Government fraud scale and GDP outlook

Your Money is Being Stolen

The discussion opens with new details on the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, where a left-wing activist attempting to obstruct a federal immigration raid was fatally shot. Clay and Buck argue the shooting was justified, citing video evidence and the officer’s prior experience of being dragged by a suspect during a similar encounter. They criticize Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz for inflammatory rhetoric and highlight how Democrat leaders and activists are trying to replicate the chaos of the George Floyd era. The hosts underscore the hypocrisy of progressive narratives, noting that Minneapolis—once considered a safe city—saw its murder rate double during the height of BLM protests, with 94 murders in 2020 and 95 in 2021 compared to 48 in 2019. 

On the Ground in Minneapolis

The release of exclusive bodycam-style footage from the ICE officer’s perspective, published by Alpha News. Clay and Buck emphasize that the video confirms the officer acted lawfully in self-defense after the activist accelerated her vehicle toward him, refuting claims by Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz that the shooting was unjustified. The hosts argue that Democrat rhetoric and anti-ICE activism have created a dangerous environment where individuals obstruct federal law enforcement for social media clout, noting the partner’s audible command to “Drive baby drive” before the fatal moment.

On-the-ground reporting from Brecca Stoll of The Daily Wire adds depth to the discussion. Brecca categorizes protesters into three groups: brainwashed activists parroting woke jargon like “white tears,” aggressive agitators hurling insults such as “Nazis” and “terrorists,” and paid organizers who appear to operate on a schedule. She describes scenes at protest hotspots, including ICE field offices and downtown Minneapolis intersections, and warns of potential escalation over the weekend despite frigid temperatures. Brecca also exposes business backlash, citing a McDonald’s franchise that posted a sign banning ICE agents—a move quickly disavowed by corporate—and reports of hotels refusing service to federal officers. Clay and Buck frame these incidents as evidence of corporate America’s hypersensitivity post-Bud Light controversy.

Another Perspective on the ICE Shooting

The conversation then shifts to legal standards for use of force, with Buck leveraging his law enforcement training to explain why the shooting meets the criteria for a “clean shoot.” He outlines key principles of self-defense law, including reasonable fear of imminent harm and lawful scope of duty, underscoring that bodycam footage has become a critical tool in debunking false narratives. The hosts argue that body cameras have defeated BLM-style propaganda, proving that most officers act appropriately under extreme circumstances.

History Nerd-Out 

In a historical pivot, Brianna Lyman of The Federalist joins to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the revolutionary pamphlet that galvanized colonial support for independence. Lyman explains Paine’s unique ability to translate Enlightenment ideals into language accessible to everyday colonists, making Common Sense the best-selling publication of 1776 after the Bible. She also recommends resources for history enthusiasts, including primary documents from John Adams and Hamilton, Joseph Ellis’s The Cause, and films like The Patriot and Gettysburg. Her “Countdown to Freedom” series offers bite-sized historical insights leading up to America’s semi-quincentennial, reminding listeners of the intellectual depth and religious foundation that shaped the founding era—qualities she argues are absent in today’s political leadership.

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