to connect with voters.
  3. The handling of local government issues suggests a collapse in leadership quality and decision-making capability, which is a concern for community welfare. Improving these areas could yield better services and governance.

The "broligarch" threat to criminal justice reform

The Watch • 493 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Elections Public Policy Political Narrative
  1. A new group of wealthy Republican donors, like Elon Musk, is spending a lot of money to undermine criminal justice reforms that many people support. They use fear and misinformation to influence public opinion against these reforms.
  2. Recent elections showed mixed results for criminal justice reform, but the narrative often ignores that where voters understood the real situation, reform generally succeeded. Some losses were fueled by huge funding to spread misleading information.
  3. Progressive prosecutors face unique challenges, including intense scrutiny, aggressive recall efforts, and media backlash, often related to crime rates that may not directly link to their policies. This creates an environment where their actions and reforms get blamed for crime increases, despite evidence to the contrary.

New Zealand's first summit of UNSILENCED gender critical speakers now on video.

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Media Culture
  1. A summit called 'UNSILENCED' was held in New Zealand for gender critical speakers to express their views after being silenced for a long time. This event aimed to showcase concerns about gender ideology.
  2. Various speakers shared personal stories and insights, highlighting the impacts of gender ideology on people, especially women and children. Their testimonies called for greater understanding and caution regarding this issue.
  3. The event received mixed reactions, with some support and considerable criticism. Despite challenges, the speakers emphasized unity among people with differing viewpoints to confront the ideology they oppose.

Self Re-Introduction – 2024 Edition

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Policy Political Analysis Political History
  1. The writer has changed careers multiple times, starting in politics and then moving to tech and investing. This shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself and follow new passions.
  2. The newsletter covers important topics where technology, business, and geopolitics meet. It's a space for learning about how these areas influence each other.
  3. Becoming a premium member of the newsletter provides extra benefits, like in-depth investment analysis and personalized discussions. This can help readers gain more insights and connect with the writer.

Grey's Law, the Republic, and You (Part 2)

Devon’s Substack • 299 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Security Law Public Policy National Defense
  1. The US Secret Service failed to prevent an assassination attempt on July 13th, 2024, due to poor decisions and lack of personnel in key positions. There was no one monitoring the roof where the assassin was situated.
  2. Using long-range sharpshooters to cover a close area wasn't effective. They had the wrong tools for the job, making it hard for them to quickly assess and respond to threats.
  3. It's better to have several officers on the roof than rely on specialists far away. A local presence can provide quicker responses and possibly capture suspects alive.

Censorship Undermines the Pursuit of Truth

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🔬 Science Academic Freedom Censorship Public Policy
  1. Censorship in academic settings can limit the discussion of important truths. When researchers can't speak freely, society misses out on valuable insights.
  2. There are organizations and conferences focused on addressing and fighting against academic censorship. These groups aim to protect freedom of thought and promote open conversations.
  3. The Journal of Controversial Ideas allows authors to publish under pseudonyms. This encourages debate on sensitive topics while safeguarding individuals' careers and safety.

The upcoming 'UNSILENCED' summit in Wellington NZ, and the city councillor who tried to silence it.

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Ideology Free speech Political Activism Public Policy Social movements
  1. The UNSILENCED summit in Wellington, NZ, is set to discuss gender ideology and its recent changes in society. It's a chance for people to express their views and break the silence around this topic.
  2. There has been pushback against the summit from some local officials and activists, highlighting ongoing tensions over gender issues. Despite this, the event organizers and supporters are determined to proceed.
  3. Lawyers and free speech advocates are involved to protect the event from cancellation, showing the importance of free expression. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about gender ideology.

Desired Fertility versus the Mueller Effect

Bet On It • 327 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Public Policy Social Issues Government spending
  1. Many women want to have more children than they currently do. Policymakers should focus on helping them achieve their desired family size instead of just worrying about low birth rates.
  2. People often say they want more government spending until they realize it means higher taxes. The same might apply to how people think about having kids; mentioning costs could change their responses about how many kids they want.
  3. It's possible that people are having fewer kids not just because they want to, but because they misunderstand things like genetics and the costs of raising children. Adjusting tax policies might encourage families to have more children.

The Unluckiness of Jimmy Carter

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency History Political Science Current Events Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter faced a lot of challenges during his presidency, like high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. These tough situations made his time in office very difficult.
  2. After leaving the presidency, Carter did many good things like building homes for people and helping to fight diseases. He even won a Nobel Prize for his work in promoting peace and democracy.
  3. Despite the struggles he faced, Carter also accomplished significant things, like making peace between Egypt and Israel and focusing on human rights. Many people believe he was just unlucky during his presidency.

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political Ethics Public Policy Government
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

Odds and Ends #51: Transport for London made a terrible decision and I hope they reverse it

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Public Policy Government Regulation Political parties Civic engagement
  1. Transport for London (TfL) should reconsider their strict trademark policies. They might be damaging joy and creativity by being too heavy-handed.
  2. Open data can lead to fun tools and apps that improve people's lives, even if they aren't necessary.
  3. TfL should adopt a friendlier approach to trademark enforcement, similar to how Paramount handles fan content. This would encourage goodwill and support from the public.

DOGE, Software, and Government

In My Tribe • 668 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Technology Public Policy Digital Infrastructure
  1. DOGE aims to completely change how the government uses technology. If it works, it could make federal spending easier to track and reduce the number of government jobs through automation.
  2. Historical examples show that improving information systems doesn't always lead to better results. Without discipline and cooperation in departments, new tech can't help fix deeper issues.
  3. Unlike Estonia's fresh start, the US has a complex and disorganized government structure. For any major tech changes to succeed, the executive branch may need a complete overhaul first.

Release: LexipolLeaks (68GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 531 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Data Privacy Public Policy Hacking Government Accountability
  1. A large data leak called LexipolLeaks contains policy manuals from over 8,500 police agencies in the U.S. This information helps the public see what rules their local police follow.
  2. The leak was carried out by a group of hackers who believe there should be more scrutiny on police practices. They targeted Lexipol because of its significant role in creating police policies.
  3. Not all police departments share their policy manuals online. This leak provides a way for people to access manuals that were previously unavailable to the public.

I'm going to run for president

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Public Policy Consumer Rights Social Issues
  1. Consumer goods packaging is often really hard to open, and people are tired of it. Many everyday items come with frustrating seals and tabs that don't work properly.
  2. The packaging issue seems to come from companies not caring about their customers. Some brands even do a great job, showing that it is possible to make easy-to-open products.
  3. Basta's campaign idea focuses on fixing packaging to make it user-friendly. It taps into a common frustration shared by many people, making it a relatable issue.

February 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Elections Political parties International relations
  1. Elon Musk's team has taken control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, which manages a lot of money and financial info. This raises serious questions about security and who has access to sensitive government data.
  2. Musk's group, made up of young engineers with little experience, seems to have bypassed legal authority to take over government functions. This situation feels like a serious threat to democracy and government integrity.
  3. Trump has initiated a trade war by imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which is causing a backlash from those countries. This could lead to higher prices and job losses for Americans due to retaliatory measures.

See the World Accurately

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Policy Political Analysis International relations
  1. Seeing the world accurately is important for investors; it's easy to get lost in wishful thinking. Understanding reality helps make better decisions.
  2. Trump and Obama had similar strategies in their electoral victories, but they aim to govern differently, with Obama favoring institutions and Trump challenging them. This difference is crucial for the political landscape.
  3. China's economic policies are largely based on internal issues, not influenced by US elections. Their approach to managing the economy is quite different and focuses more on state control and gradual adjustments.

Beautiful Queenstown NZ is proposing to expand the area where sex trade activities can occur.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Women's Rights Public Policy Social Issues Local Governance
  1. Queenstown, New Zealand is looking to expand areas where sex trade activities can happen. This proposal has raised concerns among local groups and residents.
  2. The Women’s Rights Party opposes the expansion, arguing it will worsen economic issues like low wages and unaffordable housing that push people into prostitution.
  3. Critics believe that normalizing prostitution by treating it like a small business ignores the dangers and exploitation involved, which they think should be highlighted more.

Saturday Commentary and Review #181

Fisted by Foucault • 154 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Philosophy Defense Policy Social movements Public Policy
  1. The collapse of the Syrian government has surprising global effects, especially concerning China's security. The presence of Uyghur militants fighting in Syria poses a potential threat to China's Xinjiang region.
  2. In many Western societies, the traditional separation between government and private interests has blurred. This post-liberal shift often sees political agendas influencing both public opinion and private actions.
  3. European nations are currently facing significant challenges, including economic passivity and loss of sovereignty. This has led to a sense of pessimism and isolation among many Europeans as they perceive a decline in their collective influence.

Anthony Fauci Is Almost Certainly Getting Away With It

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Government Health Policy Political critique Social Issues
  1. The Biden administration faced criticism for its early COVID policies, which many viewed as extreme and unnecessary. Many felt that pushing vaccines on young children was not justified.
  2. States that lifted mask mandates did better than those that kept them, showing that some COVID restrictions may not have been effective. This sparked debates about the effectiveness of mandates.
  3. There were significant efforts to censor opposing views on social media regarding COVID, and some policies, like vaccine passports, created controversy and division among Americans. Many were frustrated with these approaches.