3.3.25 The Supreme Court weighs the power of federal agencies, David Bahnsen tackles Apple’s AI pledge, and an Austrian stands against Hitler

Summary

The World and Everything In It Episode Summary: 3.3.25 Release Date: March 3, 2025

In this episode of The World and Everything In It, WORLD Radio delves into significant legal debates surrounding federal agency power, examines Apple's ambitious AI investment plan, and recounts the courageous stand of an Austrian farmer against Hitler. Hosted by Mary Reichardt and Nick Eicher, the episode is rich with insightful discussions, expert analysis, and poignant historical narratives.

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1. Supreme Court’s Examination of Federal Agency Power

The episode opens with a riveting debate at the Supreme Court focusing on the extent of power held by federal agencies. The central case under scrutiny is McLaughlin Chiropractic Associates vs. McKesson Corporation, which questions whether judges must adhere to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) interpretation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that excludes faxes from its purview.

Key Discussions:

• Agency Deference and Judicial Independence:
  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed support for following the agency's interpretation, emphasizing the need for "finality, predictability, uniformity" (06:12). Conversely, Justice Neil Gorsuch raised concerns about allowing agencies to create rules that courts cannot easily challenge, referencing the Corner Post case which permits challenges to agency regulations under certain conditions (07:11).

• Overruling Chevron Doctrine:
  The conversation highlighted the Supreme Court's move to overturn the Chevron Doctrine, which previously mandated that courts defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes. Nick Eicher remarked, "Chevron is both wrong and increasingly irrelevant. The time has come to leave it behind" (08:18).

• Jurisdiction vs. Deference:
  The case is ultimately about jurisdiction—whether agencies' rules must be followed by the courts—rather than mere deference to their expertise (08:50).

Additional Cases:

• Hewitt vs. United States:
  This consolidated case explores whether the First Step Act applies retroactively to individuals like Tony Hewitt, who were resentenced after the Act's passage. The debate hinges on grammatical interpretations of the Act’s provisions, with Justice Alito providing a lighter moment amidst serious legal discourse (10:42).

• Other Supreme Decisions:
  The court also delivered rulings on Glossop v. Oklahoma, Dewberry Group v. Dewberry Engineers, Waitzig v. Halliburton, and Lackey v. Stinney, each addressing distinct legal questions from wrongful convictions to trademark damages (14:45).

Notable Quotes:

• Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson:
  "Our starting point must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now" (01:16).

• Nick Eicher on Chevron Overrule:
  "Chevron is both wrong and increasingly irrelevant. The time has come to leave it behind" (08:18).

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2. Monday Money Beat with David Bonson

Financial analyst David Bonson provides a deep dive into Apple's groundbreaking announcement of a $500 billion capital expenditure (CapEx) plan focused on artificial intelligence (AI) projects and infrastructure.

Key Insights:

• Apple’s AI Ambitions:
  Bonson discusses the feasibility and potential impact of Apple's AI investment, questioning whether such ambitious plans will materialize as intended. He draws parallels to previous tech giants' announcements, suggesting skepticism about the actual deployment of the pledged funds (17:03).

• Trade Policy and Tariffs:
  The conversation shifts to current trade policies, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding upcoming tariffs. Bonson expresses doubt over the administration's commitment, predicting that any implemented tariffs will likely come with numerous exceptions, diminishing their effectiveness (19:25).

• Political Dynamics:
  Bonson analyzes the intricate relationship between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasizing the challenges in reconciling budget reconciliation with necessary spending cuts and tax reforms. He underscores the importance of their private negotiations in navigating these legislative hurdles (20:10).

• Trump’s Immigration Gold Card Proposal:
  Addressing President Trump’s controversial proposal for a special immigration "gold card" priced at $5 million, Bonson critiques its political viability. He doubts the support it will receive from Trump’s base, labeling it a "political disaster" despite acknowledging its potential economic benefits (22:49).

Notable Quotes:

• David Bonson on Apple's AI Investment:
  "I just think it's a matter of big question about the future" (17:28).

• Bonson on Tariffs:
  "I maintain my same view that we have a president who loves talking about tariffs and we don't have a president who loves doing tariffs" (19:25).

• Bonson on the Immigration Gold Card:
  "The politics and the optics are probably what are going to kill this" (23:21).

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3. Historical Spotlight: Franz Jagerstadter’s Defiance Against Hitler

In the World History Book segment, Caleb Weldy narrates the inspiring story of Franz Jagerstadter, an Austrian farmer who stood firm in his refusal to swear allegiance to Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Key Highlights:

• Moral Conviction:
  Facing the mandatory military oath to Hitler, Jagerstadter declared, "I can't swear loyalty to Hitler. I can't do what I believe is wrong" (00:34). His unwavering faith and integrity led to his arrest and eventual execution.

• Personal Struggles and Family Impact:
  Jagerstadter's decision isolated him from friends and family, with his wife Fani pleading for him to reconsider. Their poignant correspondence reveals the emotional toll of his stand (28:22).

• Legacy of Faith and Courage:
  Despite the threats, Jagerstadter remained resolute, drawing strength from his faith. His letters reflect a deep commitment to his principles, even in the face of death. The segment also touches upon the broader historical context, including the Vatican's role during the Nazi regime and the enduring legacy of resistance.

Notable Quotes:

• Franz Jagerstadter:
  "I can't do what I believe is wrong" (00:34).

• Fani Jagerstadter:
  "Dearest husband... I still had a small hope that you would change your decision" (28:32).

• Caleb Weldy:
  "I can never and shall never believe that we Catholics must make ourselves available to do the work of the most evil and dangerous anti-Christian power that has ever existed" (27:24).

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Conclusion

This episode of The World and Everything In It masterfully intertwines contemporary legal debates, economic analyses, and profound historical narratives to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of pressing global issues. Through expert commentary and heartfelt storytelling, WORLD Radio continues its mission of delivering biblically grounded and insightful journalism.

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Timestamp References:

1. <a id="timestamp1"></a>[07:11] – Justice Neil Gorsuch on agency rule challenges.
2. 07:11 – Continuation of Justice Gorsuch's concerns.
3. 08:18 – Nick Eicher on overturning Chevron Doctrine.
4. 08:50 – Discussion on jurisdiction vs. deference.
5. 10:42 – Michael Kimberly on retroactive application of the First Step Act.
6. 14:45 – Overview of other Supreme Court decisions.
7. 01:16 – Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Ukraine's position.
8. 17:03 – David Bonson on Apple's AI CapEx plan.
9. 19:25 – Bonson on uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
10. 20:10 – Bonson on political dynamics between House and Senate leaders.
11. 22:49 – Bonson on Trump’s immigration gold card proposal.
12. 17:28 – Bonson reflecting on the future of Apple's investment.
13. 23:21 – Bonson on the political feasibility of the gold card.
14. 00:34 – Jagerstadter's declaration against swearing loyalty.
15. 28:22 – Fani Jagerstadter's letter to her husband.
16. 28:32 – Continued correspondence from Fani.
17. 27:24 – Caleb Weldy on Catholic resistance.

Transcript

[Mary Reichardt]

Good morning. At the Supreme Court, a debate over the power of federal agencies. And it may all turn on the rules of grammar.

[Nick Eicher]

You don't use the present perfect tense for something that's wholly completed and in the past. That's ahead today on Legal Docket. Also today, the Monday money beat the president touting an immigration gold card to reduce the debt. David Bonson is standing by. Later, the world history book. Today we remember an Austrian Christian who stood up to Hitler.

[Caleb Weldy]

I can't swear loyalty to Hitler. I can't do what I believe is wrong.

[Mary Reichardt]

It's Monday, March 3rd. This is the world and everything in it. From listener supported World Radio. I'm Mary Reichert.

[Nick Eicher]

And I'm Nick Eicher. Good morning.

[Mary Reichardt]

It's time for the news. Here's Kent Covington.

[Kent Covington]

European leaders held a security summit on Sunday in London to shore up support for Ukraine. That followed Friday's fiery clash at the White House between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the gathering.

[Caleb Weldy]

Our starting point must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now.

[Mary Reichardt]

So that they can negotiate from a position of strength.

[Kent Covington]

And we are doubling down in our support. He also told 18 fellow leaders that every allied nation must, his words, step up their own share of the burden. And with the relationship between the White House and Ukraine's government now more strained than ever, Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni.

[Nick Eicher]

Said, I think it is very, very important that we avoid the risk that the west divides. And I think on this, UK And Italy can play an important role in bridge building, let's say.

[Kent Covington]

And to that point, Starmer said that the UK and other nations have agreed to work with Ukraine to formulate a plan. They will then discuss that plan with the United States. Meantime, in Washington, reaction to that Oval Office argument between Trump and Zelensky has been predictably split. Democrats accused Trump and Vice President Vance of mistreating Zelenskyy Senator Chris Van Hollen.

[Nick Eicher]

I saw the meeting as a despicable.

[Kent Covington]

Display of bullying by the president, United States and the vice president United States.

[Nick Eicher]

Against somebody whose country is at war with Putin.

[Kent Covington]

But the White House said Zelensky was antagonistic and rude during the meeting. And House Speaker Mike Johnson added on.

[Nick Eicher]

Sunday, I hope and pray frankly that President Zelensky will come to his senses, come back to President Trump, express gratitude.

[Kent Covington]

As he should, you know, apologize for his behavior there. Trump and Zelensky had been expected to sign the agreement on Friday until that Oval Office meeting went off the rails. But many Western leaders are still hopeful that the deal will be completed. British ambassador to the U.S. lord Peter Mendelsohn told ABC's this Week.

[Nick Eicher]

Quite apart from the economic gain that Ukraine will derive from that, it will.

[David Bonson]

Also give the United States a stake.

[Nick Eicher]

In in Ukraine's future.

[Kent Covington]

And if the US Were more directly invested in Ukraine's future, many feel that could help pave the way for lasting peace and security in Ukraine. President Zelensky said Sunday that he is still willing to sign that deal. It would include, among other things, US Access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine. Israel says it is halting all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip for now after the first phase of the ceasefire deal with Hamas ended on Saturday. That drew condemnation from the UN and aid groups. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Hamas steals those supplies and that much of it never reaches the Palestinian people.

[David Bonson]

It uses these supplies to finance its.

[Nick Eicher]

Terror machine which is aimed directly at.

[David Bonson]

Israel and our civilians and this we cannot accept.

[Kent Covington]

He also said that Israel has adopted a U S backed proposal that would extend the temporary ceasefire for 50 days. Hamas has thus far rejected that plan. The Vatican says that Pope Francis has remained in stable condition and is entirely off of mechanical ventilation. It was a sign that his respiratory function has improved as he continues to recover from double pneumonia and a respiratory crisis. But doctors say his prognosis remains guarded. Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback, launching a campaign for mayor of New York City. He told supporters on Sunday, we are.

[Nick Eicher]

Here today because we know New York.

[David Bonson]

Is in crisis, but we know something else.

[Nick Eicher]

We know that we can turn this city around and we know we will.

[Kent Covington]

The campaign marks a return from a years long exile over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations. The scandal forced his resignation as governor in 2021. He'll take on a large field of primary opponents, including incumbent mayor Eric Adams who for now remains under indictment on federal corruption charges. I'm Kent Covington. And straight ahead, robocalls and mandatory sentences on legal docket plus the Monday money beat with economist David Bonson. This is the world and everything in it.

[Nick Eicher]

It's the world and everything in it for this third day of March 2025. We're so glad you've joined us today. Good morning. I'm Nick Iker.

[Mary Reichardt]

And I'm Mary Reichard. Time now for legal docket higgin.

[Caleb Weldy]

This is the tax guru.

[Mary Reichardt]

We could resolve any of those IRS tax issues you might have people complain about Robocall with good reason.

[Caleb Weldy]

Some back taxes still do.

[David Bonson]

I'm calling to inform you how to.

[Mary Reichardt]

Apply for them to be forgiven.

[Nick Eicher]

It's super fast.

[Mary Reichardt]

Give us a quick call, so reach out quickly.

[Nick Eicher]

We need to sign up.

[Mary Reichardt]

Junk voicemails, junk emails, even junk faxes. Two chiropractic businesses say they received unsolicited junk faxes from the McKesson Corporation. So they sued under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. But here's the twist. The Federal Communications Commission later ruled that ads sent by fax are not covered by the tcpa. So the lower courts tossed out the lawsuit.

[Nick Eicher]

We'll hear argument next in case 2312 26, McLaughlin Chiropractic Associates against McKesson Corporation. Mr. Wessler.

[David Bonson]

Thank you, Mr. Chief justice, and may it please the court.

[Nick Eicher]

So now the Supreme Court is deciding whether judges must follow the FCC's interpretation or whether they can interpret the TCPA differently. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson saw benefit in going along with the agency interpretation.

[Kent Covington]

Wasn't it trying to establish finality, predictability, uniformity?

[Nick Eicher]

This is the same argument the fax Senator McKesson makes. After all, the FCC has the authority to issue that rule excluding faxes. And under another federal law called the Hobbs act, courts almost always have to follow it.

[Mary Reichardt]

But Justice Neil Gorsuch worried about letting agencies make rules nobody can later challenge, citing a prior case called Corner Post that held that even long standing agency regulations can be challenged if the plaintiff's injury is new.

[Nick Eicher]

But then we're going to have the corner Posts of the world who are going to come in and say, I wasn't alive, I wasn't there, I wasn't in business. And we said the statute of limitations allows them to file their claims. That's got to mean something. So you might think the Supreme Court ended agency deference last year when it overturned the so called Chevron doctrine. That now defunct doctrine held that courts must defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes. It was such a landmark case that Chief Justice John Roberts announced it from the bench back in 2024.

[Kent Covington]

We start from first principles, the framers.

[Nick Eicher]

Of our Constitution assigned to the courts, not the political branches, the responsibility and power to say what the law is, as Chief Justice Marshall famously put it in Marbury against Madison.

[Kent Covington]

And they expected courts to do so.

[Nick Eicher]

By applying their own independent judgment. In short, Chevron is both wrong and increasingly irrelevant. The time has come to leave it behind. Chevron is overruled. But this case isn't about deference. It's about jurisdiction.

[Mary Reichardt]

Even with Chevron out of the way, the Hobbs act still prevents lower courts from ignoring agency rules unless an Appellate court overturns them. Legal beagles are watching closely. Some argue that if courts can disregard agency rulings, what's the point of having agencies? We'll know how the Justices think about this by the end of its term in June. And now our final case, Hewitt vs.

[Nick Eicher]

United States and the consolidated case. Tony Hewitt was convicted of conspiracy and bank robbery, among other things. The law involved is a newer one called the First Step Act. It reduces certain mandatory sentences. In this case, Hewitt's sentence was vacated before the act was passed and then after it passed, he was re sentenced. So does the First Step act apply to him in re sentencing? Well, Hewitt hopes so. Here is his lawyer Michael Kimberly after.

[Michael Kimberly]

Decades of urging by sentencing judges and.

[David Bonson]

The Sentencing Commission, Congress in 2018 enacted.

[Nick Eicher]

Section 403 of the First Step Act. The point of Section 403 was to override deal against United States, which called for extraordinarily harsh mandatory minimum sentences even for first time offenders. In enacting this override, Congress had to balance two countervailing values. First, justice in sentencing and second, finality.

[Mary Reichardt]

Of judgments for the other side. The court designated lawyer Michael McGinley to defend the lower court ruling. You'll hear why in a moment.

[Michael Kimberly]

Petitioners do not qualify for retroactive relief under section 403 of the First Step Act. Petitioners each indisputably received a sentence before the date of enactment. It makes no difference that their sentences were later vacated after that date for unrelated reasons.

[Nick Eicher]

This is the most natural common sense.

[Michael Kimberly]

Understanding of the statute's text read as a whole.

[Nick Eicher]

The reason the court had to appoint someone is because Hewitt's lawyers and federal prosecutors wound up agreeing with each other during the course of the the government started out saying the law should not apply retroactively. But by the time Hewitt was re sentenced, the government flipped and now says the law should be applied retroactively. And that's why the court had to appoint someone else. McGinley to defend the ruling below the.

[Mary Reichardt]

Argument was equal parts statutory interpretation and grammar.

[Nick Eicher]

Justice Gorsuch, Mr. McGinley, would you agree that the present perfect tense usually refers to something that has continuing effect? Now I have to admit I must have dozed off during the grammar lesson on present perfect tense because I had to look it up. It turns out it is the verb tense we use for something that happened in the past but still matters. So you build it by pairing have or has with the past participle, for example, and this kind of comes easily to mind. I have eaten.

[Mary Reichardt]

Yeah, right. And for me, the past act of having eaten doesn't just matter. It's absolutely crucial because you try explaining legal concepts on an empty stomach. Not so easy. So with that bit of grammar behind us, let's return to the Gorsuch question. Would you agree the present perfect tense usually refers to a thing that has a continuing effect? Here's McGinley's answer as he continued defending the lower court's ruling.

[Michael Kimberly]

I think the Chicago Manual of Style says it either can be that or, or something that has been completed.

[Nick Eicher]

I mean, isn't that how you learned your high school grammar, that you don't use the present perfect tense for something that's wholly completed and in the past with no continuing effect?

[Mary Reichardt]

Justice Brett Kavanaugh worried about disparities in sentencing people.

[Nick Eicher]

The point, the reason why I'm concerned about this case and the government's obviously been on both sides of this, so I feel good about that in terms.

[David Bonson]

Of my own thinking is there's still.

[Nick Eicher]

Disparities, like really, really big disparities and really big unfairness even under your reading, which usually when we say, well, the literal reading can't be right, it's because the non literal reading makes more sense in context. And here there's still going to be big time disparities. Justice Jackson suggested Congress deliberately carved out relief for defendants like Hewitt.

[Kent Covington]

And what I can't understand is why there's a difference between people who have sentencing to becoming because their prior sentence was vacated versus people who have sentencing to be coming because they weren't sentenced before. If you can't give an answer to that, I don't understand how you can win.

[Mary Reichardt]

Justice Alito lightened the mood.

[Nick Eicher]

Well, it's always fun to talk about.

[David Bonson]

Grammar and, and usage going on to.

[Mary Reichardt]

Give a much better example of context dependent present perfect tense.

[David Bonson]

Anybody who won a gold medal at the Olympics can participate in a particular parade. And in context that would probably mean.

[Kent Covington]

That somebody who won a gold medal that was later revoked due to violation of doping rules would not be entitled.

[David Bonson]

To march in the parade.

[Kent Covington]

Okay, but there are I could give.

[Nick Eicher]

You a thousand examples of situations in.

[David Bonson]

Which present perfect tense is used to refer to an event that does not.

[Nick Eicher]

Continue up to the present.

[Kent Covington]

Were you ever employed as a dishwasher?

[Nick Eicher]

Yes.

[Kent Covington]

Somebody who washed dishes in college would answer yes.

[David Bonson]

Were you ever a member of the Communist Party? Have you ever been a student at X college?

[Nick Eicher]

So it all depends on the context.

[Mary Reichardt]

The justices questions suggest a split on how to interpret the words of the statute. If they rule against Hewitt, he and others could face decades of additional time behind bars if they rule for him. The First Step act will apply more broadly to those awaiting resentencing.

[Nick Eicher]

Finally, the Supreme Court handed down four decisions, and we will hit those quickly. First, Glossop v. Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossop will get a new trial after prosecutors failed to correct false testimony. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond I do.

[Kent Covington]

Not believe that Richard Glossop is innocent.

[Nick Eicher]

I believe him to be guilty, but I believe him to not have been.

[Kent Covington]

Given a fair trial.

[Nick Eicher]

By the way, Justices Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented in this case. Cases 2 and 3 were unanimous rulings of the court, Dewberry Group v. Dewberry Engineers. In that case, the court held that an affiliate's profits cannot be included in trademark damages unless the affiliate itself is a defendant. And Waitzig v. Halliburton, a voluntarily dismissed age discrimination suit, can be revived after an unsuccessful arbitration final case.

[Mary Reichardt]

Now, Lackey v. Stinney, the court said no attorney's fees for drivers who sued Virginia over license suspensions because the state repealed the law before final judgment. In dissent, Justices Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor. And that's this week's legal docket.

[Kent Covington]

Additional support comes from Covenant College in.

[Nick Eicher]

Georgia, providing an uncompromising biblical education where.

[Kent Covington]

Students explore calling and career more at Covenant.

[Nick Eicher]

Edu World and from the New Living.

[Kent Covington]

Translation, accurate, understandable and audibly enjoyable.

[Nick Eicher]

NewLivingTranslation.com.

[Mary Reichardt]

Coming up next on THE WORLD and everything in it, the Monday Money beat.

[Nick Eicher]

Time now to talk business markets and the economy with financial analyst and advisor David Bonson. David heads up the wealth management firm the Bonson Group. He is here now. David, good morning.

[David Bonson]

Good morning, Nick. Good to be with you.

[Nick Eicher]

Well, David, Apple grabbed headlines last week announcing a $500 billion capital expenditures plan on artificial intelligence projects and infrastructure, some observers saying that it could transform the AI industry, others noting that big ambitions don't always translate. So does this matter, do you think? How do you interpret this big Capex spend?

[David Bonson]

Well, Capex certainly matters. The question is how it matters and what comes of it. But I need to point something out, Nick. This came up before with announcements from other hyperscalers. They didn't spend $500 billion on AI CapEx. They announced that they are willing to. They announced an intention to. They announced a plan. They don't have anything to spend 500 billion on right now, but they're committing to this over a period of time. And so the question is not what's going to come of this 500 billion? When I refer to questions about AI capex it's will these announcements, the latest one, as you point out, is Apple 500 billion. Will this happen? Okay, because if in four years Apple has only spent 80 billion instead of 500 billion, if they've hired 5,000 people for AI research instead of 20,000, what will that end up meaning? So I am well aware of a lot of announcements and intentions and plans, but it sort of begs the question if someone says I'm planning to get a shovel and go dig for 100 tons of gold, the question is not if they have a shovel, the question is if they find the gold. And that's really what we're talking about here. Will there be $500 billion of opportunity or not? I'm not sure that there will be, but I'm not sure that there won't be. I just think it's a matter of big question about the future.

[Nick Eicher]

Right. Well, David, turning to trade policy now, here we are Monday morning, the calm before the storm. We are hearing about tariffs set to take effect tomorrow. Of course, we're a little more than a month into this new administration. We've heard a lot about tariffs. And all of this seems to have markets and businesses a little bit unsure as to how things are going to go. David, what's your take on all of this?

[David Bonson]

Well, Nick, you notice at one point he had said he was delaying it till April, and then the next day he said, no, we're going to go ahead and go Tuesday. And then they've already put other qualifications on what's supposed to happen tomorrow. And the market was up huge on Friday. I think that the market at this point is totally done getting fooled by all the threats and negotiations and back and forth. No, I maintain my same view that we have a president who loves talking about tariffs and we don't have a president who loves doing tariffs. And we will see how it plays out. This doesn't mean certain tariffs don't get put on, but I'm firmly convinced that any tariffs that do get put on are going to be loaded up with exceptions and caveats, so they lose their teeth and are not likely to stay on very long.

[Nick Eicher]

All right. Also last week, David, we saw some late night drama on Capitol Hill. The House managing to pass its budget. But it is clear this is. But step one, how do you see the political lay of the land right now?

[David Bonson]

Well, we have a long way to go. As we say in my business, there's a lot of wood to chop. And this next step is the harder part, although the first part that got done this Week was very, very hard. I mean, it was really on the chopping block. They had sent everybody home. Okay. They did not have the votes. And then they called the few people back upon realizing that they were able to kind of flip their vot. So it did matter that the House got that part done. But nobody believes that what the House passed is going to become law. It now has to go to the Senate, and then it ends up in conference where they have to get a House and Senate bill together. But one of the biggest issues in American politics right now, and I'm so grateful that it's one of the few things not taking place on cameras, not taking place on social media, is the dynamic between speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. They have to work together and they have the dignity and class to be doing it privately. It doesn't mean they're going to get it done. John Thune can't speak for all 53 people in the Senate and Mike Johnson can't speak for all of the Republicans in the House. But they are the leaders who have to go arrange to get this stuff done together. And they are trying and they want to get it done as one bill. And then John Thune has to maintain a two bill approach. If the one bill approach falls apart, that's where we are, Nick. It's going to come down to whether or not they can figure out a way to get the spending cuts necessary to allow for tax cuts that are possible to fit into budget reconciliation and do both of those things in a way where there are, shall we say, conflicting interest from deficit hawks to those who have a certain vision for the tax cuts they want to those who want very specific tax cuts implemented. It's not going to be easy in conference to bring House and Senate together, but it is doable. But a lot is on the line right now.

[Nick Eicher]

All right, David. Hey, before we go, I am eager to hear how you respond to the idea floated by the president and his Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick. The idea of a special immigration gold card, a $5 million path to citizensh Secretary Lutnick saying, hey, we can start paying down the debt. What do you think, Nick?

[David Bonson]

I guess I would ask if MAGA and the Trump base thought that they were voting to allow wealthy immigrants to buy their way into the country. Politically, I think it's a disaster for Trump's base. Now, I like innovative solutions. I am one who believes we need more skilled labor coming into the country. Done so legally done so, you know, with the right process and so forth.

[Nick Eicher]

Right, Right.

[David Bonson]

I don't think that they are going to sell two. I think Secretary Glutnik this week said they were going to sell 250,000 of these at 5 million apiece, over a trillion dollars. So if he believes there are 250,000 people that are in a position to pay $5 million to enter our country, I would love to see that list. But I think it could raise some money. Let's call it 100 billion, not a trillion. The question is not whether or not it makes sense economically because it does in that regard. It's just a political question. So at the end of the day, I'm not sure that the MAGA base will get behind it. They do like throwing stuff out there. They do like throwing, you know, funny titles around it, gold card, whatever. There are some that thought it might have constitutional or legal issues. And I will tell you, I don't agree. I don't know of anything that would be illegal about a program like this. But the politics and the optics are probably what are going to kill this. That's my opinion.

[Nick Eicher]

David Bonson is founder, managing partner and chief investment officer at the Bonson Group. David [e-mail] he also writes regularly four World Opinions. David, thank you. I hope you have a great week.

[David Bonson]

Thanks so much, Nick.

[Nick Eicher]

Today is Monday, March 3rd. Good morning. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Nick Eichert.

[Mary Reichardt]

And I'm Mary Reichardt. Up next, the world history book. Today, the story of an unassuming Austrian farmer who stood up to Hitler. Franz Jagerstader was one of more than a million Austrian men drafted during World War II. He reported for duty just like the rest of those million men, but then refused to swear allegiance to Hitler.

[Nick Eicher]

Jaegerstader was arrested on the spot March 2, 1943. Here now is world correspondent Caleb Weldy.

[Michael Kimberly]

Franz Jagerstadter is more or less neighbors with Hitler. Hitler's Eagle's Nest fortress is only an hour from the farm where Jagerstadter lives and works with his wife and three little girls.

[Kent Covington]

While in Vienna, Austria's Nazi leader watches a gigantic parade on the balcony of the Chancellor.

[Michael Kimberly]

When the war begins, Jager Stadter shows up for the required military training.

[Nick Eicher]

Jaeger Stader was not a pacifist. He was not just in principle, against all war.

[Michael Kimberly]

Robert Ellsberg is editor in chief at Orbis Books, which published Jagerstadter's later prison letters in 2009. He says Jaegersdader goes voluntarily.

[Kent Covington]

It was only when he was really.

[Nick Eicher]

Faced directly with the question of the implication of accepting induction and making this oath to Hitler.

[Michael Kimberly]

The oath reads in part, I swear by God this holy oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to the leader of the German Reich and people, Adolf Hitler. Jagerstadter says, to take that oath would be, at minimum, a lie.

[Caleb Weldy]

Who can serve two masters? When we Catholics fight, sacrifice and work for the National Socialist victory, then it seems to me to be entirely impossible that we would find God granting our prayers for peace. For in our actions, we are doing the exact opposite of what we are praying for.

[Michael Kimberly]

Jagerstadter knows he might face prison for his convictions. After his training, he'd been allowed to return home to care for the farm. Virtually none of Jagerstadter's friends support his stand. His wife, Fani, begs him not to put his life at stake. He struggles with why the Catholic Church initially opposed National Socialism, but now acts indifferent. His priest and bishop explain he is not responsible for his government's actions. Jagerstadter isn't.

[Caleb Weldy]

I can never and shall never believe that we Catholics must make ourselves available to do the work of the most evil and dangerous anti Christian power that has ever existed.

[Michael Kimberly]

Everyone asks, how can you do this to your family? They are your first priority. Jagerstadter points out he will have to leave his family and risk his life either way, either for Hitler or for Christ. He's been reading Scripture.

[Caleb Weldy]

Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself cannot be my disciple.

[Michael Kimberly]

In late April 1943, Jaeger Stader gets the letter he's been dreading military orders calling him up for duty. He stalls a week and then shows up as ordered. He's able to write his wife a day after he's arrested for refusing to take the oath.

[Caleb Weldy]

Dearest wife, warmest greetings from my new residence. So far it has not been bad.

[Michael Kimberly]

Fanny writes back much beloved husband.

[Caleb Weldy]

Writing to you now in your current situation makes me terribly sad. I still had a small hope that you would change your decision during your trip. Because you have compassion for me, may God protect you. I shall constantly pray for you.

[Michael Kimberly]

Jagerstadter remains in prison four months while he waits for a verdict from the military court. He and Fanny writes many letters.

[Caleb Weldy]

Greetings in God, most beloved husband. Our little ones have insisted that I write you about them, telling, of course, only the good things they are doing.

[Michael Kimberly]

Jagerstadter feels awful he isn't there to.

[Caleb Weldy]

Help thanks be to God. You again have water. My dear little ones, I am grateful you think so often about your father and pray for him. Unfortunately, I have not seen the flowers that your mother included in her letter.

[Michael Kimberly]

The two celebrate Easter apart.

[Caleb Weldy]

Your package arrived. The girls are grateful to you for the oranges. They are delighted with them. Hallelujah. The Church rejoices today. When we submit ourselves fully to God's will, everything will turn out for the good. May things come about as God wants.

[Michael Kimberly]

Two weeks after Easter 1943, without warning, guards usher Jagerstadter onto a train. They're headed for Tegel prison in Berlin. A German pastor named Dietrich Bonhoeffer is also here. Bonhoeffer for more violent resistance. After two months of solitary confinement, Jaeger Stader is sentenced to death.

[Caleb Weldy]

Dearest wife, you need have no heavy heart for me. Do not forget me in your prayers, as I am not forgetting you.

[Michael Kimberly]

Five days later, Jaegerstadter is ushered out of his cell into a room where his wife and local priest are waiting for him. Jagerstadter's court appointed defense attorney has arranged the meeting. He presents Jagerstadter a paper. Sign it. Agree to serve the Fatherland and he's free. Jaegerstadter refuses. Fani had made up her mind several months before that she would stand with her husband. She writes him on the way back to the farm.

[Caleb Weldy]

I hope that with God's help, everything will be made right. I'll surely pray a great deal for you. And please do not lose heart.

[Michael Kimberly]

The day his execution arrives, a priest administers final rites and reports later that Jager Stader died at peace, even as he was beheaded on August 9, 1943. In 2020, the Vatican released documents that showed that beginning in 1939, the Pope had actually been secretly negotiating with Hitler. German Catholic bishops criticized the behavior of their predecessors under the Nazis, admitting that the Church did not do enough to oppose the war or the crimes that the regime committed. 2020 was also the year Terrence Malick released a film called A Hidden Life.

[Caleb Weldy]

I can't swear loyalty to Hitler.

[Nick Eicher]

Do you think your defiance will change.

[Caleb Weldy]

The course of things? I can't do what I believe is wrong.

[Michael Kimberly]

Malick's film won many awards, introducing a quiet man of conviction to a worldwide audience. But for Franz Jagerstadter, his act of bravery was not for recognition. He prayed his life would be a testament of faith.

[Caleb Weldy]

We are fortunate when we experience a little joy in this world. But what are the short moments of joy in this world in relation to that which Jesus has promised? Promised us. In his kingdom, no eye has seen, no ear heard, and no human heart has grasped what God has prepared for those who love him.

[Michael Kimberly]

That's this week's world history book. Franz and Fani's letters come from the book titled Franz Jagerstadter Letters and Writings from Prison. My thanks to Yannis Fogt and Rebecca Plosl for bringing the letters to life. I'm Caleb Weley.

[Nick Eicher]

Tomorrow, executive orders. They are nothing new. It's a presidential power that goes back to George Washington, but the reach. That is where the debate is. And homesteading growing numbers of Americans living off the land. That and more tomorrow. I'm Nick Iger.

[Mary Reichardt]

And I'm Mary Reichard. The world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio. World's mission is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires. The Bible records that Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the 12. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. Verses 3 through 6 of Luke, chapter 22. Go now in Grace and Peace.

[Kent Covington]

SA.