Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#81 Franco Terrazzano: Canadian taxes. Money well spent? Unaccountable waste?

Franco Terrazzano knows taxes. As Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, he's the one in front of media calling on government for accountability on tax spending.
But behind the pizzaz lies a deep thinker. Franco loves the nerdy arguments buried in books few people read. They inform his tirades on social media. So don't be fooled, he's not just a talking head.
I kept trying to pull our discussion into the ideas behind the nonsense. However, Franco's outrageous examples of waste make ideas seem irrelevant. How can we even get to a theoretical discussion given so many examples of taxation lunacy? 
Be sure to check out The Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Franco's new book: Axing the Tax-The rise and fall of Canada's carbon tax. 
Chapters and AI summary:
Unveiling the Hidden Costs: A Deep Dive into Canadian Taxes with Franco Terrazzano In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, Franco Terrazzano, the director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and author of 'Axing the Tax,' delves into the intricate world of Canadian taxation. Terrazzano discusses why taxes are a significant issue for the average Canadian family, far beyond just the financial burden. The conversation touches on wasteful government spending, the philosophy behind taxation, and the accountability (or lack thereof) in how tax dollars are spent. Together, they explore examples of extravagant expenditures by the government, the role of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, potential tax reforms, and the deeper ideological considerations behind tax policies. The episode also offers insights into the broader implications of government intervention in various sectors, emphasizing the need for prudence and accountability.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Taxes
00:17 Meet Franco Terrazzano: Tax Expert and Advocate
02:25 Highlighting Government Waste
05:19 The Role and Achievements of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
08:13 Debating the Nature of Taxation
13:04 Government Spending and Accountability
15:13 Historical Context and Current Challenges
23:39 Legal Battles and Victories
26:09 Philosophical Underpinnings and Influences
29:14 Introduction to Professor Flanagan and Canadian Taxpayers Federation
30:41 Balancing Seriousness with Humor in Advocacy
32:50 Healthcare and Government Spending Issues
37:01 Central Planning and Economic Policies
40:10 Taxation and Government Accountability
52:36 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

#80 Barry Bussey: Freedom and Its Limits, Is the Charter Conservative? & Freedom Convoy

Barry Bussey has spent decades thinking about freedom and working around the legal edges of it. Most people don't think about freedom until it's compromised. Barry thinks about it all the time.
Canada has led the world as a test case on the limits of freedom with our MAiD (euthanasia) legislation, approach to COVID, and the Emergency Measure's Act. These are complex legal issues.
I always learn something when I talk with Barry. Let me know what you think of this episode!
Thanks again for listening.
Shawn
210 degrees Celsius: 16 ways the truckers ignited Canada for the long haul
First Freedoms Foundation
 
Chapters and AI summary:
Essential Conversations on Freedom and its Limits with Barry Bussey In this enlightening episode, host Shawn Whatley welcomes Barry Bussey, a prominent lawyer and founder of the First Freedoms Foundation, to discuss the intricacies of freedom and its limits. The dialogue spans a broad array of topics, including the role of courts and legislatures in determining freedoms, the history and influence of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the impact of governmental and bureaucratic decisions on personal liberties. Barry shares insights from his recent book on the Freedom Convoy of 2022, reflecting on the societal implications of enforced mandates and the essential freedoms of speech, religion, and personal security. They also delve into the philosophical foundations of freedom, trace its historical evolution, and discuss potential future threats, including the rise of artificial intelligence and digital control. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the delicate balance between freedom and governance.
00:00 Introduction: Exploring the Limits of Freedom
00:48 Historical Context and Legal Foundations
01:14 Meet Barry Bussey: Advocate for Freedom
03:12 Founding the First Freedoms Foundation
07:56 Challenges and Achievements of the Foundation
13:30 The Role of Judges and Legislatures in Defining Freedom
24:05 The Charter and Its Implications
30:17 The Common Law Tradition and Human Rights
36:29 The Power of Courts and Euthanasia Debate
38:30 Judicial Oversight and Executive Power
41:09 The Emergencies Act and Government Authority
44:49 The Role of Bureaucracy and Executive Decisions
46:14 Introducing the Book: 210 Degrees Celsius
48:27 The Trucker Convoy and Government Mandates
54:15 Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic
58:19 Concerns About Artificial Intelligence and Future Freedoms
01:04:19 The Importance of Physical Books in the Digital Age

#79 Barbara Kay: Understanding Neoconservatism from Norman Podhoretz to Modern Conservatism

Barbara Kay has written professionally about issues on the non left since the 1960s. We might want to say she had a 'front-row seat', but that would be wrong. Her writing went beyond simple observation. She helped shape conservative opinion in Canada for half a century.
Barb wrote a piece on Norman Podhoretz, when he passed in December. She mentions reading everything he had ever written: books and articles; editorials in his role as senior editor of Commentary Magazine, everything.
Podhoretz was one of the brilliant Jews from New York who left the 1960's liberalism and discovered conservatism. Irving Kristol, the 'godfather of neoconservatism', said neoconservatives were "liberals who have been mugged by reality."
Of course, most neocons weren't Jews; they included a broad swath of Catholic and Protestant thinkers. But the Jews stood out, in part, because they brought their bellicose, New York attitude into right-wing politics. They applied revolutionary zeal from their former communist and Trotskyite experience to conservatism. They transformed the old conservatism of the American Republican party into something new in North America: neoconservatism.
After the Iraq war, neoconservatism became a term of derision. It became re-interpreted as nothing but a blend of zionism -- Christian and Jewish -- with hawkish foreign policy. 
This redefinition was a profound mistake. It dismisses a whole political mindset, while at the same time shielding it from serious discussion. Like so many other words silenced by political correctness, neoconservatism can no longer be critiqued for its strengths and weaknesses.
We need to celebrate the brilliance of Podhoretz and Irving Kristol, while also critiquing where neoconservatism failed. Neoconservative thought remains a central part, perhaps even the embodiment, of modern political conservative opinion.
If we want to understand how best to apply conservatism to current issues, we need to dig deep into the neocon mindset.
Please let me know what you think!
Barbara Kay: 60 years ago, Norman Podhoretz's writing led me to conservatism
 
AI Summary 
In this episode, Shawn Whatley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Barbara Kay, a renowned columnist and author. They delve into the origins, evolution, and nuances of neoconservatism, exploring the influential works of Norman Podhoretz and Irving Kristol. Barbara shares her insights on conservatism, its philosophical underpinnings, and its enduring relevance in today's political landscape. They also touch on various contentious issues such as the limitations of human nature, the impact of anti-Americanism, and the evolution of liberalism. Tune in for a deep dive into the intellectual journey that shapes conservative thought.
00:00 Introduction to Neoconservatism
00:09 Defining Conservatism and Classical Liberalism
01:32 Meet Barbara Kay
01:40 Norman Podhoretz: A Legacy in Neoconservatism
02:10 The Jewish Connection to Neoconservatism
02:54 Barbara Kay's Tribute to Norman Podhoretz
05:27 Podhoretz's Intellectual Journey
07:32 The Role of Intellectuals in Conservatism
10:14 Neoconservatism and Universalism
17:32 The Balance Between Universalism and Particularism
32:02 The Importance of Moral Clarity
36:54 Modern Neoconservatism and Its Challenges
39:10 The Banality of Evil and Rationalization
40:29 Calvinism and the Rejection of Scholasticism
41:38 Jewish Perspectives on Evil
43:01 Conservatism and Human Nature
48:38 Neoconservatism and Its Critiques
01:06:04 The Role of Education in Society
01:10:18 Concluding Thoughts on Conservatism and Hope

#78 Debunking Mark Carney: A Critical Review of His Davos Speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney's Davos speech made liberals swoon and conservatives nod in admiration.
Are the accolades warranted? Or are we being fooled by eloquence?
I couldn't resist recording something about The Speech. In this episode I offer three big points:
1. Carney appears to use a sycophantic foreign policy strategy. Is it rational? Will it work?
2. Carney appropriates brilliance to serve his own ends. Is that fair or justified?
3. The speech itself is confused. Do the speech writers understand how liberalism and marxism are both siblings of the Enlightenment?
Canada is in a better place with a more intelligent, less narcissistic leader. However, we should worry when our PM strikes alliances with a sworn enemy of our closest neighbour.
Let me know what you think!
Cheers
 
My Patreon
 
AI summary and chapters:
 
In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley critically examines Mark Carney's recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Whatley highlights Carney's inconsistent foreign policy positions, eloquence devoid of genuine understanding, and a fundamental confusion born out of Enlightenment principles. Through three main points—Carney's sycophantic behavior, the content, and the inherent contradictions in his speech—Whatley unpacks why Carney's approach is problematic. Join the conversation and explore the complexities behind Carney's ideas and their implications.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:34 Foreign Policy Critique
03:00 Analyzing the Speech
05:44 Fundamental Confusion and Enlightenment
11:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

#77 Cole Hogan: Canada's New Right, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, & the Conservative Party

Cole Hogan is a political strategist who played key roles in the elections of Premier Doug Ford and Premier Jason Kenney. He's a student of Canadian politics past and present and frequent pundit on major media outlets in Canada.
Cole explains how Pierre Elliott Trudeau focussed on reshaping Canada. Economic issues seemed to bore him. PE Trudeau reshaped the Canadian constitution in his own image in the 1980s.
Conservatives have been off balance ever since. Having lost ceded the platform to Trudeau's priors, conservatives have tried to argue within the framework Trudeau built. 
A new, younger batch of conservatives want to change the framework. They are tired of losing by rules set by the opposing team. They want to play offence. 
Cole explains how the New Right wants conservatives to win on culture, national identity, and social concerns, not just pocket-book issues. He calls younger voters to get involved. "Participation is a solution in itself," he says.
Whether you agree with Hogan or not, you have to admit conservatism is changing shape in Canada. Fascinating to see what emerges!
Check out Cole's articles and website below. And remember, Patreon members get to see the content a bit early. I respond to comments there first. (Everything is free, but you need to subscribe).
Thanks for checking this out!
Shawn
 
If conservatives shun Canada’s institutions, how can we possibly reform them?
Red Tory? Blue Liberal? These terms mean nothing anymore
The right can no longer hide from Pierre Trudeau's legacy
 
ColeHogan.ca
 
Summary + Chapters (AI)
Dive into the world of Canadian politics with Shawn Whatley and guest Cole Hogan, a political strategist and communications expert. This episode explores the lasting impact of Pierre Elliot Trudeau on Canada's identity, the challenges faced by the conservative movement, and the necessity of engaging with national institutions. Learn about the significance of participation in politics and the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism. Discover why young Canadians are crucial to shaping the future and how the conservative movement can navigate contemporary social and cultural issues, shedding light on the importance of being involved and informed.
00:00 Introduction to Pierre Elliot Trudeau's Impact on Canadian Politics
00:21 Guest Introduction: Cole Hogan
00:33 The Conservative Movement and Trudeau's Legacy
01:51 The Right's Shift in Focus: From Economics to Social Issues
03:22 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: A Defining Document
04:40 Conservative Strategies and Historical Context
10:43 The Role of Canadian Institutions and Young Conservatives
19:21 Challenges and Opportunities for Young Conservatives
23:24 Encouraging Civic Participation
27:28 Getting Involved in Civic Committees
29:41 Conservative Perspectives on Policy
30:41 Challenges of Federal Programs
32:10 Humility in Policy Making
35:50 The Role of Opposition in Governance
40:05 Red Tory vs. Blue Tory 44:19 Engaging the Public in Politics
50:28 The Impact of the Pandemic on Trust in Government

#76 JJ McCullough: Is the monarchy relevant in Canada? Plus Trump, Iran, and culture.

JJ McCullough offers a window into Canada. JJ keeps his 1 million followers front of mind. He speaks so they will understand. He focusses on what matters to them.
In that sense, JJ is a better politician than many politicians: he never forgets his constituency.
Don't be fooled by JJ's high-energy, youthful style. He puts a ton of research into his videos. 
The non left needs to pay attention when JJ speaks. You don't have to agree with him! In fact, JJ makes of point of raising things that will provoke discussion and (some) disagreement. He's the guy at the parade shouting about the Emperor's clothes.
JJ has strong opinions on the monarchy. His comments about the governor general were especially good, I thought. He didn't convince me that we should abandon the monarchy in Canada, but he did make me think.
What I appreciate most about JJ is his willingness to have a conversation. 
 
JJ's YouTube Channel 
Canada's Constitution is Weird
 
AI summary:
Join Shawn Whatley and popular YouTuber JJ McCullough as they tackle the controversial topic of the monarchy's relevance in Canada. JJ shares his strong opinions on the monarchy, arguing that it has long been irrelevant to most Canadians, including conservatives. They explore the role of the Governor General, the monarchy's symbolic nature, and its political implications. In addition to the monarchy debate, the discussion spans various cultural and political issues, including American interventionism, immigration, and the complexities of gender and identity politics. With JJ's energetic communication style and deep research, this episode promises to be both thought-provoking and engaging. Don't miss out on this intellectual exchange—hit like and subscribe!
00:00 Introduction: The Relevance of the Monarchy in Canada
00:25 Meet JJ McCullough: YouTuber and Political Pundit
02:01 Debating the Monarchy's Role in Canada
04:55 The Symbolism and Perception of the Monarchy
09:44 The Governor General's Role and Public Perception
16:00 Comparing Canadian and American Views on Monarchy
21:13 The Future of the Monarchy in Canada
25:59 Pivot to Global Politics: Venezuela and Trump
32:29 Defining Conservatism vs. Right-Wing Politics
33:02 Trump's Foreign Policy and American Power
35:32 Liberal Media and Trump's Stance on Ukraine
36:57 Domestic Politics Influencing Foreign Policy
43:12 Cultural Debates: Neutrality vs. Activism
49:50 Advice for the Conservative Party
58:22 Trans Rights and Political Challenges
01:02:19 Concerns About Anti-Americanism in Canada
01:05:03 Final Thoughts and Appreciations

#75 Liberty without liberalism. Balancing Universalism and Particularism in Politics with Jeremy Geddert

This episode was a breakthrough for me. Conservatism is the mediation between the universal and the particular.
I know this sounds nerdy, but I think this is an essential challenge that thinkers on the non-left must work through. We believe that some truths are true everywhere, all the time, but that does not that mean, as liberalism asserts, that truth is true everywhere all the time in all places.
Are there truths that are only true in a particular place and time? Does it make us relativist post-moderns to entertain such heresy?
Using Dr. Geddert's notion of 'mediation between the universal and particular', conservatism offers a path to sanity between the two extremes.
I hope you find this episode as helpful as I did. Yes, we have some truths that are universal, for example, humans have inherent dignity wherever we find them. AND we have some truths that are particular, for example, common law works well in the Anglosphere, but we shouldn't expect it to work well in other places.
I hope you find this episode as useful as I did! Please let me know what you think.
Thanks again for tuning in!
Shawn
 
Article: Liberty without liberalism 
 
AI summary:
 
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley discusses the tension between universalism and particularism in politics with guest Jeremy Geddert, an associate professor of political science. Geddert explains how conservatism uniquely mediates between these two extremes, avoiding the pitfalls of both left and right liberalism as well as Schmidttian Postmodernism. They explore themes such as the historical roots of Canadian and American political philosophies, the concept of political technology, the role of virtue in politics, and the importance of acknowledging our inherited traditions. Geddert also highlights insights from his upcoming article 'Liberty Without Liberalism' and shares his views on the influence of enlightenment liberalism and modernity. This episode provides a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, offering valuable perspectives on contemporary political debates. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and support on Patreon!
00:00 Introduction: The Universal vs. The Particular in Politics
01:04 Guest Introduction: Meet Jeremy Geddert
01:50 Exploring Universalism and Particularism
05:07 Historical Context: American and Canadian Liberalism
10:36 The Role of Religion in Early Colonies
15:59 Modernity and Political Technology
28:06 The Evolution of Liberty and Liberalism
34:07 The Role of Love and Tradition in National Identity
35:04 The Link Between Efficiency and Dignity
39:49 Critique of Modern Liberalism
44:07 The Waves of Modernity and Their Impact
48:54 Conservatism as a Mediator Between Universal and Particular
55:36 The Importance of Metaphysics and Theology
01:00:12 Revelation and Human Connection
01:05:02 Concerns and Hopes for the Future

#74 David Leis: Canada at a Crossroads an Urgent Call for Renewal

What's wrong with Canada, and what can we expect to happen next?
David Leis has spent decades in Canadian politics, and he's worried. Canada is in decline. We need leadership to change course, not simply a change in government.
He packages his concern in terms of data, comparisons with other countries, and political argument. As President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, he has a ton of evidence to draw upon. But his concern springs from a deep love for Canada. It generates an urgency that breaks through, as it did in this episode around the half-way mark.
David gives me hope. He's one of many Canadians on the non-left who believe Canada could be so much better. Life doesn't need to be this hard.
I'd love to hear what you think of the episode! And in case you missed it, I post this content early on my Patreon account (free). 
 
AI summary:
 
In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley is joined by David Leis, President and CEO of the Frontier Center for Public Policy, to discuss the current socio-economic and cultural issues facing Canada. They explore how radical leftist ideologies have infiltrated Canadian institutions and the resulting decline in societal and economic stability. David Leis delves into the importance of empowering citizens through education reform, fostering market competition, and ensuring government accountability. The conversation stresses the urgency for renewed leadership and a return to foundational principles to avert further decline. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Canada and practical solutions for a national revival.
00:00 Introduction: The Crisis in Canada
00:51 Meet David Leis: Background and Expertise
01:18 The Urgency of Canada's Situation
03:19 Defining Decline and Leadership
07:36 The Role of Government and Citizens
14:17 Cultural Foundations and Civic Education
17:54 Challenges and Solutions for Canada's Future
30:34 The Stakes of Institutional Capture
31:33 Challenges in Education Reform
32:30 Innovative Education Models
35:07 Economic Decline and Urgency for Change
37:03 The Canadian Wheat Board and Agricultural Renaissance
38:16 Crown Corporations and Productivity Issues
41:12 Balancing Free Enterprise and Culture
44:01 Call for Leadership and National Renewal

#73 Alex MacDonald : Balancing Economic Liberty and Social Tradition, plus Thoughts on Monarchy

Does it makes sense to maximize liberty in the economy and yet limit it at a personal level? Is it even possible?
Alex MacDonald says it doesn't make sense. We never make economics the ultimate priority for family decisions, why do we think it's ok to prioritize economy at a national level?
This discussion gets to the heart of debate within the conservative movement. Of course, we need a strong economy. But should economic concerns always trump all other issues? Is money our ultimate social good?
Alex offers solid answers; ones we don't usually hear from those on the non-left. 
Equally fascinating for me was the fact that Alex is sharing answers at all. For the last several decades, staffers and consultants have kept quiet about culture. Conservatives win on the economy, so we should focus conversation on the economy. Don't mention culture, if you want to be included in policy discussions.
Today, culture is back. Canadians are tired of being told their country is rotten, its founding is illegitimate, and perhaps it isn't even a nation at all. It's just a post-national state. Voters don't want to see people burning Canadian flags and blocking streets with smoke-filled protests.
It will be fascinating to see how Conservative leaders respond to this palpable change in public discourse.
 
Articles mentioned:
In doubt of fusionism
The King and love of country
 
AI summary:
Shawn Whatley welcomes public policy and government relations expert Alex MacDonald to discuss the juxtaposition of economic liberty and social tradition. They delve into the principles of fusionism, balancing market efficiency with moral and social values, and the relevance of the monarchy in contemporary Canada. Through their engaging dialogue, they explore how these foundational ideas shape our communal life and public policy, drawing on historical context, philosophical insights, and current political debates. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode filled with deep reflections on the core values guiding our society.
00:00 Introduction: Balancing Liberty in Economy and Personal Life
00:54 Meet the Guest: Alex MacDonald
01:26 Exploring Fusionism in Politics
02:39 Debating Economic Liberty vs. Social Continuity
04:18 Fusionism: A Deeper Dive
19:01 Healthcare and Libertarianism
21:57 Conservatism and Market Forces
31:36 Philosophical Reflections on Conservatism
37:12 Philosophical Concerns About Fusion
37:34 Market Efficiency vs. Moral Life
39:32 Moral Decay and Individualism
41:27 The Irony of Side Hustle Culture
48:05 Autonomy vs. Freedom
56:46 The Role of the Monarchy in Canada
01:10:56 Concerns for Future Generations

#72 Merry Christmas! Embracing Intentional Ignorance and the Meaning of Gift Receiving

Christmas greetings plus one big idea.
Why read? Better yet, why buy books you will never be able to read?
Don't overestimate what you know. Building a personal library of more books that you can ever read will remind you of how much you do not know. It creates a presence in your home of intentional ignorance.
I got the idea from this article: Umberto Eco's Anti-Library 
Thank you so much to my audience and guests! It has been far more fun and informative than I expected.
Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year!
Shawn
AI summary:
In this Christmas special, Shawn Whatley delves into the concept of 'Intentional Ignorance,' inspired by Umberto Eco’s extensive library, to emphasize humility in the pursuit of knowledge. He also reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, including the proper way to receive gifts with gratitude, and the importance of being honest about our inherited cultural attachments. Join the conversation as Shawn intertwines philosophical insights with personal anecdotes to celebrate the Christmas season meaningfully.
00:00 Christmas Greetings and Introduction
00:15 Exploring the Concept of Intentional Ignorance
01:34 The Quest for Certainty and Its Pitfalls
03:33 Connecting Knowledge and Humility
05:42 Embracing Christmas Traditions
06:38 The True Meaning of Christmas Gifts
08:44 Approaches to Receiving Gifts
09:33 Reflections on Gift Giving and Receiving
14:01 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans
15:19 Final Christmas Wishes