Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: "Pick Up The F-ing Trash" Release Date: January 10, 2025

Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

1. Arson and Wildfires in Los Angeles

The episode opens with a discussion about the alarming increase in wildfires in Los Angeles, spurred by rumors of arsonists allegedly incited by various celebrities.

• Henry Winkler (00:24): "Fonzie thinks an arsonist is causing all these fires... Henry Winkler, the Fonz tweeted out yesterday there's an arsonist here in LA. May you be beaten. Unrecognizable."

• Joe Getty (00:54): "Wow. Hey Fonz, we're with you."

Henry elaborates on the situation, highlighting that aside from a homeless individual arrested with a lighter, no arsonists have been conclusively identified for the major fires. He questions why terrorist groups like Al Qaeda or ISIS haven't exploited these wildfires for their agendas, suggesting strategic intelligence on their part.

• Henry Winkler (01:48): "I have always wondered why Al Qaeda or ISIS, whoever, didn't take this tactic with terrorist activity over the years."

Joe acknowledges the chilling nature of the situation, leading into a broader commentary on local governance.

2. Dysfunction in Blue Cities

The hosts delve into a critical analysis of blue-state municipalities, particularly focusing on California's struggles with governance amidst idealistic policies.

• Joe Getty (02:14): "A thought-provoking think piece on why virtually every blue city in America has gone completely sideways... Got a lot of stuff to squeeze in final hour of the week."

They reference Noah Rothman's article from the National Review, which cites Nat Glaesner's 1993 lecture on urban dysfunction. The discussion emphasizes how cities have abandoned their fundamental responsibilities—like infrastructure maintenance and public safety—in favor of lofty, often unattainable goals such as eradicating racism and income inequality.

• Noah Rothman Quote (18:XX): "New York... stopped trying to do the kinds of things a city can do and started trying to do the kinds of things a city cannot do."

3. Climate Change Debate

A significant portion of the episode critiques how climate change is frequently invoked as a catch-all explanation for various crises, arguing that it diverts attention from tangible governance failures.

• Henry Winkler (07:59): "You can't just say it's Karen Bass the mayor. You can't just say it's Gavin Newsom."

• Joe Getty (10:29): "It's so weak. Anytime a politician cites climate change because of a crisis, you can't look at that neutrally."

They discuss data from Los Angeles Airport showing historically low rainfall, challenging the common climate change narratives. The hosts argue that even if one accepts human-driven climate change, the solutions are neither immediate nor within the scope of municipal governance.

• Henry Winkler (09:26): "There's nothing. If Donald Trump went full Al Gore today, you couldn't affect, I'm assuming, the worldwide temperature by a tenth of a degree over the next decade."

4. Political Critique and Local Governance Failures

The conversation shifts to specific political figures and decisions impacting Los Angeles, particularly Mayor Karen Bass's budget cuts to the fire department.

• Joe Getty (22:08): "California is a prime example of this woeful phenomenon... Angelenos have long elevated."

• Henry Winkler (24:07): "Joe Scarborough blamed LA's fire hellscape on slashed spending... a complete failure of government as he ripped government at all levels for causing this problem."

The hosts criticize how political agendas overshadow essential services, leading to inadequate responses to emergencies like wildfires. They argue that prioritizing ideological goals over basic public safety and infrastructure has led to California's current predicament.

5. Technology and Robotics at CES 2025

Shifting gears, the episode covers highlights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, focusing on advancements in humanoid robotics.

• Henry Winkler (28:23): "Realbotics, the company behind Aria and other humanoid robots, say it's focused on social intelligence, customizability, and realistic human features."

They discuss "Aria," a humanoid robot designed for companionship and intimacy, critiquing its design and the implications of such technology in society.

• Joe Getty (30:20): "They couldn't find a tracksuit that fit... Did they get down south?"

The hosts humorously speculate about the robot's functionalities and societal impacts, highlighting both fascination and apprehension towards increasingly human-like robots.

6. Final Thoughts: The Need for Basic Governance

In their concluding segment, Joe Getty and Henry Winkler reinforce the episode's central theme: the failure of current governance models to address fundamental public needs.

• Joe Getty (34:11): "Anytime a politician starts to launch into their grand plans for fixing what's wrong with humanity, ask them if they're gonna pick up the trash, if they're gonna have enough cops on the streets to keep your family safe."

They advocate for a return to "blocking and tackling" of essential services, urging voters to demand competency and prioritize basic governance over ideological purity.

• Henry Winkler (34:35): "Armstrong and Getty wrapping up another grueling four-hour workday."

The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to prioritize fundamental public services and hold elected officials accountable for providing basic necessities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Henry Winkler (00:24): "Fonzie thinks an arsonist is causing all these fires... May you be beaten. Unrecognizable."

• Joe Getty (02:14): "A thought-provoking think piece on why virtually every blue city in America has gone completely sideways."

• Henry Winkler (09:26): "If Donald Trump went full Al Gore today, you couldn't affect the worldwide temperature by a tenth of a degree over the next decade."

• Joe Getty (10:29): "It's so weak. Anytime a politician cites climate change because of a crisis, you can't look at that neutrally."

• Henry Winkler (24:07): "You can't just say it's Karen Bass the mayor. You can't just say it's Gavin Newsom."

• Joe Getty (34:11): "Anytime a politician starts to launch into their grand plans for fixing what's wrong with humanity, ask them if they're gonna pick up the trash."

Conclusion

"Pick Up The F-ing Trash" serves as a critical examination of modern urban governance, particularly in blue states like California. Armstrong and Getty, with insightful commentary and sharp wit, dissect the interplay between ideological policies and the erosion of fundamental public services. Coupled with discussions on climate change and technological advancements, the episode underscores the urgent need for competent local governance focused on essential public needs over abstract political agendas.

For those seeking a candid and comprehensive analysis of contemporary urban challenges, this episode offers a compelling listen, enriched with poignant quotes and thought-provoking insights.