Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Snarkiness

Jenn and Aaron dissect a disappointingly lacking-in-controversy Oscars. However just because it’s lacking in controversy doesn’t mean people aren’t trying to manufacture some, because we live in a hellish nightmare where the 24 hour news cycle and social media need us to be angry all the time. Aaron and Jenn discuss the attempt at manufacturing outrage around Green Book, Spike Lee’s acceptance speech, and some of the other award-winning movies (seriously, watch The Favourite). Aaron gives his thoughts on how men’s fashion has finally taken a turnaround (except for the velvet. Seriously, why?) and Jenn talks about being an unpopular opinion puffin in a sea of outrage culture. 

An article on Brie Larson (star of the upcoming Captain Marvel movie) and her comments which have raised some “controversy” (but who knows on the internet anymore?): https://movieweb.com/captain-marvel-brie-larson-inclusion-controversy/

The text of Spike Lee’s acceptance speech: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/24/movies/spike-lee-oscars-speech.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer

President Trump’s response to Spike Lee’s acceptance speech, which he called a “racist hit”: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/movies/spike-lee-trump.html

There’s a National Emergency on! Feel alarmed! Austin and Aaron, both connoisseurs of the bottom shelf, begin by talking about Costco booze, before launching into why President Trump’s latest meshugas has neither of them feeling especially panicked. Among other topics, Austin and Aaron touch on the latest mass shooting, former Libertarian VP Nominee Bill Weld’s plan to try to primary Trump, and their feelings on how political tribalism is making it even less likely that Trump’s supporters will ever have their cognitive dissonance resolved in a way that leads to them abandoning him. Aaron explains these happenings through the lenses of honor ideology as well as the psychological principle of cognitive dissonance, while Austin remains pessimistic that Trump can ever go too far for his supporters to give up on him, and then they both hope that someone - ALMOST anyone - tries to primary Trump out of another shot at the presidency, because goodness knows we’ve all had enough of what Aaron calls “schmuckitude.”

Previous podcast guest Andrew Egger’s take on the reaction among Trump supporters: https://thebulwark.com/no-one-hates-the-spending-bill-more-than-trumps-hawkish-base/?fbclid=IwAR2dbEm-F7Y3KrlGx4mlwp5WNNzCUsoRedn5tpLfkifH9Zxhc1WOL6XHxD4

An older article reflecting on Chuck Schumer’s threat during the Obama presidency that President Obama had the right to go above Congress: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/206983-schumer-obama-will-act-unilaterally-on-immigration-reform

Other Conservatives/Libertarians’ responses to Trump: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-emergency-declaration-conservative-groups-criticized-1333700

An article on cognitive dissonance and how it applies to our political lives: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/behavior/how-cognitive-dissonance-affects-us-crazy-political-times.htm

Aaron and Austin are joined by guest Michael DiLaura to discuss Alexandria Occasio Cortez’s brilliant/terrifying new piece of legislation. Michael guides us through some of the especially problematic elements of AOC’s thoroughly impractical plan, while Austin points out the sheer number of property rights violations that this legislation would require, as well as how nothing about the “plan” falls in line with the proper role of government. Aaron talks a little bit about the psychology of construal level theory, and how it explains the recent populist (of both right and left-wing variety) obsession with thoroughly impractical legislation. Aaron reveals that he doesn’t like West Coast beer, as well as explaining why he thinks Democratic Socialists are like vegans and cross-fitters. Austin reveals his hope that the Green New Deal is the straw that breaks the camel’s back and pushes the Federal Government into admitting its utter incompetence and inability to do anything, as well as pointing out the lack of parallels between the original and Green New Deals. Finally, Michael has to teach Aaron what the phrase “clap back” means. 

An official PDF of the Green New Deal: https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/sites/ocasio-cortez.house.gov/files/Resolution%20on%20a%20Green%20New%20Deal.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1A3n1S9p4SlS0JF9tQfD15IYj6wz4XEmzTg6zhBGg7rEylksRU-uCG3AM

 Megan McArdle’s article for the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/were-nuts-isnt-a-great-pitch-for-a-green-new-deal/2019/02/07/f605b220-2b2f-11e9-984d-9b8fba003e81_story.html?utm_term=.de4507877b13

William L. Anderson for the Mises institute on the Green New Deal: https://mises.org/wire/aoc-and-green-great-leap-forward?fbclid=IwAR0AjlY7-huHsS-7RmresRdCVa-Sq8b3poJbSc1yJU4Y6EiWyZyxPc4blKk

Jarret Stephan for FEE on the Green New Deal: https://fee.org/articles/the-green-new-deal-is-a-trojan-horse-for-socialism/

Don’t fear the reefer! Aaron, Jason, and Austin tackle that most terrifying topic: marijuana legalization. Aaron discusses how scientifically iffy the “gateway hypothesis” is, while Austin gives his views on the illegitimacy of the war on drugs and any form of prohibition in general. Jason plays Devil’s advocate by taking a pro-prohibition stance, as well as discussing the problem with legislation which denies the basic roles of supply and demand. They then wrap up the episode by pointing out that the very idea of the war on drugs and the prohibition of substances is inherently progressive, and how neither party can claim exemption from extreme progressive influence. Also brought up are Austin’s slow slip into anarchy, Aaron’s debilitating fear of sharks, and Jason’s elegant and civilized approach to alcohol. 

The Imprimis Article which prompted this episode: https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/marijuana-mental-illness-violence/?appeal_code=MK119EM1&sc=MK119EM1&utm_campaign=imprimis&utm_source=housefile&utm_medium=email&utm_content=january2019marijuana&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--erzxLUmW26LKmvTSYJDLGXpN-kvCUb4qLnUj6DNZzjwmUf4Tr5caQvIKe5kDh83yglfxkiucOfbqZdsWOi40s23bZqA&_hsmi=69315555

Politico’s prediction about marijuana legalization: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/01/21/marijuana-legalization-congress-224031

An overview of Marilyn Mosby and the end of marijuana prosecution in Baltimore: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna964111

In our 25th episode, Aaron is joined by guest-star Andrew Egger, a journalist formerly of The American Standard and now working for the new, explicitly Anti-Trump publication “The Bulwark.” Andrew starts by getting excited to share his choice of drink. Aaron and Andrew discuss the differences between their respective ideologies of Classical Liberalism and Conservatism, as well as the recent attempted re-emergence by shock jockey/oppressed intellectual (depending on your point of view, but certainly not according to Aaron’s or Andrew’s) Milo Yiannopolous, who was recently interviewed by popular evangelical figure Eric Metaxas on his radio show. Andrew tells us a little bit about the history of Milo, and both Aaron and Andrew discuss the murkiness surrounding the political definition of what an “evangelical” is, why they’re considered such a pro-Trump voting block, and whether or not this is a fair characterization of the movement. Andrew also talks a little bit about the importance of principled conservative’s resisting Trump, and Aaron speculates as to whether or not “evangelicals” who support Trump are the same as people who actually try to embody and live out their faith. 

Also, keep your ears peeled for an “easter egg” (or whatever we’re calling it) where next week’s episode topic is mentioned!

Andrew’s recent article on Milo and Eric Metaxas: https://thebulwark.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-milo-and-eric-metaxas/?fbclid=IwAR3ryQ0I6TLPUSPhBbhKlHI9WhiviMtHHLwc5LZ1ocJm-r2n9L2GmE4RDtE

Andrew’s Author page at The Bulwark: https://thebulwark.com/author/andrewegger/

Timothy Carney’s Article on why Ex-Churchgoers flock to Trump: https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/why-ex-churchgoers-flocked-to-trump/?fbclid=IwAR0pfbl2wGjdWP8TLs3_8cKstbqtzTeoSkmRNcyjTG1JJpQRuoc0AAZ6QaY

 The recent APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Men and Boys have caused something of a controversy. Many on the Right have decried it, claiming that the report represents an attempt by psychologists to undermine healthy, normal masculinity by labeling it as “toxic.” Responses have ranged from defending the problematic aspects of manhood to outright denial of what the APA guidelines actually say. 

Aaron goes through the report and outlines why he thinks it's actually something to celebrate and recognize as possessing a great deal of common ground between the APA and many on the Right. Jason cross-examines and plays devil’s advocate for the Right against Aaron, trying to bring some clarity to the issue. Aaron discusses what a horrible child he was, Jason talks about some of the historical misperceptions that many on the right are operating under, and Jason and Aaron riff on how their marriages might be perceived as somehow “non-masculine.” Aaron brings up honor ideology and the Lord of the Rings because that’s the kind of person he is, and Jason reminds us that the ultimate responsibility for being a good man lies on the personal choice to do what is right, not on shallow social norms. 

Aaron’s Article for FEE where he discusses the APA Guidelines: https://fee.org/articles/what-the-apas-report-on-men-and-masculinity-really-tells-us-a-psychologists-perspective/

The APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Men and Boys: https://www.apa.org/about/policy/boys-men-practice-guidelines.pdf

The APA’s Clarification Post: http://division51.net/homepage-slider/twitter-message-not-reflecting-the-guidelines-for-boys-and-men/

An Article from the Washington Examiner exemplifying the problem with the response to the guidelines: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-american-psychological-association-just-made-it-harder-to-maintain-strong-marriages?fbclid=IwAR3fRp0dAK8DYDs5MYNJmKMlI4ChMFxzUYSyLF1no6syfEkBySapW_K6y10

Dr. Christina Hoff Summers on some of the problems faced by men in society: http://time.com/2974/masculinity-is-more-than-a-mask/

Jenn and Aaron are joined by guest Faith Liu, a Hollywood Screenwriter, to discuss the ever-popular issue of whether or not America’s entertainment industry is as politically biased as many seem to perceive it. Faith and Jenn pressure Aaron into watching The West Wing. Faith talks about how there is more conservatism in Hollywood than might be otherwise assumed. Aaron and Jenn ask Faith about a number of political issues in Hollywood, including the issues of minority representation, whitewashing, the entire verkakte nature of award shows and the critic/audience divide. Finally, Faith explains why she doesn’t think there will ever be such a thing as a “conservative movie.” Also discussed are Jenn’s proud Latina status, the way that Hollywood’s lack of diversity reflects the segregated nature of the city of Los Angeles, infamous good/bad movie “The Room,” and Ancient Egyptian mummies. 

Adam Ruins Everything on how money wins awards, not talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhfxo8xPNGU

A Guide to the Ghost in the Shell Controversy: http://time.com/4714367/ghost-in-the-shell-controversy-scarlett-johansson/

Doug Walker, aka “Nostalgia Critic,” on whitewashing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WUdQpuVRtw

Welcome to our first episode of 2019, in which Jason, after several months, realizes he is a cohost of this podcast! Jason explains why term limits did nothing to curb power when applied to executive power, and may have actually made the problem worse. Aaron explains why he believes that the very nation of term limits is a misidentification of the real problem, and why the free and virtuous society will not be helped by term limits. . Both Aaron and Jason take some time to talk smack about Woodrow Wilson and FDR, as well as discussing the general overreach of executive power, the problems of seeking a “quick fix” via term limits, and why term limits may actually make the problem worse. 

Proof that we’re not blowing smoke and yes, Woodrow Wilson was a horrifying racist: https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_birth.html

An explanation of the proposed term-limits plan: https://www.wthr.com/article/constitutional-amendment-aims-impose-term-limits-congress?fbclid=IwAR0PqqRCqBB27AhKWXRWsj4FmbqSL-F6V6KsioP_q-svLb-yEV801ijFX28

A pro term-limits article which discusses the founders’ views on term limits: https://www.dailysignal.com/2016/12/16/heres-what-the-founders-thought-about-term-limits/ 

Merry Christmas! For our Christmas episode, Austin and Aaron talk about President Trump’s ban on bump stocks. Both hosts express their personal dislike of bump stocks before Austin explains what a bump stock is, and how it does NOT, whatever the acting Attorney General may say, fall under the definition of a machine gun, as well as going into the more concerning theme of all of this, the fact that the executive branch is legislating in an unconstitutional manner, and that this is hardly a modern or unique occurrence, it’s just that President Trump’s own personality flaws make his personal style of executive abuse less palatable. Because they’d be remiss not to, both Austin and Aaron talk a little bit about the planned withdrawal from Syria. Aaron also talks a little bit about the psychology behind gun control, specifically how education, rather than mandate, can address some admittedly much-needed changes around the culture of guns. 

The USA Today Article about the history of executive overreach:https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/12/13/donald-trump-executive-power-president-war-democracy-constitution-cult-column/2065368002/?fbclid=IwAR0SmgGggWlg6eqz1FrgGpO07TRxlURp24w0GhQmHu7CoUCQTLwQWAnNYug

Reason Magazine’s take on the illegality of the bump stock ban: https://reason.com/blog/2018/12/18/trumps-bump-stock-ban-shows-once-again-h?fbclid=IwAR3X3gRdc8h2AmGM6d8g8hqz-1RCkqx1DrJzWp2Zsv1a6eg7_8CZsPXDXKM

The Federalist with a similar article on the ban: http://thefederalist.com/2018/12/19/trump-administrations-new-bump-stock-ban-legal-abomination/?fbclid=IwAR0CqaY02RafOvwF6E2ezhwt-M6Cqrm1WDWzw4cXPCp8AqVRFM8g9cxFPA4

Some information on the lawsuit challenging the ban: https://www.firearmspolicy.org/lawsuit-challenging-trump-bump-stock-ban?fbclid=IwAR2L982sNOHCuC8MsHAF_vReIdgugXYNXk2gH6O3BZ5mC0rRlF6t5qXEj6Q