Podcast Summary: "Constitutional Crisis"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Part Of The Problem
• Host/Author: GaS Digital Network
• Episode: Constitutional Crisis
• Release Date: February 12, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the "Constitutional Crisis" episode of Part Of The Problem, hosts Dave Smith and Robbie the Fire Bernstein dive deep into the current state of the U.S. Constitution and its perceived erosion through recent political actions. The episode explores themes of governmental overreach, the implications of executive decisions, and internal dynamics within the Libertarian Party.

2. Upcoming Debate on US-Israeli Relations

Robbie the Fire Bernstein shares his upcoming debate at Princeton University against Josh Hammer, a senior editor at Newsweek. The debate centers on the U.S.-Israeli relationship and its benefits or drawbacks for America.

Robbie [01:34]:
"It's going to be live on YouTube... it's an Oxford style debate, so you're kind of hoping the crowd isn't all on your side."

The hosts discuss the challenges Robbie anticipates, including potential personal attacks and the polarized nature of the topic.

3. Defining and Identifying a Constitutional Crisis

The conversation shifts to the central theme: whether the United States is currently experiencing a constitutional crisis. Robbie argues that while many actions by the government may infringe upon constitutional rights, labeling these as a "constitutional crisis" is an overstatement.

Robbie [13:20]:
"The Constitution was shredded over 100 years ago. We do not follow the thing anymore. And, you know, we could get into who exactly is the most responsible for shredding it, but it's just... It's a ridiculous, you know, assertion."

4. Government Overreach: Examples and Implications

Robbie provides several examples to illustrate government overreach, particularly focusing on executive orders bypassing congressional authority, such as:

• Lockdowns during COVID-19:
  The hosts critique the basis and effectiveness of lockdowns, arguing they were more about control than public health.

  Robbie [15:32]:
  "You can look at the areas that did lock down and didn't lock down, and you don’t see any reduction in the spread of COVID."

• War Declarations without Congressional Approval:
  Historical instances like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are cited as violations of the Constitution, which reserves war declarations to Congress.

  Robbie [17:19]:
  "We have fought decades-long wars without congressional declarations of war."

• Executive Actions on Citizenship:
  Diskussion حول مساعي ترامب لانتهاك حقوق المواطنة بموجب الدستور.

  Natalie [27:52]:
  "Donald Trump... declined their birthright citizenship and ejected them from the country... that plays into what you're saying of he didn't really care about the Constitution there."

The hosts emphasize that these actions represent a significant departure from constitutional principles, undermining the intended balance of powers.

5. Reactions from Political Leaders and Media

Robbie highlights the disproportionate reactions from media and political figures regarding perceived constitutional violations, suggesting a biased portrayal that escalates issues unnecessarily.

Robbie [16:00]:
"The Democrats and the corporate media, they always rely on taking things to DEFCON 10 with Donald Trump. It's like their only mechanism to deal with him."

They discuss how some leaders, like Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, downplay constitutional concerns despite executive actions that contradict constitutional mandates.

6. Internal Dynamics of the Libertarian Party

A significant portion of the episode delves into the internal struggles within the Libertarian Party, particularly the influence of the Mises Caucus. Robbie and Natalie critique the party's strategies, highlighting past missteps and advocating for a return to core Libertarian principles.

Robbie [49:16]:
"We know still to this day... people gain trust in you. And this would be a huge thing that the Libertarian Party doesn't get to own that, that they don't get to say that there is a party that was opposed to lockdowns when it happened."

They argue that the Mises Caucus successfully pushed the party towards addressing crucial issues, such as opposition to lockdowns and rethinking immigration policies, which have since gained broader acceptance.

Natalie [53:31]:
"The old guard... flaked on the COVID thing, which was, you know, I mean, talk about a libertarian issue."

The discussion extends to the party's messaging and public perception, emphasizing the need for strong, consistent advocacy on foundational Libertarian values to regain and expand support.

7. Conclusion and Forward Look

As the episode wraps up, Robbie reiterates the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and the necessity for the Libertarian Party to unify around these values to effect meaningful political change. The hosts express optimism about the party's potential resurgence by learning from past experiences and focusing on policies that resonate with a broader electorate.

Robbie [53:50]:
"The party needs that anyway. I do just think... if you're being fair, anybody who's following has been following the LP circles for all these years, you've been right on these most crucial issues."

The episode concludes with Robbie preparing for his debate, underscoring the ongoing commitment to challenging and upholding constitutional integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Robbie on Government Overreach:

  "The Constitution was shredded over 100 years ago. We do not follow the thing anymore."
  [13:20]

• Natalie on Executive Actions:

  "Donald Trump has not... violated the law yet where he took someone who was born in America, declined their birthright citizenship and ejected them from the country."
  [27:52]

• Robbie on Libertarian Strategy:

  "If you're being fair, anybody who's following has been following the LP circles for all these years... you were right on these most crucial issues."
  [53:50]

This episode of Part Of The Problem offers a critical examination of the U.S. government's adherence to constitutional principles and explores internal dynamics within the Libertarian Party, advocating for a steadfast commitment to constitutionalism and principled political engagement.