Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode 18: "Strikes & You're Out!"
Release Date: May 16, 2025
In episode 18 of the "Armstrong & Getty On Demand" podcast, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty tackle two significant and timely issues: the recent Supreme Court oral arguments concerning birthright citizenship and nationwide injunctions, and the escalating problem of online scams on Meta's platforms. The episode offers insightful discussions, expert opinions, and real-world anecdotes that illuminate these complex topics for listeners.
1. Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Birthright Citizenship and Nationwide Injunctions
A. Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment
The episode begins with a deep dive into the Supreme Court's recent oral arguments regarding birthright citizenship as outlined in the 14th Amendment. The hosts explore the historical context and contemporary implications of this constitutional provision.
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Key Discussion Points:
- Interpretation of "Subject to the Jurisdiction Thereof": The phrase from the 14th Amendment is scrutinized to determine whether it implies mere legal obedience or requires allegiance to the United States.
- Legal Precedents and Challenges: The conversation touches upon the scant historical challenges to birthright citizenship and the potential ramifications of reinterpreting this long-standing principle.
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Notable Quote:
"The first sentence of the 14th Amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are US Citizens."
— Tim Sandifer [45:04]
B. Nationwide Injunctions by Federal Judges
Transitioning to the procedural aspects of the judiciary, Armstrong and Getty examine the surge in nationwide injunctions issued by individual federal judges, questioning the balance of judicial power in the American legal system.
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Key Discussion Points:
- Legitimacy and Frequency: The hosts debate whether the increased use of nationwide injunctions is a necessary check on executive power or an overreach of judicial authority.
- Implications for Federal Policies: The potential for single judges to halt significant federal actions raises concerns about consistency and the separation of powers.
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Notable Quotes:
"Nationwide injunctions are perfectly fine. They're the ordinary way of doing business in the courts."
— Tim Sandifer [35:16]"If you don't respect the Constitution, you don't love it, it cannot protect us."
— Tim Sandifer [36:09]
C. Expert Insights with Tim Sandifer
Tim Sandifer, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute, joins the conversation to provide expert analysis on these judicial matters.
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Key Insights:
- Restoration of Constitutional Respect: Sandifer emphasizes the need to uphold constitutional principles to maintain individual freedoms.
- Challenges of Modern Governance: He highlights how contemporary political actions test the robustness of constitutional safeguards.
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Notable Quote:
"We have to restore respect for the Constitution in this country."
— Tim Sandifer [36:52]
2. Meta's Battle with Online Scams
Shifting focus, the podcast delves into the persistent issue of scams on Meta’s platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, highlighting the company's struggle to combat fraudulent activities effectively.
A. Surge in Online Scams
The hosts reference a Wall Street Journal report detailing Meta's challenges in curbing scams, which have intensified over the past six months.
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Key Discussion Points:
- Types of Scams: From fake Apple Vision Pro headsets to stolen product listings, the variety and sophistication of scams have grown.
- Impact on Consumers: Personal stories, like Armstrong's attempt to purchase a headset, illustrate the real-world consequences of these scams.
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Notable Quotes:
"Newly active advertisers on the platform are promoting scams, illicit goods or low-quality products."
— Jack Armstrong [08:18]"If enough people bail from the marketplace because they think there's too many fraudsters, then you get nothing."
— Jack Armstrong [15:11]
B. Meta's Response and Regulatory Findings
The conversation critiques Meta's response to the scam epidemic, pointing out internal documents and external regulatory findings that reveal the depth of the problem.
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Key Discussion Points:
- Internal Inaction: Meta's reluctance to swiftly remove fraudulent advertisers despite clear evidence of wrongdoing.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: British and Australian regulators have noted similar issues, indicating a global challenge for Meta.
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Notable Quotes:
"Meta is reluctant to add impediments for ad buying clients who drove a 22% increase in advertising last year to over $160 billion."
— Jack Armstrong [11:14]"They are run out of China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines."
— Jack Armstrong [08:44]
C. The Human Cost of Scamming Operations
Sandifer adds depth to the discussion by highlighting the human toll of organized scamming operations, often involving forced labor under brutal conditions in Southeast Asia.
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Key Discussion Points:
- Pig Butchering Groups: These operations involve coercing individuals into committing scams, often through extreme abuse.
- Ethical Implications: The moral responsibility of tech companies in preventing such crimes.
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Notable Quote:
"They have warehouses full of people who will be whipped, beaten, and tortured if they don't try to scam you."
— Jack Armstrong [13:31]
3. Cultural Reflections and Personal Anecdotes
Between the heavy discussions, Armstrong and Getty weave in personal stories and cultural observations, making the episode relatable and engaging.
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Personal Experience:
- Armstrong shares his own experience with Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the ease with which scams can proliferate on large-scale platforms.
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Media Bias and Information Consumption:
- The hosts reflect on changing media landscapes, discussing recommendations for unbiased news sources and the challenges of finding factual reporting amidst sensationalism.
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Notable Quotes:
"If you grew up in a family that had lots of drama and then you go and hang out with some family that has zero drama, maybe it seems like uncomfortably boring to you."
— Jack Armstrong [22:58]
4. Key Takeaways and Conclusions
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Judicial Power and Constitutional Safeguards: The episode underscores the delicate balance between judicial oversight and executive actions, advocating for the preservation of constitutional protections against potential governmental overreach.
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Tech Platforms and Ethical Responsibility: Meta’s struggle with online scams serves as a case study in the broader responsibility of tech companies to protect their users from fraudulent activities and the ethical implications of their inaction.
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Importance of Constitutional Literacy: Through the discussions on the 14th Amendment, the hosts highlight the need for greater public understanding of constitutional principles to foster a more informed citizenry.
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Call to Action for Listeners: Armstrong and Getty encourage listeners to stay informed about legal debates and advocate for accountability in both the judiciary and tech industries to uphold individual rights and consumer safety.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Tim Sandifer on Nationwide Injunctions:
"Nationwide injunctions are perfectly fine. They're the ordinary way of doing business in the courts."
— [35:16] -
Jack Armstrong on Meta Scams:
"Newly active advertisers on the platform are promoting scams, illicit goods or low-quality products."
— [08:18] -
Tim Sandifer on Constitutional Respect:
"We have to restore respect for the Constitution in this country."
— [36:09] -
Jack Armstrong on User Trust:
"If enough people bail from the marketplace because they think there's too many fraudsters, then you get nothing."
— [15:11]
Final Thoughts
Episode 18 of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand" masterfully combines legal analysis with real-world implications, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of both judicial power dynamics and the pervasive issue of online scams. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, the hosts provide a balanced and informative perspective on topics that significantly impact society and individual rights.