Podcast Summary: "Freedom Is Canceled"
As The World Churns
Release Date: June 13, 2025

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In the episode titled "Freedom Is Canceled," hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moody delve deep into the escalating political turmoil in the United States. They discuss President Donald Trump's planned military parade to celebrate his 250th birthday and the simultaneous rise of protest movements against his administration. The episode features insights from political scientist and retired scholar Norm Ornstein and human rights attorney Jamil Jaffer, who provide expert analysis on the constitutional and civil liberties issues arising from current events.

2. Donald Trump's Planned Military Parade and Public Reaction

Danielle Moody opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's intention to host a grand military parade, which she describes as an "ego-filled military spectacle." She criticizes the unprecedented nature of such an event in American history and points out the potential logistical and financial burdens it may impose on taxpayers. Danielle notes the weather's potential to disrupt the event and introduces the growing "No Kings" protest movement opposing the parade.

Andy Levy expresses his disapproval of the parade, emphasizing the uncharacteristic authoritarian imagery it presents. He states:

"The imagery is fascistic. The imagery is grotesque, and it has no place in our country." [02:55]

He further criticizes the parade for its high costs and the deliberate display of military might, contrasting it with his own respect for traditional military values.

3. Rise of the "No Kings" Protest Movement

The hosts discuss the burgeoning "No Kings" protests organized by the group 5501.

Andy Levy remarks on the scale and significance of the protests:

"This feels like it's going to be a huge deal, and it feels like it's really going to send a message that there are a lot of Americans who are not on board with what the leadership of this country has been doing." [04:00]

He commends the organizers and participants, acknowledging the courage of those who attend protests despite not typically being activists.

Danielle Moody connects the protests to broader Republican spending habits, highlighting the contradiction between claims of avoiding waste and the extravagant expenditure on the parade:

"Donald Trump and Republicans in general don't care about waste... because Trump’s ego parade... No holds barred, oh, throw money at the king." [05:00]

4. Critique of Republican Policies and Leadership

The discussion shifts to the broader implications of Republican policies under Trump's administration. Danielle criticizes the administration's handling of infrastructure and healthcare, pointing out the irony in their rhetoric against wasteful spending while approving costly events like the military parade.

Andy Levy underscores the inconsistency in Republican actions:

"They are the people who are simultaneously trying to take money out of the budget for Medicaid, for healthcare... while wasting tens of millions, whatever it is, dollars on a parade." [07:00]

He further expresses concern over the authoritarian direction of the administration, drawing parallels to fascist regimes and lamenting the erosion of democratic norms.

5. Appointment of RFK Jr. and Anti-Vaccination Policies

Andy Levy addresses the controversial appointment of RFK Jr. to the Health and Human Services Department, specifically his decision to disband the CDC’s vaccination advisory committee.

"He fired the whole committee... at least half of those are very, very strongly anti-vaccine." [10:12]

Danielle Moody speculates on the economic repercussions of this move, suggesting that insurance companies may no longer cover essential vaccines, leading to increased healthcare costs for Americans.

"Insurance companies... take direction from the CDC vaccine advisory boards... If you want to get them, your insurances are not going to cover them." [12:00]

6. Guest Insights: Norm Ornstein on Authoritarian Tendencies

Norm Ornstein, a political scientist and retired scholar, provides a critical analysis of the current administration's actions, drawing comparisons to authoritarian regimes.

"Donald Trump checks all those boxes and while he punishes his enemies, he may not go as far yet as, say, Putin." [19:52]

He introduces the term "nihilocracy" to describe the administration's approach, emphasizing the deliberate dismantling of safety nets and critical infrastructure.

Danielle Moody adds to Ornstein’s points by highlighting the administration's neglect of essential services:

"We're already starting to see with the outbreaks of measles... and whooping cough is back." [15:20]

Ornstein warns of long-term damage to the country's institutions and the challenges that will arise in rebuilding them.

7. Legal Perspectives: Jamil Jaffer on Civil Liberties and Protests

Jamil Jaffer, a human rights and civil liberties attorney, discusses the critical role of the Knight First Amendment Institute in defending First Amendment rights amid increasing government suppression of dissent.

Jamil Jaffer explains the institute's efforts:

"We have a litigation program, a research program, policy and public education... successfully won those cases [against Trump]." [41:36]

He emphasizes the importance of peaceful protests as a cornerstone of democracy and warns against the administration's antagonistic stance toward free speech.

"Protesters are exercising a constitutional right in the same way that when you go to the ballot box and you vote." [43:59]

Jaffer outlines practical advice for protesters facing rights violations, including documenting interactions and seeking legal assistance.

8. The Future of American Democracy and Call to Action

The episode culminates with a somber reflection on the state of American democracy. Both Norman Ornstein and Jamil Jaffer express deep concern over the administration's undermining of democratic institutions and the potential for further erosion of civil liberties.

Norm Ornstein provides a bleak outlook:

"The damage they're doing by blowing everything up... we have to start doing whatever we can now to lay the groundwork for the reconstruction that will follow." [55:55]

Danielle Moody underscores the urgency, questioning the effectiveness of upcoming midterm elections in countering the administration's authoritarian tendencies.

"Midterm elections are not happening." [30:49]

Jamil Jaffer reiterates the need for sustained activism and legal challenges to preserve democratic freedoms.

"This is as core to our system as, you know, that [voting]." [47:15]

9. Conclusion

In "Freedom Is Canceled," Andy Levy and Danielle Moody provide a comprehensive examination of the current political crisis in the United States, highlighting the stark shift towards authoritarianism under President Trump's administration. Through expert interviews and incisive commentary, the episode underscores the critical importance of defending civil liberties and maintaining democratic institutions in the face of growing governmental overreach.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Levy: "The imagery is fascistic. The imagery is grotesque, and it has no place in our country." [02:55]

• Norm Ornstein: "Donald Trump checks all those boxes and while he punishes his enemies, he may not go as far yet as, say, Putin." [19:52]

• Jamil Jaffer: "Protesters are exercising a constitutional right in the same way that when you go to the ballot box and you vote." [43:59]

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic norms and the urgent need for active engagement to safeguard freedom and justice in America.