Episode Summary: Ep 319 | The Department of Education Is on the Chopping Block with Good Reason | Guest: Glenn Jacobs

Podcast: Kibbe on Liberty
Host: Matt Kibbe
Guest: Glenn Jacobs, Mayor of Knox County and WWE wrestler Kane
Release Date: February 12, 2025

1. Introduction to Glenn Jacobs and Shared Interests

The episode opens with Matt Kibbe welcoming Glenn Jacobs, highlighting his unique background as both the mayor of Knox County and a renowned WWE wrestler known as Kane. The conversation quickly delves into their mutual appreciation for the band Rush and the influence of Austrian economics on their libertarian views.

Matt Kibbe [00:00]: "I'm talking with Glenn Jacobs, the mayor of Knox County and famous WWE wrestler Kane."

Glenn Jacobs [01:05]: "I never turned back. And she eventually says, read Ludwig von Mises in her nonfiction. I'm like, who's that guy?"
(03:10)

2. Discovery of Austrian Economics and Libertarian Philosophy

Glenn Jacobs shares his journey from being a wrestling professional to embracing Austrian economics and libertarianism. Influenced by his exposure to Rush's music, particularly the album "2112" dedicated to Ayn Rand's philosophy, Jacobs found himself drawn to the principles of economic and personal freedom.

Matt Kibbe [02:26]: "My favorite album is Farewell to Kings and I have my little shrine to Neil Peart and all of that. And that was my gateway drug because I bought 2112 and it's dedicated to the genius of Ayn Rand."

Glenn Jacobs [05:37]: "But then, I ended up reading everything from Human Action to Man, Economy, and State and everything in between, and it changed my perspective, not only about economics, but really about politics."

3. Pop Culture's Role in Promoting Libertarian Ideas

Both hosts discuss the rising influence of libertarian thought in mainstream culture, citing figures like Elon Musk who reference economists like Friedrich Hayek. This fusion of pop culture and economic theory is seen as a pivotal shift in public understanding and acceptance of libertarian principles.

Matt Kibbe [11:22]: "I think the most persuasive Austrian economists are professional wrestlers and maybe MMA fighters."

Glenn Jacobs [11:24]: "They're talking about how these ideas have penetrated into pop culture and you see these figures literally disseminating them to the masses."

4. Current Political Climate: Challenges to the Department of Education

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the political maneuvers against the Department of Education. Jacobs criticizes Democratic efforts to dismantle the department, arguing that such actions are fueled by a desire to control and redistribute power rather than genuinely improving educational outcomes.

Matt Kibbe [14:32]: "Maxine Waters and some 30 other Democratic legislators seem to be trying to start an insurrection outside the Department of Education."

Glenn Jacobs [14:32]: "They had gathered in front of the Department of Education and tried to force their way in... it's all about virtue signaling."

5. Government Overreach During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Matt Kibbe introduces his new investigative series, COVID Up, which explores government overreach during the pandemic. Jacobs concurs, highlighting the misallocation of funds by agencies like USAID, which inadvertently supported adversarial entities like China.

Matt Kibbe [17:46]: "None of those dollars in the Department of Education were going to help children or to fund teachers. It was a slush fund funding bureaucracy at best."

Glenn Jacobs [20:04]: "USAID was actually funding military research in China... it's unconscionable that that would happen."

6. Local Governance and Educational Reform in Knox County

Glenn Jacobs elaborates on the educational reforms implemented in Knox County, emphasizing school choice and career technical education (CTE). By adopting an academy model, the county aims to tailor education to individual student needs and align curricula with local industry demands.

Glenn Jacobs [32:46]: "We have nine high schools in Knox County, each with its own core curriculum and electives tailored to work-based learning."

Matt Kibbe [30:32]: "Tennessee is pushing universal school choice, aiming to provide diverse educational opportunities."

7. Political Strategies and Building Effective Coalitions

The discussion shifts to the importance of strategic political maneuvering within the libertarian movement. Both Matt and Glenn stress the need for flexibility and compromise to achieve long-term goals, contrasting this approach with more rigid factions.

Glenn Jacobs [38:35]: "Sometimes you actually do have to bend to get what you want. That's what separates a good politician."

Matt Kibbe [40:58]: "Thomas Massie is every bit as much of a doer as Ron Paul was, but with more support within the party."

8. Future Outlook: Grassroots Movements and Legislative Changes

Optimism is expressed about the growing grassroots movements reminiscent of the Tea Party era. The hosts believe that persistent public pressure will lead to significant legislative changes, particularly in dismantling entrenched governmental structures like the Department of Education.

Matt Kibbe [35:24]: "The grassroots wave is similar to the Tea Party and could potentially derail current political maneuvers against libertarian principles."

Glenn Jacobs [56:24]: "We have a voice now and a place at the table for the liberty wing of the Republican Party."

9. Conclusion: Hope and Progress in Libertarian Advocacy

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with both hosts acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing confidence in the continued push for liberty and economic freedom. They highlight the enduring influence of libertarian figures like Ron Paul and the transformative potential of current political alliances.

Matt Kibbe [55:43]: "The Ron Paul revolution is still alive and well, providing a strong foundation for future progress."

Glenn Jacobs [56:24]: "We're no longer skidding down the hill to hell. It looks like we're actually going to make some headway going the right direction."

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Jacobs [10:24]: "Economics is not about numbers... human action is actually the study of economics."

• Matt Kibbe [17:25]: "The logic of this radical expansion of Fauci's power is actually Dick Cheney's project."

• Glenn Jacobs [40:10]: "A good politician figures out strategically what the end goal is and how to get there."

• Matt Kibbe [54:25]: "I think Tulsi and RFK Jr. will betray their own."

This episode of Kibbe on Liberty offered an in-depth exploration of libertarian principles through the lens of Glenn Jacobs' experiences in local government and his commitment to Austrian economics. The discussion traversed cultural influences, current political battles, and the strategic efforts necessary to foster meaningful change within the political landscape.