Keep On Suing!

Summary

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Armstrong & Getty On Demand — "Keep On Suing!"

Date: August 10, 2026
Hosts: Joe Getty, Jack Armstrong, Katie Greener
Guests: Anastasia Bowden (Pacific Legal Foundation, In Dissent podcast), Bill Gertz (Washington Times)

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Episode Overview

This episode features insightful and far-ranging discussions on new executive actions relating to birthright citizenship, the evolving intersection of privacy and free speech laws, the state of American work culture (particularly Gen Z’s attitudes), US military readiness concerning missile stockpiles, and geopolitical tensions with China. Guests include civil rights attorney Anastasia Bowden and national security journalist Bill Gertz, both providing expert commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

New Executive Actions on Birthright Citizenship

[02:27 – 09:05]

• Context: President Trump issues two new executive orders targeting "birth tourism" and expanding exceptions to birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court invalidated previous attempts.
• Guest: Anastasia Bowden (Pacific Legal Foundation)
• Discussion:
  • The orders seek to curb granting citizenship to children born on US soil to foreign nationals, specifically addressing those who come solely to give birth and leave ("birth tourism").
  • New measure also aims to exclude children of individuals affiliated with designated terrorist organizations and expands historical exceptions (like diplomats) to broader classes, such as embassy employees and World Bank workers.
  • Enforcement challenges: Bowden highlights the practical difficulties in defining and proving intent (“birth tourism” vs. coincidental birth during travel), referencing a famous soccer player whose mother gave birth in the US while on vacation.
  • Data disputes: Trump administration claims up to 3.5 million cases of birth tourism per year; other sources suggest as low as 26,000.
  • Political implications: Democrats immediately vow to challenge the orders. Bowden notes that court opinions (notably Kavanaugh’s) have left some legal doors ajar but sees little constitutional support for the administration's efforts to expand exceptions.
  • Quote:
    “I think Trump’s gonna have a hard time again.” — Anastasia Bowden, on attempts to broaden birthright exceptions (08:58)
  • On Congressional Authority:
    “Amendment.” — Anastasia Bowden, when asked if Congress could change this without amending the Constitution (09:04)

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The Frontier of Privacy and First Amendment Law

[09:06 – 14:54]

• Case Prompt: Viral video of an attorney caught kissing a subordinate in a public park raises legal/ethical questions about privacy in public spaces.
• Discussion:
  • Bowden decries the viral culture (“I hate this moment… that goes viral and we’re all so interested in everyone’s lives,” 10:38).
  • Outlines how existing law generally permits recording in public, but technology has increased the scope and permanence of such surveillance, raising serious behavioral and societal concerns.
  • Differentiates between government use (subject to constitutional checks) and private actors (with First Amendment protections), acknowledging blurry lines when private companies act at the behest of government.
  • Emphasizes that any state-level attempt to regulate such recordings would face constitutional challenges.
  • Notable Exchange:
    “A surveilled society is an obedient society. It just changes behavior in a thousand ways you don’t even think about, in a way that’s very un-American.” — Joe Getty (11:22) “That’s absolutely right... Corporations, individuals wield so much power the line becomes blurry.” — Anastasia Bowden (12:09)
  • On legal recourse:
    “Call me up if they’re surveilling you… we’ll sue them.” — Anastasia Bowden (13:43)
  • Memorable Moment:
    “I have a sweatshirt that says, ‘A Constitution Says No.’ I wear that one everywhere.” — Anastasia Bowden (14:39)

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Gen Z, Work Culture, and “Uselessness”

[18:02 – 21:42]

• Topic: Critique of Gen Z attitudes toward work, referencing a New York Times piece and commentary from Bill Maher and Mike Rowe.
• Discussion:
  • Hosts discuss a growing cohort of young, able-bodied men not seeking work at all (the “NILF”—Not in Labor Force statistic).
  • Cites screen time (2000+ hours/year), lack of community engagement, and dependence on generational wealth as factors.
  • Satirical suggestion that “the porn is excellent, but it takes away the motivation” (19:22) — a quote adopted from Mike Rowe for comedic effect.
  • Hosts reflect on the failures of previous generations encouraging debt-financed degrees without market value.
  • Quote:
    “Nothing in this world is so good as usefulness. It binds your fellow creatures to you and you to them.” — Benjamin Collins Brody, quote of the day (20:37) “Millions of men who've consented to just being useless.” — Joe Getty (20:45) “We said, borrow whatever it takes. Go follow your dream... and that was a bunch of nonsense.” — Jack Armstrong (21:07)

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US Military Missile Stockpiles & The China Threat

[26:05 – 37:39]

• Guest: Bill Gertz (Washington Times)
• Topic: US readiness in a world of depleted munitions, China’s assertive geopolitical maneuvers.
• Missile Stockpile Concerns:
  • Gertz confirms reports of reduced missile and interceptor stockpiles due to support for Ukraine and Iran conflicts, but tempers concerns: “I don’t think it’s an emergency. I don’t think it’s a crisis…” (29:35)
  • Notes Congressional oversight and pressure on defense contractors to quicken replenishment.
  • Media coverage partly motivated by politics, but underlying issue is real.
• Geopolitics:
  • China’s increasing belligerence in the South China Sea, including aggressive actions against the Philippines.
  • US “quiet diplomacy” criticized as appeasement; China’s information warfare and cognitive warfare against the West described as a paramount strategic threat.
  • Reference: China’s “nine-dash line” claim over the South China Sea and past international court rulings against it.
  • US patrols continue but are cautious; some allies are also stepping up.
  • “To ignore that in the bid to try and develop better relations with China, to me, reeks of appeasement or defeatism.” — Bill Gertz (36:50)
• Summing Up China's Ambitions:
  • “China is, to me, the most serious strategic threat facing the United States...” — Bill Gertz (32:02)
  • “Their strategies are changing... they're waging information warfare against us.” — Bill Gertz (35:18)

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Estate Sale Frenzy and Society’s Obsessions

[41:17 – 44:10]

• Trend Watch: Internet-fueled mania for estate sale “treasure hunting” now a competitive, ruthless “full-contact sport.”
• Commentary:
  • “Every estate sale in America is like—people are ready to beat the crap out of you to get whatever.” — Joe Getty (42:26)
  • Anecdotes on estate sales, including high-profile sales following criminal cases.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On modern legal work:
  “I'd love to sue myself out of a job, though, you know. I wish I wasn’t so busy, but here we are.” — Anastasia Bowden (14:21)
• On China as a threat:
  “China is relentless. It is bent on a...100-year marathon. Can’t turn their backs, not even for a second.” — Joe Getty (37:39)
• On Gen Z and work:
  “They just hate our generation… Except when we give them money, that’s always okay.” — Michael [Mike Rowe] (20:27)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Birthright Citizenship Orders & Legal Prognosis: 02:27 – 09:05
• Privacy, Viral Moments & First Amendment: 09:06 – 14:54
• Gen Z & Work Malaise / Social Commentary: 18:02 – 21:42
• US Missile Stockpiles & China Threat (Bill Gertz): 26:05 – 37:39
• Estate Sale Craze: 41:17 – 44:10

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Tone & Style

The show blends sharp legal analysis, political commentary, dry wit, and sociocultural critique in a conversational and engaging tone. Quick banter is mixed with substantive interviews and expert perspectives.

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Summary

This Armstrong & Getty episode traverses complex terrain: from the nitty-gritty of birthright citizenship law to existential debates about privacy in the public square and America’s shifting work culture, all capped by a thorough national security analysis of US military preparedness and the strategic threat posed by China. Legal expert Anastasia Bowden and China watcher Bill Gertz offer detailed, real-world context to headline-making issues. Throughout, hosts and guests grapple with the tension between individual freedoms, societal change, and the challenges of modern governance—with memorable moments and quotable one-liners underscoring each segment.

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Transcript

[Becca Tilly]

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[Glenn Washington]

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[Joe Getty]

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[Joe Getty]

Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln radio

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[Joe Getty]

Armstrong and Getty.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

And now here.

[Joe Getty]

Here's Armstrong and Getty. Welcome. How are you doing? Happy Monday. This is always enlightening and a pleasure to talk to Anastasia Bowden, the senior attorney for equality and opportunity at the Pacific Legal Foundation. Anastasia is also the host of the very popular In Dissent podcast. Anastasia, how are you doing?

[Anastasia Bowden]

Great. Great to be here.

[Joe Getty]

Great. Great to have you? As always. So I know you have a couple of things you want to talk about. Then I've got. I'm going to alert you to the next frontier of First Amendment law and privacy law, in case you're not hip to it, and I have a feeling you are. But anyway, I, and a number of folks read with interest last week that the president put out a couple of new orders restricting birthright citizenship, including, quote, unquote, birth tourism, after the Supreme Court struck down the first attempt. Seemed a little narrower, maybe a little more carefully crafted. What's your take on it? Will it work?

[Anastasia Bowden]

Yeah, well, we know it was just a few weeks ago that the Supreme Court shut down Trump's first birthright citizenship and saying that our Constitution broadly grants birthright citizenship with very narrow exceptions, no birthright citizenship for any enemy occupiers or diplomats. So now Trump kind of seized on that language and issued two new executive orders. The first one attacks birth tourism, as you say it. It denies or revokes visas to people who are coming here just for birth tourism and actually authorizes enforcement action against people who facilitate birth tourism. The other one seizes on those narrow exceptions and says, okay, if enemy occupiers don't get birthright citizenship, we're going to designate a whole host of countries as terrorist organizations and say anybody, any member of those terrorist organizations can no longer have birthright citizenship. And then it says not only diplomats or foreign ministers, which has been the historical exception, but also just basic employees of embassies or, you know, people who work at the World bank who are here for a temporary amount of time. They don't get birthright citizenship either. I don't think that's gonna work. But we do know that, you know, a couple of justices who struck down the first executive order had some kind of hemming and hawing language in there, Justice Kavanaugh in particular, that left open, you know, the door for Trump to kind of expand on the historical exceptions. So we're gonna. We're gonna have to see about that.

[Joe Getty]

I assume they went to some trouble, at least, to define what birth tourism is exactly. It has to do with the length of stay or not really. No.

[Anastasia Bowden]

People who come here, you know, specifically for the purpose of giving birth and then returning. So coming here temporarily with no interest in actually being here for vacation, you know, that's the idea. That's what the language gets at. But, yeah, as you say, that's kind of. How do you. How are they even going to enforce that? How do you know when somebody you know, wasn't in our, our World cup soccer player. His, you know, the, the Baligan, the one who got the, the famous red card and all that at the World Cup. His, his mom was here. He was only born in the United States because his mom was here for vacation and she was so close to giving birth that they wouldn't let her fly back. And so she ended up giving birth in America and that's how we got her. Great World cup player. But, you know, who would, who's to know whether that's an accident or birth tourism? I don't know. It might be a little bit messy.

[Joe Getty]

Wait a minute. You're a mom, right? You know, how many women do you know who are nine months pregnant and engaged in international travel?

[Anastasia Bowden]

Well, that's true. It's weird, but I don. That truly was an accident. She didn't come here for birth tourism. I'm surprised they even let her on the plane to begin with to get here. But yeah, I mean, we'll see how it works out. There's also a lot of questions about how big of an issue birth tourism really is. The Trump administration says that it's, you know, three and a, three and a half million people a year coming here for birth tourism. You know, other people, I've heard figures as low as 26,000. So it's not clear, you know, how salient this issue really is or more of a political talking point.

[Joe Getty]

Well, yeah, yeah, I would, I would advocate the thought that it's more salient than it might seem based purely on the numbers. If the Communist Chinese are doing it intentionally to get themselves lots of loyal little quote unquote US Citizens that they can command, like they command all the, all their subjects.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Yeah, it does seem like the balance has sort of changed. Like historically people thought of it differently and now we're thinking of it more as, you know, there's like some serious foreign foreign affairs issues going on and national security concerns versus, you know, historically people used pejorative terms like anchor babies or something. I think there's two different things now going on.

[Joe Getty]

Yeah, yeah. So I knew you're about the law. Just a quick note on the politics. Chuck Schumer called the president's orders illegal. Quote, Trump has just set himself up for yet another loss in the courts. Democrats will challenge this order and we will win coming out in favor of birth tourism, which seems like an odd stance politically, but they just knee jerk pose everything. So do you think there's any chance that the administration's more narrowly drawn measure will pass muster with the courts, even the Supreme Court.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Well, with the birth tourism order, that one has to do with immigration enforcement. So the President has a lot of authority and discretion to sort of deny or revoke visas and exclude, you know, I think he probably is on firmer ground and saying, hey, if you're coming here for the specific purpose of giving birth versus vacation, which is, or whatever you say to get your visa, that's a form of fraud and we can deny you. I think that one's going to be harder to challenge just because the President has so much authority over those kinds of decisions. But when, when it comes to birthright citizenship, you know, the Supreme Court used pretty clear language saying our Constitution is different than, you know, European countries. The framers deliberately granted broad birthright citizenship. And, you know, this attempt to sort of seize on the very few exceptions and widen them. I think Trump's gonna have a hard time again.

[Joe Getty]

Can Congress cut down on this or would it have to be an amendment to the Constitution?

[Anastasia Bowden]

Amendment.

[Joe Getty]

Yeah.

[Katie Greener]

Okay.

[Joe Getty]

All right, fair enough. Anastasia Bowden of the Pacific Legal foundation is online. All right, here's my exciting new frontier in First Amendment law. And the case that really got my attention was, did you see this? It was a high powered attorney in New York City who was smooching with his much younger employee on a park bench in. I don't know if it's, I don't think it was Central park is in a park in New York City. And this online provocateur, dude, influencer guy, whatever he was, who does this sort of thing, videotaped them and then asked, and then said, hey, what are you doing? There are kids around, quit making out, get a room, blah, blah, blah. And they immediately reacted with embarrassment and chagrin, knowing they were being taped and tried to get his phone and blah, blah, blah. So I know there's no presumption of privacy in public, but what about if you have people who are exploiting that for profit, knowing that it will embarrass you, damage your reputation, etc? That might not be their purpose. It's not like, you know, slander, libel, but that is the inevitable result. I mean, is that, does, does the law take that on at all at this point, or is that just a completely brand new gray area?

[Anastasia Bowden]

Yeah, well, first can I say I hate this cultural moment. I did see that because it was, it went viral because apparently it's a, you know, what, some high powered attorney and then his, he's having an affair with one of the low powered attorneys or the new attorneys and so they're calling it like the Coldplay moment of 2026.

[Bill Gertz]

Right.

[Anastasia Bowden]

When, when that was caught on camera. And I just, I hate this moment that that goes viral and we're all so interested in everyone's lives. Like, oh, it's, it's horrible. But in terms of the law, I think, I think that's going to be a tough one. I mean, we're balancing different privacy interests with First Amendment interests. And generally, yeah, when you're out in public, you're, you're, you know, you know that you're, you're being watched. But the problem is, is that technology has evolved so much. Like you can be out in public, it's like, can we not leave our homes anymore? Because you have no expectation of privacy. It's horrible.

[Joe Getty]

And you could be recorded audio, video for a very long time before you had any awareness of it.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Right.

[Joe Getty]

And then this intersects with, you know, the flock cameras, the, the license plate cameras that are now all over America. And so you've got, and I was told years and years ago that a surveilled society is an obedient society. It just changes behavior in a thousand ways. You don't even think about in a way that's very un American. And I'm just really, really concerned and I don't know what to do about it, that the society that assumes every single moment when they leave their house and because of certain laws, literally into their fenced off backyard, even they could be observed by a drone because that's not illegal. It's just gonna really twist the way Americans behave in a way that's not healthy.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Yeah, I think that's, that's absolutely right. And if the government is using that footage, there's gonna be a lot more protections on, you know, what they can collect and what they can do with it. But when it's just private people out in public, you know, unfortunately, I don't know that there's gonna, that there's any constitutional, at least claims against people like that, I guess could, or the state legislatures could pass some laws saying you can't use it, but it's gonna, that would be subject to some First Amendment challenges. So I don't know with, with private people. The problem is in this day and age and this gets to like the recent debates over other things is, you know, we've always had this line between the private sector and then the government. The government is subject to the Constitution and you know, the public is not. But, you know, corporations, individuals wield so much power that sometimes the line becomes blurry. And that's why a lot of people, you know, when Facebook and Twitt were deplatforming certain political views, people were really upset about that, and they thought that there should be restrictions on it. But, you know, unfortunately, only the government usually is subject to those restrictions. Not. There's a First Amendment right to do what you want with everything else for the public.

[Joe Getty]

Right. But, you know, the problem with that, from the example you gave, is that a lot of what the private companies did was at the behest of government officials who have regulatory power over them, taxation power over them, and all sorts of other things. So at what point, you know, if I have a cattle prod and I tell poor Michael to rob a bank, you can't pretend that Michael robbed the bank. He was compelled to. So, Man.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Yeah, that's right. That's right. So that's a tricky thing to. To disentangle. But certainly when the government's getting involved, then, you know, call me up if they're. If they're surveilling you and. And using your footage or their footage of you or, you know, let me know, we'll sue them.

[Joe Getty]

Meanwhile, I'll just roam around in parks trying to find people I can embarrass for profit. Great Scott. Oh, boy. Oh, boy.

[Anastasia Bowden]

We chose the wrong careers.

[Joe Getty]

Oh, yeah. I know you and your pals at the Pacific Legal foundation are going to be busy for the rest of your lives, your children's lives and your grandchildren's lives. But the price of liberty, in my opinion, Anastasia, is eternal vigilance, so.

[Anastasia Bowden]

That's right. I always say I'd love to sue myself out of a job, though, you know, I love it. I wish I wasn't so busy, but here we are.

[Joe Getty]

Yeah. Yeah. What are you gonna do? Reality, it's so impressive. Yeah, no kidding. Do you have a bumper sticker that says that?

[Katie Greener]

I do have.

[Anastasia Bowden]

I have a sweatshirt that says a constitution says no.

[Joe Getty]

I love that.

[Anastasia Bowden]

I wear that one everywhere.

[Katie Greener]

Yeah.

[Joe Getty]

Oh, I love that. Are those readily. I'll Google it. Anastasia Bowden of the Pacific Legal Foundation. Hey, it's always great to talk. Keep up the good work, and let's stay in touch.

[Anastasia Bowden]

Thanks for having me on.

[Jack Armstrong]

All right.

[Joe Getty]

Of course. Yeah, Our pleasure. More to come. Stay with us.

[Jack Armstrong]

Armstrong and Getty.

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[Glenn Washington]

I'm Glenn Washington. This is snap judgment from kqed. When everything is falling apart, what do you Do Hurricane Helene shut everything down. No roads, no cars, no way through. But his daughter was getting married and somehow, some way, he was going to walk her down that aisle. All systems down. A new Snap Judgment miniseries from kqed. Wherever you get your podcast.

[Joe Getty]

Been meaning to get to this for a little while. I haven't squeezed it in yet, but a piece in the New York Times that got a fair amount of attention. Gen Z fell out of love with work. I don't blame them. And it's a super self pitying piece by a young woman. There was great reply by Alex Dimas in the Dispatch. We can't indulge Gen Z malaise. Gen Z's crisis of agency deserves compassion, but that doesn't mean it's well founded. And it has to do with the fact that the entire history of the world and economics and everything is ups and downs and variations and this becomes a little harder, but that becomes easier and rents are high, but that's low and blah blah blah. And just the idea that woe is me, the world is so tough now, I've given up is just. It's pathetic and it's always, always, always been pathetic. Anyway, that's a super br but it really fits with Bill Maher and Mike Rose conversation the other day the two of them got together. Here's what it sounded like.

[Michael]

Well, there's 7 million men, able bodied men, mostly young, who are what they call nilf.

[Jack Armstrong]

NILF is not labor force.

[Michael]

In the labor force, this is different than unemployed. Unemployment means you're looking but you can't find a job. This is not looking.

[Jack Armstrong]

That exact number right now it's like 6,990,000 able bodied men. Not only not working, not looking. That's never happened in our country, not in peacetime.

[Michael]

Why aren't they looking? I think it's because the porn is too good. The porn is excellent, but it takes away the motivation. You have to be motivated. You have to oh, I gotta get a job to get a girl. Yeah, they don't want a girl because they sit home and

[Jack Armstrong]

take matters into their own hands.

[Michael]

They do.

[Joe Getty]

Putting aside the mirth at the masturbation humor, let's get back to the topic.

[Jack Armstrong]

Question doesn't start with what are they doing? It starts with what? What aren't they doing? They're not volunteering at their local church. They're not in the Kiwanis Club. They're not in the Boy Scouts or Skills usa. They're not contributing anything in their community. What are they doing? On average they're spending between 2000 and 2100 hours a year on their screen. It is just. We just haven't seen the like of it before. How were they able to survive? That's. I don't. I can't paint with too broad a brush. Maybe some of them are trust fund kids. Maybe some of them have enough.

[Michael]

A lot of it is. Is money from other generations.

[Jack Armstrong]

Sure.

[Michael]

You know, I. They just hate our generation. Except when we give them money, that's always okay. Yeah, it's always okay when you get daddy's money. Then the boomers aren't so bad.

[Joe Getty]

End of one hour of hour one of the show. Rather, we always do the freedom loving quote of the day. It's different every day. Obviously. Sir Benjamin Collins Brody was 18th, 19th century English surgeon, said, nothing in this world is so good as usefulness. It binds your fellow creatures to you and you to them. It tends to the improvement of your own character and gives you a real importance in society much beyond what any artificial station can bestow. And these are men, millions of men, who've consented to just being useless. One final note.

[Jack Armstrong]

A lot of people with a really expensive credential are in the hole in a big way, and they're pissed. And I don't blame them, honestly. I mean, we can say what you want about it, but we. They took our advice, man. They took our advice. We said, borrow whatever it takes. Go follow your dream and then go get your dream job. And that was a bunch of nonsense.

[Michael]

Yeah, they don't want to borrow money to get a degree for a job that doesn't exist.

[Jack Armstrong]

And I don't want to let them money that they'll never be able to pay back to get their credential for the job.

[Joe Getty]

So on that note, Michael, keep that clip around because that's going to kick off a big segment tomorrow on the show that I want to talk about the, the college financing and how that's perverted. Practically everything. How much time do we have? You're looking stressed.

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[Joe Getty]

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[Anastasia Bowden]

Okay.

[Bill Gertz]

All right.

[Joe Getty]

Wow, he looked like he's about to puke in there. It'll all be fine. Well, I tell you what, we'll.

[Katie Greener]

We'll.

[Joe Getty]

We'll talk about that when we talk about that. I should mention that coming up, we'll be talking to author and reporter, columnist and reporter Bill Gertz about some of the issues with China these days, including the whole missile stockpile controversy that's in the news. How bad are things? Why is somebody leaking it and what does it mean if China decides to jump ugly that coming up next? Stay with us. If you can't grab the podcast. Armstrong and Getty on demand.

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[Tanya Rad]

Becca, can I ask you a question? How do I convince myself I need something before I buy it?

[Becca Tilly]

Oh, so we're doing that today.

[Tanya Rad]

Well, I'll be shopping online and suddenly I'm like, well, technically this counts as self care.

[Becca Tilly]

You're definitely not alone there.

[Tanya Rad]

That's why Klarna stands out. It's about smarter tools that help you feel more confident with your money.

[Becca Tilly]

Klarna brings payments, cash back and money management together in one place with flexible place to pay. It helps you make smarter money moves without the stress.

[Tanya Rad]

That's the goal, right? Having tools that make your money work with you.

[Becca Tilly]

Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. California resident loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Law License NMLS Number 1353190 Klarna Balance Account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

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[Glenn Washington]

I'm Glenn Washington. This is Snap Judgment from kqed. When everything is falling apart, what do you do? Hurricane Helene shut everything down. No roads, no cars, no way through. But his daughter was getting married. And somehow, someway, he was going to walk her down that aisle. All systems down. A new Snap judgment miniseries from KQED wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Hi, it's Kyle McLaughlin, host of what Are We Even Doing? You know, I've always believed the way you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follows. That first cup of coffee isn't just a routine, it's a ritual, that quiet moment before the day really begins. That's why I appreciate DE'. Longhi. For over 50 years, they've combined Italian craftsmanship, thoughtful design and innovation for homes around the world as the number one espresso machine brand in the world. They bring that same expertise to an espresso experience that feels effortless and makes mornings a little more delicious. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen, but it's also incredibly simple to use a quick espresso before heading out the door or a cappuccino on a slower morning. It turns an everyday moment into something worth savoring. Dare I say, a damn fine cup of coffee. Right now you can save 10% off your purchase at DeLonghi.com with code Kyle at checkout. After all, if it's not Italian, is it even espresso? To learn more, visit DeLonghi.com

[Joe Getty]

it's probably the number one defense related story people are chanting about these days. The question of US Military weapons stockpiles of various sorts of missiles and munitions. How low are they? Thanks to the granting of some supplies to Ukraine and the conflict with Iran. How do we stand in terms of preparedness to get into a major conflict with, obviously, China? To discuss these topics and more, please welcome Bill Gertz, columnist and reporter currently with the Washington Times, and author of eight books, several of them having to do with the threats from China. Bill, how are you?

[Tony Ayo]

Hi.

[Bill Gertz]

Very good. Thanks. Hope having a great summer.

[Joe Getty]

So far so good. Yeah, can't complain. So let's talk about the US Weapons stockpiles. I'm sure you've been following the story. It's almost a tangent to the main topic, but does it bother you at all the amount of leaking there's been about our weapons stockpiles?

[Bill Gertz]

No, I think it's pretty clear. In fact, in my recent column, I reported that the current defense policy bill in the House of Representatives Representatives contains a section that calls on the Pentagon to report the effects of unplanned global taskings, in other words, the use of weapons and how that could affect our ability to deter China. So the information is out there. I know that the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and the President have said we have plenty of munitions, but I think it's clear that we do have a shortage of missiles and especially missile defense interceptors, that it's very difficult to speed up the development of more of those. That's, that's really the issue. How quickly can we replace the stocks that we've used recently in the Iran conflict?

[Joe Getty]

So you would argue that the folks leaking that information are actually intent on upping the pressure so that we as a country wake up and start producing this stuff more aggressively.

[Bill Gertz]

Well, you know, most of the mainstream media is virulently anti Trump, so they just want to report anything that's going to make the Trump administration look bad. But I think it's a real issue aside from that fact. And I think the Heritage foundation, which is really strong MAGA outlet, just produced a report recently which raised this issue of the shortage of missiles and missile defense interceptors. So, yeah, there's that part of it. There's. It's also a real issue that has to be addressed. I'm pretty sure. Also the deputy Secretary of war recently sent a memo and to defense contractors and gave them like, 21 days to come up with a plan to develop how to produce more missiles, precision guided missiles and more missile defense interceptors. So, yeah, the issue is out there. It's, you know, it's tinged with the anti, anti Trump hysteria which dominates most of the mainstream media.

[Joe Getty]

How serious a situation are we in? Do you think we're. We're dangerously low in our stockpiles of munition? Are we, you know, in the yellow zone, or are we in an emergency?

[Bill Gertz]

I don't think it's an emergency. I don't think it's a crisis. I think it's something that the commander of the Pacific Command, Admiral Paparo, who has testified in the past that he was concerned about the use of missiles and interceptors in the Middle east and how that could impact his ability to deter China. If the Chinese feel like we don't have enough missiles to go to war with them over Taiwan, they could miscalculate and make a move towards Taiwan. And so that's kind of. That's one of the aspects of it. I think it's important that we definitely, as far as finishing off the Iranians, that seems to have been the key issue that one of the military commanders, either the chairman of the Joint Chiefs or the commander of Central Command, said, look, we can't go back to major combat operations because we've used so many of our munitions. I think one of the problems is drones. We'll use a lot of missile interceptors, which are Very expensive and take a long time to replace, to go after some of the many drones that have been fired by the Iranians.

[Joe Getty]

Right. And, of course, the asymmetry of cost that so many have talked about. You're knocking a $10,000 weapon down with a $5 million weapon. You know, one of my favorite quotes from Winston Churchill, Bill, was. And he's had so many great, eloquent quotes, but one of my favorites is, is nothing changes till you're invaded. And to whatever extent we are looking ahead and planning and not being reactive. Well, I guess this is reactive in a sense. But anyway, to whatever extent we are forging ahead with what the future looks like is to our credit. But I want to pivot real quickly to a different China topic that you alluded to. And my partner, who's on vacation, often jokes that America can only pay attention to one story at a time. And I think a lot of us are focused on, if it's a foreign relations story, it's. It's Iran. But China is, as always, active in their quadrant of the globe. Their. Their strategies are changing a little bit lately. What is China up to in the South China Sea, for instance? What's the most interesting, compelling end or worrisome to you, Bill?

[Bill Gertz]

Yeah, this is, to me, the most serious strategic threat facing the United States, Communist China. And I think the Middle east is a distraction for that. It's definitely taking away from our munitions stockpiles. But the Chinese are on the march ideologically and militarily. They're looking at expansion, expanding their power. They've, for the past four or five decades, they've stolen technology, built up their economy to the point where they're now using their newfound economic power to expand what they call Marxism Leninism with Chinese characteristics. In the South China Sea, they've been bullying a number of key allies, including the Philippines, where there's been a couple of really serious standoffs. There haven't been any missiles or guns fired, but they've used water cannon, they've used lasers at some point to damage the eyes of Philippine military vessels. So there's a big dispute there. China is seeking to control the South China Sea, which sees something like 5 trillion annually in trade. It's a major waterway, and China has declared something called the nine dash line, which covers like 90% of the South China Sea. In 2016, a international tribunal in the Hague ruled that that was illegal. It was not. There's no basis in history. It's completely illegal. And they sided with the Philippines, which said he, hey, look, we have economic zones here and the Chinese are encroaching on them. But it's definitely a hotspot. Taiwan is also a very hot spot. And also Japan. The Chinese have increased extremely belligerent propaganda against Japan over its government saying that it would support Taiwan if China invaded or. And they're also rethinking whether or not to build nuclear weapons against growing nuclear threats from both China and North Korea. So that's kind of the situation there. And the Pentagon has taken a new policy, they call it a quiet diplomacy oriented denial defense where they're not going to challenge China's aggressive activities. It's a really foolish policy in my view because we're in an information age. And if we they're waging information warfare against us, what the Chinese military calls cognitive warfare, and if we take a quiet approach to that, we're going to be in a world of hurt because they're going to use that for strategic means to achieve their goals, whether it's taking over islands in the South China Sea or ultimately taking over Taiwan or again pressuring a key ally in Japan.

[Joe Getty]

Well, I think the US Navy is patrolling the the South China Sea. Have they stepped up patrols? Because I know our point, our goal is to re establish the, you know, the free navigation of international waters. What's happening there?

[Bill Gertz]

Well, we had a aircraft carrier strike group that visited Vietnam and patrolled in the South China Sea, which was very good. We didn't hear much in the way of Chinese propaganda against that, but that's a good sign. Also some other nations have also stepped up and conducted patrols, but we haven't directly intervened in some of these water cannon issues, that the Chinese coast guard has fired water cannon at some of the Philippine vessels. We've declared that because we have a defense treaty with Philippines that any attack by China against the Philippines would be bring us in basically into it. But the US has kind of taken a very cautious role to its patrols in the South China Sea and the same with the Taiwan Strait. We used to do almost monthly transits. But right now the Trump administration is seeking a detente with China primarily because China has squeezed the US on the issue of rare earth minerals of the world on and basically they're trying to come to some trade deals with China and that's kind of led to this daytime where they're playing down. Just today, in fact, a senior Pentagon official in the Philippines gave a speech, this is Elbridge Colby where He In a 4,000 word speech, he talked about countering hegemony in the region but he didn't even mention the word China. And to the regional states, this is really something that, you know, when you think about all of the nefarious activities, the cyber attacks, China's role in spreading the COVID pandemic and not taking credit for that. I mean, there's so many issues and their human rights abuses, but to ignore that in the bid to try and develop better relations with China, to me reeks of appeasement or defeatism.

[Joe Getty]

Bill Gertz of the Washington Times is also the author of a number of best selling books, including his latest, Deceiving the Inside Communist China's Drive for Global Supremacy. Bill, great to talk to you. Appreciate the insights and let's do it again.

[Bill Gertz]

Thank you, Joe.

[Joe Getty]

You got it, Bill. Good to talk to you. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. China's relentless. It is bent on a. Well, as Pillsbury put it, the great William Pillsbury book. I think it's William 100 year marathon. Can't turn their backs, not even for a second. No matter who has what chips or what we need from the Chinese. Oh, they're nasty. In short, well summarized, sir. More to come. We'll end strong.

[Jack Armstrong]

Next, Armstrong and Getty.

[Becca Tilly]

This is Becca and Tanya from scrubbing in with Becca. Tilly and Tanya. Rad.

[Tanya Rad]

Becca, can I ask you a question? How do I convince myself I need something before I buy it?

[Becca Tilly]

Oh, so we're doing that today?

[Tanya Rad]

Well, I'll be shopping online and suddenly I'm like, well, technically this counts as self care there.

[Becca Tilly]

You're definitely not alone there.

[Tanya Rad]

That's why Klarna stands out. It's about smarter tools that help you feel more confident with your money.

[Becca Tilly]

Klarna brings payments, cash back and money management together in one place with flexible ways to pay. It helps you make smarter money moves without the stress.

[Tanya Rad]

That's the goal, right? Having tools that make your money work with you.

[Becca Tilly]

Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. California resident loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Law License NMLS Number 13 Klarna Balance Account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

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[Glenn Washington]

Every week, the Snap Judgment podcast drops you inside someone's biggest decision. The kind of decision you can only make once with everything on the line. What do you believe? What do you want? And what would you risk to get it? Find out. Snap Judgment new episodes every Thursday. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Hi, it's Kyle McLaughlin, host of the what Are We Even Doing podcast. You know, my favorite part of the morning is that first cup of coffee.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Coffee.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

A small, quiet ritual that sets the rhythm for my day. That's why I appreciate DE'. Longhi. For over 50 years, they've combined Italian craftsmanship and thoughtful design. And as the number one espresso machine brand in the world, they make it effortless. Just a damn fine cup of coffee in your own kitchen. Right now you can save 10% off your purchase at DeLonghi.com with code Kyle at checkout. After all, if it's not Italian, is it even espresso?

[Joe Getty]

Katie I think it was when Judy and I first got our we referred to as the walled compound in the woods. The our little house up in the mountains, Sierra, Nevada and California that we were trying to furnish it and come up with mountainy decor. But we didn't want to spend a ton of money. So we're like hitting garage sales. And at some point I decided we ought to hit a couple of estate sales. And it was like, okay. But there wasn't much and it was old and just kind of. And I was like, all right, this is a waste of time. So imagine my surprise. I see this headline in the Wall Street Journal, the full contact sport of estate sale shopping.

[Katie Greener]

Oh yeah, I have a friend who's really into this.

[Joe Getty]

The Internet has ruined everything. So apparently there are shows or TikToks or YouTubes or ZimZams or. Or Twitches or whatever the hell about the. The very, you know, it's, it's very rare that you pay $5 for a painting and tens out, it turns out to be worth $10,000. Or here's somebody who paid a dollar for a first edition of the Velveteen Rabbit. Made me cry.

[Katie Greener]

Oh wow.

[Joe Getty]

Every time I read it. And he sold it for $750 on eBay. Here's a limited edition. This. He sold it for, you know, 50 times what he paid. So that stuff has gotten around. So now every estate sale in America is like, people are ready to beat the crap out of you in front of you and get whatever.

[Katie Greener]

There's a. I have a friend who's super into these things and he actually has an app on his phone and he, he travels around a lot and his phone will send him a notification like, hey, there's an estate sale 5.2 miles this way. And he'll, he'll go.

[Joe Getty]

So it's become like a craze and I had no idea of this. Buyers weave through homes with phones held out like compasses. They crouch shoulder to shoulder over bookshelves to scan ISBN barcodes or point Google lens at paintings, furniture and clothes to gauge their worth. Yeah, but it's like in real time and they'll crash their car in front of you or like get in a fight with you to get in front of you online. It's just, it's become feverish.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Katie Greener]

And it's all because like, you know those few instances that you mentioned, those. We've heard about those things because they're rare and they make the news. This is not something that's going to happen at every estate sale.

[Joe Getty]

Right. Trust me. Trust me.

[Katie Greener]

I thought it was weird. They did the estate sale for. Oh gosh. Who's the guy that killed his family? The mega lawyer. Michael, lose it. He, he, he, he killed his. He killed his wife and his son and he was a mega lawyer and he's been sent away to prison and they had an estate sale for all of his belongings and that place got swamped.

[Joe Getty]

Right, Right. They say it's the, the four D's dimension. Don't know anymore. I can't form it doesn't matter. But wow, the Internet has ruined everything. Yeah, even estate sales. Although I guess you get your stuff sold, so what the hell. They ain't got much to give you. They gonna give you what they got. This thriller four hour workday's about over. Time for final thoughts. Get the 4Ds are death, debt downsizing and divorce. And while the circumstances are somber, the spectacles they create are anything but. Oh, boy. Let's get a final thought from everybody on the crew to wrap up the day. Here he is, Michelangelo in the control room pressing the buttons. Michael, what's your final thought? Two things. One, I love Sophie Cunningham. And two, I love Canada. Gravy and french fries per Jack. So I gotta go to Canada. Jack took the boys to Canada and does hanging out there for the week. Looking forward to getting reports throughout the week. And when he comes back for good, Katie Greener, esteemed newswoman, has a final thought. Katie?

[Katie Greener]

All right, two things. The guy I was thinking of was Alex Murdaugh. That was the trial.

[Joe Getty]

Oh, right, the South Carolina guy. Yeah.

[Katie Greener]

And two, gravy and fries is poutine, boys.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

Right.

[Katie Greener]

Have you noticed ever heard. Okay, I right, Jack.

[Michael]

Jack.

[Joe Getty]

Poutine sounds like it's a dirty word.

[Katie Greener]

Yeah, that's true.

[Joe Getty]

Sounds like a euphemism for lady parts, but yeah. Yeah.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

Oh.

[Joe Getty]

What? We're out of time. My final thought. I had a good one. Oh, if you didn't hear the explanation of the reality of communism was that. Hour three. See, now I can't remember, so that really hurts. You got to check it out. Armstrong and Getty on Demand. Great polish thinker talking about the realities of communism. One of the most persuasive things I've ever read. I hope you enjoy it too. We will see you tomorrow. Get the podcast Armstrong and Getty on Demand. God bless America.

[Bill Gertz]

Armstrong and Getty.

[Joe Getty]

There's a fantastic podcast that you gotta listen to every day. It's got Jack and Joe, Katie and Michelangelo below. It's called Armstrong and Getty on Demand. Subscribe now wherever you download your podcast. Armstrong and Getty on Demand. Armstrong and Getty.

[Tony Ayo]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent, streaming, even extra Sosa at your favorite burrito spot. But with Boost Mobile, you don't have to play the Willis Go up soon game. Boost Mobile offers an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life. Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile, after 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Hi, it's Kyle McLaughlin, host of what Are We Even Doing? You know, I've always believed the way you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follows that first cup of coffee isn't just a routine, it's a ritual, that quiet moment before the day really begins. That's why I appreciate De'. Longhi. For over 50 years, they've combined Italian craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and innovation for homes around the world as the number one espresso machine brand in the world. They bring that same expertise to an espresso experience that feels effortless and makes mornings a little more delicious. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen, but it's also incredibly simple to use a quick espresso before heading out the door or a cappuccino on a slower morning. It turns an everyday moment into something worth savoring, delivering, dare I say, a damn fine cup of coffee. Right now, you can save 10% off your purchase at DeLonghi.com with code Kyle at checkout. After all, if it's not Italian, is it even espresso? To learn more, visit delonghi.com

[Glenn Washington]

this is

[Jacob Goldstein]

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