Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: Congress Shall Make No Law Yada Yada Yada... Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction

In the January 24, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong delve into the complexities of the U.S. Constitution, focusing particularly on the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. The discussion is peppered with humor and sharp commentary, making intricate legal topics accessible and entertaining for the audience.

Exploring the 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

The episode opens with Joe Getty referencing the iconic phrase from the 1st Amendment, humorously blending it with the show's own tagline:

Joe Getty [00:00]: "Congress shall make no law. Yada yada yada. It's one more thing. Armstrong and Getty. One more thing."

This segues into a detailed yet lighthearted examination of the 14th Amendment, particularly its provisions on birthright citizenship—a topic of significant contemporary debate.

Joe Getty [00:20]: "We were Talking about the 14th Amendment and the question of birthright citizenship, which is a hot conversational topic these days and actually really interesting."

The hosts break down the amendment's five paragraphs, highlighting its various clauses from naturalization to the disqualification of individuals involved in insurrection. They humorously critique the amendment's content, blending factual discussion with witty banter.

Dissecting the 8th Amendment: Cruel and Unusual Punishments

Transitioning to the 8th Amendment, Joe Getty offers a provocative theory on its interpretation:

Joe Getty [01:28]: "Cruel and unusual. If it's merely cruel, but you do it a lot, that's fine. And if, you know, a beating from a clown is certainly unusual, but it's no more cruel than any other sort of beating."
Joe Getty [01:36]: "Fair game clown beatings would be approved in the court of Joe Getty's justice."

Jack Armstrong chimes in with a humorous analogy:

Jack Armstrong [01:56]: "So you run somebody over with a car. People get hit by cars all the time. There's nothing unusual about that."

The hosts engage in a comedic exploration of the amendment's intent versus its real-world application, poking fun at potential loopholes and the often murky waters of legal interpretations.

A Comedic Take on the Bill of Rights

Joe Getty reflects on the general public's understanding of the Bill of Rights, fervently encouraging listeners to study history:

Joe Getty [02:01]: "I think we're missing a loophole here, folks, but I think everybody knows the. My God, I almost said one of the stupidest thing things I've ever said. I think everybody knows what's in the Bill of Rights. No, obviously most people don't. You should, but you don't, which is why you end up quartering troops, you jackasses. Study history."

Jack Armstrong provides an anecdote about James Madison's initial opposition to the Bill of Rights, adding humor to historical facts:

Jack Armstrong [02:29]: "I just learned the other day jams James Madison was really against a Bill of Rights. Really thought it was a terrible, terrible idea."

The segment underscores the importance of constitutional literacy, wrapped in the hosts' signature comedic style.

The 5th Amendment and Legal Nuances

The conversation shifts to the 5th Amendment, where Joe Getty recites its clauses with a blend of seriousness and humor:

Joe Getty [03:09]: "Not a long hitter. James Madison. So everybody knows. Freedom of religion, press, expression. The first right to bear arms. Quartering of soldiers. That's the third."

He proceeds to detail the amendment, emphasizing clauses like double jeopardy and self-incrimination:

Joe Getty [04:20]: "Double jeopardy, straight out of the Fifth Amendment. Nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself."

Jack Armstrong interjects with a playful take on general knowledge versus legal specifics:

Jack Armstrong [04:33]: "But why can't you testify against your husband or wife? No. There are no other relationships like that you can testify."

This segment highlights the complexities of legal protections in everyday relationships, presented through engaging dialogue.

Prohibition and the 18th Amendment

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the 18th Amendment, which instituted Prohibition. The hosts explore its historical context and eventual repeal with a mix of nostalgia and critique:

Jack Armstrong [06:04]: "And did you say it is long or is it short? No more booze."
Joe Getty [06:06]: "Party's over."
Jack Armstrong [06:10]: "Party's back on the 21st?"

Joe Getty reminisces about the era, referencing H.L. Mencken's writings and the widespread illegal alcohol trade:

Joe Getty [06:43]: "Some of my favorite writings by H.L. mencken were written during prohibition when he would describe how Congress people and senators. Washington, D.C. you could get a drink practically as easy as you can right now."

The discussion underscores the unintended consequences of Prohibition, blending historical insights with the hosts' characteristic humor.

Amendment Amendments and Constitutional Evolution

Towards the episode's conclusion, the conversation shifts to more recent amendments, including the often-overlooked 22nd and fabricated 27th Amendments for comedic effect:

Joe Getty [08:27]: "One of my favorite liquor stores was named 22nd Amendment Liquors, which I always. I'm sorry, not 21st Amendment. Yeah, yeah. 22nd is presidential term limits. That'd just be a weird name."

Jack Armstrong humorously remarks on the impracticality of such names and the difficulty in passing new amendments:

Jack Armstrong [09:38]: "You know, our friend Tim thinks there should be more amendments that. That we are. We have been. We've made it too difficult."

Joe Getty expresses a desire for constitutional clarity, particularly regarding the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship:

Joe Getty [09:58]: "I'd like to see some stuff clarified, like the 14th Amendment, the birthright, citizenship. All I want is added on if the parents have legal status in the United States. You can't just sneak in."

The segment highlights ongoing debates about constitutional interpretation and the challenges of amending foundational laws.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with lighthearted banter and fictional declarations, maintaining the show's engaging and humorous tone:

Jack Armstrong [10:20]: "All I know. I'm glad you read that. When I get home, there are some soldiers sleeping soundly in my bed who are gonna not gonna be happy to hear what I now know."
Jack Armstrong [10:34]: "I declare on this 24th day, January 2025. That is it."

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty [00:00]: "Congress shall make no law. Yada yada yada. It's one more thing."
• Joe Getty [01:36]: "Fair game clown beatings would be approved in the court of Joe Getty's justice."
• Joe Getty [02:01]: "I think everybody knows what's in the Bill of Rights. No, obviously most people don't. You should, but you don't, which is why you end up quartering troops, you jackasses."
• Joe Getty [06:43]: "Some of my favorite writings by H.L. mencken were written during prohibition when he would describe how Congress people and senators... you could get a drink practically as easy as you can right now."
• Joe Getty [09:58]: "I'd like to see some stuff clarified, like the 14th Amendment, the birthright, citizenship."

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Amendments: Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong provide an entertaining breakdown of various constitutional amendments, making complex legal concepts approachable.

• Historical Context: The discussion on Prohibition and the 18th Amendment offers valuable historical insights alongside humor, illustrating the unintended consequences of legislative actions.

• Constitutional Literacy: The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, encouraging listeners to engage with foundational governmental texts.

• Humor in Discourse: Throughout the episode, humor serves as a vehicle to engage listeners while addressing serious topics, maintaining an informative yet entertaining atmosphere.

For those interested in the nuanced and often humorous exploration of constitutional law and history, this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers both enlightenment and entertainment.