State Fair

This week, we do a Rico-Centric show with our regular crew and our two trusty editors: Jon Gabriel (Ricochet’s beloved EIC) and Bethany Mandel, the Madonna of The Main Feed. We talk about flagpoles, conservatives on social media, an insider’s view of Arizona, why Instagram is the best social media platform (after this one, natch) and of course, Lileks gives the lowdown on the Minnesota State Fair.

Music from this week’s episode: State Fair (opening title) by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II

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  1. DaytonDuke Inactive
    DaytonDuke
    @mbatesmd

    Hi, guys!  I don’t think that the podcast numbering has been fixed, at least on Apple.  I started to listen to #414, and it was “The One About Socialism”, which I listened to last week.  I then (re-)downloaded #413, but this time it was this one (“State Fair”).  What was interesting was that James said at the beginning that it was #413.  I really enjoyed this episode, but could you fix the order so that others aren’t confused?

    By the way, I remember the Red Owl grocery store from trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as a kid.  Thanks for the memory!

    • #31
  2. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    DaytonDuke (View Comment):

    Hi, guys! I don’t think that the podcast numbering has been fixed, at least on Apple. I started to listen to #414, and it was “The One About Socialism”, which I listened to last week. I then (re-)downloaded #413, but this time it was this one (“State Fair”). What was interesting was that James said at the beginning that it was #413. I really enjoyed this episode, but could you fix the order so that others aren’t confused?

    By the way, I remember the Red Owl grocery store from trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as a kid. Thanks for the memory!

    Hi Dayton,

    This has been fixed for several hours now. We are aware that James had the wrong episode number last week (my fault, not his), but the numbering of the episodes on iTunes is correct:

    • #32
  3. Jon Gabriel, Ed. Contributor
    Jon Gabriel, Ed.
    @jon

    DaytonDuke (View Comment):
    By the way, I remember the Red Owl grocery store from trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as a kid. Thanks for the memory!

    My grandma in Sault Ste. Marie MI had a Red Owl just around the corner. What part of the UP are you from?

    • #33
  4. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    LibertyDefender (View Comment):

    My guess is that Trump is very aware that he is living rent-free in JuliaBlaschke’s mind. And in Mona Charen’s. And Bill in Kristol’s. And in Jay Nordlinger’s. And in John Podhoretz’s. And in …

    Oh yeah, that Trump base is leaving Trump, because they so respected John McCain, who was an enemy of free speech, a consistent opponent to tax cuts, and an insulter of law enforcement and national sovereignty through his aggressive support of amnesty for illegal aliens.

    Hugh Hewitt used to say that McCain was a great American, a bad senator, and a terrible republican.  Or something like that.  I rarely listen to his radio show/podcasts any more, since he moved to early morning and most of what he does is just a rehash of the previous day’s far superior Aftershow by his producer, Duane Patterson.  But I suspect that everything except “great American” has gone down the memory hole since McCain’s passing.

    • #34
  5. Bethany Mandel Coolidge
    Bethany Mandel
    @bethanymandel

    Thank you for all the love here y’all. Reading your comments really made my week!

    • #35
  6. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six. Like James, I’ve been blessed to have been a stay-at-home parent — in my case, for most of the years of child-raising. If working at home cost me a literal fortune in lost opportunities (and it probably did), the compensations more than made up for it.

    Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless. I think I’m going to enjoy being home alone after so many years. But I’ll echo Bethany’s observation that being a parent is the best, most valuable, and most gratifying thing I’ve ever done. She’s right that, far from being a burden, it has been a great source — the great source — of meaning and happiness in my life.

    Great show, and terrific guest.

    • #36
  7. Peter Robinson Contributor
    Peter Robinson
    @PeterRobinson

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six….Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless….

    Father of six? Henry, you give me cover!

    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    • #37
  8. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six….Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless….

    Father of six? Henry, you give me cover!

    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    Even then, you’ll still have to deal with Rob.

    • #38
  9. Miffed White Male Member
    Miffed White Male
    @MiffedWhiteMale

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six….Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless….

    Father of six? Henry, you give me cover!

    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    Change the locks.

     

    • #39
  10. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six….Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless….

    Father of six? Henry, you give me cover!

    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    Even then, you’ll still have to deal with Rob.

    I’ll always be indebted to you, Peter, for the “Tear Down This Wall” speech. But nowadays, since I agree more with Rob than I do you, I would put Hank’s observation the other way: He will still have to deal with you! :-)

    • #40
  11. Full Size Tabby Member
    Full Size Tabby
    @FullSizeTabby

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    A good podcast became wonderful with Bethany’s arrival and the topic of family. Thank you!

    I’m the oldest of seven and the father of six….Last week my youngest went off to college; the nest is empty and life suddenly feels nearly effortless….

    Father of six? Henry, you give me cover!

    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    Even better than leaving home is becoming financially self-sufficient. Too many of my peers have been providing financial support for children in their late 20’s who really should be “off the family payroll.” 

    • #41
  12. Goldwaterwoman Thatcher
    Goldwaterwoman
    @goldwaterwoman

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):
    As for your youngest’s having gone off to college, congrats. My remaining ambition in life is to live long enough to see all five leave home.

    Be careful what you wish for Peter. Once they’re gone, married, undertaking new careers, etc., life gets way more complicated. Honest.

    • #42
  13. Eustace C. Scrubb Member
    Eustace C. Scrubb
    @EustaceCScrubb

    So good to listen to a podcast that gives @exjon plenty of time to speak… Unlike, say, The Conservatarians.

    • #43
  14. Pudge Inactive
    Pudge
    @Pudge

    I was one of 8 children. I was seventh. When I was very young my mother was asked why she had so many children. Her response was that she didn’t know what was causing it until after the sixth one.

    • #44
  15. J Ro Member
    J Ro
    @JRo

    Peter Robinson (View Comment):

    Make of it what you will, but here’s the story explaining that the White House raised the flag again “in accordance with the U.S. flag code.” The central graf:

    [T]he White House’s decision to raise the flag on Monday morning was in exact accordance to the country’s official guidelines for flying the flag at half-staff. The nonbinding U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1942, dictates that when a member of Congress dies, the flag should be lowered “on the day of death and the following day.” A similar proclamation about flag display made by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 and amended in 1969 to include members of Congress recommends the same duration. McCain died on Saturday, and the White House flag was lowered through the end of Sunday.

    None of this means Trump is a saint, obviously. But my guess is that the president himself wasn’t even aware that the flag had been restored to full staff–raising and lowering the flag is the responsibility, if I recall correctly, of the White House usher’s office–until he saw the stories on cable television. Whereupon, what did he do? He ordered the flag returned to half-mast.

    Thanks for clarifying. And exonerating.

    Pity that the critics (left and right) are so worked up over every little detail and it doesn’t occur to them that there are expert professionals in charge of these things. They are like pilots in that some of their procedures must be memorized, others are consulted on a written checklist, and many are executed at the pilot’s discretion. The trick is to ensure these people care more deeply about doing the right thing, without letting their personal feelings and politics interfere with that duty. 

    But of course, instead of doing what Peter just did, the MSM is more likely to add this to their mountain of evidence that there is “chaos” at the White House.

    • #45
  16. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    Rob said “Trump should’ve listened to McCain on Obamacare”. McCain promised to wipe it out over and over. This is a fact. It was passed with a parliamentary trick. The idea that it had to be wiped out under regular order is absurd. John Hinderaker went over this on Laura Ingram’s show, and it was brutal.  The reason we are still under the thumb of the ACA is because of McCain. The ACA is a scam to force single-payer and it redistribute’s unfairly and with impunity while it does it.

    • #46
  17. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    I have a great deal of trouble with people trying to tell me that McCain was constructive politically. That is not one of his positive qualities. I can cut him all kinds of slack, more than many people, but people that are pushing that line right now aren’t being realistic.

    • #47
  18. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    I absolutely love Martha McSally’s rhetorical delivery.

    It’s interesting that Bethany is talking about having babies and being optimistic about civilization. I just heard a real smart hedge fund guy say exactly that. His point was, civilization improves through innovation, and you get more innovation by having more people. It was on the “exchange” series on real vision which I’ve been begging everyone to watch. It’s 90 minutes. It’ll cost you a whole 10 bucks or something, to get a pass. Many of the things we argue about here are explained.

    ***EDIT***

    I’m also fascinated by the fact that LBJ invents Medicare right after the pill was created and then they run the whole thing like a Ponzi scheme that requires prior birthrates. Personally, I think big government is what holds back birthrates. It jacks up the cost-of-living and reduces opportunity.

    Medicare was such a disaster right out of the chute that it caused Congress to create the Congressional Budget Office. It never would’ve passed scrutiny.

    • #48
  19. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands.  Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    • #49
  20. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair. 

    • #50
  21. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That is such a good idea. The Minnesota State Fair has to be seen to be believed. Do it at The Patriot booth. 

    • #51
  22. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    RufusRJones (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That is such a good idea. The Minnesota State Fair has to be seen to be believed. Do it at The Patriot booth.

    I am begging you to interview @Shabbosgoy LOL

    • #52
  23. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    I still don’t quite understand why people make babies. I wrote a whole post explaining why I don’t understand it. Breeding is weird.

    http://ricochet.com/archives/why-babies/

    • #53
  24. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I still don’t quite understand why people make babies. I wrote a whole post explaining why I don’t understand it. Breeding is weird.

    http://ricochet.com/archives/why-babies/

    What a poor, sad soul you must be.

    For an alternate view, this is still one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard, on ANY subject(s).

    https://www.adrive.com/public/DS9Nut/NARN%2012-02-06%20NARN%201%20Hour%202%20Mark%20Steyn.mp3

    • #54
  25. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    RufusRJones (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That is such a good idea. The Minnesota State Fair has to be seen to be believed. Do it at The Patriot booth.

    There’s a rather prominent “Make Minnesota Red” store/exhibit replete with Trump 2020 t-shirts.  I tried successfully not to spill any juice from the fried pickle I was holding while perusing the shirts, and then headed over to the nearby milk booth–all you can drink $2!

    • #55
  26. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    Laura Loomer is at the State Fair to harass Keith Ellison. How nice. She will file a report on Alex Jones today, no doubt.

    • #56
  27. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That would be cool.  @peterrobinson is always so excited to hear James’ report from the MSF, I think he ought to come and do that podcast in person with James.

    • #57
  28. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That would be cool. @peterrobinson is always so excited to hear James’ report from the MSF, I think he ought to come and do that podcast in person with James.

    That’s the idea. 

    • #58
  29. Jim O Member
    Jim O
    @JimO

    I love the podcast, but… Some of the hosts have a tendency to phrase their questions in multiple choice format. This can limit the answers one gets. Open ended questions are usually more informative and keep us all thinking.

    • #59
  30. Full Size Tabby Member
    Full Size Tabby
    @FullSizeTabby

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    “Two Hicks and a Chick’ playing at the Great Minnesota Get Together today at 4:30, followed by “Hairball”–a tribute to Hair bands. Is there any other place to be with one of Carl’s Gizmo Sandwiches in hand?

    Spoke with James about this the other day: next year, we’re going to try to do a live R> Podcast at the Minnesota State Fair.

    That would be cool. @peterrobinson is always so excited to hear James’ report from the MSF, I think he ought to come and do that podcast in person with James.

    That’s the idea.

    I would love to see video of @peterrobinson walking around the fair (sweater tied at the neck optional) and encountering all the loud, noisy, smelly, and fried joys (animal, human, and food) that make a state fair so much fun.

    • #60
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