The $20K Mistake 99% of College Grads Make | Charlie Kirk DSH #1017

Summary

Digital Social Hour Podcast Summary

Episode: "The $20K Mistake 99% of College Grads Make | Charlie Kirk DSH #1017"
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Charlie Kirk

---

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid conversation with Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The discussion delves into critical issues surrounding higher education, government policies, and the broader socio-political landscape in America. Skipping over the initial advertisements, the episode quickly immerses listeners into a profound dialogue addressing some of the most pressing concerns faced by young adults today.

---

Student Loan Forgiveness: A Moral and Economic Dilemma

One of the central topics of the conversation is the contentious issue of student loan forgiveness. Charlie Kirk vehemently opposes the idea, presenting a robust argument against it.

Charlie Kirk (01:02): "No, absolutely not. Let me give you the reason why. Number one, I didn't go to college and I've succeeded, so why should my taxpayer dollars go for paying for somebody else's mistakes?"

Kirk further emphasizes the ethical implications of forgiving student loans, highlighting the burden it places on professionals in trades and public service who did not attend college.

Charlie Kirk (01:02): "What about kids that went to different schools to try to graduate with less debt? Are we punishing their good decisions? So, no."

---

The Department of Education: A Constitutional and Operational Critique

Sean Kelly probes deeper into Kirk's disdain for the Department of Education, seeking actionable advice for parents.

Charlie Kirk (01:52): "Education is the most personal thing. It's the development of the soul. It's the development of the character of an individual. And the federal government has failed miserably in the education of our children."

Kirk argues for the dismantling of the Department of Education, advocating for education to be managed at state and local levels to enhance its personal and character-building aspects.

---

Empowering Parents: The Case for Homeschooling

When discussing solutions for the failing public education system, Kirk suggests homeschooling as a viable alternative.

Charlie Kirk (02:31): "If you're able to do it, homeschool your kids, take your kids out of the public education system, out of the government education system and educate them yourself."

He underscores the importance of parental control in education, allowing for a more tailored and effective upbringing of children.

---

Cryptocurrency: Investment and Infrastructure Insights

The conversation shifts to the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency, where Kirk shares his investment strategy and outlook.

Charlie Kirk (02:47): "I am a significant investor in the plumbing of how crypto is made really. So I won't say any more than that, but done some good private equity deals in the actual back end on the technology of actually blockchain."

Kirk highlights the necessity of robust infrastructure in the crypto ecosystem, stressing investment in blockchain technology over specific cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

---

Healthcare Industry Reforms: From 'Sick Care' to Preventative Health

Kirk critiques the current healthcare system, labeling it as a "sick care industry" focused on treating ailments rather than addressing root causes.

Charlie Kirk (03:29): "The entire premise of the healthcare industry right now is a sick care industry where we are only treating ailments, not root causes."

He advocates for a shift towards preventative healthcare, emphasizing lifestyle changes and reducing dependency on pharmaceuticals.

Charlie Kirk (04:48): "We need a preventative health care system that is not just educating but also properly incentivizing people to eat healthy, move, get proper vitamin D levels, get good sleep, hydrate and not poison their body."

---

Identifying America's Biggest Threats

Kirk identifies internal and external threats to America, expressing concerns over intelligence agencies and foreign adversaries.

Charlie Kirk (05:11): "Within America it is the intel agencies in the deep state."

He also points to the Chinese Communist Party as an existential threat, advocating for measures to restrain their influence.

Charlie Kirk (05:11): "The Chinese Communist Party is an existential threat against the American people and against the West."

---

College Campus Tours: Experiences and Challenges

Discussing his extensive campus tours, Kirk shares his experiences visiting numerous universities, both positive and negative.

Charlie Kirk (07:08): "University of Georgia was awesome this last cycle as I mentioned. University of Wisconsin Madison was great. UNC Chapel Hill was incredible."

Conversely, he recounts negative experiences, particularly with Kansas State University, where he felt unfairly treated.

Charlie Kirk (08:00): "Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas was the worst. They abruptly kept me off campus. They pulled our microphone."

---

Government Efficiency: The Case for Reducing Federal Jobs

Kirk criticizes the federal government, asserting that a significant portion of government jobs is unnecessary.

Charlie Kirk (05:50): "Government jobs? Absolutely. I mean I think that 80% of the federal government shouldn't exist."

He expresses support for reducing the federal workforce, citing low productivity and inefficiency.

---

Tax Policy: Advocating for a Flat Tax System

The discussion moves to taxation, where Kirk advocates for a flat tax system as a fair and efficient alternative to the current income tax structure.

Charlie Kirk (09:34): "Ideally, I think a 10% tax across the board. I actually would love to get rid of income tax."

He suggests that a flat tax could be achieved through national tariffs and a sales tax, emphasizing moral and economic benefits.

---

Strengthening the US Dollar and Foreign Policy Stances

Kirk is optimistic about the US dollar regaining its strength as a global reserve currency and critiques current foreign policy approaches.

Charlie Kirk (10:20): "I think President Trump is going to break apart BRICS one by one... Right now, I think, like, 47% of all the world's reserve currency status is the US dollar. I think President Trump will get that back to 60%."

He also expresses a hands-off approach to conflicts in Syria and Russia, questioning the necessity of involvement.

Charlie Kirk (10:42): "No, absolutely not. Stay completely and totally up. Not our fight, not our struggle."

---

National Security Concerns: Farmland Ownership and AI Race

Addressing national security, Kirk emphasizes the need to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from owning American farmland, especially near military bases.

Charlie Kirk (12:29): "The Chinese Communist Party should not be able to buy farmland anywhere in the United States, let alone near military bases."

On the topic of artificial intelligence, he advocates for decentralization to foster competition and innovation, contrasting it with the centralized approach he criticizes under the Biden administration.

Charlie Kirk (12:39): "We need to win the artificial intelligence race. I think we do that actually by decentralizing AI, not centralizing it."

---

Future Endeavors and Closing Remarks

Wrapping up the conversation, Kirk shares his future plans, including the release of his book "Turning Points, Growing Like Crazy," continuing podcasting, and ongoing campus tours.

Charlie Kirk (14:06): "Turning Points, Growing Like Crazy. Podcast is going great. Going to continue our campus tours. Trying to help the president any way I can."

He expresses enthusiasm for the interview, deeming it the best he had that day.

Charlie Kirk (14:16): "That was the best interview I did today. Really."

---

Conclusion

This episode of the Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive exploration of Charlie Kirk's perspectives on education, government policy, economic strategies, and national security. Sean Kelly facilitates a thought-provoking dialogue, encouraging listeners to reflect on the complexities of these issues and consider actionable solutions in their personal and professional lives.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Charlie Kirk (01:02): "I didn't go to college and I've succeeded, so why should my taxpayer dollars go for paying for somebody else's mistakes?"

• Charlie Kirk (02:31): "If you're able to do it, homeschool your kids, take your kids out of the public education system, out of the government education system and educate them yourself."

• Charlie Kirk (03:29): "The entire premise of the healthcare industry right now is a sick care industry where we are only treating ailments, not root causes."

• Charlie Kirk (05:11): "Within America it is the intel agencies in the deep state."

• Charlie Kirk (09:34): "Ideally, I think a 10% tax across the board. I actually would love to get rid of income tax."

• Charlie Kirk (12:39): "We need to win the artificial intelligence race. I think we do that actually by decentralizing AI, not centralizing it."

• Charlie Kirk (14:16): "That was the best interview I did today. Really."

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Sean Kelly and Charlie Kirk, providing listeners with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the episode's key themes and insights.

Transcript

[Dutch Bros Sponsor]

This episode is brought to you by Dutch Bros. Big smiles, rocking tunes, and epic drinks. Dutch Bros. Is all about you. Choose from a variety of customizable handcrafted beverages like our rebel energy drinks, coffees, teas, and more. Download the Dutch Bros app for a free medium drink. Plus, find your nearest shop, order ahead and start earning rewards offer valid for new app users only. Free medium drink Reward upon registration, 14 day expiration terms apply. See DutchBros.com okay, I have to tell.

[Host]

You, I was just looking on ebay.

[Charlie Kirk]

Where I go for all kinds of things I love. And there it was, that hologram trading card. One of the rarest, the last one I needed for my set. Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind.

[Host]

Ebay had it.

[Charlie Kirk]

And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you.

[Freestyle Libre Sponsor]

Get your windshield wiper?

[Charlie Kirk]

Ebay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying, just beautiful.

[Host]

Whatever you love, find it on ebay.

[Charlie Kirk]

Ebay. Things people love.

[Host]

Student loan forgiveness. Are you for that?

[Charlie Kirk]

No, absolutely not. No. Let me give you. Let me give you the reason why. Number one, I didn't go to college and I've succeeded, so why should my taxpayer dollars go for pay for somebody else's mistakes? Number two, let's look at all the amazing people that are plumbers, electricians. Well, there's police officers didn't go to college, so they have to pay more taxes to go pay for somebody that did go to college. That's morally indefensible. What about kids that went to different schools to try to graduate with less debt? Are we punishing their good decisions? So, no.

[Host]

All right, guys, we are at Amfest here with the man himself, Charlie Kirk. Thanks for coming on.

[Charlie Kirk]

Great to have you, man. I've been trying to make this work for a while, so thank you.

[Host]

I mean, you've been the busiest man on the planet lately, so. Dude, thanks for having me. It's my first amfest and it's.

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, I'll have you back anytime.

[Host]

Yeah, it's been incredible. Thank you. Obviously, your take on college, it's a scam. I want to take it one step further.

[Charlie Kirk]

Sure.

[Host]

Do you believe the Department of Education is a scam?

[Charlie Kirk]

Yes. It should be eliminated. Absolutely.

[Host]

Why do you feel that way?

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, I don't. First of all, constitutionally, I'm not. I'm not certain that it's even consistent with the constitutional intent that the federal government should have a role in education. Number two, ever since the formation of the department, education used to be called health education. And welfare hew test scores have gone down. Our schools are a disaster. Education is the most personal thing. It's the development of the soul. It's the development of the character of an individual. And the federal government has failed miserably in the education of our children. We rank like 36 of industrialized countries when it comes to education. We are significantly behind many of our competitors. We need to send all the education back to the states and local municipalities.

[Host]

What do you think parents watching this should do something actionable?

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, if again, I understand that everyone has different financial pressures and sensitivities, but if you're able to do it, homeschool your kids, take your kids out of the public education system, out of the government education system and educate them yourself.

[Host]

Absolutely. Are you pro crypto?

[Charlie Kirk]

I've never seen very crypto, very pro crypto.

[Host]

You got some bitcoin?

[Charlie Kirk]

I actually have better stuff than that. I am a significant investor in the plumbing of how crypto is made really. So I won't say any more than that, but done some good private equity deals in the actual back end on the technology of actually blockchain, on how all these coins go public now, not bitcoin itself, but of all the other types of coins. And so if you are long on crypto, I encourage people to understand that there is a needed multi billion dollar infrastructure that needs to be there to actually for all these coins to be able to go through process, to be made public, to go through ICOs. But yes, I'm very pro crypto and I got some coins.

[Host]

I love it. What changes do you want to see in the healthcare industry coming up?

[Charlie Kirk]

What changes do I want to see? Well, the entire premise of the healthcare industry right now is a sick care industry where we are only treating ailments, not root causes. I'm so excited that Bobby Kennedy is going to be HHS secretary. I want to start to see a couple things. I want to make sure that we no longer allow pharmaceutical advertisements on television. There's, there's no reason for that whatsoever. And we have to understand that food can either heal you or destroy you and, and kill you. So food is poison or food can be nourishing. And so we need to get back to foundational ideas that there's protein, fats and carbohydrates. All food will go into one of those three categories. We are way too carbohydrate dependent. The fats that we have are saturated fats and their monosaturated fats instead. When you get back to healthy, clean fats such as almonds, olive oil, avocado, so on and so forth, and then have a much more protein, lean protein, heavy diet. That alone can help us with type 2 diabetes, obesity, help us with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and so many other things that people are experiencing autoimmune conditions that are plagued in the country right now. So. And then, yeah, beyond that, we need to be far less pharmaceutical dependent. A pill for every ill right now is what they say. I don't think that's always the case. I think lifestyle changes need to be entertained before we try to prescribe pharmacological agents into people's lifestyle.

[Host]

Right. Because right now they, they punish you for being preventative, correct?

[Charlie Kirk]

That's right, yeah. And we need a preventative health care system that, that is not just educating but also properly incentivizing people to eat healthy, move, get proper vitamin D levels, get good sleep, hydrate and not poison their body.

[Host]

Yeah. Because right now health insurance won't fund preventative MRIs, advanced blood work, all of that stuff.

[Charlie Kirk]

The health, health insurance companies are not my favorite.

[Host]

What do you think the biggest threats to America are right now?

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, I think that within, within America it is the intel agencies in the deep state. That's why I'm very excited for Tulsi Gabbard to become Director of National Intelligence. Our intel agencies have been very configured against the American people for far too long. And we need to do something significant and real to make sure that the intel agencies come to heal. The Chinese Communist Party is an existential threat against the American people and against the West. And we need to try to restrain them and keep them in check. And then I will say the American left, I mean we beat them in this last election, but they're going to come back and they're, they are a force to be reckoned with.

[Host]

Yeah. Doge getting rid of a lot of jobs, you're excited about that?

[Charlie Kirk]

Government jobs? Absolutely. Yeah. I mean I think that 80% of the federal government shouldn't exist.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Charlie Kirk]

So I'm thrilled about it.

[Host]

Only 6% of them show up to work.

[Charlie Kirk]

Yep, that's right. And what they do, they're probably taking second and third jobs. They're not even showing up as you say. And when they do work, they're doing act.

[Chevrolet Sponsor]

Looking for a pickup truck to get just about anything done. Look no further. The Chevy Silverado EV isn't just the most powerful Silverado ever with next level towing capability and technology. It also offers game changing versatility with the available multiflex midgate and tailgate which means Silverado EV helps you carry large, bulky and oddly shaped items up to nearly 11ft in length. Chevrolet together. Let's drive. Visit Chevrolet.com to learn more.

[Austin James]

Hey, it's Austin James. If you're like me, trying to live your best life while living with diabetes, you can relate to worrying if you're doing a good job managing your diabetes. I use the freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor to get real time glucose readings and see the impact of every meal and activity to make better decisions. The Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor can help me live life with diabetes on my own terms and it gives me more time for the things I love like being a dad and a musician. Now this is progress. Learn more at Freestyle Libre US for.

[Freestyle Libre Sponsor]

Prescription only Safety info found at Freestyle.

[Charlie Kirk]

Libre Usually harmful things to our freedoms and liberties and the well being of our country Absolutely.

[Host]

What have been your favorite college campuses to visit?

[Charlie Kirk]

That's a really good question. No one has ever asked me that. Actually my favorite we had a great time at University of Georgia this last cycle. 5,000 kids showed up. I always love Arizona State University. Just wonderful people. I'm trying to think back this last semester I did 25. I've done well over 160 in the last decade, so I've, I've visited almost every major college campus. So there's the Power five, right? Well, it used to be this way. We got rid of the Pac 12 because of stupid conference realignment. Used to be Pac 12, Big 10, Big 12, ACC, SEC, Big East. Now it's all messed up. So I visit. There's 60 power five schools. About 60, 65. I think I've done like 62 out of 65. Wow, that's impressive. University of Georgia was awesome this last cycle as I mentioned. University of Wisconsin Madison was great. UNC Chapel Hill was incredible. University of Texas Austin was fun despite it being kind of liberal. So I, I could, I could keep going through the list.

[Host]

Which campuses treated you the worst?

[Charlie Kirk]

That's a good question. Believe it or not, the one that was the worst to me was Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. They abruptly kept me off campus. They pulled our microphone. They didn't follow the permitting of all the campuses across the country. Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas was the worst.

[Host]

Wow, that's surprising.

[Charlie Kirk]

It's just for whatever reason that administrator had some ax to grind with me.

[Host]

I would have thought somewhere in LA.

[Charlie Kirk]

Or no, UCLA was awful. But, but, but they were transparently awful. Like leading up to it, they told us this is our Criteria and all this. Kansas State just broke all the rules they told us that we had and they treated us terribly. Yeah.

[Host]

Do you think tuition should be massively lowered?

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, yes, but not by government. I mean, first of all, I don't think as many people should go to college. I think we need more competition. I think we should stop subsidizing student loans with taxpayer money. And yes, of course we need to try to drive down the price of tuition, which I think we can do through robust competition. More schools, more trade schools, more technical schools, and stopping subsidizing a failing scam, which is the four year college education.

[Host]

System, student loan forgiveness. Are you for that?

[Charlie Kirk]

Absolutely not, no. Well, let me, let me give you, let me give you the reason why. Number one, I didn't go to college and I've succeeded. So why should my taxpayer dollars go for pay for somebody else's mistakes?

[Host]

Right.

[Charlie Kirk]

That's number one. Number two, let's look at all the amazing people that are plumbers, electricians. Well, there's police officers didn't go to college, so they have to pay more taxes to go pay for somebody that did go to college. That's morally indefensible. Then finally, what about the kids that were student athletes, work second jobs, got scholarships, got good grades to try to limit their student loan burden. What about kids that went to different schools to try to graduate with less debt? Are we punishing their good decisions? So no. For those reasons, I'm against student loan forgiveness.

[Host]

Are you for flat tax?

[Charlie Kirk]

Oh, yeah. I mean, ideally, I think a 10% tax across the board. I actually would love to get rid of income tax. I think, yeah, I think it's possible. I think you can do it through national tariffs and a national sales tax. People don't like that. But I think that there is something to be said that the income tax is somewhat immoral. The government does actually not have a right to your property in that way.

[Host]

Well, we used to not have those.

[Charlie Kirk]

That's right. We funded our government through tariffs.

[Host]

Wow. So do you think we could go back to that system potentially?

[Charlie Kirk]

I mean, look, if you shrink the size of government, you don't need as much revenue. And look, tariffs are great. We should use them more. Our government is afraid of tariffs. They say it's going to raise prices. That's half true. It's not necessarily always true because, because companies can read domicile back in the United States and then sell their products here and therefore avoid the tariff. But yeah, I think a flat tax across the board in the, in the interim would be a phenomenal idea.

[Host]

Do you think the US Dollar can get back on track?

[Charlie Kirk]

Yes, Yes. I think that President Trump is going to break apart brics one by one. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. South Africa is just the DEI pick in there. They have no business being in the bricks. And then Brazil is. They'll do whatever we tell them to do. But, yes, right now, I think, like, 47% of all the world's reserve currency status is the US dollar. I think President Trump will get that back to 60%.

[Host]

Should we get involved with Syria?

[Charlie Kirk]

No, absolutely not. Stay completely and totally up. Not our fight, not our struggle. And honestly, Assad was good for Christians.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Charlie Kirk]

And Assad was a bad guy, but what's replacing him is even worse. Absolutely. We have no role whatsoever. Assad was good to the Christians of Syria and people are afraid to say that.

[Host]

Tucker went back to Russia. It seems like they're preparing for something catastrophic. Did that wor you at all?

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, I'm glad he went. I hope that he. I'm glad that he kept diplomatic channels open with Sergey Lavrov. But, yeah, look, I, I actually don't know why we hate Russia as much as we do. I don't like Russia. It's not a free society. But I'm curious about Russia. I think we should all be. It's an incredibly powerful country. It's a very complex country, very diverse country, the largest country. Phenomenal body of, you know, literature that's impressive, from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky. They're not a dumb people. They're. They're, in some ways, a great people. I, I again, I'm not Russian. I have nothing to say for it. But I don't know why we hate them so much and why our entire American foreign policy regime is so insistent about getting us closer to a thermonuclear war with Russia.

[Host]

Absolutely. So China owns the second most farmland in America. Does that concern you at all?

[Charlie Kirk]

Is that right? I. It's really.

[Host]

That's what Cali mean said.

[Charlie Kirk]

Interesting.

[Host]

He said Bill Gates was first and China was second.

[Charlie Kirk]

Wow.

[Host]

I have to fact check it, but yeah.

[Charlie Kirk]

Well, I think what he means is outside of, like, family farms. Right. Because, I mean, if he means, like, private owners, wow. Of course it does. It shouldn't be allowed.

[Freestyle Libre Sponsor]

This episode is brought to you by aws. Amazon Q Business is the new generative AI assistant from aws. Many tasks can make business slow, like wading through mud.

[Charlie Kirk]

Help.

[Freestyle Libre Sponsor]

Luckily, there's a faster, easier, less messy choice. Amazon Q can Securely understand your business data to help you streamline tasks like summarizing quarterly results or doing complex analyses in no time. Q got this. Learn what Amazon Q Business can do for [e-mail] learn more.

[Host]

And they're all by military bases?

[Charlie Kirk]

Yes. It should be forbidden. The Chinese Communist Party should not be able to buy farmland anywhere in the United States, let alone near military base.

[Host]

Yeah, they're going all in on AI and drones. It seems like they're advancing very quickly.

[Charlie Kirk]

Yeah, that's right. And look, we need to win the artificial intelligence race. I think we do that actually by decentralizing AI, not centralizing it. The Biden way of doing AI. They wanted three or four companies that they just controlled. I actually think more competition in the AI space is going to be better.

[Host]

Yeah. What do you think of the drone stuff in New Jersey? New York?

[Charlie Kirk]

No. Everyone's been asking about it and we had this whole show. I. Andrew, I said cancel everything. Let's do the whole show about drones. Two hours. We had every expert and I learned nothing. No one knows anything. I mean, I learned about their credentials. I learned about their guesses and their speculation. No one knows anything. It was much a bluster for two hours. Nice people. Well, I think it could be this. Well, I could do that. I mean, so I have no idea. And nor do the people I had on my show.

[Host]

I love it. I got two names. I'm wondering.

[Charlie Kirk]

Great. I love this. It's like actually thoughtful.

[Host]

I'm wondering if you would debate these people.

[Charlie Kirk]

Okay.

[Host]

First name is Mark Cuban.

[Charlie Kirk]

You know, I've actually debated him before. I'd be happy to again. Yeah.

[Host]

Was that before he went on that whole.

[Charlie Kirk]

It was back in 20. That was the event you missed. That was 2017. 2018, actually. It was with Adam Rubenstein shadowed me around 2018.

[Host]

Okay. He's had some hot takes since then.

[Charlie Kirk]

Yeah, I would debate him. It's fine. Of course.

[Host]

Would you debate Dean Withers again?

[Charlie Kirk]

Yes, I would not. Parker. Is that Parker? No, no, no. He's a. He's. He's not a good faith actor. Dean I like. I think Dean's a good kid who's very confused. I don't want to say debate. I'd have a discussion with Dean. I think that would be really fun. I think Dean is legitimately intellectually curious. I think Dean thinks deeply about the topics and he's a good faith actor.

[Host]

I love it. What's next for you? I know you got a book. What else?

[Charlie Kirk]

Turning Points, Growing Like Crazy. Podcast is going great. Going to continue our campus tours. Trying to help the president any way I can.

[Host]

I love it. Thanks for coming on, man.

[Charlie Kirk]

Love it. Thank you. That was great.

[Host]

Yes.

[Charlie Kirk]

That was fun. That was the best interview I did today, Really.