The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Big Government Now
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Apr 3, 2025 
Marc J. Dunkelman, a visiting fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," joins Jonah Goldberg to tackle America’s governance problems. They discuss the transformation of progressive policies and how NIMBYism impacts infrastructure projects. Dunkelman argues for the need for more institutions to foster effective governance. They reflect on the complexities of family decision-making as a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, and highlight the historical significance of NYC's urban planning debates.
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American Progressivism's Shift
- America struggles with big projects like housing, clean energy, and high-speed rail.
- This is due to a shift in progressivism from empowering institutions to restricting them.
Conflicting Impulses in Progressivism
- Progressivism blends Hamiltonian (empowering institutions) and Jeffersonian (empowering individuals) impulses.
- These conflicting impulses create internal tension and policy paralysis.
Robert Moses and New York City
- Robert Moses, a powerful figure in New York City, made impactful decisions favoring cars over mass transit.
- This led to the demolition of Penn Station and construction of highways, ultimately hurting the city.
