The Victor Davis Hanson Show: A Weekend in the Hanging Gardens and in the Troubling News

Release Date: February 8, 2025

In this episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, host Victor Davis Hanson and co-host Sammy Wink delve into a mix of historical exploration and contemporary socio-political analysis. The discussion seamlessly transitions from the ancient marvels of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to pressing modern-day issues surrounding media defamation, diversity initiatives, and international relations.

1. Media Defamation and Trump's Legal Battle

Timestamp: [05:15]

Victor Davis Hanson initiates a critical examination of former President Donald Trump's ongoing defamation lawsuit against major newspapers, specifically The New York Times and The Washington Post. Hanson argues that these publications deliberately propagated false narratives about Trump's alleged collusion with Russian entities during the 2016 campaign cycle.

Hanson: "The Washington Post and New York Times kept running story after story, as did CNN, even though the base was demonstrably a mess."

He further contends that the media's actions have significantly damaged Trump's reputation and political standing, citing instances of deliberate misinformation and biased reporting.

2. The Downfall of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

Timestamp: [06:16] & [15:50]

The conversation shifts to the impact of DEI programs within American institutions. Hanson and Wink assert that DEI has become a tool for political and ideological agendas, undermining traditional values and national sovereignty.

Hanson: "They destroyed the border and tried to destroy the idea of national sovereignty. They were giving money to people all over the world for political, ideological purposes."

Hanson believes that the backlash against DEI is ushering in a "counter-revolution," restoring normality and stability by eliminating what he perceives as divisive initiatives.

3. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Myth vs. Reality

Timestamp: [33:10] - [44:08]

Transitioning to a historical segment, Hanson explores the enigmatic Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He discusses the lack of concrete archaeological evidence and the speculative nature of its existence, primarily based on accounts by Strabo and Josephus.

Hanson: "They had terraces built into the walls and had methods of irrigating and taking water uphill. Some people have found some type of coal tar that they might have coated the channels so that the water didn't just destroy the stone."

Hanson recounts his personal experiences visiting the reconstructed site of Babylon, highlighting the discrepancies between Saddam Hussein's restoration efforts and the original structures, ultimately questioning the authenticity of the gardens.

4. University Incidents and the Decline of Free Speech

Timestamp: [44:08] - [52:23]

The discussion returns to contemporary issues with a focus on university campuses, specifically referencing incidents at Stanford University. Hanson criticizes the administration's handling of protests and the suppression of free speech, linking it to broader societal trends of intolerance and oppression.

Hanson: "We are in a counter revolution and that argument's not going to work anymore. We're going Tennessee, we're seeing dozens of lawsuits."

He emphasizes the need for universities to return to foundational principles, such as implementing SAT requirements and reducing overregulation, to restore academic integrity and free expression.

5. Trump's Executive Order on Transgender Athletes

Timestamp: [55:06] - [58:04]

Addressing gender identity issues in sports, Hanson praises former President Trump's executive order that restricts federal funding for female sports teams involving transgender men, arguing it upholds biological distinctions in athletic performance.

Hanson: "Mr. Transcendentally you're telling us that it's only one way. Why would it be one way?"

He challenges the notion that there is no performance difference between transgender and cisgender athletes, advocating for separate categories to ensure fair competition.

6. U.S.-China Relations and Geopolitical Strategies

Timestamp: [64:05] - [78:51]

Hanson provides a comprehensive analysis of the escalating tensions between the United States and China. He criticizes the Biden administration's policies, particularly the rejoining of the Paris Climate Accord, labeling it as a "green scam" that undermines American economic interests while benefiting China.

Hanson: "China is so angry, it's saying, this is terrible climate change. And the subtext, I don't even think it's a subtext. What China is saying is, we're building one or two coal plants a month. We pollute more than any other country in the world."

He advocates for a more assertive stance against China's Belt and Road Initiative and emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over strategic assets like the Panama Canal to safeguard national security and economic supremacy.

7. Grassroots Support and the American Military

Timestamp: [73:40] - [82:29]

Highlighting the strength of grassroots support, Hanson shares a heartfelt letter from an 81-year-old listener, Ann Tormanen, who commends him for his educational contributions and underscores the resilience of traditional American values.

Tormanen: "We are a strong military family with the navy, Marines, army and Air Force represented..."

Hanson underscores the pivotal role of such dedicated individuals in sustaining the nation's foundational principles. He also touches upon the revitalization of the U.S. military recruitment, attributing it to the reduction of DEI initiatives and a return to merit-based enlistment.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Victor Davis Hanson articulates a narrative of reclaiming American values from what he perceives as overreaching political correctness and biased media narratives. By juxtaposing historical wonders with contemporary societal challenges, Hanson and Wink provide listeners with a blend of historical insight and current affairs commentary, all underscored by a call for a return to traditional principles and national sovereignty.

Notable Quotes:

• Hanson on Media Defamation: "The Washington Post and New York Times kept running story after story, as did CNN, even though the base was demonstrably a mess." ([05:15])

• Hanson on DEI: "They destroyed the border and tried to destroy the idea of national sovereignty." ([06:16])

• Hanson on Hanging Gardens: "Some people have found some type of coal tar that they might have coated the channels so that the water didn't just destroy the stone." ([33:10])

• Hanson on University Free Speech: "We are in a counter revolution and that argument's not going to work anymore." ([44:08])

• Hanson on Transgender Athletes: "Why would it be one way? Why would men who say they're women dominate when they do participate women's sports..." ([55:06])

• Hanson on U.S.-China Relations: "China is so angry, it's saying, this is terrible climate change. And the subtext, I don't even think it's a subtext. What China is saying is, we're building one or two coal plants a month." ([64:05])

• Hanson on Grassroots Support: "There are people all over the country like that. I think the biggest myth that we've been sold is that this new aberration..." ([73:40])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the topics covered and the perspectives presented by Victor Davis Hanson and his co-host.