11/18/21: Biden Fitness, Opioid Deaths, Inflation Profiteering, The View, Peng Shuai Missing, Buttigieg Doc, Fauci Insanity, Unvaccinated Working Class, and More!
Nov 18, 2021
auto_awesome
Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity" and Substack writer, dives into pressing societal issues. He discusses the alarming rise in opioid deaths, connecting it to economic disparities and addiction's impact on the working class. Arnade highlights the debate around vaccinations and personal freedoms amidst misinformation, as well as the concerning situation of Peng Shuai, blending sports with human rights. They also critique Biden's public image and explore the disconnect between elite narratives and everyday struggles, emphasizing the need for genuine community.
The View drama highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and misinformation.
Companies are profiting off inflation by raising prices beyond inflation rates due to lack of competition.
Being unvaccinated has become a core part of identity for some working-class individuals.
The disconnect between the political dialogue among elites and the concerns of working-class people may have negative political ramifications.
Deep dives
Jedidiah Bila discusses her medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine and opposes mandates
Jedidiah Bila, a former conservative co-host on The View, appeared on the show to discuss her book. She revealed that she has a medical exemption from the vaccine and has high natural immunity. She opposes vaccine mandates, arguing that people should make their own decisions after consulting with trusted doctors and family members. The co-hosts of The View challenged her views, with Sunny Hostin stating that prioritizing personal freedom over public health is concerning. The conversation became tense, and Whoopi Goldberg suggested that her views may be spreading misinformation. The segment ended with a debate about personal freedom versus the health and safety of others.
Exploitative practices by US corporations amid inflation
A report by the Wall Street Journal revealed that nearly two-thirds of the largest publicly traded companies in the US have reported higher profit margins than before the pandemic, despite the ongoing inflation. These companies are able to increase prices, sometimes beyond inflation, using inflation as an excuse. CEOs have openly discussed on investor calls their ability to hike prices and generate high profits. This practice is enabled by the lack of competition due to monopolies, allowing companies to raise prices without fear of being undercut by competitors. As a result, consumers end up paying higher prices while companies reap larger profits.
A contentious debate about COVID-19 vaccinations on The View
Jedidiah Bila, a former conservative co-host on The View, appeared on the show and explained her personal decision not to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical exemption and her high natural immunity. The co-hosts challenged her decision, arguing that the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. However, the conversation turned heated, with Jedidiah arguing against vaccine mandates and the co-hosts expressing frustration over prioritizing personal freedom over public health. The segment ended without a resolution or change in viewpoints.
Discussion about COVID-19 misinformation and vaccine hesitancy
The conversation on The View highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and misinformation. While Jedidiah Bila argued against vaccine mandates and discussed her personal exemption, the co-hosts expressed concerns about spreading misinformation and stressed the importance of getting vaccinated to protect public health. The segment showcased the challenges of discussing this topic, with differing opinions and emotions running high.
The Identity of the Unvaccinated
During his interactions with working-class individuals who have chosen not to get vaccinated, the author found that being unvaccinated has become a core part of their identity. Despite the potential risks, many of these individuals take pride in their decision, viewing it as a way to defy and challenge the elites who they believe do not care about them. While some level of tribalism and politicization of COVID policies may have been inevitable, the author suggests that the way public health officials and political elites communicate about these issues has contributed to the divide. The policies have disproportionately affected the working class, leading to cynicism and frustration. As a result, the author predicts that the Democrats may face difficulties in the 2022 elections, as these communities feel neglected and unsupported by the Democratic Party.
The Ongoing Overdose Crisis
The author reflects on the devastating increase in overdose deaths, particularly from fentanyl, and its concentrated impact on industrial regions and areas that have lost jobs and community centers. He emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and place as sources of meaning and identity, arguing that the lack of these elements in the lives of working-class individuals contributes to addiction and suicide. The author critiques the detachment and materialism of elites in their understanding of these issues and calls for a deeper appreciation of the cultural and societal factors that drive addiction and despair in these communities.
The Political Impact of COVID Policies
The author suggests that the COVID policies implemented by the elites and its consequences have led to a growing sense of frustration and cynicism among the working class. The policies, which have disrupted their lives and created confusion, prevent them from participating in activities that hold deep cultural and social significance, such as gathering at bars, gyms, and community spaces. This disenchantment could have significant political ramifications, potentially leading to negative outcomes for the Democratic Party in the upcoming elections. The author points out that the disconnect between the political dialogue among elites and the concerns of ordinary working-class people is a concerning factor that further deepens the divide.
Krystal and Saagar talk about Biden's fitness to serve, a surge in opioid deaths, companies profiting off inflation, The View drama, a missing Chinese tennis star, Fauci's madness on covid, the Amazon Mayor Pete documentary, unvaccinated working class with Chris Arnade, and more!
