Podcast Summary: "Why Are We Doing This?" – Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Date of Release: November 18, 2024
Host: Armstrong & Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the "Why Are We Doing This?" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Steve Post and Mike Bagley delve into pressing societal and political issues, examining the intricate web of policies, economic realities, and human behaviors that shape contemporary America. Skipping over the usual advertisements and promotional segments, the episode zeroes in on topics ranging from illegal immigration's impact on agriculture to the evolving landscape of warfare and the controversial potential appointment of RFK Jr. as Health Secretary.

Illegal Immigration and Agricultural Labor in California's Central Valley

Timestamp: [02:56] – [14:15]

The episode opens with a discussion inspired by a recent ABC segment addressing the critical role of undocumented workers in California's Central Valley—a region responsible for producing 17 billion dollars' worth of crops and 25% of the nation's food supply. The Department of Agriculture estimates that over 330,000 workers in the Central Valley alone lack legal status.

Key Points:

• Dependency on Undocumented Labor:
  Steve Post highlights, “We have accepted that our American-born people shouldn't have to do those jobs.” This reliance raises questions about societal values and labor distribution.

• Economic Realities vs. Societal Willingness:
  Despite offering some of the highest wages in the nation, farm owners report a stark lack of interest from American workers willing to engage in labor-intensive jobs under extreme conditions. Post questions, “Why would people who are unemployed or underemployed take the option of not doing a job even if it paid really well?”

• Policy and Sanctuary Cities:
  The hosts discuss California's 2017 measure prohibiting state resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement, effectively making it the sanctuary city capital of America. Post remarks, “If you're going to accept that our American born people shouldn't have to do those jobs, then you're gonna have to have illegals here.”

• Philosophical and Moral Questions:
  The conversation delves into the moral implications of delegating essential but unappealing jobs to undocumented immigrants. Bagley analogizes the situation to family counseling, suggesting, “Imagine if you went to family counseling and you said, my children refuse to do their chores. And the counselor said, well, let's talk about how you can hire someone to do your children's chores.”

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Post [03:30]: “300,000 workers in the Central Valley alone that if you followed what recent polling says 60% of America wants, would all be booted out of the country.”

• Mike Bagley [07:11]: “The more, quote unquote progressive you are, the more in favor of white people won't do this work. Let's bring in some of those brown people.”

Political Dynamics: Trump's Public Appearance with Influential Figures

Timestamp: [15:33] – [23:36]

The hosts shift focus to a high-profile event where former President Donald Trump attended a WWE event alongside notable figures like Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Dana White. This appearance underscores Trump's enduring influence and strategic alliances within diverse sectors.

Key Points:

• Event Highlights:
  Post describes the scene: “Trump holds up the championship belt, and the crowd goes absolutely berserk.” The presence of Elon Musk and other influential personalities signals potential political maneuvers and endorsements.

• Implications for Trump’s Political Future:
  Bagley and Post speculate on the sustainability of Trump's alliances, especially with figures like Musk, noting, “Elon's got a pretty big platform to badmouth Trump if it goes wrong.”

• Media and Public Perception:
  The overwhelming positive reception from the crowd contrasts with media narratives, suggesting a disconnect between public sentiment and mainstream media representation.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Post [19:16]: “I wish the people that go home could hear the sound in this room. It is so loud.”

• Mike Bagley [23:02]: “This will be brilliant... I can't wait till that story is completely told.”

Health Policy Debate: The Controversial Stance of RFK Jr.

Timestamp: [43:27] – [48:29]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential role as Health Secretary, focusing on his controversial views on vaccines and water fluoridation.

Key Points:

• Vaccination Skepticism:
  RFK Jr. asserts, “No vaccine is safe and effective. I do believe that autism does come from vaccines.” These statements spark debates about public health policies and scientific consensus.

• Fluoridation of Water:
  Contrary to the widespread acceptance of fluoride in water as a successful public health measure, Kennedy contends its removal. Post notes, “There's a whole bunch of countries around the world that have decided, no, this is not good, it can cause all kinds of problems.”

• Public and Political Pushback:
  The hosts explore the societal resistance to changing established health policies, reflecting on past debates like those surrounding the food pyramid.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Bagley [46:25]: “There's like a direct correlation between that belief and masters degrees are higher in any given zip code.”

• Steve Post [45:01]: “Before we get to some good stuff about RFK Jr. from the Washington Post, here's him talking about vaccines.”

The Future of Warfare: AI and Autonomous Weapons

Timestamp: [28:04] – [38:55]

Post and Bagley examine the rapid advancements in military technology, particularly the rise of AI-driven autonomous weaponry and its implications for future conflicts.

Key Points:

• AI-Enabled Weapon Systems:
  The discussion centers on the development of systems like the Bullfrog, an AI-powered machine gun designed to target drones with precision beyond human capability. Bagley summarizes from Wired.com, “It's a computerized drone machine gun with AI and optics that see drones coming in, blows them out of the sky with a machine gun.”

• Impact on Soldiers and Military Strategy:
  The hosts express concern over the ethical and practical ramifications of reducing human involvement in combat, pondering whether this shift will lead to safer soldiers or more detached, yet equally devastating, warfare.

• Global Military Dynamics:
  Reference is made to Russia's ongoing conflicts and the potential obsolescence of traditional military assets like aircraft carriers in the face of smart weaponry. Post remarks, “The future might be what you're talking about. We just don't have to have human beings doing that.”

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Bagley [29:19]: “Seeking an edge in combat, the Navy has created boats so powerful that riding in them can destroy sailors' brains.”

• Steve Post [38:55]: “RFK Jr might be crazy about some stuff, but here it wraps up the...”

Conclusion: Societal Reflections and Policy Challenges

Timestamp: [43:22] – [49:57]

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the broader themes discussed, emphasizing the complex interplay between policy decisions, societal values, and technological advancements.

Key Points:

• Resistance to Change:
  Post acknowledges the difficulty in overhauling entrenched systems, noting, “Because we're unlikely to change these complicated things, it doesn't mean the first person with any idea to come along automatically should be considered the answer.”

• Ethical Considerations:
  The episode underscores the moral dilemmas inherent in delegating essential yet unappealing jobs to specific populations and the broader implications of technological advancements in warfare.

• Call for Comprehensive Policies:
  Both hosts advocate for thoughtful, inclusive policy-making that addresses root causes rather than superficial solutions, especially concerning immigration and labor.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Post [49:32]: “And we are underway. The Great American Race.”

• Mike Bagley [49:35]: “Photo finishes Ryan Blaney will win the...”

Final Thoughts

"Why Are We Doing This?" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of some of America's most contentious issues. Through incisive dialogue and critical analysis, Armstrong & Getty challenge listeners to reconsider prevailing narratives and question the underlying motives and consequences of current policies and societal trends. By weaving in current events, historical context, and ethical debates, the episode provides a comprehensive look at why certain systems persist and what it might take to effect meaningful change.

Note: This summary selectively includes significant portions of the episode's content, omitting repeated advertisement segments to focus on the core discussions pertinent to the episode's theme. Notable quotes are attributed with approximate timestamps for reference.