The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Masters of the Universe

Aug 2, 2023

Reflecting on the state of New York City in the 1970s, the podcast explores urban politics, criminology, and reversing social decay. It discusses the perception of crime, the regulation of private and public space, and the decline of American strength. The podcast also touches on Curtis Lee and New York politics, as well as the role of conservative intellectuals in American politics. With comparisons to TV shows and a desire for more uplifting conclusions, it offers a nostalgic and informative discussion.

01:07:47

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Quick takeaways

New York City in the 1970s experienced rampant crime, economic struggles, and a loss of faith in institutions, but through good policies, governance, and some luck, the city made a comeback.

The increase in crime rate and the sense of disorder in cities like New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, and Minneapolis can be attributed to the randomness and sense of unease caused by the increase in crime and disorder, leading to negative consequences like decreased visitors and increased migration away from these places.

There has been a decline in the influence of intellectual conservatism in American politics, with recent trends showing that conservative politicians can rally their base without the backing of the intellectual establishment, reflecting the changing dynamics of political coalitions and the prioritization of interests and organizations over intellectual ideas.

Deep dives

The Dysfunction of New York City in the 1970s

New York City in the 1970s experienced rampant crime, economic struggles, and a loss of faith in institutions. The city was on the brink of bankruptcy, graffiti was prevalent, and incompetent leadership contributed to the disorder. However, through good policies, governance, and some luck, New York City made a comeback. The current struggles of cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and LA, as well as the decline of New York City, raise questions about how good policies can turn things around.

Introduction

3min

The Remembrance of New York City in the 1970s

14min

Perception of Crime and Fear in New York City

3min

Regulation of Private and Public Space and its Effect on Crime

3min

Nostalgia for the 1970s and the Decline of American Strength

22min

Discussion on Curtis Lee, the Guardian Angels, and New York politics

2min

The Role of Conservative Intellectuals in American Politics

15min

Reflections on New York in the 70s and Comparing TV Shows

3min

There’s been no shortage of disgruntled commentary in conservative media about the state of New York City recently, but it’s important to remember how bad things used to be in comparison. Today, Jonah is joined by old friends Tevi Troy and Vincent Cannato to reflect on what the Big Apple was like in the ‘70s. They dig into urban politics, criminology, and what it takes to reverse social decay, while also providing a few nostalgic musings that could serve as the foundation for an Odd Couple reboot. Just as Rodgers and Hart intended, they’ll have Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island too.

Show Notes:

-Tevi’s webpage

-Vin’s webpage

-Broken windows theory, again

-The Remnant with criminologist Shawn Bushway

-The Remnant on Portland’s decline with Nancy Rommelmann

-Tevi’s Intellectuals and the American Presidency

-Tevi: “The Odd Couple Metric”

-The Remnant with Matt Continetti on The Right

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