The Chris Spangle Show

Independent policy consultant Cruz Garcia joins Chris Spangle to discuss why many Latino voters support former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Cruz, whose own family experienced the challenges of undocumented immigration, shares personal stories and insights into why public safety and conservative values are increasingly resonating within Latino communities. He explains policies like the Lake and Riley Act and addresses concerns about potential abuses in Trump's immigration approach.

While Trump Deports Undocumented Immigrants, Latino Voters Are Optimistic - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/02/14/while_trump_deports_undocumented_immigrants_latino_voters_optimistic__152354.html

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Michigan expanded its state-funded pre-K program by 20,000 seats—but only 6,000 children enrolled. Why are parents opting out of free preschool programs like Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program? In this episode, Chris Spangle talks with Susanna Barnes Pettit, a social mobility fellow with Young Voices, about parental choice, preschool funding, and why families still prefer community-based options like parochial or nature-based schools. Chris and Susanna also explore how universal pre-K fits into broader education debates, discuss their own childhood experiences, and reflect on what parents truly want in early childhood education.

Petitt: Michigan’s Pre-K promise can do more to reach families - https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2025/02/23/petitt-michigans-pre-k-promise-can-do-more-to-reach-families/79433009007/

https://youtu.be/tXSKMSgR0ks

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April 2, 2025—dubbed “Liberation Day” by Donald Trump—new sweeping tariffs were announced, including a 10% baseline on all imports and steep country-specific increases. But is this protectionist move really the start of an American economic revival, or just a massive tax hike on American families?

Chris Spangle is joined by Aiden Grogan, a writer and Ph.D. student at Liberty University, to examine the economic consequences of tariffs, the myths of protectionism, and the real reasons manufacturing is returning to the U.S.

Tariffs Won't Bring On the "Golden Age of America" - https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2025/02/25/tariffs_wont_create_the_golden_age_of_america_1093222.html#google_vignette

https://youtu.be/3W4tjgD-1XI

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Gaby Blanco, a speaker for the Dissident Project and Gideons International, joins Chris Spangle to discuss the reality of life in Cuba today. Contrary to popular belief following Obama-era policy changes, Cuba remains under intense oppression. Gaby shares her personal journey growing up in Cuba, becoming a Christian, and her experiences highlighting ongoing persecution, government spying in churches, and the complicated role of the Vatican in Cuban politics.

Cuba and the Vatican Deal in the Face of U.S. Elections - https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2025/03/07/cuba_and_the_vatican_deal_in_the_face_of_us_elections_1096115.html

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Are tariffs taxes in disguise? Matt Cookson, a policy fellow at Young Voices and contributor at the Mises Institute, explains the complicated truth behind tariffs. Learn why the U.S. Constitution originally placed tariff-setting power in the hands of Congress and how it ended up under presidential control during the Roosevelt administration. Cookson details how tariffs actually harm consumers, disrupt supply chains, and inject uncertainty into markets. Plus, we discuss the political realities that make Congress hesitant to reclaim its authority and what steps they could take—such as repealing the 1934 Reciprocal Tariffs Act—to restore constitutional balance.

Congress Needs to Be Jealous of its Tariff Powers - https://mises.org/mises-wire/congress-needs-be-jealous-its-tariff-powers

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If you've been a longtime listener to this show, you know there are several things that we've emphasized over the years like the importance of friendship, healthy masculinity, and growing civil society within our local communities. For the last year, I have been hosting a podcast for Citizen 7, a local group dedicated to building deep friendships between men with the hope that it will spark redemptive change within Indianapolis. Big Hearted Indy is a podcast about friendship making a difference, and I think you will be encouraged by adding it to your podcast app. 

This is my favorite episode. My cohost Don Palmer and I welcome guest host Dave Neff, Rex Fisher and Mark Nottingham to the podcast to discuss their journeys of navigating careers, family life, and community investments. Listen in as they discuss their experiences with Edge Mentoring, Shepherd Community Center, and their entrepreneurial endeavors, providing valuable insights on balancing faith, work, and relationships in the vibrant city of Indianapolis. 

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In this episode, I talk with Agustina Vergara Cid, an immigration policy expert, to break down the complex issue of birthright citizenship and President Trump's day-one executive order attempting to alter it.

We discuss the history and legal foundation of birthright citizenship, tracing its roots to the 14th Amendment and the 1898 Supreme Court case, Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that anyone born on U.S. soil (except for children of diplomats) is an American citizen.

Agustina explains how Trump’s executive order aims to deny citizenship to children of non-citizen visa holders and undocumented immigrants—something she believes is a direct constitutional challenge. We explore the motivation behind the order, the likelihood of it surviving court scrutiny, and how immigration laws in Europe and the U.S. differ, particularly in how they impact assimilation.

We also discuss:

Agustina Vergara Cid, LL.B. and LL.M., is a Young Voices contributor focusing on immigration policy. Her commentary has appeared in The Orange County Register, Newsweek, and The Hill. Follow her on X: @agustinavcid

Follow Agustina Vergara Cid on:

Twitter/X: @agustinavcid

Instagram: @agustinavcid

Ending Birthright Citizenship Won’t Make America Great - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/29/ending_birthright_citizenship_wont_make_america_great_152263.html

Video - https://youtu.be/A_-qurj0e3k

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Chris Spangle kicks off the episode with a deep dive into why Super Bowl halftime shows always spark controversy, tracing the evolution of performances from marching bands to modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. He highlights how reactions often reveal deeper cultural and generational divides, touching on race, media consumption, and changing societal tastes.

In the second half, Chris is joined by Addison Hosner, COO of Young Voices, to discuss presidential pardon powers and their impact on the rule of law. They explore the historical context, the January 6 pardons, and the potential precedent these actions set for the future. Addison offers his expert perspective as an attorney, breaking down the legal and constitutional implications of high-profile pardons and why maintaining trust in the justice system is crucial for America’s future.

Don’t miss this conversation that blends pop culture and politics for a fresh, thought-provoking take.

Addison Hosner is the chief operating officer of Young Voices, based in Washington, D.C., and is a licensed DC and Florida attorney.

Biden’s pardons raised eyebrows, but Trump’s insulted justice itself - https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/5122921-bidens-pardons-raised-eyebrows-but-trumps-insulted-justice-itself/

https://youtu.be/1CA-S7eSq9g

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This week we dive into the TikTok ban, explaining how Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok, only for both Biden and Trump to refuse enforcement. Spangle is joined by Ed Tarnowski to break down the implications for the rule of law, executive power, and the growing tension between Congress and the presidency. Plus, Spangle shares his approach to staying informed without being overwhelmed.

Ed Tarnowski is a Policy and Advocacy Director at EdChoice and host of the State of Choice Podcast. At EdChoice, he leads the organization’s advocacy efforts on national policy. He is a young voices contributor. 

A TikTok-ing Time Bomb for the Rule of Law - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/30/a_tiktok-ing_time_bomb_for_rule_of_law_152273.amp.html

Video - https://youtu.be/qOP2sm5GSKo

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From Nov 28, 2018: Chris Spangle examines what causes wildfires and how we can prevent them. Was Donald Trump right when he said the government makes wildland fires worse? What libertarian principles would significantly reduce both the frequency and damage of wildfires?

Show Notes: https://wearelibertarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Wildfire.pdf

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