Armstrong & Getty On Demand: The A&G Replay Monday Hour Three

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

1. Joe Getty’s European River Cruise Experience [01:01 – 06:30]

Joe Getty opens the discussion by sharing his long-anticipated trip to Europe with his wife, Judy. After years of postponing due to their busy schedules, they finally embarked on a river cruise along the Danube, traversing regions such as southern Germany, Bavaria, Austria, Little Hungary, and Slovakia.

Key Highlights:

• Danube River Cruise: Joe describes the serene life on the cruise ship, enjoying the onboard amenities, the camaraderie among passengers, and the picturesque views from the top deck despite adverse weather conditions.

  Joe Getty [03:00]: "I was absolutely loving it. Not just the life on the boat and the people and the food and the drink. And then watching the world go by from the top deck even though it was cold."

• Unexpected Weather Challenges: A significant snowfall and heavy rains led to swollen rivers, causing the cruise operators to close all locks. This resulted in Joe and Judy being removed from the boat two and a half days before their scheduled disembarkation.

  Joe Getty [02:54]: "They had to boot us off the boat and said we can't be on the river anymore. Which was such a bummer because I was absolutely loving it."

• Extended Stay in Munich: Due to the abrupt end of their cruise, they extended their stay in Munich from two to four nights, allowing them to explore the city’s rich history, food, and culture more thoroughly.

  Jack Armstrong [03:20]: "You should have done like the airlines give you a free drink ticket."

2. Exploring German Culture and History [06:30 – 13:11]

Joe delves into his deep interest in German history, particularly the rise and fall of the Third Reich. While in Munich, the birthplace of the Nazi movement, he and Judy visited the National Socialist Documentation Center and the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Key Highlights:

• National Socialist Documentation Center: Joe commends the center for its comprehensive portrayal of how a fringe political party evolved into a regime responsible for unprecedented atrocities.

  Joe Getty [10:04]: "It fleshes it out. How do you go from unknown, destitute former corporal in the military to Der Führer with the power to kill millions and millions of people?"

• Dachau Concentration Camp: The visit was profoundly moving, highlighting the horrors of the camp and serving as a poignant reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty.

  Jack Armstrong [12:21]: "Do people shuffle around quietly looking stressed at this? I've never been to anything like this before."

• Reflection on Historical Atrocities: Joe emphasizes the importance of understanding history to prevent the repetition of such devastating events.

  Joe Getty [12:53]: "It's how you don't play with this sort of thing because it’ll go seriously wrong."

3. Recent Murder Case and Political Commentary [13:11 – 18:57]

The hosts discuss a high-profile murder case involving a man named Luigi, who allegedly killed a family man. They explore potential psychological and societal factors contributing to such violent actions.

Key Highlights:

• Luigi’s Background: Luigi, a well-educated individual with Ivy League credentials, purportedly suffered a severe spinal injury that may have led to a traumatic brain injury, potentially altering his personality and mental state.

  Joe Getty [15:31]: "He might have gone crazy. That's all possible, of course."

• Political Radicalization: The discussion touches on how elite educational institutions may foster radicalized views, contributing to hostile actions against certain groups or entities.

  Joe Getty [17:19]: "It's fairly uniform in the Ivy League and other so-called elite educational institutions that they skew extremely heavily to the left among the faculty."

• Public and Media Reactions: The hosts critique public figures and media responses, highlighting the complexity and often flawed nature of societal and political commentary surrounding such incidents.

  Jack Armstrong [17:33]: "There’s been no copycat that we're aware of. I hope that continues."

4. Terrorist Arrests and U.S. Border Security [19:10 – 30:18]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the recent arrest of eight suspected terrorists from Tajikistan with alleged ties to ISIS who illegally crossed the U.S. southern border. The hosts critique the current border security measures and President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

Key Highlights:

• Arrests and Homeland Security Failures: Highlights include the failure of the so-called "vetting process," leading to these individuals entering the country despite existing security measures.

  Joe Getty [19:31]: "They are prohibited by law...But the vetting process is utterly insufficient."

• Political Repercussions: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and others blame President Biden’s policies for the security lapse, arguing that the administration’s approach has led to increased vulnerabilities.

  Jack Armstrong [19:10]: "Outrage on Capitol Hill after eight suspected terrorists from Tajikistan were arrested in the United States."

• Public Support for Border Security: Recent polls indicate a majority of Americans favor stricter border controls, including the construction of a border wall and deportation of undocumented immigrants.

  Jack Armstrong [26:07]: "Nearly two-thirds of Americans said, yeah, I'd be all for that."

  Joe Getty [26:44]: "It is overwhelmingly popular. Which if you just...you have to be a leader."

• Critique of Current Administration: The hosts argue that President Biden lacks leadership, being swayed by constituent demands rather than implementing effective, principled policies.

  Joe Getty [25:01]: "He has no principles. He’s just...he has no principles."

5. U.S. Foreign Policy and International Relations [30:49 – 37:45]

The conversation shifts to broader foreign policy issues, focusing on the evolving alliances between nations like Russia, China, and North Korea, and the implications for U.S. national security.

Key Highlights:

• Russia-China Pact: Discusses the recent defense pact between Russia and North Korea, and how these alliances pose a challenge to U.S. interests.

  Jack Armstrong [30:49]: "North Korea woke up to see that Putin and North Korea signed a pact to come to each other's defense if they are attacked by, I guess they're implying us."

• Military Preparedness and Strategies: The hosts explore U.S. military strategies, including the proposed "Hellscape" plan to counter potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan using drones and unmanned submarines.

  Jack Armstrong [34:44]: "The Hellscape idea is we got gazillions of unmanned submarines and flying drones and all kinds of stuff that we would unleash on them instantly to try to slow them down."

• Isolationism vs. Global Engagement: A critical analysis of isolationist perspectives versus the necessity of active global engagement in an interconnected world.

  Joe Getty [33:03]: "Isolationism would be wonderful if it worked. That would be great."

• Historical Context and Future Implications: Drawing parallels with historical events, the hosts emphasize the importance of strategic alliances and the complexities of modern geopolitics.

  Jack Armstrong [36:43]: "Stalin was somewhat shocked at one point when Mao, who Chairman Xi idolizes and wants to be the new Mao, told Stalin, I'm perfectly fine with losing 100 million people if I have to, to defeat the United States."

6. Audience Engagement and Wrap-Up [37:45 – 30:20]

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about technology and a brief mention of upcoming topics, maintaining engagement with the audience.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty [03:00]: "I was absolutely loving it. Not just the life on the boat and the people and the food and the drink."
• Jack Armstrong [26:07]: "Nearly two-thirds of Americans said, yeah, I'd be all for that."
• Joe Getty [10:04]: "How do you go from unknown, destitute former corporal in the military to Der Führer with the power to kill millions and millions of people?"
• Jack Armstrong [34:44]: "The Hellscape idea is we got gazillions of unmanned submarines and flying drones and all kinds of stuff that we would unleash on them instantly to try to slow them down."

Conclusion

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand provides a comprehensive exploration of Joe Getty’s personal experiences in Europe, a deep dive into German history, a critical analysis of current U.S. border security and immigration policies, and an insightful discussion on international relations and foreign policy challenges. Through engaging dialogue and thought-provoking commentary, the hosts offer listeners a rich and informative session that encapsulates both personal anecdotes and broader societal issues.