The latter three articles are economics pieces, which tend to spark good, scientifically-minded debates on HN.

The first article is political, and I would hope that pg would think better than to post if he was given the same decision over again. It probably felt "less dangerous" to post it two years ago; back then, HN didn't have nearly so many people interested in discussing the political side of an issue--you know, the people you see in this thread :)

What about Google Pressure Cookers and Backpacks, Get a Visit from the Feds (4 days ago)? It's very much a political article, even if it include a technical side. We all know what would be discussed.