A review of 'Public Citizens' by Paul Sabin, examining how Ralph Nader's public interest movement transformed American governance, with both positive and negative long-term effects. Longer summary

This book review discusses 'Public Citizens' by Paul Sabin, which explores how Ralph Nader and the public interest movement he inspired transformed American governance, leading to unintended consequences that now hinder progressive action. The review traces Nader's career from his early advocacy for auto safety to his creation of a new model of activism through litigation and regulatory pressure. It examines how this approach, while achieving significant reforms, also contributed to the current bureaucratic gridlock in American governance. The review concludes with a brief discussion of Nader's controversial role in the 2000 presidential election. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews an article on heroin addiction treatment, advocating for suboxone use while criticizing ineffective rehab programs and regulatory obstacles. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reviews a Huffington Post article on heroin addiction treatment, focusing on the effectiveness of suboxone (buprenorphine) compared to conventional rehab programs. He highlights the poor performance and sometimes abusive practices of many rehab centers, contrasting them with the proven success of suboxone treatment. The post then discusses two major obstacles to wider suboxone use: strict government regulations and resistance from the rehab industry. Alexander uses this discussion to reflect on broader themes such as the value of tight communities, the failures of both free market and government approaches in this area, and the superiority of biological solutions over social ones in addressing addiction. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander argues that e-cigarettes are likely replacing regular cigarettes rather than non-smoking, making them beneficial for public health despite government attempts to ban them. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'funging' and how it applies to e-cigarettes. He argues that e-cigarettes are likely replacing regular cigarettes rather than non-smoking, making them a net positive for public health. The post criticizes governments trying to ban e-cigarettes, arguing that while they may be addictive, they are far less harmful than regular cigarettes. Scott also touches on the cognitive enhancement effects of nicotine and his personal stance on addiction and substance use. The tone is analytical and somewhat sardonic, especially when discussing government policies. Shorter summary