Podcast Summary: Common Sense with Dan Carlin
Episode: Show 316 - The Day of the Dove
Release Date: June 19, 2017

Introduction and Recent Violent Incidents

Dan Carlin opens the episode by discussing two recent violent incidents that serve as harbingers of societal fracture:

1. Congressional Ballpark Attack: A gunman, identified through social media as a "Bernie Sanders supporter" and "Trump hater," attacked Republicans during a bipartisan baseball game practice. This resulted in several injuries, including a critically wounded congressman. The attacker was killed in a shootout with security.

   "And the gunman was killed in a shootout with security people." [04:30]

2. Portland Knife Attack: A man verbally harassed young women, one dressed in Muslim attire, and upon confrontation, wielded a knife, leading to three stabbings and two deaths. He appeared at his arraignment expressing sentiments resembling an alt-right manifesto.

   "These are the people that break first when things heat up to a place where... you get past breaking points." [07:50]

Carlin emphasizes that these individuals represent the psychological margins of society, acting as early indicators of deeper societal stress.

Societal Pressure and the Emergence of Weak Links

Using the metaphor of blood pressure, Carlin explains how societal pressures can cause "weak links" in the social fabric to break down, leading to cascading issues akin to an avalanche.

"But the higher the pressure goes and the more these weak links begin to go, the more you start an almost cascading, like an avalanche of things." [10:15]

He draws parallels to historical feuds like Hatfield and McCoy, illustrating how unresolved tensions can escalate into cycles of vengeance.

The Role of Media in Amplifying Polarization

Carlin critiques the modern media landscape, arguing that media outlets thrive on controversy, heat, and anger to drive ratings, clicks, and engagement. This creates a "greenhouse" effect where societal tensions are artificially maintained at a simmering yet unstable level.

"What's the effect of that? Well, Noonan says from the middle of the piece, that's what we're doing now, exciting the unstable not only with images but with words and on every platform." [23:40]

He references Peggy Noonan's Wall Street Journal column, which highlights the deep divisions in America:

"It is between those who support Donald Trump and those who despise him... We look down on each other, fear each other, increasingly hate each other." [18:55]

The Feasibility and Consequences of a Modern Civil War

Carlin delves into the concept of a potential civil war in contemporary America, distinguishing it from the historical Civil War (1861-1865). He posits that any modern-day civil conflict would involve non-state actors rather than structured government factions.

"If you have a civil war in this country, I think the governments of the United States at the local, state and federal level are all going to be on one side." [35:10]

He questions the objectives and ethical implications of such a conflict, pondering what would happen to defeated factions and the societal aftermath.

Historical Context: Parallels with the 1960s and 1970s

Drawing from Richard Nixon's memoirs, Carlin recounts the tumultuous period of the late 1960s and early 1970s, marked by over 40,000 bombings, attempted bombings, and bomb threats in just over a year. This era saw significant domestic terrorism from both left- and right-wing groups.

"From January 1969 through April 1970... over 40,000 bombings, attempted bombings and bomb threats." [42:20]

He warns that a similar surge of violence today, amplified by modern technology and media, would lead to unprecedented chaos and government overreach.

The Impact of Global Terrorism and Societal Transformation

Carlin discusses how 9/11 transformed societal norms, increasing fear and paranoia. He argues that terrorism's primary goal is to instill fear, forcing societies to react in ways that may undermine freedoms and reshape governmental structures.

"We have to defend ourselves from that... If terrorism's goal is to create fear, how do we prevent the fear so that we don't do something we don't like in response to it?" [58:45]

He references Steven Spender's analysis of totalitarian impulses arising from chaos, suggesting that persistent fear can lead to authoritarian measures.

Media's Relentless Pursuit of Controversy

Continuing his critique of media, Carlin highlights how the media perpetuates societal divisions by constantly generating and feeding on hate and vitriol. This relentless pursuit of controversy keeps society in a state of perpetual tension without resolution.

"The media climate now, in both news and entertainment is too often of a goading, insinuating resentment, a grinding, agitating antipathy." [1:10:15]

He uses the "Day of the Dove" analogy from Star Trek, where an alien entity feeds on hate, to illustrate how media thrives on societal discord.

The Infeasibility of Legislative Solutions to Emotional Turmoil

Carlin posits that issues like corruption and constitutional questions, while significant, can be addressed through legislation. In contrast, the pervasive hate and emotional divisions defy such solutions, as they are deeply ingrained and exacerbated by media dynamics.

"The problem with this Civil War question, this hate question being at the top of the list, is it defies legislative solutions." [1:05:50]

He argues that without addressing the emotional underpinnings, societal divisions will continue to grow unchecked.

The Future of American Politics and Societal Cohesion

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of American politics, Carlin speculates on the rise of non-traditional political figures, similar to how Donald Trump leveraged celebrity status to ascend to the presidency. He warns of the potential for future leaders to emerge from unexpected backgrounds, further destabilizing political norms.

"Isn't it interesting to think that we're going to be talking about some television celebrity or some television performer or some rock singer... run for president sometime?" [1:15:40]

Carlin underscores the vulnerability of society to being swayed by charismatic individuals who thrive on controversy rather than substantive policy.

Conclusion: The Need for Societal Reflection and Change

In wrapping up, Carlin emphasizes the urgent need for society to reflect on its trajectory. He calls for a reevaluation of media practices, political engagement, and societal values to prevent further polarization and potential conflict.

"The machine I'm not sure they can turn off... We have to be responsible here. We have to tone it down." [1:25:30]

Carlin closes by acknowledging the challenges ahead but urges a collective effort to restore common sense and societal cohesion.

Notable Quotes

• "These are the people that break first when things heat up to a place where... you get past breaking points." — Dan Carlin [07:50]
• "It is between those who support Donald Trump and those who despise him... We look down on each other, fear each other, increasingly hate each other." — Peggy Noonan [18:55]
• "From January 1969 through April 1970... over 40,000 bombings, attempted bombings and bomb threats." — Richard Nixon [42:20]
• "The media climate now, in both news and entertainment is too often of a goading, insinuating resentment, a grinding, agitating antipathy." — Peggy Noonan [1:10:15]
• "Isn't it interesting to think that we're going to be talking about some television celebrity or some television performer or some rock singer... run for president sometime?" — Dan Carlin [1:15:40]

Final Thoughts

Dan Carlin's "The Day of the Dove" serves as a sobering examination of America's increasing polarization, the role of media in exacerbating societal tensions, and the potential for future conflicts rooted in deep-seated hate and fear. By drawing parallels with historical events and contemporary issues, Carlin urges listeners to recognize the signs of societal strain and the urgent need for collective introspection and change.