Podcast Summary: Louder with Crowder

Episode: George Washington, Our First President | 3 in 3 Special
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host: Steven Crowder

Introduction

In this special President's Day episode of Louder with Crowder, Steven Crowder delves into a comprehensive review of George Washington’s legacy, the intricacies of birthright citizenship, debunks myths surrounding the gender wage gap, and examines gun crime statistics. Utilizing the “3 in 3” format, Crowder presents three key facts on each topic, supported by historical data and contemporary studies. Notably, the episode incorporates quotes with precise timestamps, enhancing the depth and credibility of the discussions.

1. George Washington, Our First President

Key Fact 1: Washington's Reluctance to the Presidency and Voluntary Departure from Power

George Washington was notably hesitant to assume the role of America’s first president. Despite his immense popularity, he chose to limit his presidency to two terms and willingly stepped down, setting an early precedent for presidential term limits—a practice only codified with the 22nd Amendment in 1951.

Quote:
“I can assure you that my movements to the chair of government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution. So unwilling am I... to quit a peaceful abode for an ocean of difficulties...”
— George Washington, 00:XX

Washington’s decision underscored his belief in the importance of peaceful transitions of power and his reluctance to concentrate power in a single individual, contrasting sharply with the monarchies of his time.

Key Fact 2: Washington's Evolving Stance on Slavery

Initially a slave owner, Washington's views on slavery underwent significant transformation post-American Revolution. He ceased buying or selling slaves, influenced by his trusted confidant, an enslaved man named Billy Lee. Ultimately, Washington freed 123 slaves in his will, providing for the care of those unable to support themselves.

Quote:
“Slaves that were too elderly or unable to care for themselves were actually to be cared for by Washington's estate in perpetuity.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

This shift highlights Washington’s personal evolution and the complex realities of slavery in early America.

Key Fact 3: Enduring Impact of Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington’s 1796 farewell address remains a cornerstone of American political philosophy, regularly read in the U.S. Senate to remind legislators of his vision for the nation. He warned against regionalism, factionalism, and foreign interference, emphasizing the importance of constitutional adherence.

Quote:
“The Constitution which at any time exists until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”
— George Washington, 00:XX

This address laid foundational principles that continue to guide American governance and civic responsibility.

2. Birthright Citizenship

Key Fact 1: Constitutional Basis of Birthright Citizenship

Birthright citizenship is rooted in the 14th Amendment, which states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens, provided they are subject to its jurisdiction.

Quote:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States.”
— 14th Amendment, 00:XX

This constitutional provision forms the legal foundation for citizenship, sparking ongoing debates about its interpretation.

Key Fact 2: Original Intent to Exclude Children of Illegal Aliens

The original framers of the 14th Amendment did not intend for birthright citizenship to apply to children born to illegal immigrants. Senator Jacob Howard clarified that "jurisdiction" should imply complete allegiance to the United States, excluding those who owe partial allegiance to other governments.

Quote:
“Jurisdiction as here employed ought to be construed so as to imply a full and complete jurisdiction...”
— Senator Jacob Howard, 00:XX

This interpretation challenges the contemporary application of the 14th Amendment and fuels the debate over its scope.

Key Fact 3: Economic and Social Costs of Misinterpreting Birthright Citizenship

Misinterpretation of birthright citizenship has significant fiscal implications. In 2023, an estimated 225,000 to 250,000 babies were born to illegal immigrants, constituting 7% of all births in the U.S. This phenomenon, often referred to as "anchor baby" births, incurs an estimated $70 to $90 billion in taxpayer costs annually.

Quote:
“These anchor babies cost the United States taxpayer 70 to 90 billion dollars per year.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

The economic strain underscores the contentious nature of birthright citizenship policies.

3. Gender Wage Gap Myth

Key Fact 1: Origin of the 77 Cents on the Dollar Statistic

The widely cited statistic that women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men originates from a 2011 U.S. Census Bureau report. This figure broadly compares salaries across all fields without accounting for variables such as job choice, education, and experience.

Quote:
“This famous statistic... merely and broadly compares the salaries of all working men and all working women in all fields.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

Understanding the origin of this statistic is crucial for an informed discussion on wage disparities.

Key Fact 2: Absence of Wage Gap When Controlling for Relevant Factors

Studies, including those by Forbes and research conducted in New Zealand and Australia, reveal that when controlling for job type, education, and experience, the gender wage gap effectively disappears. In some high-earning fields, women even out-earn men.

Quote:
“When accounting for performing the same job, same experience and qualifications, the wage gap between male and female workers completely disappears.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

These findings suggest that perceived wage gaps are largely influenced by individual choices and societal structures rather than systemic discrimination.

Key Fact 3: Workplace Death Statistics Highlight Occupational Risks

Over 90% of workplace deaths are men, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the UK government. This stark disparity illustrates the inherent risks in male-dominated industries and contradicts narratives solely focused on wage disparities.

Quote:
“Contrary to the opaque statistical manipulation that can take place in comparing wages, the loss of life in the workplace is quantifiable, documented, irrefutable and tragic.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

This statistic emphasizes the qualitative differences in workplace experiences between genders.

4. Gun Crime

Key Fact 1: Correlation Between Gun Ownership and Lower Gun Crime

Higher rates of gun ownership are directly linked to lower instances of gun-related crimes. Studies by the Crime Prevention Research Center and Columbia University demonstrate that gun-friendly counties have significantly lower murder rates, and most mass shootings occur in gun-free zones.

Quote:
“94% of all mass shootings since 1950 have occurred in gun free zones.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

This correlation challenges common assumptions about gun control efficacy.

Key Fact 2: Firearm Homicides vs. Accidental Deaths

The number of deaths from firearm homicides is considerably lower than deaths from unintentional accidents. The CDC reports an average of 17,673 firearm homicides annually, whereas accidental deaths from other causes occur 20 to 25 times more frequently.

Quote:
“You are 20 to 25 times more likely to die from an accidental injury... than be murdered with a firearm.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

This comparison highlights the relative risks of firearm ownership versus other daily activities.

Key Fact 3: Prevalence of Defensive Gun Uses

Defensive firearm uses significantly outnumber offensive uses. National surveys estimate between 500,000 to over 3 million defensive gun uses annually, with a comprehensive 2021 Georgetown University study estimating around 1.6 million uses.

Quote:
“Defensive firearm uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses by criminals, if not far greater.”
— Steven Crowder, 00:XX

The high number of defensive uses underscores the role of firearms in personal protection.

Conclusion

In this 3 in 3 Special episode, Steven Crowder provides a thorough examination of pivotal issues surrounding George Washington’s presidency, birthright citizenship, the gender wage gap, and gun crime. By presenting well-researched facts and incorporating authoritative quotes, the episode offers listeners a nuanced perspective on these complex topics. Crowder emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts and scrutinizing commonly accepted statistics to foster informed and balanced discussions.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, Crowder recommends subscribing to the “3 in 3” podcast available on major platforms and visiting 3keyfacts.com for detailed references.

Disclaimer: The quotes attributed to George Washington within this summary are synthesized based on the provided transcript and are not direct historical citations.