Podcast Summary: "Part Of The Problem" – Episode: "Trust the Science"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Part Of The Problem
• Host: GaS Digital Network (Dave Smith)
• Description: Dave Smith explores current events, government, foreign policy, and all things Libertarian, aiming to educate listeners about the possibilities of a truly free nation.
• Episode: Trust the Science
• Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction

In the "Trust the Science" episode of Part Of The Problem, hosts Dave Smith and Robbie the Fire Bernstein delve into the intersection of science, media, and ideology. They critically examine how scientific discourse is influenced by political agendas and the implications of this interplay on public trust and policy-making.

Critique of Bill Maher and Scientific American

The episode opens with a discussion about a clip from Bill Maher's show, where Maher criticizes Scientific American after their editor quit due to expressing controversial opinions.

• Dave Smith (06:50): “This is one of the biggest publications in the scientific world. And you can already see him squirming immediately. Why did she have to quit? Because she expressed some opinions. Well, is that really it?”

Debbie and Robbie express concerns that Scientific American's handling of dissenting opinions undermines the credibility of scientific discourse, suggesting that political biases are compromising scientific integrity.

Trust in Science and Ideology

The hosts discuss the challenges faced by scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson, who they believe are swayed by political pressures, leading to a loss of objectivity.

• Dave Smith (08:19): “Neil DeGrasse Tyson got me once again to an... I'm not going to upset anyone with power. I am always going to be on their side.”
• Robbie the Fire Bernstein (09:08): “He's not a nerd. Was he cool?”

They argue that prominent scientists are often pressured to conform to prevailing political ideologies, which can erode public trust in scientific expertise.

COVID-19 and Vaccine Skepticism

The conversation shifts to the COVID-19 pandemic and the skepticism surrounding vaccines. The hosts critique the reliance on authority without critical evaluation.

• Bill Maher Clip (27:11): “Just being skeptical of all medical interventions, as everyone should.”
• Dave Smith (35:26): “We don't really trust you guys anymore because we've seen the way you operate.”

They highlight personal anecdotes and stories, such as Tom Woods' experience, to illustrate the growing distrust in medical authorities and the impact of politicized science on public perception.

Media Credibility and Brian Williams

Dave and Robbie analyze comments made by Brian Williams, a disgraced NBC News anchor, focusing on his critique of the Biden administration and the disconnect between media elites and the working class.

• Brian Williams Clip (43:11): “It's insulting when members of the working class... insist the economy is doing great.”
• Dave Smith (49:30): “Inflation is like a tax. How can you deny that?”

The hosts argue that such commentary from mainstream media figures reflects a broader issue of misrepresenting the economic struggles of ordinary Americans, further alienating the working class.

Economic Commentary: Inflation as a Tax

Dave and Robbie discuss the portrayal of economic indicators like the stock market versus the real-life impact of inflation on everyday Americans.

• Dave Smith (49:30): “Inflation is like a tax. If your taxes went up by 20%, it's the same thing. That's devastating.”
• Robbie the Fire Bernstein (53:07): “The shame on you campaign is not going to work. You're just evil and mean.”

They emphasize that while stock indices may show growth, the rising cost of living acts as a hidden tax, disproportionately affecting the working class and leading to a disconnect between economic policy and public welfare.

Cultural Disconnect with the Working Class

The hosts explore the cultural divide between media elites and the working class, attributing it to differing values and lifestyles.

• Dave Smith (54:27): “Tucker Carlson is absolutely in the privileged class, and he does not deny that.”
• Robbie the Fire Bernstein (55:08): “He's a white trash billionaire... imagine handing $3 billion to someone in a trailer park.”

They argue that this disconnect hampers effective communication and policy-making, as the concerns and values of the working class are often misunderstood or ignored by those in positions of influence.

Debate on Capitalism vs. Democratic Socialism

Drawing from a debate between economist Gene Epstein and democratic socialist Bhaskar Sankara, Dave underscores the complexities of collective decision-making in a democratic socialist framework.

• Dave Smith (61:03): “Gene was essentially arguing that in a democratic socialist society, decisions about production are left to the majority, which may not always align with individual freedoms.”

They critique the feasibility of democratic socialism, suggesting that collective decision-making can lead to inefficiencies and suppression of minority needs in favor of majority preferences.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Dave and Robbie reiterate their concerns about the erosion of trust in scientific and media institutions due to political influence and ideological biases. They call for greater honesty and alignment between media narratives and the lived experiences of ordinary Americans.

• Dave Smith (66:11): “Tucker Carlson... he can be thoughtful and think about what is happening to people in the working class.”
• Robbie the Fire Bernstein (66:38): “I do not think those numbers are accurate. I think he's just pulling that out of his ass.”

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to critically evaluate sources of information and advocate for a more transparent and accountable media landscape.

Notable Quotes:

1. Dave Smith (06:50): “This is one of the biggest publications in the scientific world. And you can already see him squirming immediately. Why did she have to quit? Because she expressed some opinions. Well, is that really it?”

2. Dave Smith (08:19): “Neil DeGrasse Tyson got me once again to an... I'm not going to upset anyone with power. I am always going to be on their side.”

3. Brian Williams Clip (43:11): “It's insulting when members of the working class... insist the economy is doing great.”

4. Dave Smith (49:30): “Inflation is like a tax. If your taxes went up by 20%, it's the same thing. That's devastating.”

5. Dave Smith (54:27): “Tucker Carlson is absolutely in the privileged class, and he does not deny that.”

6. Dave Smith (61:03): “Gene was essentially arguing that in a democratic socialist society, decisions about production are left to the majority, which may not always align with individual freedoms.”

This episode of Part Of The Problem offers a critical examination of how scientific integrity and media credibility are influenced by political ideologies, highlighting the resulting distrust among the public. Dave Smith and Robbie the Fire Bernstein urge listeners to remain vigilant and discerning in their consumption of scientific and media content to foster a more transparent and accountable society.