Counterpoints with Matt Keck

4/9/2021 - In this episode, we look at the narrative around the Derek Chauvin trial now that we're a couple weeks in. We talk about the corporate press' framing of the prosecution and the likely situation where Chauvin could be acquitted. We also talk about the potential fallout of any outcome that doesn't convict Chauvin and what agendas will likely benefit from more protests/riots. We also go through a piece on Vox that talks about Floyd's drug use and weirdly omits that Floyd was saying he couldn't breathe well before he had a knee on his neck. This episode isn't a defense of Derek Chauvin; it's more an admission that he will not be guilty in our court system and thinking out loud about the narrative the corporate press is shaping. Vox Article: https://www.vox.com/first-person/22373806/george-floyd-trial-derek-chauvin-minneapolis-black-lives-matter Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

In the first episode of the OBEY Podcast Live, Matt is joined by ArcaicSkidz to talk about the liberty movement, contemporary politics, and more! We cover the Chauvin/Floyd trial and forecast the fallout, we talk about the NAP, the capital riot, the republican party, what anarchy would look like in real life, and so much more. ArcaicSkidz YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpNaQsn-EjXpYrUlLnpYAgw ArcaicSkidz Twitter: @Austin30814409 Matthew's Twitter: @TheObeyPodcast and @MatthewTKeck

4/5/2021 - In this episode, we think out loud about a few ideas. We start with the often cited statement that libertarians are "economically conservative, socially liberal". It may be a coincidence that libertarians and the left agree on gay marriage and legalizing drugs, and there are social issues where left wing people are far more authoritarian. We also explore the situation in Georgia where left wing activists pressured Coca Cola into making a statement about voting legislation. And we think about what it means that left wing people are often informed of their opinions by the government; when are private decisions based on government messaging? What does that situation mean for those involved? Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/24/2021 - In this episode, we talk about the filibuster and earmarks and the way these parts of the legislative process show the inevitable pitfalls of legislation in the United States. We mostly talk about the filibuster, framed by Mitch McConnell's recent WSJ op-ed. Then we touch on the recent comments relating to earmarks in the house. Katie Porter's call not to bring back earmarks can be read here. *** https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-scorched-earth-senate-11616000875?mod=searchresults_pos4&page=1 https://www.wsj.com/articles/my-fellow-democrats-let-earmarks-stay-in-the-dustbin-of-history-11615576424?mod=searchresults_pos3&page=1 Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/23/2021 - In this episode, we talk about the use of race based narratives in politics. We briefly talk about the shooting in Georgia and how people are reacting to it in terms of race. Then, we compare this to how certain policies are being pushed in the name of "equity", such as the Fed pushing low interest rates. We talk about how this can be used to radicalize policy conversations and make certain policy preferences toxic. Making policy discussions about racism has the potential to be a radical propaganda tactic. This tactic can be used in a despicable way, but it also undermines democracy, so it's kind of a good thing. *** https://www.wsj.com/articles/atlanta-spa-shootings-amplify-racial-concerns-amid-rising-anti-asian-violence-11616097162?mod=searchresults_pos1&page=1 Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/12/2021 - In this episode, we talk about the DailyWire's film "Run Hide Fight" and how to think about the culture war between left and right wing movies. I end up coming to the general conclusion that "Run Hide Fight" is the inverse of movies like "Birds of Prey" and Blumhouse's remake of "Black Christmas". This isn't useless, but it's worth noting that apolitical movies that are great often unintentionally about conservative values like the individual, family, relationships, or the value of a life. Examples include "Hereditary" and "Mandy". I also reference "Midsommar" as a good that shows a woman standing up to a man without it being an offputting left wing diatribe. *** Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/11/2021 - In this episode, we talk about why China's economic future is potentially shakier than pundits might suggest. It's not uncommon to hear about a "new cold war" between the US and China. It's also not uncommon to hear China's GDP growth numbers touted alongside the looming threat of China "overtaking" the US as an economic superpower. For that reason, we go over some reasons why we should be skeptical of China's economic regime ranging from a potential housing bubble to internal borders hindering the labor force to government bureaucratic waste to a decreasing birth rate. All of these cast doubt on the prevailing narrative and should at least be considered if you're critically evaluating US/China relations. Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/10/2021 - In this episode, we start with Roger Simon's Op-Ed about secession in the Epoch Times. Then, we tie that in with the classic essay about the Trump/Hillary election, "The Flight 93 Election". All of this polarization only gets worse when we add in the controversy of US elections - which is relevant in the current political debate of HR1. I briefly allude to the Wall Street Journal's editorial on HR1 here. Overall, this is an OPTIMISTIC episode. Polarization exposes how silly our system is. That's a big win for freedom. *** https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-case-for-breaking-up-the-united-states_3725569.html https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/digital/the-flight-93-election/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/making-every-election-like-2020-11614641809?mod=searchresults_pos2&page=1 Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/5/2021 - In what is likely the first of many, I attempt to synthesize a few articles I stumbled over that play into why democracy isn't a governing system that can work in practice. First, we talk about Jay Nordlinger's piece in National Review, "How Populist's Talk". This raises meta points about how aesthetics and optics are inherently integral to democracy - and they keep main stream discourse at a low level. Then, we discuss some of Saul Alinsky's (in)famous "Rules for Radicals" that are listed here. Many of these tactics intentionally stunt intellectual curiosity. In the means of straddling the levers of power, it's likely that the effective tactics that are deployed will be misleading and dishonest. Lastly, we visit one of my favorite Cato polls that discusses support for paid family leave. It's interesting to see the support for the policy shift when people have the question framed in terms of trade offs. This reveals that the opinions of people could drastically change if they were informed on issues - but the two aforementioned articles hint at universal political elements that keep people from being informed. Not to mention that there is no real incentive for being politically informed. *** https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2021/03/08/how-populists-talk/#slide-1 https://www.cato.org/survey-reports/poll-74-americans-support-federal-paid-leave-program-when-costs-not-mentioned-60 https://www.openculture.com/2017/02/13-rules-for-radicals.html Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/4/2021 - In this episode, we go through some recent articles that are related to unintended consequences of policy. We start from the controversial premise that the coronavirus regulations in the United States have been overbearing and unjust. Then, we go through articles that show economic consequences of coronavirus regulations and fears that would likely not be present in a free market system. If you don't agree with that premise, this is still an exercise in evaluating second and third order consequences of policies - something that governments fail to do effectively. First, we look at Greg Ip's piece about how third world countries have been hit hard economically. He breaks down how first world policies have hurt third world economies indirectly and why they might not be able to bounce back as strong as first world economies. Then, we look at an article about debit and credit transaction fees during the COVID-19 pandemic. People have used less cash, more business has been online. This affects the fees merchants pay. Unintended consequence of keeping people in their house! Lastly, we talk about education. An essay by Jon Hilsenrath explains the potential long-term consequences of the current schooling issues in the United States. This could lead to trillions of dollars in reduced future output. *** Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/3/2021 - In this episode, I talk about Avik Roy's piece in National Review, "Restoring the Conservative Conscience". The piece talks about the lack of principles in republican and conservative politics, reflecting on Reagan, and building a winning coalition. He suggests building a coalition through working-class freedom based policies and pro-immigration policies. I explain why I don't see this strategy being effective based on my descriptive analysis of our representative democracy. Note: In hindsight, I would've added that "equality of opportunity" isn't an end worth striving for - this will luckily come up in future episodes since it comes up often, so I won't try to summarize an argument here. *** "Restoring the Conservative Conscience" Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/2/2021 - In this episode, we look at Mitt Romney's Wall Street Journal OpEd "Biden's Stimulus Is a $1.9 Trillion Clunker". It breaks down some of the failures of the stimulus package and reveals some of the dishonest arguments the left has used in favor of the bill. We add some additional commentary and then explain how Mitt Romney is still just a "democrat driving the speed limit" with his $618 billion compromise and $11 minimum wage proposal. *** Mitt's Op Ed Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

3/1/2021 - Back from a short hiatus to talk about the never ending minimum wage debate. I wade through several articles about the minimum wage to try and give an informed breakdown of the situation. We talk about the general left wing argument in favor of the view from Blooberg Businessweek and Noah Smith. Then we go into the main arguments against it: the CBO's projection on job loss, what demographics are losing the most jobs, the Kroger layoffs from earlier this year, restaurants/server's wages, automation, inflation, and the basic right to freely associate with other people. This is a long one and I apologize for any and all stuttering, repeating myself, and shuffling papers. *** Twitter @TheObeyPodcast @MatthewTKeck Also, check out "Beyond Talking Points"! Two people with very different political ideologies talk policy and philosophy!

2/10/2021 - In this episode, we use a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed as a springboard for talking about political issues. The way traditional conservatives use "religious liberty" as an argument allows the left to frame their stances as science vs. superstition. Conservatives are better off arguing why they're right on the issue itself. The same can be said for libertarians calling an issue unconstitutional instead of arguing why they're stance is moral regardless of appealing to the constitution. It's less effective to cite the 2nd amendment when you can make the ethical pro-gun argument instead. This is a better messaging strategy that the freedom movement should be conscious of.

2/9/2021 - On this episode, I attempt to synthesize the Gamestop/Robinhood short squeeze events and coverage into the potential media narrative regarding stock markers and capitalism. I start by breaking down the much reported Gamestop stock rally. Then I talk about the potential regulatory interventions it might lead to. I talk about real problems with recent economic interventions (too much stimulus, too low interest rates), and why Gamestop and unfettered capitalism could easily be used as a scapegoat when the next crash happens.

2/8/2021 - In this episode, I talk about the 2020 film "Promising Young Woman". The film is pretty much bad propaganda, so I talk about why. I also explain why that's a bad thing and surprisingly a good thing! Hint: We want more polarization if we want people to get why democracy can't work.

2/1/2021 - This one is a rant. I talk about the Overton Window and what is acceptable opinion in US politics. I take the unconventional stance that we need to be more polarizing, more vulgar, and more dismissive of statists; these tactics will be more emotionally appealing to people's intuitions. That's a lot more compelling then telling them to read a book that they will never read. Being a moderate cedes the moral high ground - this betrays the moral superiority of individual autonomy and freedom from violence and coercion. That's the summary. I - somehow - manage to make that 39 minutes of unadulterated ranting.

01/26/2021 - In this one, we talk about Biden's pick for Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen. We go through her track record at the Fed and what she's currently advocating for. We also talk about her thoughts on Bitcoin. Then I add in my thoughts on the upcoming narrative around the stock market and what they'll blame the next crash on. Spoiler alert, it's day traders and RobinHood users - not the Fed.

1/25/2021 - In this one, I talk about the poem that was performed at Biden's inauguration and culture in liberty. Then I really go into why unity is not an ideal that liberty oriented folks should be enticed by - in the context of Biden's speech and call for unity.

1/20/2021 - In this one, I stumble through a very important argument - so don't let the redundant points or stuttering overtake the message - that most markets are much more complex than politicians would have you believe and they set up perverse incentives whenever they intervene. We talk about eviction moratoriums and how the threat of future eviction moratoriums is probably motivating landlords to evict more tenants instead of working things out. We point to how businesses in malls are effectively renegotiating leases (WSJ, 1/12/2021) and it could make sense for residential land owners to be more flexible if they didn't have the looming threat of having their hands tied by future moratoriums. In short, second and third level consequences can be bad and are often overlooked.

1/19/2021 - In a cynical, but necessary, episode, we talk about the two dueling narratives around COVID. On one hand, people are getting vaccinated and Andrew Cuomo has called for New York to re-open. On the other hand, the WSJ tells us vaccines won't stop asymptomatic spread and we need 100 day mask mandate from Biden. Biden is going to pick the narrative that matches his agenda and run with it, so let's chat about the narratives and why he'll pick one or the other.

1/12/2021 - This might be a controversial one. I go through why storming the capitol building is a win for libertarians - even if the people rioting were right wingers. I remind everyone that democracy is what got us here and shouldn't be protected. I explain why this event isn't remotely similar to the BLM riots in the summer of 2020. I also touch on the takeaways from this event. This will be used to tar any right wing person for a while, that will increase polarization, and more polarization is the road to a national divorce.

1/11/2021 - On this one, we forecast what Q1 and Q2 of what 2021's economy might look like. It doesn't look like lockdowns are going away based on some cues from Biden and the media. I give some reasons for why the economy is much more tied to the lockdown regulations than any stimulus. We also discuss why the stimulus won't result in much economic growth - at best, it will maintain where we're at. Not the most optimistic forecast!

1/5/2021 - This one is kind of a myriad of articles that I tie together to explain why the recent stimulus package is awful. We go from a piece on FDR in Foreign Affairs magazine that says the quiet part out loud to a Wall Street Journal piece that criticizes the stimulus. We talk a bit about why it's insane to expect the stimulus bill to help bring back jobs, but it's not a relief bill because it's so poorly targeted. Wall Street Journal 12/31/2020: It Is Possible to Have Too Much Stimulus by Greg Ip Foreign Affairs January/February 2021: Desperate Times, Desperate Measures: The Lessons of the New Deal by Meg Jacobs Feel free to tweet at me @TheObeyPodcast or @MatthewTKeck

1/4/2021 - In the first episode of the new year, I decide to be controversial and talk about the LP. I talk about why I'm hesitant to support the LP, the problem with people like Justin Amash and Tulsi Gabbard, the huge limitations of our political framework, why we should vandalize your state representative's office, and why public school teachers should be considered the scum of the earth. This is borderline fed-posting and may be a Ted pill to some. Definitely a rant that's been brewing for a while. You can direct all of your hate and vitriol to me on Twitter @TheObeyPodcast or @MatthewTKeck

12/4/2020 - In this episode, we give a few examples of politicians capitalizing on world events and tragedies to push their legislative agenda - often in misleading ways. We touch on gun policy after mass shootings, bad economic policy after the 2008 crash, and "The Great Reset".

12/3/2020 - We look at a viral Ilhan Omar tweet that conveys the low level of thinking that goes into the economic policy of statists. We throw out several bad incentive structures or rippling effects that could occur if this type of policy is passed, and how it isn't unreasonable to think that this will hurt more people than it will help (regardless of your feelings about redistributive policies).

12/3/2020 - We're back! In this one, we break down why it's odd that the default stance is that a given election was free and fair. Maybe we should be agnostic on an election's validity because the people running the elections are highly motivated for certain results. Maybe assuming the election is fair is a faith-based statement that we should question.

9/8 In this episode, we look at the "Building A Stronger, Fairer Economy" section of the Biden-Sanders United Task Force Recommendations report. There is A LOT in this report, the economics section is under 30 pages, yet there is a lot to discuss. I personally broke it down into several sections, and I focused on the general ideas of the "Worker Protections" policies in the report - most specifically the national $15 minimum wage, idea of a living wage, and increased pro-union policy. I talk about the secondary and tertiary effects of these policies, and the way these policies often can hurt who they are designed to help.

9/5 - I talk about some more of the mainstream narratives that are being pushed this news cycle (Michael Reinoehl, Daniel Prude, and the Atlantic report about Trump's negative comments regarding veterans). Of course, none of that is substantive in terms of policy or your life. Then, I give a small intro to the World Economic Forum's "The Great Reset" podcast series, where they really like saying the quiet part out loud. This isn't a deep dive into their suggestions, but it's good to be aware of. The policymakers (especially on the left) take a lot of their cues from the WEF and other think tanks.

09/04/2020 - We look at the headlines from the last 24 hours and break down how several are not worth your time. Trump's flubs and Pelosi's hair are there to make you angry, but they aren't substantive. We look at how the FDA may fast track COVID vaccines, and this may be a set up for the left to push back on a vaccine without being labeled as evil anti-vaxxers. We touch on why republicans sound appealing until they only keep their worst promises. And of course, the CDC banned evictions because property rights aren't important to the United States government, even though republicans are in power. There are plenty of tangents that are more substantive than 30 minutes of cable news.

In the special introductory episode, I just give a brief overview of why I am putting together the Obey Podcast. We're going to be synthesizing and breaking down a wide range of news (Bloomberg, NPR, Dailywire, Crooked Media, WSJ, NYT, and so so much more). We're going to unpack narratives they're pushing and why. We're going to push back on ridiculous assertions. We're going to point out that half of the top news stories are fodder to make you angry and you're better off tuning it out. Hopefully, you put on your glasses with us, so you can see through the news.