127 - Executive Onslaught

Jan 29, 2025

Dive into the wild world of politics as the hosts tackle fire-damaged property laws and the absurdity of political actions like executive orders. They celebrate Philly’s quirky traditions around the Eagles' win and dissect the complexities of U.S. immigration policies. Expect laughs as they critique Biden's ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the turbulence of artificial intelligence advancements. From capuchin monkeys to Barbie film critiques, this podcast blends humor with thought-provoking discussions on societal themes.

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ANECDOTE

Wes Fenza's Atlas Shrugged Misinformation

Wes Fenza incorrectly claimed laws in Atlas Shrugged were real.
He admitted to repeating information uncritically from an ACX meetup.

ADVICE

Don't Be Like Newsom

Gavin Newsom made it illegal to offer to buy fire-damaged properties at market rates.
This is similar to a villain's actions in the movie Twister.

ANECDOTE

Hawaii Rebuilding Obstructed

Hawaii waived regulations after a fire, but the Sierra Club and ACLU sued.
Only three out of 2,000 destroyed buildings have been rebuilt due to these lawsuits.

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Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

Eliezer Yudkowsky

The White Man's Burden

Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good

William Easterly

In this book, William Easterly critiques the West's economic policies towards the world's poor, arguing that these policies have led to more harm than good. Easterly, drawing from his decades of experience in international development, advocates for a more nuanced approach that focuses on small, incremental solutions rather than grand, macro-level plans. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, independent evaluation of aid programs, and understanding the domestic conditions of the countries receiving aid.

The Origins of Woke

Civil Rights Law, Corporate America, and the Triumph of Identity Politics

Richard Hanania

In this book, Richard Hanania presents a theory that the rise of 'woke' views in the US is primarily driven by legal rules and legislation, particularly those related to civil rights and affirmative action, rather than by ideological or cultural shifts. He argues that these laws have forced major institutions, including corporations and educational bodies, to conform to certain standards, leading to the widespread adoption of identity politics. Hanania also provides a roadmap for how these legal and institutional changes could be altered to reduce the influence of identity politics. The book offers a detailed historical and legal analysis of how these changes have shaped American society and culture[1][4][5].

Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.