The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Links in Progress: Should we give babies the vote?

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Voting Rights Public Policy Economic Impact
  1. Many people are single now, which is making it harder for birth rates to go up. If we want to see more babies, we need to help people find partners.
  2. Having a stable home situation is really important for starting a family. Some studies show that financial help for housing can actually lead to more people having kids.
  3. South Korea is seeing a small increase in births for the first time in years. This might be because of new government policies that encourage families to have more children.

Kamala Harris and the Rise of Progressive Nothing Politics

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 146 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Political Commentary Progressivism Public Policy
  1. Kamala Harris's speeches often lack substance and fail to inspire listeners. People are noticing that she repeats the same ideas without offering new insights.
  2. The idea of 'Progressive Nothing Politics' suggests a decline in meaningful political discourse, especially within the progressive left.
  3. This shift in politics could lead to a tough future for candidates like Harris, as voters may be looking for more engaging and concrete proposals.

The aim of maximising happiness is doomed to fail as a public policy

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Utilitarianism Happiness Public Policy Ethics Cognitive Science
  1. Aiming to make everyone happy through public policy might not work. Happiness is not a simple thing that can just be increased.
  2. People adapt to their situations quickly, which means that any increase in happiness usually fades back to a normal level. This makes it hard to keep happiness growing over time.
  3. Happiness is often more about feeling good in the moment than about long-term goals. People might even choose challenging paths because they bring deeper satisfaction, rather than just chasing fleeting feelings of joy.

New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor, who once stated that “sex isn’t binary”, is coming to the end of her three-year term.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Gender Issues Human Rights
  1. New Zealand's Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, who has said 'sex isn't binary', is finishing her term soon. This statement has created mixed reactions.
  2. There is hope that the new government will choose a science advisor who aligns more with traditional views on sex and gender.
  3. The Marsden Fund, which supports research in New Zealand, has mixed approaches to gender and sex in its grant applications, reflecting confusion in some areas of research.

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Women's Rights
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.
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OSD 303: Why isn’t there more violence?

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Crime Rates Public Policy Culture
  1. Laws alone don't heavily influence crime rates; many other factors play a significant role. Neighborhoods with the same laws can show huge differences in violence rates due to social and cultural differences.
  2. Most people choose not to engage in violence because they have better life choices and moral values. It's a positive sign that people's personal choices, rather than just laws, limit violence.
  3. Issues like gun misuse are not just about making laws tougher but about changing cultural attitudes toward violence. Making misuse culturally unthinkable can be more effective than focusing solely on legislation.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Political Movements Legislation
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Political strategy Public Policy Government oversight
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

Should we have Deliberative Democracy?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political theory Civic engagement Public Policy Governance
  1. Deliberative democracy is about having conversations among citizens to make better decisions, rather than just voting. It focuses on discussing issues deeply before deciding things.
  2. This model can be mixed with traditional democracy, where citizen assemblies could help inform lawmakers. It doesn't replace representatives but enhances how decisions are made.
  3. Using AI can help find common ground during discussions, making it easier for people to reach agreements on policies. It could guide groups to better solutions by analyzing opinions and suggesting compromises.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 14.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Public Policy Elections Government
  1. A majority of Ukrainians now prefer negotiating a quick peace instead of continuing the war, showing a significant shift in public opinion after years of conflict.
  2. The economic impacts of the war are heavily burdening European countries, as they are taking on the costs while the United States benefits economically from the situation.
  3. China is advancing its space program with ambitious plans, including a manned moon base and potential missions to Mars, aiming to establish itself as a leader in space exploration.

January 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 15 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. Biden has taken steps to boost cybersecurity, requiring software companies to meet certain security standards before the government buys their products.
  2. The Equal Rights Amendment is being pushed for certification after more states ratified it, although there are ongoing legal challenges regarding its status.
  3. Biden also shortened sentences for many people imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses, addressing a past law that unfairly treated people based on race.

Reminder: Zoom Call Tonight

Nonzero Newsletter • 112 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political culture Public Policy Civic engagement
  1. There's a Zoom call happening tonight at 8 PM US Eastern Time. It's for NZN members to talk about the election and what's next.
  2. The call will last for 90 minutes or until all questions are answered. It's a good chance to discuss important topics.
  3. You can join using the provided link to ask questions and share thoughts with others.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Personal Favorites

Can We Still Govern? • 33 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Power Accountability
  1. Trump's first impeachment shows how he changed his views on using power in politics. It gave insights into his style of leadership.
  2. The idea of 'unelected bureaucrats' is often seen negatively, but they are actually quite accountable in how they operate.
  3. There are ongoing attacks on scholars studying race, focusing on undermining their work and credibility. This could have major impacts on academia.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

A B’Old Woman • 539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Health Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.

Kellie-Jay Keen is not coming to New Zealand due to fears for her life – yes, here in New Zealand!

A B’Old Woman • 719 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Safety Law enforcement Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen canceled her trip to New Zealand because she felt unsafe and feared for her life. She wasn't confident that the police would protect her due to influence from trans activists.
  2. Many people are upset about how a few loud activists seem to be controlling police and political responses in the country. There's a feeling that women's voices are being ignored in the conversation.
  3. There's concern that creating a 'martyr' from this situation could actually empower people on the other side of the debate. While the 'Let Women Speak' rally is still planned, it's unclear how it will affect the protests.

The Russian Bomb Threats

Thinking about... • 286 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign interference Voting Rights Public Policy
  1. Russia has tried to disrupt American elections by sending bomb threats to polling places, which is a serious issue that must be addressed.
  2. The threats affected multiple states, causing chaos and potentially scaring voters away from the polls.
  3. To ensure fairness, there should be an extension of voting for areas impacted, showing that such intimidation won't change the outcome and protecting democracy in the future.

Disaffected: Episode 147

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Local Politics Cultural Issues
  1. There's a look into how local government processes can get tangled up in personal issues, costing taxpayers money and time. It's surprising how one person's demands can affect so many.
  2. The episode compares the local situation to a Maoist takeover, suggesting that extreme cultural changes can happen in American cities without people noticing. It warns that similar issues could arise in other communities too.
  3. It raises concerns about the balance between personal identity and government resources, questioning how far local government should go to accommodate individual requests. It's an important topic for every community to think about.

Should People Who Blast Their Music in Public Receive Fines, Or Be Slowly Tortured to Death?

I Might Be Wrong • 21 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Public Policy Urban living Social Issues
  1. Public spaces like subway systems need rules to keep them enjoyable and safe for everyone. Loud music can be very annoying, and it's already against the rules to play it without headphones.
  2. Making sure these rules are enforced helps maintain order and keeps public transport functional. If people break the rules without consequence, it can lead to more serious problems.
  3. Rules exist to protect everyone, not just to punish individuals. A small fine for breaking a noise rule isn't life-ruining and can actually help keep public areas nicer for everyone.

New event! How AI can (maybe) fix the government!

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Technology AI Events
  1. AI could help the government improve its services. There's a discussion about how it might fix problems when resources are low.
  2. People have mixed feelings about AI. The event encourages both skeptics and enthusiasts to learn more about its potential effects on public services.
  3. The event is a great opportunity to meet others who are interested in technology and government. There will be interesting conversations and some fun giveaways.

I almost died 15 minutes ago

Disaffected Newsletter • 1238 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civility Law enforcement Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Incivility on the roads is becoming a serious issue, with more people behaving aggressively while driving. This kind of attitude can lead to dangerous situations for everyone on the road.
  2. The author has noticed a major change in driving behavior over the past few years, with a lot of drivers failing to follow basic traffic rules and often blaming others for their mistakes.
  3. To improve road safety, there should be more focus on enforcing traffic rules, promoting safe driving through public campaigns, and changing the overall attitude towards courteous driving.

I don't want to play capture the flag

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Polarization Civics Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Many conversations today focus too much on political labels like liberal or conservative. This can make it hard to discuss real issues honestly.
  2. People often try to confirm what side someone is on rather than talking about specific topics. This can create a divide instead of a productive conversation.
  3. It would be better to discuss policies and situations directly without jumping to conclusions based on labels. This could help us understand each other better.

We want 'sex' in our policies, to protect women's and girls' rights - not 'gender', which includes men.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Public Policy Women's Rights Equity Social Issues
  1. Policies should use 'sex' instead of 'gender' to protect women's and girls' rights clearly. Using 'gender' can allow men who identify as women into women's spaces, which is concerning.
  2. The current Equity and Inclusion policy is seen as too broad and may not effectively address women's needs. It's important for policies to clearly define and protect the rights of specific groups.
  3. There are cultural concerns about including gender identity in policies. Some believe it undermines traditional values and the understanding of sex roles in their communities.

Criminal Justice Reform Is Good, But, Like Everything, It Requires Common Sense And Moderation

Singal-Minded • 576 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Criminal justice reform is important, but it needs to be approached with common sense and moderation to be effective.
  2. Addressing inequality and reducing the impact of luck in determining outcomes is a crucial step in shaping public policy.
  3. There has been bipartisan recognition that the U.S. criminal justice system is flawed and needs reform, particularly in its treatment of nonviolent offenders.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 31.01.2025

steigan.no • 9 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary International relations
  1. Arendal is facing a financial crisis because a battery company, Morrow, has delayed its plans despite receiving a large government loan. This has left the local government struggling to cover expenses created by this project.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard spoke out about past U.S. support for Al-Qaida in Syria, highlighting concerns about American foreign policy and its consequences. She brought attention to a covert CIA operation that armed extremist groups, stirring debate on national security.
  3. The political situation in Norway is changing as the Center Party has left the government due to disagreements over EU directives. This move could impact their voter support and may lead to more discussions about Norway's relationship with the EU.

We're Really Gonna Do This Again, Huh?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 247 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Policy Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. People may not learn from past mistakes, and history can repeat itself. It's important to reflect on our choices and their consequences.
  2. Chaos and uncertainty seem to be a part of the political landscape, and it can be exhausting. Be prepared for more challenges ahead.
  3. Understanding the seriousness of our decisions is crucial. We should strive to make better choices instead of falling into the same patterns.

The American Government Should Buy Spirit Airlines

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Economics Government Airlines
  1. The U.S. government should consider buying Spirit Airlines instead of constantly bailing out struggling airlines. This could help create a more affordable flying option for taxpayers.
  2. Creating a public airline would allow the government to focus on passenger welfare and lower fares, making air travel better for everyone.
  3. Countries like New Zealand and Finland already own airlines to serve their citizens. This idea isn't new and could be a step toward improving air travel in America.

The Rico Racket

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Crime Disasters Public Policy Society
  1. There are a lot of people missing after a massive wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, and local authorities seem to have made the situation worse by blocking escape routes.
  2. Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani are facing serious legal trouble for their actions related to the 2020 election, marking a significant moment in American history.
  3. Some young people are choosing to dress and act like mythological creatures, and society is being asked to accept this as normal behavior.

December 24, 2024

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Social Issues Public Policy Community
  1. Holidays can be a time for gratitude. It's nice to appreciate what we have, like a warm home and good food.
  2. Not everyone feels the joy of the season. Some people struggle during the holidays, and that's important to remember.
  3. Christmas symbolizes hope and renewal. It's a time when the days start getting longer, reminding us that brighter times are ahead.

Giving Trump Just What He Wants

Gideon's Substack • 45 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Political theory
  1. Both violent actions and political pardons can push society closer to authoritarianism. It's important to recognize that these reactions stem from a belief that democracy is breaking down.
  2. Preemptively pardoning people can look like an abuse of power and may harm public trust. This kind of action might seem reasonable in response to threats, but can actually fuel more distrust and paranoia.
  3. Engaging in normal politics and upholding the rule of law is crucial. Abandoning these principles only strengthens authoritarian figures by giving them more reasons to justify their actions.

Stop asking women to provide ‘evidence’ for why we don’t want men in our spaces.

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legal issues Public Policy LGBTQ Rights Women's Rights
  1. Women shouldn't have to prove why they want single-sex spaces. Their feelings and experiences matter and should be respected.
  2. There are laws passed based on feelings and stories from one group, but women's concerns are often ignored. Everyone's feelings deserve to be heard.
  3. When it comes to policies about women's spaces, it's unfair that the stories of women are dismissed while others' stories are accepted. Everyone's experiences should be considered equally.

Open Thread #32

Fisted by Foucault • 70 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Public Policy Political Analysis Current Events
  1. It's hard to predict what will happen in the future because there are many factors to consider. So, it's okay to admit uncertainty.
  2. This is an open thread for everyone to share their own predictions. Sharing ideas can help us think through complex situations.
  3. Sometimes, situations can drag on longer than we expect, which adds to the uncertainty. Being open about this can prepare us for surprises.

Health New Zealand seems allergic to using the word 'woman' - but not the word 'man'.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Women's Health Gender Issues Public Policy Health Communication Societal norms
  1. Health New Zealand often avoids using the term 'woman' in its communications, especially in discussions about maternity. This is surprising since it uses 'man' frequently, leading to feelings of discrimination.
  2. When discussing men's health, the language is very inclusive with terms like 'fathers' and 'brothers'. In contrast, women's health language seems limited, making it hard to identify who is being referred to in maternity contexts.
  3. Many people are concerned that avoiding 'woman' and 'mothers' while promoting language for men is problematic. This raises questions about how women's identities are represented in healthcare communications.

Links to Consider, 10/13/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Labor Market Public Policy Social Change
  1. Urban areas are not friendly to big families, which contributes to decreasing birth rates. When people live in cities, they often have fewer children than those in suburbs.
  2. Social views on marriage and careers have shifted. Now, many see being a single working woman as more prestigious than being a married stay-at-home mom, which can affect family size.
  3. AI is changing the job market a lot, and there’s going to be a lot of job turnover. The official job numbers might not show the full picture of these changes.

Links to Consider, 11/12/2024

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Identity politics Media influence Public Policy Legal system
  1. Censorship can be split into two types: hard censorship, which is the removal of content, and soft censorship, which reduces exposure to certain content. Soft censorship is seen as serious because it limits the perspectives people can access.
  2. Identity politics has grown from media focusing on group identities instead of ideas. This shift affects how people engage with each other, often prioritizing identity over actions.
  3. There is a lot of unnecessary laws because people believe every problem needs a legislative solution. Emphasizing common law could potentially be a better approach to managing legal issues.

Did New Zealand's mainstream newspapers collude to collectively cancel an unobjectionable advert?

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Free speech Public Policy Controversy
  1. New Zealand's mainstream media seems to avoid controversy and only promotes certain values. This has led to a boring and uniform direction in their content.
  2. A conservative group had ads approved in major newspapers, but then all the newspapers canceled them without clear reasons, suggesting a possible collusion.
  3. The idea of 'cancellation' can affect anyone, and it's important to stand up for different viewpoints to protect everyone's rights and speech.

As Long as You Criticize Republicans Too. . .

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Political Ideologies Political parties Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Some people believe that focusing on the harm done to children is more important than criticizing other political parties. They argue that not all politicians deserve respect if they support harmful policies.
  2. There is a growing frustration with certain political groups, especially when their priorities seem out of touch with serious issues like child safety.
  3. It's important to recognize that people can become so loyal to a party that they overlook harmful actions, making it hard to have constructive conversations about critical social issues.

Why Should Government Solve This Problem?

Points And Figures • 453 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government intervention NCAA Public Policy
  1. College athletics is undergoing a major transformation due to changes like the transfer portal and name, image, likeness (NIL) rules.
  2. Coaches like Nick Saban are important figures in guiding the future of college sports amid these changes.
  3. The author questions the need for government intervention in the evolving college athletic marketplace and advocates for letting the free market and NCAA adapt on their own.

Sex self-ID in New Zealand has a 'get out of jail' card for service providers.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Public Policy Social justice Community Engagement
  1. In New Zealand, the new sex self-ID law allows people to change their recorded sex easily online. However, service providers can still choose to restrict access to single-sex spaces.
  2. Service providers are not legally required to let men who identify as women into women's areas. Their decision to do so is voluntary and could come with potential risks.
  3. Allowing men into women's spaces can make some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if no incidents happen. Women's rights to single-sex spaces should be respected.