Mar 15 2024 73 mins
In this episode we tackle the hot-button issue of voting integrity, debate the wisdom of a staggered primary system, and explore the thorny implications of China's economic entanglement with the U.S.
We dive into the staggering national debt, and discuss the controversial TikTok ban, and its First Amendment ramifications.
Top Takeaways
**Scrutiny of the Primary System:** There is a critical examination of the U.S. presidential primary system, questioning the efficacy of staggered dates versus a single primary day. The early primaries' influence on the eventual nominee and the diminishing impact of later primaries are contemplated, opening a discussion on potential system reform.
**Election Integrity Concerns:** The hosts raise alarms about instances of illegal voting practices, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to uphold the law despite political ideologies. They also express concern about noncitizens being appointed to election boards and how illegal immigrants could influence congressional redistricting.
**China's Economic Entanglement:** The hosts grapple with the complexity of the U.S. and China's economic relations, stressing the risks of intellectual property theft by China and debating the role of the federal government in mitigating investment risks in regards to China-affiliated corporations.
**Government Oversight of Investments:** The episode sparks debate over the extent to which the federal government should regulate investments, especially those tied to national adversaries, and the repercussions of divestment for both individual investors and the broader economy.
**Housing Market Dynamics:** The conversation identifies multiple factors contributing to housing affordability issues, including inflation, high-interest rates, and land regulation. The complications of transforming housing into a commodity are critiqued.
**Retirement and Social Security Crisis:** Norm, Steve, and Brett address the precarious state of retirement planning in the face of a diminishing workforce and increased national debt. They discuss the challenges that lie ahead for Social Security and retirement benefits, linking it to broader budgetary inaction in Washington.
**Right-to-Work Implications:** The real-life case of Denise Kogar in Ohio is used as an example of an individual standing up against mandatory union dues, highlighting the implications of being a right-to-work state.
**The Dilemma of Banning TikTok:** The hosts delve deeply into the implications of government intervention in free speech and the potential ban on TikTok, exploring the balance between national security, censorship, and preserving the First Amendment rights.
**Voter's Responsibility:** Episodes of voter remorse and the transition from absentee voting being an exception to a norm raise questions about the electorate's responsibility. The hosts stress the significance of informed and deliberate voting, referencing survey results that reveal a troubling trend of intentional lawbreaking in absentee voting.
Memorable Moments
00:00 House vote bans TikTok over Chinese ownership.
16:31 Free society permits speech, faces potential destruction.
24:56 Desire to understand court decisions on 5th Amendment.
27:03 Chinese manufacturers steal intellectual property from US.
32:22 Former UFC wrestler saves parents from fire.
38:05 Tornado warning disbelief leads to realization.
44:38 Voter remorse in New Hampshire and other states.
49:25 Survey found 40% admit to voter fraud.
56:28 Debate over counting illegal immigrants in districts.
59:36 Urgent call for fiscal responsibility in politics.
01:03:49 Morgan Stanley warns of potential US dollar crash.
01:09:37 Ohio right-to-work law allows opting out.
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.