Just Asking Questions

Deb Fillman, creator of The Reason We Learn, critiques the current state of American education as a teacher, tutor, and homeschool parent. She discusses the literacy crisis and its ties to teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of the Western canon. Fillman explores how digital culture affects learning, particularly in terms of reading habits. She raises concerns over socioeconomic disparities and argues against collectivist trends in education. The conversation also delves into the complexities of school choice and its implications for individual freedom in education.

Rob Henderson, author of "Troubled" and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, debates the concept of luxury beliefs—ideas that upscale society champions while others bear the costs. He delves into the allure of socialism among the educated elite, the political rise of figures like Zohran Mamdani, and the clash between cultural expectations and economic realities. Henderson also explores how marriage impacts financial success, critiques the romanticization of socialism, and reveals the complexities of social class in modern America.

In this enlightening discussion, Patrick Eddington, a former CIA analyst and author of 'The Triumph of Fear', exposes the unsettling realities of the modern surveillance state and its infringement on civil liberties. He delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by tech giant Palantir, revealing its questionable ties with authoritarian practices. Eddington underscores the importance of legislative reforms for data protection, critiques historical law enforcement misuse, and rallies for active citizenship to safeguard democracy. This eye-opening conversation is a must-listen for advocates of privacy and freedom.

Gary Taubes, a renowned science journalist and the author of influential books on diet, joins to explore the MAHA Report's findings on childhood obesity in the U.S. He dives into the controversies of ultra-processed foods, discussing their significant role in rising obesity rates. Taubes challenges existing dietary guidelines and highlights flaws in nutrition research design. The conversation also touches on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential impact on U.S. health policies and the complexities of bias in dietary studies.

Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics at the Cato Institute, dives into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the U.S. economy. He discusses Trump's use of tariffs as a political tool and the mixed results on American manufacturing. Interesting insights include how tariffs are raising consumer prices and the political dynamics influencing trade policies. Lincicome also addresses the sustainability of tariff revenue and its effects on inflation, prompting a reevaluation of economic nationalism.

What is the "Trump doctrine"? Just asking questions. President Donald Trump won his first term in office after breaking with the Republican establishment on a few fronts. One notable example: On the debate stage in 2016, he embarrassed Jeb Bush for his family's role in the disastrous Iraq War.  Trump didn't start any new wars in his first term, though he didn't end any either. This time around, he joined Israel's attack on Iran by dropping bombs on its uranium enrichment facilities. Although his vice president has said he does "not think that it is in America's interest to continue to fund an effectively never-ending war in Ukraine," Trump announced this week that the U.S. will ship more weapons to Ukraine, with his Defense Department describing the move as "integral to our America First defense priorities." Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative, understands the contours of the foreign policy landscape on the right better than most, and he joined the show today to discuss Trump's latest foreign policy moves, the growing schism within the MAGA movement over the continued support for Israel and Ukraine, Trump's hostile dismissal of a question about the Jeffrey Epstein case, and what Trump's foreign policy "grand strategy" might be.  Timecodes: 0:00 - Trump ran against the Iraq War, and Vance against funding Ukraine 2:00 - What is the 'Trump doctrine'? 6:57 - What does Curt think of Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize? 8:58 - Are Netanyahu's demands reasonable? 11:40 - What do Trump and Netanyahu plan for the Palestinians? 15:58 - Were the Iran strikes a success? 25:59 - Can Iran rebuild its nuclear program? 26:30 - What is JD Vance's role in Trump's foreign policy? 30:10 - Why is Trump giving more weapons to Ukraine? 41:06 - Why doesn't Trump want to talk about Jeffrey Epstein anymore?   The post Curt Mills: Is Trump Still 'America First'? appeared first on Reason.com.

Inez Stepman, a policy analyst at the Independent Women's Forum, dives into the cultural appeal of socialism among young New Yorkers, particularly around the rise of socialist politician Zohran Mamdani. She argues that this trend stems more from cultural sentiments than economic need. The discussion explores the negative societal impacts of socialism, such as victimhood and diminished community spirit. Stepman also critiques political ideologies, emphasizing the importance of local cultural factors and the potential clash between socialist ideals and personal achievement in the city.

Ro Khanna, the progressive Representative from California's 17th district, tackles the pressing issue of war powers and the need for Congress to reclaim its authority. He challenges the current administration's military strategies in Iran, advocating for diplomacy over aggression. Khanna emphasizes the importance of bipartisan cooperation to curb executive war powers and the necessity for the Democratic Party to renew its anti-war identity. He also explores the role of trust in government and the push to eliminate corrupt money from politics.

Paul Pillar, a former CIA analyst with extensive expertise in military intelligence, delves deep into America’s complicated role in the Israel-Iran conflict. He warns of unsettling parallels to the Iraq War, emphasizing the dangers of misinformation. Pillar discusses the implications of recent Israeli military actions, the significance of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the potential for regime change. He critiques the oversimplified narratives surrounding Iran’s influence, advocating for careful diplomacy and bipartisan unity in U.S. foreign policy to navigate these tensions.

In this discussion, attorney Laura Powell, founder of Californians for Good Governance and a politically homeless former leftist, shares her take on the recent L.A. riots sparked by immigration raids. She argues that California's political leaders have exacerbated the unrest, while exploring the tensions between federal and state responses. Powell dives into law enforcement's struggles, the role of unions, and the implications of military deployment in civilian unrest. She underscores the need for political accountability and a shift in how immigration issues are handled.