Senator Shoshana, Twitter Primadonna

Shoshana Weissmann is a Renaissance woman, and only at age 27: she’s the head of ...

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Shoshana Weissmann is a Renaissance woman, and only at age 27: she’s the head of digital media at R Street Institute, a policy fellow specializing in occupational licensing, and an institution unto herself on social media. She brings a blessed breath of brevity to this episode of The Remnant, on which there is no coronavirus talk! She and Jonah touch on some hilarious job licensing restrictions (fortune tellers?), talk a little memes, a little charismatic megafauna, a little Judaism, and even a little online dating. It’s a reminder of how life was before “The Event,” so it’s really a can’t-miss.


Show Notes:

–Shoshana at R Street

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  1. Avatar photo
    Nathan

    I liked the talk of first meeting Jonah, and I thought what I'll say if I'm ever given the chance: "Jonah, if you record an audiobook of 'Liberal Fascism', I'll buy it."

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    Brian Levy

    So disappointing Jonah. Shoshana spoke about how it was terrible that cosmetology schools left so many students with huge debts. How did you miss that cue to mention something about the sad plight of these "beauty school dropouts"? I don't expect perfection, but when a guest lobs a meatball like that you need to take it out deep!

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    1. Photo of Jonah Goldbergcircle-angle-nib
      Jonah Goldberg vertical-nib Author

      I am chastened!

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      Brian Levy

      Nevermind. You totally redeemed yourself with "..., but not too Jewish" and "I come in peace."

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    Kevin Johnson

    Fantastic pod, Jonah. Keep on with eclectic guests. Of course, the senator’s emphasis goes right to an economic weakness and injustice which is magnified by the crisis. The guild protection rackets are one of the worst attacks on the poor and the young who want to get ahead. Still, a break with the other subjects is great as well. Glop is a world ( National is too nationalist and we shouldn’t encourage “them”) treasure so the happy hour plan is great. You, pod and rob have an incredible, even unique, rapport, if I can borrow from a Foreign language. I hope you can expand that format or grouping. Perhaps something new shared with ricochet and dispatch? Not joking that finding a combo which melds well and combines funny, intellectual, and Irreverent is very rare. More glop first, then more cowbell!

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  4. DAG

    Senator Shoshana: A contemporary Karaite!

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    CynthiaW

    This gal is cheerful enough, but I liked Bridget Phetasy more.

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    Jonathan M

    In defense of of Massachusetts, the licensing requirement for fortune tellers is a 1 year residency requirement. The purpose being that, and I think we can all agree that fortune telling is likely BS, you are less likely to scam people out of there money (which is actually illegal in Massachusetts, (see MGL c.266 § 75)) if you are member of said community. Essentially, there is mechanism in place for a city or town, which would be the licensing authority, to outright ban this nonsense, or to ensure the person is actually a member of the community and not a, or anymore of a, huckster.

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      CynthiaW

      Most municipalities have a "business license," which is a straight-up fee for operating, as well as a certain amount of due-diligence in determining that the business owner is who he says he is. This is different from an "occupational license" which sets up hurdles (other than a fee and ID check) to engage in a certain occupation.

      I think the podcast did pretty well in distinguishing between "certification" and "licensing." A guy who wants to fix cars can fix cars, if anyone will pay him for it, but a chain auto-repair shop will want to see certificates showing a certain level of training.

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        Jonathan M

        What you have said is true, but I'm not sure how it pertains to my comment. MGL c.140 §185I, Fortune Teller; license. "No person shall tell fortunes for money unless a license therefore has been issued by the local licensing authority." The authority would be the municipality.

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          CynthiaW

          My comment was an amplifaction of the general topic - conversation,
          as it were - not an argument or a direct reaction to your own.

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      Pastorfbt

      In defense of Massachusetts. Rare words here (and I do live in MA so I know whereof I speak).

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        Jonathan M

        Really is a bad rap. Beyond our inability to tunnel (on budget), insane housing cost, weak to non-existent county government, and a slightly too liberal legislature, MA is a great place to live and raise children (perhaps not to retire). Most popular Governor in the country, solid health system, diverse and innovative job market...

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    Pastorfbt

    Jonah I'm older than you (71) but I share your reaction to the current manner of "dating": not for all the tea in China!

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  8. Jaaron

    The Remnant Bingo squares:
    "Complexity is a subsidy"
    Hayek reference
    "What has two thumbs...?"
    Logan's Run reference
    Yuval Levin reference
    "Mellifluous"
    Day drinking reference
    Chesterton's fence
    Papal armies
    Volcano lancing

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    1. Avatar photo
      CynthiaW

      Greenland!

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    2. Jaaron

      I can't believe I left out Bigfoot Erotica and " Charismatic Mega-Fauna". Sorry, Jonah.

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  9. PM

    At one point when I heard "guilds" I thought "oh he's going to go all AD&D".

    But then somehow we got over to women wanting sex or JG as matchmaker. Then I thought, "If this were David French" this would have a completely different vibe.

    So why not? Maybe she'll find the man/woman/non binary star of her dreams.

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