The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg We Scold These Truths | Solo
Sep 6, 2025
Jonah Goldberg probes a lively exchange about the celestial origins of rights, tackling political messaging's absurdities, especially concerning immigration. He critiques the narrative of 'heritage Americans' and examines Donald Trump’s dwindling ties with Modi. With insights on American identity and foundational rights, he contrasts abstract principles with beliefs in God-given rights. Plus, there's a metaphorical look at community stability and the impact of AI on society, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
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Rights Are Prior To Government
- Jonah Goldberg argues the founding claim that rights are prior to government is central to the American founding and Constitutional design.
- He says Tim Kaine's dismissal of God-given rights misunderstands that the Bill of Rights assumes rights exist before government.
Negative Rights Reveal Founders' View
- Goldberg connects negative framing in the Bill of Rights to the belief that government cannot grant or revoke preexisting rights.
- He uses that textual form as evidence the founders saw rights as inalienable and prior to government.
Positive Rights Expand Government Power
- He warns that positive economic rights (like FDR's Second Bill of Rights) expand government power and conflict with American constitutional traditions.
- Goldberg argues granting rights via government risks concentrating power to grant and revoke those rights.
