

Mending the Bootstraps
44 snips Mar 20, 2025
Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor of The Atlantic and author of "Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity," joins the conversation to address declining American mobility and its effects. He discusses how zoning laws and regulatory frameworks stifle small businesses and social mobility. Yoni also explores the paradox of rootedness versus the need for geographic movement. Their engaging dialogue provides a fresh perspective on how America can revitalize its promise of opportunity.
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Declining American Mobility
- American mobility has declined steadily over 50 years, impacting various aspects of life.
- This decline is a major social change, affecting job changes, business startups, and relocation rates.
Mobility's Impact on Identity and Community
- Geographic mobility enabled social mobility and vibrant communities in America.
- By choosing where to live, people could reconstruct their identities and build social ties.
The Importance of Scenery
- Jonah Goldberg recounts how his brother's addiction issues were exacerbated by his environment.
- He suggests that a change of scenery can help people reinvent themselves and break bad habits.