Podcast Summary: "The Feds on the Street" Part Of The Problem
Hosted by GaS Digital Network
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Part Of The Problem, hosts Dave Smith and Robbie Bernstein delve into pressing societal issues, including crime, homelessness, governmental policies, and the broader implications of libertarian ideals in contemporary America. The conversation is a blend of personal anecdotes, political analysis, and critiques of current federal decisions, all framed through a libertarian lens.

1. The State of American Cities

Homelessness and Crime Epidemic

Dave Smith initiates the discussion by addressing the rampant homelessness and escalating crime rates plaguing major American cities. He emphasizes that problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic have left cities like New York and Washington, D.C., struggling to return to their pre-pandemic stability.

• Dave Smith [04:23]: "It's a major problem for the country, what's going on in cities across the country."

Robbie Bernstein concurs, noting that while some statistics may show a slight decline in crime, the overall situation remains dire compared to pre-pandemic levels.

• Robbie Bernstein [10:10]: "They're not down from like pre overall levels. I think I just looked at a study from last year."

Impact on Society

The hosts express concern over the millions affected by homelessness, ranging from individuals facing minor setbacks to those battling severe mental illnesses and addictions. Dave underscores the moral and societal implications, particularly the negative environment it creates for families and children.

• Dave Smith [10:17]: "We live in a society that's as rich and advanced as the United States of America in 2025, and we still got millions of people who like, live outside in their own squalor and filth."

2. Governmental Response and Libertarian Critique

Use of National Guard in D.C.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on former President Donald Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., aiming to curb homelessness and crime. Robbie provides a nuanced view, acknowledging the necessity of addressing these issues but critiquing the method.

• Robbie Bernstein [04:23]: "I don't really fault him for wanting to clean up D.C. I think none of our cities should have crime and homelessness."

However, he raises concerns about the potential overreach and authoritarian implications of using the National Guard without clear objectives or lawful justifications.

• Robbie Bernstein [04:23]: "Does the president have the authority to nationalize troops in this way? And do we want, you know, a totalitarian president that just when he decides he wants something done?"

Dave agrees, highlighting the impulsive nature of Trump's decisions and the lack of strategic planning behind such moves.

• Dave Smith [06:43]: "It has nothing to do with whether you're like a left winger or a right winger... It's just like, that is no way to lead. That's crazy."

Property Rights and Public Decorum

The conversation transitions to the importance of property rights and maintaining public decorum. Robbie suggests that allowing certain areas for homeless individuals, coupled with enforceable behavior standards, could mitigate disturbances without resorting to incarceration.

• Robbie Bernstein [30:06]: "There's enough public land that we could be making available places for those that are homeless... they gotta behave by a certain decorum."

Dave reinforces this by linking property ownership to responsibility and the tragedy of the commons in government-owned spaces.

• Dave Smith [49:33]: "Nobody treats somebody else's property as good as you treat your own property."

3. Societal Shifts and Masculinity

Decline of Traditional Masculinity

Dave brings forth observations on the declining testosterone levels among young men and the societal shift away from traditional masculine roles. He connects this to broader issues like the acceptance of disorder in cities and the erosion of community standards.

• Dave Smith [16:46]: "I think 80% of the left-right divide amongst men is driven by testosterone... there's something where, as everybody on some level knows, there are times where you need that, like, hardcore masculinity."

Robbie adds a structural perspective, attributing some of these societal changes to socialism and liability laws that restrict individual actions to maintain public order.

• Robbie Bernstein [23:04]: "These tariff policies are what are gonna kill small businesses because the large companies are able to get Donald Trump's ear."

4. Current Political Dynamics and Media Influence

Influence of Conservative Media Personalities

The hosts discuss recent dramas involving conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes. Dave emphasizes the importance of voices like Tucker and Candace in shaping non-interventionist foreign policies within the right-wing spectrum.

• Dave Smith [36:37]: "Tucker and Candace's voice are right now... their voices are enormously important."

Robbie criticizes Nick Fuentes for promoting divisive and extremist views, highlighting the internal conflicts within conservative circles.

• Robbie Bernstein [37:09]: "He wants to rule over me and people like me shouldn't be allowed to exist... his major complaint is why are all these other people being more platformed on the Israel issue."

5. Economic Policies and Libertarian Principles

Critique of Tariffs and Central Planning

A substantial critique is levied against recent economic policies, particularly Trump's deal with Nvidia to impose a 15% tax on exports to China. Both hosts question the efficacy and intent behind such measures, suggesting they favor large corporations while disadvantaging small businesses.

• Robbie Bernstein [52:26]: "Donald Trump very excited... Donald Trump getting 15% of the profits helps... it's more central planning."

Dave echoes these sentiments, highlighting the flawed logic of leveraging tariffs as a national security measure while simultaneously funding them through problematic financial mechanisms.

• Dave Smith [54:26]: "The issue is that they don't get enough revenue... we're drowning under $37 trillion."

6. Libertarian Education and Economic Thought

Promoting Austrian Economics

Dave passionately advocates for the Austrian School of Economics, recommending foundational texts and resources for listeners interested in deepening their understanding.

• Dave Smith [45:40]: "If you're looking for podcasts, Bob Murphy has a great podcast. Mises.org is like a phenomenal resource."

He emphasizes the transformative impact of these economic principles on personal and political perspectives.

• Dave Smith [45:40]: "Economics in One Lesson by Henry Haslett is a great... it's a red pill of a book."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of libertarian values, emphasizing the necessity of minimizing government intervention to address societal issues effectively. Dave and Robbie advocate for property rights, personal responsibility, and economic freedom as foundational to solving the multifaceted problems facing American cities today.

• Dave Smith [63:05]: "The major problems with the American economy are all completely unaddressed by Donald Trump."

Notable Quotes

• Dave Smith [04:23]: "It's a major problem for the country, what's going on in cities across the country."

• Dave Smith [10:17]: "We live in a society that's as rich and advanced as the United States of America in 2025, and we still got millions of people who like, live outside in their own squalor and filth."

• Robbie Bernstein [23:04]: "These tariff policies are what are gonna kill small businesses because the large companies are able to get Donald Trump's ear."

• Dave Smith [16:46]: "I think 80% of the left-right divide amongst men is driven by testosterone."

• Dave Smith [54:26]: "The major problems with the American economy are all completely unaddressed by Donald Trump."

This episode of Part Of The Problem offers a critical examination of current federal policies and societal trends through a libertarian perspective, urging listeners to consider the implications of government intervention and the importance of personal and economic freedoms in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues.