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Jay wanted to talk some things over with Kevin D. Williamson, and Kevin obliged. They talk about issues of concern to them both: what makes an economy go (and stall); the whys and wherefores of immigration; the effects of trade; the nature of poverty. They talk about other issues too, including (gulp) Playboy clubs. KDW is a wonderful thinker and gent, and these qualities come shining through in this podcast.
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Adore KDW – @richochet please, please, please give him his own podcast – Mad Dogs (from NR) and gems like this are not enough.
Williamson and Nordlinger. Time for a “Odd Couple” reboot?
I’m not a regular to Q&A, and downloaded this episode because of Kevin Williamson. Overall a good interview, but Jay’s style got in the way a few times as it often does when he does interviews.
We don’t see eye to eye on immigration, but I acknowledge their economic arguments (their discussion about the economic pie). I did noitce that there was mention of Indians and Pakistanis in convenience stores and not Mexicans. The problem, is a cultural one, and we need a 20 year break from extensive immigration until we can integrate the people we do have. We also need to mitigate the influx of immigrants, legal or illegal, from Mexico and South America. What’s happening in Sweden and Germany are warning signs.
Also naturalized immigrants have a tendency to vote for more government and less freedom. That seems to be off limits as an issue, but it’s actually the elephant in the room. I consider it a valid issue, one that effects me the most.
Regarding Bezos and Zuckerberg et al being harassed by sharks, I consider them sharks in their own right. Zuckerberg is now involved in politics and uses his firm to advance his views. I’m less inclined to give him a pass when it comes to anti-trust. Bezos is less involved politically, but he does use his firm to pressure local governments to give him favors. Note the way local governments have wooed Amazon with tax breaks if they build a warehouse or move their headquarters to a certain place.
The more they involve themselves in the political space, the less sympathetic I am of them when it comes to government interference.
I acknowledge that I’m a fairly heavy Amazon customer and a light Facebook user.
The question isn’t whether they will give him his own podcast (they would), but whether he wants to do one.
Thanks Jay and Kevin. Really enjoyed the discussion. And yes, more KDW please.
I enjoyed this very much.
About Google censoring Prager videos: I try to suppress my animus at Prager when he is right. I don’t think he is, with his lawsuit. The videos are wonderful teaching tools, and shame on Google for trying to suppress them. But they are a private company. We don’t believe in forcing private companies to do things, unless they are hurting people. So, as Kevin said, it is not as if Prager can’t get his views out there: Books, columns, a radio show, etc. And he does have a website anyone can watch all the videos on. He should withdraw the suit. It is more harmful than helpful in the long run.
Everyone has their price ;)
Isn’t a third option to see humans as individuals, some of whom are assets and some of whom are liabilities? And why aren’t cultural differences part of the equation?
Interesting comment about the Republicans expecting an end point regarding racial disparity actions. The Democrats are the opposite. They don’t want one.
36 minutes in and no Trump bashing. That’s a hopeful sign.
Jay insists on conflating those that produce more than they consume – Asians, primarily – with those that, in the aggregate, consume more than they produce. I’m willing to be very generous to those already here and open to guest worker programs that foster more opportunity, in a controlled way.
Well, as far as I’m concerned we have reached the end point. The problem has been solved. What we’re arguing over bitterly are smaller and smaller issues.
An individual in this country can lead a reasonably successful life (90%+ chance) if he/she gets married before having children after age 18, and stays married to the same person.
That’s regardless of race. There are some minor issues that blacks and hispanics have to deal with. If they walk into a store, they may be scrutinized more as a potential shoplifter. When driving, they have a higher chance of being stopped.
If they’re law abiding might they be resentful? Yes. But is it a significant obstacle to a successful middle class life? No it’s not.
As recently as 50-60 years ago, that was not the case. We’re at the point now, where the problems are going to take care of themselves if we just let them.