The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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New Q&A Series, No. 1: Answering Some Extremely Easy Questions Asked By the Worst-Informed and Most Disingenuous Far-Right Billionaires on Earth

Proof • 84 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Political Commentary Public Policy Law enforcement Social Issues
  1. Just because someone has many arrests doesn't mean they committed a lot of crimes. A single incident can lead to multiple arrests for different charges.
  2. Most criminal cases don't involve prison time; people often face fines, probation, or other penalties instead of jail. Many arrests are for minor offenses.
  3. It's important for wealthy people to understand the real effects of tough criminal laws. Harsh policies can hurt families and increase crime in communities.

Am I a Democrat or a Republican?

The Novelleist • 836 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Bipartisanship Public Policy Federalism Economic Policy
  1. It's okay to mix ideas from both Democrats and Republicans. You can believe in a strong economy while also caring about worker rights and environmental issues.
  2. Labels like 'Democrat' or 'Republican' can limit how we think about solutions to problems. Focusing on what we want to achieve together can help us find common ground.
  3. Instead of being stuck in party lines, we should talk about real solutions that improve people's lives. Working together is better than arguing over which side is right.

Labour and the challenge of coherence

Comment is Freed • 81 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Governance Public Policy Political parties Elections
  1. The Labour party is struggling to make progress in government, facing frustrations from both members and leadership. This has been made tougher by external challenges like fiscal issues and global tensions.
  2. Keir Starmer, the leader, prefers practical decision-making over deep philosophical discussions, but this can hinder a clear direction for governance. Without guiding principles, it's hard for his team to make confident decisions.
  3. There's a lot of activity within the government, but it lacks a coherent strategy. Different departments may have conflicting agendas, which can lead to confusion and ineffective use of resources.

Do other countries do it? A simple litmus test for RFK Jr's ideas

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 323 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Health Policy Vaccination Political Debate Media Analysis
  1. When discussing RFK Jr's ideas, it's helpful to ask if other countries do things the same way. If yes, it opens up a conversation instead of labeling him as crazy.
  2. Some of RFK Jr's views, like raw milk and fluoride in water, have examples in other countries. This doesn’t mean they are right, but it shows there’s room for debate.
  3. Vaccination policies vary globally, and questioning them shouldn't be dismissed. It’s okay to discuss which vaccines may or may not be necessary.

Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 251 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Economic Theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Many people start with a simple understanding of economic theories, often identifying with one school without fully knowing its details. It takes time and deeper study to really understand the nuances between different economic thinkers.
  2. As people grow and learn, they often reassess their beliefs about economics and may find they resonate more with certain schools over others. It's okay to change your mind as you gain more knowledge.
  3. A strong pull toward empirical data and analysis can lead someone to align with mainstream economics rather than strictly adhering to one specific school of thought, like the Austrian School.
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Anti-Wokeness Is a Mental Autoimmune Disorder

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

Dingus of the week: January

Men Yell at Me • 435 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political parties Legislation Public Policy
  1. January felt like a very long month, with many challenges and frustrations piling up. It’s a time when people try to improve themselves but also struggle through the cold and dark winter days.
  2. There's a lot of political chaos happening, especially with decisions made by leaders that seem surprising or frustrating to many. It feels like there's a lack of strong action against troubling changes in the government.
  3. Despite all the challenges and serious issues, there's still hope and joy found in little things, like music and family connections. It’s important to remember the good things even in tough times.

Oranga Tamariki NZ (Ministry for Children), and the questions raised on how much gender ideology is embedded there.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Child welfare Healthcare Social movements
  1. Oranga Tamariki in New Zealand is struggling to track how many children are receiving puberty blockers and other gender-related treatments. This lack of data makes it hard to understand the impact of these treatments.
  2. Many organizations and healthcare providers in New Zealand don't consistently record information about young people using these treatments. This makes it difficult to analyze trends or outcomes.
  3. The conversation highlights a growing concern among some groups about the influence of gender ideology in systems meant to protect children. Many feel it's time to address these issues more openly.

My Debate with Curtis Yarvin

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Debate Political theory Public Policy
  1. Democracy allows for change in leadership, which can prevent bad leaders from staying in power. It's important that citizens can vote out leaders who aren't doing a good job.
  2. Absolute monarchies might seem appealing as they could mean strong leadership, but they come with risks like power struggles and potential tyranny. History shows that not all leaders are good.
  3. Choosing leaders based on competence is essential. In democracy, we try to pick capable people, while in monarchies, we might end up with unstable or dangerous leaders.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education reform Freedom of Speech Social media Public Policy Higher education
  1. We need to make big tech companies more open about how they control what we see online. It's important for users to understand how decisions are made about content.
  2. There's hope for improving free speech in colleges, thanks to changes in culture and organizations pushing for reform. College leaders have a critical role in shaping this positive change.
  3. The current problems in education can be traced back to how ideas have been taught in schools. We might need to rethink who we trust in academia and lift up the better thinkers.

On the "elite overproduction" problem

In My Tribe • 774 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Education Inequality Public Policy
  1. The idea of 'elite overproduction' suggests that there are too many people aiming for top positions, which leads to instability. However, many college graduates still find good jobs, showing this idea might not hold true.
  2. Mounk argues that while many pursue fame in arts and media, this ambition has always existed. It can't explain the current issues in society.
  3. There are concerns that some sectors, like nonprofit and education, prioritize their own status too much, leading to a misunderstanding of what 'elite' really means.

Willful ignorance of the male suicide crisis

Of Boys and Men • 495 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Policy Gender Issues Statistics
  1. Many reports on suicide focus too much on girls, giving the impression that they are at a higher risk, which is misleading. In fact, most suicides among teenagers involve boys.
  2. The media often discusses the feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts in girls but fails to provide clear statistics on the actual suicide rates by gender. This can create confusion about who is really most at risk.
  3. It's essential to acknowledge the growing suicide crisis among young men and include accurate data in discussions to better address mental health issues for everyone. We need to talk about both boys and girls honestly.

How "I Might Be Wrong" Will Change Now That Our USAID Funding Has Been Cut Off

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Government funding Satire Public Policy
  1. Funding cuts can greatly affect projects and initiatives. Losing a major funding source can lead to the cancellation of planned activities and changes in future goals.
  2. Creative and provocative content can be put on hold or altered when financial realities change. This can include unique or controversial series that rely on funding to be produced.
  3. Adapting to new circumstances often requires scaling back ambitions. Organizations may need to rethink their events and outreach programs when facing budget constraints.

C-SPAN, Paranoia, Sleeping Babies

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 909 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Media Studies Psychology Social Issues
  1. You can watch my C-SPAN interview about various topics related to public affairs. It's interesting to see how different subjects are discussed in media.
  2. I have a new lecture series on the psychology of social status, exploring why people seek status and how it influences behavior. This could help you understand social dynamics better.
  3. I shared some links to articles that discuss responsibility in society, paranoia, and modern issues. These readings could offer a deeper understanding of our current world.

The Audit: 2024

Comment is Freed • 132 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Public Policy
  1. It's important to review past predictions to see what worked and what didn't. This practice helps improve future insights and keeps one accountable.
  2. Analyzing elections at a detailed level, like looking at specific councils or seats, can provide more accurate predictions. This method shows the need to understand local issues better.
  3. Finding positive trends in difficult situations can be tough but necessary. It's good to challenge a negative mindset and look for hope in the community.

Ex-Antifa member interviewed

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Social Issues Media Analysis Voting behavior Public Policy
  1. An ex-Antifa member discusses how family issues influenced his involvement in extremist groups. Understanding personal backgrounds can shed light on why people might join such movements.
  2. Society is becoming more accepting of unhealthy relationships, as shown by a video where a woman abuses her boyfriend. There seems to be a double standard when it comes to how we react based on gender.
  3. Euthanasia is expanding to include people who are not terminally ill. This raises important questions about who can decide when life ends and under what circumstances.

Biden Pardon Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 215 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government
  1. President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, ending his legal troubles related to tax evasion and gun possession. Biden believes these charges were politically motivated.
  2. Biden had previously denied he would pardon Hunter, but he's now acting to support him after facing pressure from political opponents. This situation highlights a discrepancy between what was said publicly and what was considered privately.
  3. The pardon could have broader implications, possibly giving other politicians like Donald Trump a moral reason to pardon their supporters in similar situations.

January 26, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Political Rhetoric Civil Rights
  1. Abraham Lincoln warned that the biggest threat to the U.S. comes from within, not from outside forces. He believed that if we let the rule of law slip away, we might end up destroying our own democracy.
  2. Lincoln emphasized the importance of respecting the law and said that while some laws may be bad, the overall structure of law is essential for a functioning society. He called for Americans to protect the rule of law as if it were a sacred duty.
  3. He also noted that success can lead to complacency. Ambitious individuals might seek fame through destruction instead of building, making it vital for everyone to use reason and moral judgment to maintain democracy.

Open Thread #34 - This One's On You

Fisted by Foucault • 88 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Public Policy Elections Social Issues
  1. People are making predictions about major world events for 2025, like the situation in Ukraine and the conflict in Syria. It's interesting to hear different opinions on what's coming up.
  2. There's also a focus on US politics and issues like immigration and the influence of 'wokeness.' These topics can shape the political landscape significantly.
  3. In personal news, people are reflecting on their New Year's resolutions and what entertainment they're looking forward to. It shows how individuals set goals and enjoy life as the new year begins.

Ask us your questions

Comment is Freed • 21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Public Policy International relations Political Commentary
  1. New subscribers are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions about any topics discussed. It's a great way to engage with the content.
  2. Recent topics covered include British politics, U.S. issues, and the situation in Ukraine, highlighting specific challenges and events.
  3. Subscribers can choose to submit their questions either publicly in the comments or anonymously via email for a response later.

Odds and Ends #53: Now TfL is betting on AI cameras to improve safety

Odds and Ends of History • 469 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Public Policy Transportation Data Management Governance
  1. Transport for London is planning to use AI cameras to make transportation safer. This technology aims to enhance safety measures in public transport.
  2. A discussion is taking place about how AI could help improve government services. Experts want to focus on real solutions rather than just hype or negativity.
  3. There are concerns about why governments might be hesitant to take action. Some believe that fear of power is stopping them from making necessary changes.

The debt-laden Christchurch City Council NZ seems to have a spare $50K to splash out on a rainbow pedestrian crossing.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Public Policy Civic engagement LGBTQ+ Issues
  1. Christchurch City Council is considering spending $50,000 on a rainbow pedestrian crossing despite being in significant debt. This is seen as controversial given their financial situation.
  2. Rainbow crossings may not comply with regular traffic safety laws, posing potential confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. Standard zebra crossings are designed for clear road safety.
  3. There is a suggestion that the council should allocate funds to more pressing social issues, like supporting women’s shelters, instead of spending on symbolic projects like a rainbow crossing.

Women and girls have lost control of our spaces to men. Not all men will support this, but some will revel in it.

A B’Old Woman • 899 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Trans rights Public Policy Social justice Women's Rights
  1. Women and girls are losing control over their own spaces, which should be designated for them alone. This is a big concern because it affects their safety and privacy.
  2. Allowing any man who claims to be a woman into women's spaces can lead to potential risks. There’s fear that it could put women and girls in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
  3. Many people dismiss the concerns about men in women's spaces, but it's important to recognize that no woman or girl should feel unsafe or worried about who might be in those spaces with them.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.4. Post-2010 "Polycrisis": Culture, Communications, Politics, & War

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Public Policy Cultural Studies War Studies
  1. We're facing a big change in how we organize our economies and societies after the old Neoliberal Order collapsed. Right now, there's no clear leader or system guiding us towards the future.
  2. Global warming is a major challenge we're dealing with, and it will likely change how we approach economics and society. It could cost us a lot and make it harder to adapt to new technologies.
  3. Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.

ScienceVs revisits the issue of gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria.

Carolina Curmudgeon • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Dysphoria Medical Ethics Child Health Public Policy
  1. ScienceVs has both criticized and supported gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria. They seem to have a bias in how they present the evidence surrounding this care.
  2. A recent study found that many teens who initially identified as trans ended up identifying as cis later. This suggests that some may not need medical intervention.
  3. The effects of hormone treatments can lead to serious and permanent health issues. Critics argue that children should not be put on these treatments if there’s a chance they might change their identity later.

The Post-Cold War Apotheosis of Liberal Managerialism

The Upheaval • 1065 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Global Governance Political theory Public Policy
  1. There's been a big shift where the lines between government power and everyday life have blurred. This change makes it easier for the state to control personal freedoms and decisions.
  2. The rise of global governance has been fueled by a blend of neoliberal and neoconservative ideologies. This partnership pushes for more control over international finance and politics to achieve a unified agenda.
  3. Managerialism has taken over many aspects of society, promoting the idea that experts can and should manage every part of life. This creates a system where individual freedoms may be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and control.

Systemic Racism at Brown?

Glenn Loury • 4106 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🚌 Education Race Public Policy Inequality
  1. A controversy at Brown University surrounding systemic racism sparked a debate on freedom of expression.
  2. Glenn Loury, a black conservative economist, argues against claims of systemic racism at Brown and presents his scholarly contributions.
  3. Loury emphasizes the need to address racial inequality without undermining academic freedom.

A roundup of some things from New Zealand, across the ditch - i.e. Australia - and the UK.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Education & Policy Media Critique
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.

Why are we badly governed?

In My Tribe • 1032 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political parties Elections Corruption
  1. Governments often choose leaders based on their ability to navigate politics rather than their skills in managing and delivering results. This leads to poor governance because the focus is not on actually solving problems.
  2. Unlike businesses that need to perform to survive, governments tend to take on too many roles and rarely stop doing something, even if it is not effective. This makes them inefficient and less effective.
  3. Limitations in government activities can lead to better governance. Businesses succeed by focusing on a few things they do well, while governments often try to do everything without a clear focus, leading to clumsiness.

Leaders, Followers, and Casuals

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Communication Political Ideology
  1. Leaders are politicians or intellectuals who have strong opinions on various issues, but their reasoning may not always be sound. They often justify their views with logical arguments, even if those arguments aren't based on the truth.
  2. Followers support leaders but don't deeply engage with the reasoning behind their positions. They can easily switch their support to a different leader if they change their stance, similar to sports fans shifting their allegiance.
  3. Casuals are not very informed about politics and only pay attention during major events like elections. They might make poor choices due to their lack of knowledge, while leaders and followers can also create problems by clinging to biased beliefs.

Scott Alexander's "Prison And Crime: Much More Than You Wanted To Know": My Thoughts

Philosophy bear • 200 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Justice Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Prison doesn't seem to effectively reduce crime overall. Instead, we should consider reducing incarceration since it often causes more harm than good.
  2. The costs of imprisonment go beyond just the economic side. They include suffering for prisoners and their families, and even increased crime within prisons.
  3. Even if people feel good about tough on crime policies, a cost-benefit analysis suggests that it's better to invest resources into alternatives to prison that can lead to safer communities.

The Pursuit of Parenthood

Asimov Press • 219 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Medical Ethics Biotechnology Public Policy
  1. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become widely accepted in society, with many people knowing someone who has used this technology. Just 50 years ago, it faced a lot of criticism from scientists and the public.
  2. The journey to making IVF mainstream involved many scientific breakthroughs and changes in public perception, starting from early experiments in the 1930s to the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978. This shows how challenging and slow scientific progress can be.
  3. Despite the success of IVF, there is a lack of federal regulation, which can lead to some issues like inflated success rates and high costs. Still, this absence of strict rules has allowed for a lot of innovation and diverse options for people seeking reproductive assistance.

Twilight of the Liberal Left

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 283 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Public Policy Political Ideologies
  1. The Obama coalition has weakened, especially among younger voters who are shifting towards the right. This change highlights a disconnect between the past Democratic leadership and current political priorities.
  2. The liberal-left is facing challenges as there's a lack of strong grassroots movements and engagement in social causes, leading to a sense of resignation. Activism seems to have quieted down with fewer protests and movements visible today.
  3. There is an opportunity for new Democratic leaders to emerge since the old guard is faltering. The upcoming elections may open doors for fresh candidates, reflecting a need for change in approach and strategy.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #103

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

MAGA Republicans Are Misreading 2025 in a Very Dangerous Way

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

Data Wars and the DOJ

ChinaTalk • 207 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Data security National Security Public Policy
  1. The DOJ is creating new data security rules to help protect American personal data from foreign threats. This is important because foreign adversaries could use sensitive information against us.
  2. Companies need to be careful about how they handle sensitive data, especially when dealing with countries considered 'adversarial'. There will be strict rules about who they can sell data to and how to keep it secure.
  3. Public feedback is vital in shaping these new rules. The DOJ wants companies to share their thoughts so they can finalize a plan that protects national security without harming the economy.

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

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

Why Did Trump Win?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 272 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Political Analysis Public Policy Campaign Strategy
  1. Trump won because different voters had different reasons for supporting him. Issues like immigration and inflation resonated with many.
  2. His clear stances on controversial topics, like abortion and transgender issues, attracted some voters who felt more represented by him.
  3. Trump's personality and media presence helped him gain a following, while perceptions about his opponent's weaknesses were also influential.

Top Links 535 Are long-term jobs disappearing? Air-conditioning's power demands. The sphere in trouble & red necks and red bandanas.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Job Market Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Long-term jobs in the US are increasingly hard to find. Many people are worried about job security and the future of work.
  2. Air conditioning demands a lot of energy, which is becoming a bigger issue. This raises questions about sustainability and energy consumption.
  3. There are cultural and social topics related to 'red necks' and 'red bandanas'. These discussions explore identity and community in different contexts.