What’s the Matter with Texas?

Jonah welcomes Kevin Williamson to discuss their shared status as Americans trapped within the final ...

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Jonah welcomes Kevin Williamson to discuss their shared status as Americans trapped within the final layer of Dante’s Hell (aka, Texas in the midst of a large-scale winter weather disaster). From the corporatism on display to the “stunning lack of entrepreneurialism” in response to the issues the state is currently facing, to every issue in between – such as the pointless populism being proffered as an explanation for Texas’ woes – this situation is proving to be a microcosm of everything that is dysfunctional in American politics. Who better to walk us through the sociopolitical ramifications of this situation, than two men who are known for their unadulterated joviality?

Show Notes:

–Kevin’s page at National Review

–Kevin’s new book, still in the running for “Greatest Subtitle Ever” – Big White Ghetto: Dead Broke, Stone-Cold Stupid, and High on Rage in the Dank Woolly Wilds of the “Real America”

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  1. Avatar photo
    The Stray Goose

    I lived in Clovis, New Mexico for several years. It forms an equilateral triangle with Lubbock and Amarillo. It is barren and desolate. I can't understand why anyone would voluntarily live there. I couldn't wait to get back to my lush, fruitful and friendly Philadelphia.

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    The Stray Goose

    Hugh Downs died in July.

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    1. Avatar photo
      The Stray Goose

      Just sayin'...

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  3. Avatar photo
    The Stray Goose

    I understand what Mr. Williamson is saying about the NEA, however, I think that the 'artists' of our time have had an influence on our society and it hasn't been for the good of 'art's sake'. Perhaps the reason why so many people want to end NEA funding is because it appears as if that organization has been hijacked by artistic idiots. My point is that there's a give-and-take WRT to government funding art and the current folks running that NEA have failed.

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  4. Avatar photo
    The Stray Goose

    Are the problems we have with the illiberal right a product of years of lousy education systems that were undermined by the illiberal left?

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    JDW

    Just a quick note on the bumper music. It's better. I always thought you podcast was not as good as the others on bumper music so good job on the change.

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    Andrea Leane

    I really thought Perry had more sense. I expected Molly Ivins to rise up and write one last column about Gov. Good Hair.

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    Jason Gibson

    So I had assumed Hugh downs died long ago but when Jonah mentioned him I looked him up and he actually died last summer

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    Linda Beggs

    Loved the conversation around the 26 minute mark about the relationship between conservative movement & the GOP. I’m in 100% agreement with KW’s diagnosis that the ultimate problem is the American people. 😐

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  9. Adam Ewy

    If these are the markets that try men’s souls, Kevin Williamson is the summer and sunshine sort of Libertarian.

    He correctly diagnoses the issue of corporatism, but then goes on to rail against free markets not being the end all. Corporatism is central planning, and no where near free market capitalism.

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  10. Mary Stine

    This was fun, even if I was also stuck in Texas weather. I had to laugh at Kevin and Jonah's banter about how easy it is to demonize the other guy who walking/driving when you are driving/walking. Or the two towns in Texas that are exactly alike but can't see it from either side.
    This reminded me of the hilarious account of a Native American tribe meeting European traders for the first time. The Native Americans, who prided themselves on their cleanliness, grooming and clothing, were appalled at how bad the traders smelled and the sorry state of their hair and dress. It was obvious that they did not use bear grease, as good grooming and manners would have dictated. The Europeans, of course, were appalled by the smell of bear grease, the fact that all manner of feathers, skins and beads were worn in the hair by men, who appeared barely clothed. By some miracle, trading commenced anyway.

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