Podcast Summary: "Part Of The Problem"
Episode: Liz Wolfe and Zach Weissmueller
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Dave Smith
Guests: Liz Wolfe and Zach Weissmueller from "Just Asking Questions"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of GaS Digital Network's "Part Of The Problem," host Dave Smith is joined by Liz Wolfe and Zach Weissmueller, the dynamic duo behind the podcast "Just Asking Questions." The conversation delves deep into the intersections of libertarianism, current governance issues, criminal justice reform, and the evolving landscape of political media. Through personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and insightful debates, the trio navigates the complexities of maintaining libertarian principles in today's socio-political climate.

Governance Issues in New York

Key Discussion Points:

• Crime and Public Safety: Liz Wolfe shares her frustrations with the current state of New York City, highlighting rampant crime, a deteriorating subway system, and the high cost of living. She emphasizes the negative impact these issues have on residents' quality of life.

  Liz Wolfe [04:07]: "We have rampant crime. We have a subway system where people are constantly... absolutely garbage, in total disrepair."

• Voting and Representation: Both Liz and Zach express skepticism about the efficacy of voting in NYC, citing prolonged Democratic dominance and the city's internal challenges.

  Zach Weissmueller [04:07]: "I'm a New Yorker. My vote doesn't really count."

Notable Quote:

Liz Wolfe [06:53]: "I'm a self-interested, rational actor to the next, you know..."

Homelessness and Addiction

Key Discussion Points:

• Policy Analysis: The conversation shifts to the troubling state of homelessness and addiction in major cities. Liz discusses a documentary she and Zach produced, examining how deregulation and lack of effective incentives hinder solutions.

  Liz Wolfe [11:53]: "Houston's extreme deregulated environment... really made a big difference."

• Practical Solutions: They critique existing programs, arguing that many service providers lack incentives to produce tangible results, thus perpetuating the problem.

• Personal Experiences: Zach shares a harrowing personal story of encountering a homeless individual while with his family in NYC, underscoring the real-world implications of ineffective policies.

  Zach Weissmueller [17:38]: "Could we just like remove these People from a kid's playground?"

Notable Quote:

Liz Wolfe [13:08]: "Look, we're not just going to throw you in a prison... we're going to build this big place where you can go."

Progressive Prosecutors and Libertarianism

Key Discussion Points:

• Co-opting Libertarian Ideals: The hosts discuss how progressive prosecutors have adopted some libertarian policies like drug decriminalization but have strayed by not addressing property crimes effectively.

  Zach Weissmueller [28:08]: "Progressive prosecutors didn't rise up around the country. Progressive prosecutors did."

• Discrimination and Policy Implementation: They analyze how progressive approaches often prioritize certain demographics, leading to inconsistent and sometimes counterproductive outcomes.

Notable Quote:

Liz Wolfe [33:07]: "It's also just so disrespectful to the individual... it's collapsing all of the individualism."

Libertarianism and Culture Wars

Key Discussion Points:

• Trans Issues and Parental Rights: Liz and Zach tackle the contentious topic of transgender rights, particularly concerning minors. They debate the balance between individual autonomy and state intervention.

  Liz Wolfe [69:04]: "It's kind of insulting to me to claim that they are."

• State Overreach vs. Personal Freedom: The conversation emphasizes the tension between libertarian ideals of minimal state interference and the need to protect vulnerable populations.

  Zach Weissmueller [77:39]: "These are cases where it complicates purist libertarian theory..."

Notable Quote:

Liz Wolfe [70:23]: "These things are not anywhere close to comparable..."

Media and Political Narratives

Key Discussion Points:

• Homogeneity in Cable News: The trio critiques the uniformity of opinions across major cable news networks, arguing that it stifles diverse perspectives and authentic discourse.

  Zach Weissmueller [46:37]: "Fox News is totally guilty of it."

• Rise of Independent Media: They highlight the growing popularity of independent media outlets like "Gutfeld," which offer fresh and varied content compared to traditional networks.

  Liz Wolfe [47:47]: "There's something very fresh about what they're bringing."

Notable Quote:

Zach Weissmueller [48:04]: "Nobody wants to hear more Jen Psaki. They want more of Gutfeld and independent media."

Election and Political Candidates

Key Discussion Points:

• Podcasts as Political Platforms: The hosts discuss how presidential candidates, notably Donald Trump, have leveraged podcasts like Joe Rogan's to reach broader audiences, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

  Zach Weissmueller [51:21]: "Donald Trump wins this election, it's going to be the death blow to the whole corporate media structure."

• Democratic Strategies and Challenges: They analyze the Democratic Party's struggles with candidate selection, highlighting figures like Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and their roles in navigating internal and external pressures.

  Zach Weissmueller [60:22]: "The Democrats have a short bench and... Bernie Sanders is too old."

Notable Quote:

Liz Wolfe [55:35]: "AOC doesn't have to emphasize any of the diversity stuff. It's apparent how she got her start."

Conclusions and Future Directions

Key Takeaways:

• Maintaining Libertarian Principles: Liz and Zach underscore the importance of adhering to core libertarian values while addressing complex social issues, emphasizing that compromises often dilute the movement's effectiveness.

  Zach Weissmueller [75:26]: "Libertarians need to think about when and how we apply our principles consistently."

• Need for Honest Dialogue: The episode concludes with a call for more authentic and principled discussions within libertarian circles and beyond, advocating for solutions that genuinely address societal problems without sacrificing individual freedoms.

Notable Quote:

Zach Weissmueller [77:39]: "These are cases where it complicates purist libertarian theory..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Part Of The Problem" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges facing libertarianism in modern governance and societal issues. Through candid conversations and personal insights, Dave Smith, Liz Wolfe, and Zach Weissmueller navigate the intricate balance between personal freedoms and societal responsibilities, urging listeners to engage in meaningful and principled discussions.

For those interested in delving deeper into these topics, Liz and Zach's "Just Asking Questions" podcast provides additional perspectives and in-depth analyses.