The hosts discuss President Biden's controversial pardon of Hunter Biden, debating its impact on justice and public trust. They also delve into Kash Patel's nomination as FBI director and the associated fears of politicization within the bureau. With humor, they touch on broader themes of political integrity and accountability, notably reflecting on the ethics of assisted suicide through a libertarian lens. Additionally, they explore the implications of government policies on individual rights and community engagement in the arts.
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Biden Pardons Hunter
President Biden pardoned his son Hunter for various offenses, including tax fraud and lying on a gun purchase application.
This blanket pardon covers activities dating back to 2014, including Hunter's dealings with Burisma while Biden was Vice President.
insights INSIGHT
A Stinky Pardon
Biden's pardon is hypocritical given his past statements, yet understandable from a parental perspective.
It erodes public trust in government, potentially positioning Trump to contrast himself by upholding the law.
insights INSIGHT
Truthiness in Politics
The Biden administration, like others before it, frequently shades the truth, eroding public trust.
They justify this by claiming to serve honorable purposes, failing to recognize their own dishonesty.
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The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Gregory Maguire
In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz[1][3][4].
Government Gangsters
The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy
Kash Pramod Patel
In 'Government Gangsters,' Kash Patel exposes a sinister cabal of corrupt law enforcement personnel, intelligence agents, and military officials at the highest levels of government who plotted to overthrow a president. Despite their failure, they continue to secretly influence power without accountability to the American people. Patel, drawing from his firsthand knowledge, reveals the major players and tactics within the permanent government bureaucracy and provides a roadmap on how to defeat the Deep State, reassert self-government, and restore democracy.
The Plot Against the King
Kash Patel
In this children's book, Kash Patel partners with BRAVE Books to present a fictionalized account of what he describes as Hillary Clinton's plot against Donald Trump. The story is filled with characters like Comma-la-la-la, Shifty (Adam Schiff), and the Dragon of Jalapenos (DOJ), and features Kash as the hero who helps King Donald overcome the challenges. The book is part of a series aimed at educating children about political issues through a fantastical narrative.
In this week's TheReason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman react to President Joe Biden's blanket pardon of his son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Kash Patel for the role of FBI Director.
04:47—President Joe Biden pardons Hunter Biden 23:14—Kash Patel nominated to lead the FBI 38:13—Weekly listener question 47:33—This week's cultural recommendations
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