#143 Pete Hegseth - Secretary of Defense Nominee
Shawn Ryan Show
Deep Dive
Why did Pete Hegseth's orders to guard the Biden inauguration get revoked?
Hegseth's orders were revoked because someone in the DC guard trolled his social media, found a Christian symbol tattoo, and used it as an excuse to label him a white nationalist and potential threat.
What is the main problem with the current state of the VA (Veterans Affairs)?
The VA is a permanent feeding trough for bureaucrats, with high-paying, stable jobs that cannot be fired from, leading to a focus on maintaining the bureaucracy rather than serving veterans effectively.
How has the military allowed itself to become 'woke'?
The military has allowed itself to become 'woke' through the influence of political appointees and generals who prioritize social justice, gender, climate, and extremism issues over traditional military ethos and combat readiness.
What is the '1619 Project' and how does it influence education?
The '1619 Project' posits that America's true founding date is 1619, when the first slaves were brought to the continent, and argues that understanding America through this racial lens is crucial. It influences education by promoting a view of American history that emphasizes racial oppression and challenges the traditional narrative of 1776.
What is the 'Critical Theory' and how does it relate to critical race theory?
Critical Theory is a school of thought that aims to deconstruct Western civilization, Christianity, the patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, and borders. Critical race theory is a specific application of Critical Theory that focuses on race and is used to deconstruct and critique societal structures through a racial lens.
Why does Pete Hegseth believe the military's focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory) is problematic?
Hegseth believes these focuses undermine military readiness and combat effectiveness by introducing social justice agendas that are not aligned with the military's core mission of warfighting and national defense.
What are the potential consequences of the military's current state according to Pete Hegseth?
Hegseth warns that the military's current state could lead to a moment where its capability is laid bare, revealing a hollow structure that is not prepared for conventional force-on-force conflicts, especially with adversaries like China or Russia.
How does Pete Hegseth propose to fix the education system?
Hegseth proposes a tactical retreat from government schools, encouraging parents to homeschool or enroll their children in classical Christian schools. He also supports school choice and educational savings accounts to provide more options for parents.
What is the 'paideia' and why is it important in education?
Paideia is the enculturation of the youth, meaning the worldview implanted on a child's heart or soul before they are 12-13 years old. It is important because it shapes their vision of the good life, virtues, and understanding of right and wrong.
What is Pete Hegseth's view on whether his children should join the military?
Hegseth is ambivalent and would base his recommendation on the state of the military in the future. He would still want his children to serve if they chose to, but he is concerned about the current leadership and the military's alignment with social justice agendas.
- Hegseth initially had an open-and-shut case for recommending military service.
- Recent changes and the focus on DEI and CRT have made him second-guess this recommendation.
- He acknowledges the need for a core of patriots to influence the military's direction.
Shownotes Transcript