The Matt Walsh Show - Episode 1486: Here's The Real Reason Why Our Birth Rate Is Plummeting

In Episode 1486 of "The Matt Walsh Show," hosted by The Daily Wire, Matt Walsh delves deep into the multifaceted decline of the birth rate in the United States. This comprehensive analysis not only examines the statistical trends but also explores the profound societal and personal ramifications of a shrinking younger population.

1. The Decline in Birth Rate: A Silent Crisis

Matt Walsh opens the episode by addressing a pervasive yet under-discussed aspect of the declining birth rate. He references a recent New York Times article titled "The Unspoken Grief of Never Becoming a Grandparent" by Katherine Pearson, which highlights the emotional toll on older generations as fewer young people choose to start families.

"When a society gives up on having children, it has given up on its future. And well, that matters. That matters a lot." [Timestamp: Not specified]

Walsh emphasizes that the fertility rate in the United States has fallen below the replacement level, meaning fewer babies are being born to replace the older population. This demographic shift leads to an aging society with escalating issues, from increased healthcare costs to a strained workforce.

2. New York Times Article: Empathy and Backlash

Walsh reads excerpts from Pearson’s article, presenting poignant stories like that of Lydia Burke, a 56-year-old woman who fears she will never experience grandparenthood. The article reveals that more than half of adults over 50 in 2021 had at least one grandchild, a decrease from nearly 60% in 2014.

"I'm not going to have grandchildren, she said. So that part of my life is just over." [00:00]

Walsh acknowledges the emotional depth of the article but also highlights the polarized reactions it has sparked. While some find the piece empathetic and illuminating, others react with anger and resentment, criticizing the narrative as self-centered and dismissive of personal autonomy.

3. Public Reactions and Societal Attitudes

Delving into the public’s response, Walsh cites comments from readers who argue that individuals do not owe their parents happiness through having children. One commenter stated:

"I chose not to have children. That was my choice... I'm not responsible for my parents' happiness." [Timestamp: Not specified]

Walsh counters these sentiments by arguing that the economic hardships often cited as reasons for not having children are not insurmountable barriers. He shares his personal experience of starting a family while facing financial constraints, reinforcing his stance that starting a family is a matter of priority rather than mere affordability.

"You don't need generational wealth to start a family. I did not have any generational wealth when I started my family." [Timestamp: Not specified]

4. Obligation to Ancestral Legacy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the notion that individuals have an inherent duty to continue their family lines and honor the sacrifices of their ancestors. Walsh passionately argues that rejecting parenthood undermines centuries of human civilization and familial continuity.

"You have a duty. Your ancestors suffered and bled and died to build the civilization you live in now... You're going to wipe out your lineage and bloodline just so you have more time to watch Netflix." [Timestamp: Not specified]

He asserts that this failure to uphold familial obligations could lead to the eventual extinction of family lines, posing a catastrophic outcome for society's future.

5. Trump's Cabinet Picks: Disruptors in the Deep State

Transitioning to political discourse, Walsh discusses President Trump's recent cabinet nominations, focusing on two controversial figures: Tulsi Gabbard and Matt Gaetz.

Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence:

Walsh praises the selection of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat turned Republican, highlighting her recent addition to the terror watch list by the TSA under Biden's administration.

"Tulsi Gabbard was just recently put on a terror watch list by the TSA under Biden. And now she's going to be the boss of whoever put her on that list." [Timestamp: Not specified]

Matt Gaetz as Attorney General:

Similarly, Matt Gaetz's nomination as Attorney General receives commendation for his tenacity and dedication to reforming the Department of Justice.

"Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney... one of his most ardent supporters." [Timestamp: Not specified]

Walsh views these picks as strategic moves to dismantle the deep state and federal bureaucracy, emphasizing that the media's mixed reactions are indicative of the effectiveness of these appointments.

6. Presidential Transition: Trump Meets Biden

Walsh recounts the first meeting between President-elect Trump and outgoing President Biden, sarcastically critiquing the setting and Biden's demeanor.

"First of all, what the hell's going on with that fireplace? That fire is way too big... Looking at the smile on Joe Biden. This is the happiest he's looked." [30:29]

He mocks Biden's apparent happiness, attributing it to a perceived relief that Trump will assume office, despite criticizing Biden's overall effectiveness as a leader.

7. Rachel Zegler and Disney's Snow White Remake: A Corporate Misstep

A substantial segment is dedicated to Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney's upcoming Snow White remake. Walsh criticizes her campaign efforts to alienate Trump voters, arguing that her actions are detrimental to Disney's project.

"Rachel Zegler is the face of the company's upcoming blockbuster film... Now the star of the film is telling them all to go to hell." [Timestamp: Not specified]

He outlines Disney's troubled production history with the remake, including missteps like replacing the seven dwarves with "magical hobos" to avoid cultural insensitivity, only to revert to CGI dwarves later.

Walsh points out the negative reception of Zegler's portrayal of Snow White, which deviates from the traditional, cherished narrative, leading to a public backlash that he predicts will doom the film’s success.

"The Snow White remake is already getting even worse press than Joker 2 and not even out yet... Disney, their new Snow White film, and Rachel Zegler herself are all today canceled." [Timestamp: Not specified]

8. AOC and the Limits of Wokeness

Walsh also touches upon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) comments on the Democratic Party's loss in elections, interpreting her stance as a defense of wokeness.

"AOC is trying to defend wokeness. She can't admit that the party has gone too woke." [34:45]

He criticizes her lack of authenticity and blames the Democratic Party's excessive focus on progressive ideologies for their electoral failures.

9. Ezra Klein's Unexpected Insights

Referencing Ezra Klein’s analysis, Walsh highlights a surprising admission that policies making people's lives worse lead to public discontent, a point Klein apparently did not expect to receive acknowledgment.

"People don't like it when your policies make their lives worse. This is the base, this is the insight that you are actually kind of shocked to hear it from somebody like this." [39:50]

Walsh uses this to underscore his belief that the Democratic Party’s policies are out of touch with the general populace's needs and preferences.

10. Conclusion: The Path Forward

Wrapping up, Matt Walsh reiterates the urgency of addressing the birth rate decline and calls for individuals to prioritize familial responsibilities over personal comfort and fleeting pleasures. He emphasizes that without a concerted effort to build and sustain families, society faces an uncertain and potentially bleak future.

"If you ever have kids, it is guaranteed that you will have kids during a weak economy... You have to put your chips on the table. If you won't do that, you'll be stuck in exactly the spot you're in right now forever." [Timestamp: Not specified]

Walsh concludes by urging listeners to recognize their obligations to their ancestors and to the continuity of their lineage, framing it as a moral imperative essential for the preservation and prosperity of society.

Notable Quotes:

• "We are sitting on top of a house of cards that's looking shakier by the day."
• "If this was your attitude 200 years ago, it would be the extinction of mankind."
• "You have a duty to continue what they built."
• "Your bloodline was carried on through the centuries by men and women of that type."
• "The central proposal of Wokeness is that the feelings of privileged groups are more important than your own well-being."

This episode of "The Matt Walsh Show" presents a fervent critique of current societal trends, arguing that the decline in birth rates is symptomatic of deeper cultural shifts that undermine familial and societal stability. Through poignant analysis and impassioned rhetoric, Walsh calls on listeners to reconsider their priorities and recognize their roles in shaping the future of the nation.