A Bonus Reason Roundtable. Live From Washington, D.C.!
Nov 16, 2023
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The Reason Roundtable live from Washington, D.C. discusses Lina Khan's anti-corporatism, Republican candidates' views on Israel, a new project by Reason magazine, revisiting the libertarian roots of the internet, the deadly consequences of hospital licensing laws, Elizabeth Nolan Brown's work on sex trafficking, and the media's coverage of fringe groups.
The first takeaway is about Lina Khan's anti-corporatism and the impact of the administrative state.
The second takeaway relates to the Republican candidates' views on Israel and its implications for presidential politics.
The third takeaway is about the sequel to Choice: The Best of Reason and its significance in the podcast.
Deep dives
The Americans: A Tale of Espionage in DC
The TV show 'The Americans' depicts the lives of two deep undercover Soviet agents operating a travel agency in DC during the Reagan years. It explores the conflicted emotions of one agent who falls in love with America despite being dedicated to the Soviet agenda. The show delves into the complexities of the Cold War and offers a profound meditation on the pursuit of truth and the promises of the United States amid a politically charged backdrop.
Shattered Glass: Revealing the Dark Side of Journalism
The movie 'Shattered Glass' depicts the true story of investigative journalist Stephen Glass, who fabricates stories while working for The New Republic. The film highlights the importance of pursuing the truth and the ethical responsibility of journalists, as portrayed by Glass's editor who works diligently to uncover the misconduct. It serves as a reminder that journalism should prioritize truth over personal gain, even when faced with charismatic individuals who manipulate facts.
Veep: A Hilarious Take on the Chaos of DC
The TV show 'Veep' presents a satirical and comedic depiction of Washington, D.C. The series showcases the often inept and self-interested actions of politicians struggling to navigate the political landscape, offering a humorous take on the reality of the city. It offers a refreshing perspective that contrasts with more idealistic portrayals like 'The West Wing' or 'Madam Secretary,' emphasizing the flawed nature of the political system and those within it.
Sonic Highways: Rediscovering the Music Scenes of DC
The TV series 'Sonic Highways' by Dave Grohl explores the rich history of music scenes in different cities. In the episode focused on Washington, D.C., Grohl examines the city's punk rock scene as well as the influential Go-Go music scene. The series provides a compelling exploration of the hidden history of these musical subcultures and their impact on the cultural landscape of D.C. It offers a fascinating look into the diverse music history of the city.
The Paranoid Center: Unmasking Unlikely Power Dynamics
The article 'The Paranoid Center' by Jesse Walker explores the tendency of the elite to fear fringe groups in American history. The piece delves into the paradoxes that arise when those in power become paranoid about fringe movements, revealing the unexpected influence and power exerted by the center under such circumstances. It sheds light on political dynamics and challenges conventional narratives surrounding perceived threats to the established order.
Last week, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman recorded an episode of TheReason Roundtable in front of a live audience at Reason's brand-new Washington, D.C., office. Topics ranged from Lina Khan's crusade against corporations at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to deciding which foreign policy views of the remaining Republican candidates are the least bad.
1:15—The administrative state and Lina Khan's anti-corporatism
17:53—Presidential politics and what Republican candidates think about Israel