Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast How Process is Killing Progress with Ezra Klein
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Apr 8, 2025 
Ezra Klein, host of The Ezra Klein Show and New York Times columnist, dissects America's stagnation and the illusion of progress in modern governance. He argues the obsession with procedural adherence is crippling real outcomes, particularly in infrastructure and democracy. Klein emphasizes the need for flexibility in governance to stimulate innovation while addressing urgent social challenges. He also highlights the necessity of a progressive rethink in the face of rising political crises and the intricate balance between regulation and creativity.
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Process Fetishism
- Current liberalism prioritizes process over outcomes, creating a system where following rules is more important than achieving goals.
- This process focus makes government less effective and erodes public trust, as outcomes are not consistently achieved.
TRX in the Park
- Chris Hayes recounts an instance where park regulations seemed unnecessarily restrictive in a specific context, but acknowledges their broader purpose.
- He highlights the tension between individual risk assessment and system-wide rules designed to prevent cumulative harm.
Neoliberalism's Double-Edged Sword
- Both the political left and right contributed to a neoliberal system that distrusts government and prioritizes individual action.
- This shared skepticism fueled a shift towards litigation and process over direct government action, hindering effective governance.
