6 chapters across the catalog
Politico reporter Heidi Przybyla appeared on MSNBC to discuss the rise of "Christian Nationalism" within the Republican Party, specifically targeting Speaker Mike Johnson. Przybyla claimed that the belief that rights come from God rather than government is a hallmark of an extremist movement. Critics pointed out that this concept is actually foundational to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Bill of Rights.
Mike Johnson Creed Speech, Divine Ordination Claims
Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a speech citing the Bible and G.K. Chesterton to argue that political authority is ordained by God and that American rights are inalienable rather than government-granted. This theological framework drew sharp rebukes from secular commentators who view the separation of church and state as absolute. The debate centers on whether rights originate from a creator or from the state.
Constitutional Scholarship and the Right to Bear Arms
President Obama's rhetoric regarding the Second Amendment is criticized for referring to the Constitution as "the paper" and misstating the nature of the right. The argument is made that the Second Amendment does not "grant" a right but protects a pre-existing natural right from government infringement. Obama's self-identification as a "constitutional scholar" is mocked in light of these phrasing choices.
TTIP, Liquid Natural Gas, and European Trade Negotiations
A trade negotiator for the EPA reportedly revealed that the focus of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) shifted dramatically following the Russian annexation of Crimea. While previously centered on property rights, the discussions are now almost entirely focused on liquid natural gas (LNG) exports and distribution. This shift highlights the geopolitical importance of energy independence for Europe.
Constitutional Education, Natural Rights and Government Limits
The discussion emphasizes the importance of teaching children that the Constitution is a limit on government power, not a source of rights. The hosts argue that personal behavior and local influence are the only ways to resist the encroachment of the "one world order" or the loss of the Republic.
A viral story about chimpanzees being released from a lab after 30 years is revealed to be a PR stunt for the 2012 Disney Nature film "Chimpanzee." The hosts trace the story back to Michael Aufhauser, a millionaire PR specialist, and argue that major news outlets are complicit in airing "heart-tugging" stories that are actually movie advertisements.
