Episode Overview

In Episode 336 of Kibbe on Liberty, hosted by Matt Kibbe from the Blaze Podcast Network, libertarian author and economist Matt Kibbe engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Steven Olakara, a progressive populist. The episode, titled "Both Parties Want an Immigration War," delves into the intricate dynamics of American politics, the pervasive influence of money, and the pressing need to bridge the ever-widening political divide.

Introduction and Personal Connections (00:00 - 02:10)

The conversation kicks off with Matt welcoming Steven Olakara and highlighting their shared interest in fostering honest and respectful political discourse. Both hosts express their deep-rooted connections to rock culture, illustrating a shared affinity that transcends political lines.

Matt Kibbe shares, “I think there should be a punk element to libertarianism, just standing up against the man, questioning authority always. And if we're doing that, I think I'm going to draw more people into libertarianism” (02:07).

Steven Olakara echoes this sentiment, noting the anti-establishment nature of punk rock and its alignment with libertarian values: “I would just, I mean, I guess you agree it's a punk rock movement in politics” (02:39).

The Division Industrial Complex (03:05 - 07:33)

The core of the episode revolves around the concept of the Division Industrial Complex, a term Steven introduces to describe how political factions exploit societal divisions to amass power and profits. They discuss the historical context, referencing James Madison and George Washington's warnings against extreme factionalism as a threat to American liberty.

Steven Olakara articulates, “Some of these key Founding Fathers really thought that extreme partisanship and toxic polarization would be a direct threat to liberty in America” (06:21). He underscores the importance of cross-partisan dialogue, emphasizing that diverse and honest conversations are essential for a healthy democracy.

Political Party Dynamics and Corruption (12:07 - 21:16)

Matt and Steven delve into the dysfunction within political parties, highlighting how both the Democratic and Republican establishments prioritize maintaining power over genuine democratic engagement. Steven recounts his experience running for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin, where he advocated for ending legalized bribery and enforcing term limits, only to face systemic barriers imposed by the Democratic establishment.

Steven Olakara reflects, “Term limits are sexy... We had a really wide, in many ways it was the coalition of my dreams that I always sought to create” (16:53). He criticizes the Democratic Party’s reluctance to embrace genuine democratic reforms, drawing parallels to the Republican Party’s suppression of Ron Paul’s candidacy.

Immigration Debate (30:54 - 41:30)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on immigration, with both hosts expressing concern over how both political parties manipulate immigration issues for their agendas. Matt outlines his libertarian stance, advocating for a predictable system that rewards legal immigration while preventing illegal entry.

Matt Kibbe states, “Both parties want immigration to become political pawns” (31:36). Steven complements this by critiquing the Democrats’ hesitancy to implement comprehensive immigration reforms, arguing that the Division Industrial Complex thrives on keeping immigration a contentious and lucrative issue.

Influence of Money and Lobbying (44:02 - 51:20)

The conversation shifts to the pervasive influence of money in politics, with Steven proposing concrete reforms to dismantle the Division Industrial Complex. He advocates for banning lobbyists from funding members of Congress and reassigning committee seats based on expertise rather than financial contributions.

Steven Olakara emphasizes, “There are a number of reforms I think that could be helpful... banning lobbyists from funding members of Congress” (50:58). Matt concurs, highlighting the systemic corruption that allows military contractors and Big Pharma to manipulate policy for their gain.

Call for Political Reforms (51:20 - 57:09)

Both hosts passionately argue for sweeping political reforms to restore integrity and functionality in American governance. Steven outlines strategies such as redistributing media power across the nation and implementing strict rules against fundraising during congressional sessions.

Matt Kibbe shares his frustration, “How do we break the back of crony capitalism without moving money and power out of Washington” (48:50). Steven responds by suggesting the decentralization of power and media, coupled with stringent anti-corruption measures, as pathways to meaningful change.

Bridge Building Across Divides (57:09 - 64:19)

In the concluding segment, Matt and Steven explore the potential for collaboration between libertarians and progressives to foster a more unified and effective political landscape. They discuss initiatives like Bridge Entertainment Labs, which Steven is spearheading to promote cross-partisan understanding through storytelling and media.

Steven Olakara highlights current projects, “We worked with Alex Garland and the cast... talking about the importance of listening to people who are different than them” (63:08). Matt envisions a future where diverse political factions can find common ground on issues like defense and government accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Kibbe: “I think there should be a punk element to libertarianism, just standing up against the man, questioning authority always” (02:07).

• Steven Olakara: “Some of these key Founding Fathers really thought that extreme partisanship and toxic polarization would be a direct threat to liberty in America” (06:21).

• Matt Kibbe: “Both parties want immigration to become political pawns” (31:36).

• Steven Olakara: “We need to have a system that is predictable and rewards that” (32:28).

• Matt Kibbe: “How do we break the back of crony capitalism without moving money and power out of Washington” (48:50).

Conclusion

Episode 336 of Kibbe on Liberty offers a compelling examination of the forces fragmenting American politics. Through the insightful dialogue between Matt Kibbe and Steven Olakara, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how entrenched interests and partisan agendas perpetuate division, particularly around critical issues like immigration. The episode not only highlights the problems but also presents actionable solutions aimed at fostering unity and integrity within the political system. By advocating for transparency, reduced influence of money in politics, and cross-partisan collaboration, Matt and Steven pave the way for a more cohesive and functional American democracy.