Topics discussed include buying gold and moving to an island in the south Pacific, proximity to Area 51 and plans to visit, transportation options in Las Vegas, hockey teams in the NHL, baseball culture and historical atrocities, manipulation techniques, politics, and media influence, foundations of the American Republic and the evolution of voting rights, exploring Canada and cultural integration, entrepreneurship, genetic predisposition, and immigration, division and limited resources, exploring different countries and dreaming of traveling to Northern Iraq, teaching English in Oman, property buying requirements in Fiji, finding aviation schools and availability of flight simulators, plans for Fiji, coronavirus impact, and economic collapse, leaving America for South Korea, reflections on American patriotism, anarchy, and the threat of political violence, encountering hostility while canvassing for a political candidate, political action committees, coronavirus overreaction, lack of democratic campaigning, failure to call out violence, politics, history, and perspectives.
The American Republic was built on the principles of individual rights and limited government, evolving over time to include more people in the enfranchisement.
Being critical consumers of information and seeking multiple perspectives can help combat the challenges of fake news and misinformation present in our current information age.
Disproportionate media attention often leads to misconceptions about the overall state of a country or region, and engaging with diverse perspectives is vital for a more accurate view.
Considering the historical context is crucial when discussing historical events or the actions of individuals or nations, avoiding misunderstandings caused by solely judging past actions through modern perspectives.
Deep dives
The American Constitution and Exceptionalism
The American Republic was built on the principles of individual rights and limited government. The Constitution ensured that rights were inherent to individuals and not granted by the government. While it was not perfect from the beginning, with limited voting rights for certain groups, it evolved over time to include more and more people in the enfranchisement. The rapid progress made in expanding voting rights for men and women should be seen as significant considering the historical context. The American experiment in constitutional government was a unique and exceptional development in human history.
The Power of Media and Fake News
The rise of social media and the availability of fake news has created new challenges in our current information age. While some argue that this is a new phenomenon, it is important to recognize that misinformation and propaganda have always existed. Examples can be found throughout history, such as public sentiment manipulated by the media leading up to the Spanish-American War. The key is to be critical consumers of information, to seek out multiple perspectives, and to be aware of the biases and agendas that may be present in the media.
Pockets of Violence and Media Perception
Incidents of violence and conflict in certain regions often receive disproportionate media attention, leading to misconceptions about the overall state of a country or region. It is important to recognize that most countries have areas that are disputed or have ongoing conflicts, but these do not represent the entire nation. Travelers who have visited these countries, as well as the locals themselves, often have a different and more nuanced understanding of the situation. To form a more accurate view, it is essential to engage with diverse perspectives and approach media coverage critically.
The Importance of Historical Context
When discussing historical events or the actions of individuals or nations, it is crucial to consider the historical context in which they occurred. Values, beliefs, and societal norms change over time, and what may have been acceptable or understood in the past may not be viewed the same way today. Misunderstandings and misconceptions can arise when past actions are judged solely through the lens of modern perspectives. By taking into account the historical context, we can better understand the motivations and decisions of individuals and nations, ultimately leading to more accurate and informed discussions.
Moving to Fiji for Permanent Residency and Property Ownership
The speaker discusses their plan to move to Fiji and obtain permanent residency and property ownership. They explain the process, which involves buying a property and investing a minimum of $250,000 Fijian dollars into it within two years. This investment must be shown through receipts for construction, land development, and other related expenses. After obtaining permanent residency, the speaker can eventually apply for citizenship. They chose Fiji due to its favorable property prices and the potential for a more affordable and peaceful lifestyle.
Experience of Threatened Violence and Factors Leading to Leaving the US
The speaker shares their personal experience of being threatened with violence while working for a political action committee (PAC) in rural New England. They highlight the underlying political tensions and division in the US, specifically regarding the lack of condemnation of violence by certain political groups. The speaker mentions their decision to leave the US, citing concerns about the overall state of the country and the erosion of principles it was founded upon. They express their frustration with the majority's preference for comfort over maintaining freedom and responsibility. The speaker also discusses their plans to move to South Korea due to the country's perceived non-authoritarian handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and their own personal circumstances.
Discussion on Pilot Training and Potential Locations
The speaker talks about their interest in pilot training and their search for schools offering condensed courses. They mention the affordability and availability of flight simulator programs for training purposes, as well as the approximately 40-50 hours of flight time required to obtain a pilot's license. The speaker explores the possibility of obtaining their license in the US, emphasizing the benefits of an FAA-certified license for broader flying opportunities. They consider destinations such as Wichita and Ventura County, California, known for offering short-duration flight training programs. The speaker also touches on the concept of practicing with flight simulators to potentially reduce flight hours needed for certification.
Reasons for Temporary Move to South Korea
The speaker explains their decision to temporarily move to South Korea due to dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the US. They express concerns over political violence, which they believe is not adequately addressed, and the growing acceptance of violence among certain factions. The speaker highlights South Korea's successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's non-authoritarian approach. They mention that they will be traveling on a tourist visa and plan to explore options like attending Korean language schools or potentially relocating to Japan. The speaker discusses their desire to live in a country where panic and violent reactions are less prevalent in times of crisis.
It’s pretty common while travelling to meet some interesting “characters”. Some you want to meet again, others you wish go away and are never seen again. My guest today, Denny Goin, belongs in the former category of people who you meet and you know is a bit of a character, but not in a bad way at all. He introduced me to the idea of buying gold and that it’s even possible to move to an island in the south Pacific. Sound crazy? That’s only some of the things we talked about in this episode. I highly recommend you listen to the whole thing as you’ll get the whole intonation and meaning of what the conversation consists of.