Armstrong & Getty On Demand: The A&G Replay Thursday Hour One (July 3, 2025)

Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty, the latest episode of the Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast delves into pressing societal issues, public perceptions of government, and the state of education in America. The dynamic duo engages in spirited discussions, offering insights and sparking conversations that resonate with listeners across the nation.

1. Skateboard Park Regulations: Balancing Safety and Freedom

The episode kicks off with Jack Armstrong recounting his frustration over restrictive safety regulations at local skateboard parks. He shares personal anecdotes from his experiences in Los Angeles and Folsom, California, highlighting the tension between ensuring safety and fostering an environment where kids can freely enjoy skateboarding.

Jack Armstrong [03:37]: "It's a great example of the conflict of visions that Thomas Sowell talks about between conservatives and progressives... I can't get in the mind of the people I'm talking about."

Joe Getty echoes Armstrong’s sentiments, criticizing what he perceives as excessive paternalism that hampers children's ability to assess risks and develop resilience.

Joe Getty [07:24]: "The paternalism... is deceptive, disgusting to me. Kids must be protected from banging up their elbows and knees."

The discussion underscores a broader debate about regulation versus personal freedom, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to experience and navigate challenges independently.

2. Public Perceptions of Government Spending and Taxes

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around recent polling data from the Cato Institute, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with government spending and taxation.

Jack Armstrong highlights startling statistics:

Jack Armstrong [25:03]: "85% say that spending has either not helped them or made their lives worse."

Joe Getty adds context, linking this sentiment to inflation and broader economic frustrations.

Joe Getty [26:58]: "Wow. That's got to be inflation, which is the greatest teacher of economic principles."

The hosts discuss how an overwhelming majority—76%—believe the government spends too much, a sentiment that transcends party lines, with 59% of Democrats and a similar percentage of Republicans sharing this view.

Jack Armstrong [27:44]: "Three quarters of Americans say the government spends too much. And again, it's not a partisan thing at all."

Moreover, the episode touches on the public's stance on taxation, noting that 55% believe their taxes are too high, and a surprising 85% support making the 2017 tax cuts permanent.

Jack Armstrong [30:36]: "Three quarters of people agree that the 2017 tax cuts should be made permanent because taxes are too high."

This section paints a picture of a populace eager for fiscal reform, yet grappling with entrenched governmental structures that resist change.

3. Admiration for Wealth and Opposition to Redistribution

Armstrong and Getty delve into societal attitudes towards wealth, revealing a strong admiration for the rich and skepticism towards wealth redistribution.

Jack Armstrong [32:04]: "Two-thirds of Americans disagree with the statement that wealth should be taken from the rich and given to the poor."

Joe Getty reinforces this viewpoint, expressing strong opposition to policies aimed at limiting wealth accumulation.

Joe Getty [33:05]: "Anyone who does think we should make it impossible to become a billionaire, you are so dumb."

The conversation emphasizes a cultural shift that values entrepreneurial success and individual achievement over collective economic interventions.

4. Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in the Federal Government

The hosts discuss the pervasive issue of inefficiency within the federal government, supported by polling data showing that a staggering 98% of Americans believe there is waste, fraud, and abuse at the federal level.

Jack Armstrong [28:53]: "Of all the spending we've done in the last 10 years... 98% broadly agree there is waste, broader abuse in the federal government."

This near-universal agreement underscores a deep-seated mistrust in governmental operations and highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to restore public confidence.

5. Education System Reforms: Progress and Problems

Armstrong and Getty shift focus to the education sector, presenting both encouraging and disheartening developments.

Good News: They commend a professor at Tufts University who successfully engages students in American conservatism, fostering critical thinking and balanced perspectives.

Joe Getty [41:25]: "He's systematically steel manning conservative arguments for the college kids, and the kids love it."

Bad News: Conversely, they criticize states like Oklahoma, New York, Wisconsin, and Illinois for lowering academic standards to artificially boost proficiency metrics, undermining the integrity of educational assessments.

Jack Armstrong [44:37]: "Once a measure becomes a goal, it ceases to be a good measure."

The hosts argue that such practices distort the true state of education, leading to complacency and a lack of genuine progress.

Additionally, they highlight the Biden administration's cancellation of $15 million in federal grants for diversity programs at various universities, raising concerns about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education.

Joe Getty [46:00]: "They now give DEI more weight than excellent clinical skills... underscoring how deeply DEI has penetrated medical education."

This duality in educational reforms paints a complex landscape where progress in certain areas is offset by regressions in others.

6. Humorous Interlude: Mock Trial Scenario

In a lighter segment, Armstrong and Getty engage in a humorous mock trial scenario where a lawyer mistakenly addresses a judge as "honey." This exchange serves as comic relief amidst the serious discussions, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and ability to balance humor with critical analysis.

Jack Armstrong [16:50]: "You’re a psycho because I think you are. I think you're..."

Joe Getty [17:26]: "That is absolutely hilarious."

7. Conclusion: The State of American Democracy and Public Will

Wrapping up the episode, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the challenges facing American democracy, particularly the disconnect between public will and governmental action. They express hope that the widespread dissatisfaction with government spending and taxation will catalyze meaningful reforms, despite systemic obstacles often referred to as "the swamp."

Jack Armstrong [35:54]: "It's the spending, not the taxing. And we need to deal with it from a spending standpoint."

Their discussion emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement and persistent advocacy to bridge the gap between public opinion and legislative action.

Armstrong & Getty continue to provide thought-provoking content that encourages listeners to question, engage, and participate actively in shaping the future of their communities and the nation.