Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "This Neighborhood Is Shootier Than We Thought"

Released on March 24, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In the episode titled "This Neighborhood Is Shootier Than We Thought," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into pressing national issues, focusing primarily on immigration, media bias, political dynamics, and societal changes influenced by technology and education. The discussion is rich with insights, critical analysis, and a touch of humor, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience.

**1. Illegal Immigration and Media Portrayal

Discussion Highlights:

Armstrong and Getty critique a recent episode of "60 Minutes" that highlighted the surge of illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking at the Canadian border, orchestrated by the Sinaloa cartel. They express skepticism about the media's portrayal, suggesting it reinforces certain political narratives.

• Jack Armstrong [05:34]: "Good on 60 Minutes. I gave up on 60 minutes a week too early. That is remarkable for its obvious reinforcement of various MAGA claims."

• Joe Getty [07:08]: "It's like a produced sales piece from the cartel on 'Want to go to America?'"

The hosts argue that while illegal activities are a concern, the media may be overstating the severity compared to more established issues, such as the well-known challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border.

**2. Media Bias and Audience Mistrust

Discussion Highlights:

The hosts express frustration with perceived liberal bias in mainstream media outlets, particularly "60 Minutes," asserting that such biases alienate conservative audiences and undermine journalistic integrity.

• Joe Getty [09:44]: "Not only the bias, but in the facts. Maga-friendly story, very MAGA-friendly story."

• Jack Armstrong [10:14]: "It's a hell of a coincidence. It is."

They lament the media's focus on narratives they consider partisan, such as negative portrayals of government workers and one-sided immigration stories, which they believe contribute to public distrust.

**3. Trump Administration's Immigration Policies

Discussion Highlights:

Armstrong and Getty analyze the Trump administration's stance on immigration, particularly focusing on the use of the Alien Enemies Act. They discuss recent court rulings that challenge the administration's policies and the political implications of these legal battles.

• Joe Getty [31:02]: "Even when it comes to Venezuelan immigrants who may or may not be gang members. If the government can do things and you... you don't get your day in court."

• Jack Armstrong [34:04]: "A majority of Americans are thinking, good, kick out Venezuelan gang members and anybody who shouldn't be here, who isn't legally entitled to be here."

They question the administration's reliance on outdated laws and emphasize the need for due process, highlighting concerns about potential abuse of power.

**4. The Alien Enemies Act and Legal Challenges

Discussion Highlights:

The conversation delves into the specifics of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law, and its application in modern immigration enforcement. Armstrong and Getty discuss the ambiguities of the law and the recent court rulings that restrict its use.

• Joe Getty [32:14]: "Whenever there's a declared war... they can just do stuff without proving their case."

• Jack Armstrong [32:42]: "If stuff from the 18th century is no good, then what are you talking about, you phonies?"

They argue that the administration's interpretation of the Act is legally tenuous and politically motivated, raising questions about constitutional boundaries and the rule of law.

**5. Polling Insights and Political Sentiments

Discussion Highlights:

Referencing pollster Bill McInturve, the hosts highlight a significant shift in public opinion, noting an increase in the perception that the country is moving in the "right direction" and a corresponding decline in support for the Democratic Party.

• Jack Armstrong [35:17]: "This is the first time right direction is over 40%. You know, it's just a classic question of are we on going a right direction or wrong direction as a country?"

• Joe Getty [36:36]: "Anything else is quibbling. Honestly, that's huge."

These insights underscore a potential realignment in the political landscape, suggesting growing support for conservative policies and leadership.

**6. Technological Advancements and Workforce Implications

Discussion Highlights:

The hosts touch upon the impending impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, citing concerns from various sectors about automation and AI replacing human roles.

• Joe Getty [43:29]: "Bill Gates recently said he thought a major debate in the next five to 10 years will be whether or not people need to work 40 hours a week at all because AI will do so many jobs faster and better than humans can."

Armstrong and Getty contemplate the societal shifts that widespread AI adoption may precipitate, including economic challenges and the need for workforce retraining.

**7. Educational Practices and Literacy

Discussion Highlights:

Addressing education, the hosts criticize contemporary teaching methods, specifically the decline of phonics in favor of sight words, arguing that it hampers children's reading abilities.

• Jack Armstrong [44:23]: "My kids were in school for this. Sight words. It's dumb, but it was all the rage."

• Joe Getty [44:28]: "Speaking of, you know, the freedom loving quote and intellectuals and PhDs and what we were talking about. You can't justify your lofty salary as a superintendent..."

They advocate for a return to proven literacy techniques, emphasizing the long-term benefits of phonics in developing strong reading skills.

**8. Listener Feedback and Mailbag Segment

Discussion Highlights:

Armstrong and Getty engage with listener feedback, addressing comments and questions that reflect their audience's concerns and perspectives.

• Listener from Idaho [42:30]: "A very nice thing about the show... I wish one of the local radio stations in Boise would pick your show up."

The hosts appreciate the support and discuss potential expansion, especially in regions where they currently lack a broadcast presence.

**9. Social Security and Economic Concerns

Discussion Highlights:

The hosts lament remarks made by Elon Musk regarding Social Security, which they interpret as undermining public trust in essential social programs.

• Jack Armstrong [39:23]: "Elon called Social Security a Ponzi scheme. Democrats have jumped all over that... We just can't function as a society if we're going to be this stupid."

They express frustration over political rhetoric that they believe erodes confidence in social safety nets, highlighting the broader implications for national stability and individual security.

**10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discussion Highlights:

Armstrong and Getty wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of critical thinking and staying informed amidst a rapidly changing political and social landscape. They encourage listeners to engage with the topics discussed and remain vigilant about media consumption and policy developments.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong [05:34]: "That is remarkable for its obvious reinforcement of various MAGA claims."

• Joe Getty [09:44]: "Not only the bias, but in the facts. Maga-friendly story, very Maga-friendly story."

• Joe Getty [31:02]: "If the government can do things and you... you don't get your day in court."

• Jack Armstrong [34:04]: "A majority of Americans are thinking, good, kick out Venezuelan gang members and anybody who shouldn't be here, who isn't legally entitled to be here."

• Joe Getty [36:36]: "Anything else is quibbling. Honestly, that's huge."

Key Takeaways

• Media Skepticism: Armstrong and Getty critically assess mainstream media narratives, particularly regarding immigration and drug trafficking, highlighting perceived biases and questioning the portrayal of issues.

• Immigration Policy Debate: The episode underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement, legal interpretations of historical laws, and the political ramifications of current policies.

• Public Opinion Shifts: Polling data indicates a favorable shift towards conservative leadership and dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, suggesting potential changes in future elections.

• Technological Impact: The rise of AI poses significant challenges and opportunities for the workforce, necessitating proactive strategies to address job displacement and economic adaptation.

• Education Reform: There is a pressing need to revisit and potentially reinstate effective literacy teaching methods, such as phonics, to enhance children's reading capabilities.

• Societal Trust Issues: Remarks undermining Social Security and other essential programs contribute to broader societal concerns about economic security and institutional trust.

For more detailed discussions and insights, listen to the full episode of "This Neighborhood Is Shootier Than We Thought" on Armstrong & Getty On Demand.