RFK's policy speech minutes after arrest of potential assassin at L.A. theater near where his father was assassinated

Robert F. Kennedy explaining threats of Biden-opened,
southwestern US border in documentary film

The man was who arrested at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign event Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, California, was identified Saturday. Adrian Paul Aispuro, 44, has been charged with a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon. Aispuro was carrying "shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines," "a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard, and belt clip federal ID" per Kennedy. 

Aispuro remains in police custody and his bail has been set at $35,000. 

Adrian Paul Aispuro

The campaign also claimed that the LAPD "took custody" of a second man they allege came to the event with Aispuro, but the LAPD said Saturday they have no information on a second armed suspect.

LAPD remains the lead agency on the case, the station's Watch Commander said earlier. In July, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and a bipartisan committee rejected a request from Kennedy for Secret Service protection.

Kennedy said at the time that his request "included a 67-page report...detailing unique and well-established security and safety risks aside from commonplace death threats." 

Kennedy, whose uncle and father were both assassinated (RFK Sr was shot at the Ambassador Hotel, less than 2 miles east of the Wilshire Ebell Theater), raised the issue of a Secret Service detail again in his statement on Friday night, claiming he was the "first presidential candidate in history" to be denied protection upon request. "I'm still entertaining a hope that President Biden will allow me Secret Service protection," Kennedy said.   

Here is the speech Mr. Kennedy delivered at the Hispanic Heritage Month event following the arrest. He is addressing various issues including open border policies, treatment of migrants, housing affordability, corporate dominance in the housing market, financial exploitation by credit card companies, disproportionate allocation of funds, and political corruption. Kennedy criticizes the Biden Administration's open border policies, highlighting the humanitarian crisis created and the cartel's influence. 

He emphasizes the exploitative conditions faced by migrants and refugees, the unaffordability of housing, and the rising cost of living. Moreover, he denounces the financial system's exploitation of the middle class and questions the allocation of funds to Ukraine. Kennedy also highlights the tactics used by those in power to distract and divide the American people.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expresses his gratitude to those who organized the event and acknowledges the presence of Bishop Juan Mendes and Chris Clem. He references Elon Musk's recent comments about why he was a lifelong Democrat, emphasizing the Democratic Party's historical association with kindness. However, RFK Jr. criticizes the Biden Administration's open border policies, arguing that they have created a humanitarian crisis. He mentions his experience at the border, highlighting that many individuals crossing were from Africa, Asia, and other regions, indicating that they were not necessarily fleeing oppression but rather seeking work opportunities in the United States. RFK Jr. further explains that the cartels advertise their services on social media platforms, providing detailed instructions and charging individuals thousands of dollars to enter the country. He criticizes the demoralization of the border patrol, who are instructed to focus on processing immigrants rather than securing the border.
  
  
• 00:05:00 In this section, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses the treatment of migrants and refugees coming into the United States. He highlights the exploitative conditions they face, including extortion, robbery, and rape at the hands of cartels. Kennedy also criticizes the immigration court system, which sets court dates seven years in the future, leaving migrants without legal status or the ability to work legally. As a result, they are often exploited by unscrupulous employers, leading to their dependence on social safety systems. Kennedy mentions the impact on cities like New York, where the refugees are piling up on the sidewalks and causing significant financial strain. He connects his father's ally, Cesar Chavez, who advocated for closing the border, as someone who also saw illegal immigration as a threat to American workers.
  
  
• 00:10:00 In this section, RFK Jr. discusses the issue of illegal labor and its impact on labor conditions and wages for farm workers. He emphasizes the need for a different approach towards immigration, advocating for a balance between strict border control and a simplified path to citizenship for legal immigrants. RFK Jr. criticizes the current immigration policies, stating that Mexican drug cartels have influence over them. He highlights the importance of repairing the relationship with Mexico and working together to address the immigration problem. RFK Jr. proposes solutions such as appointing more Asylum Court judges to expedite the adjudication process and closing the border to prevent control by drug cartels. Additionally, he suggests waiving passport card fees to ensure that all Americans have a government-issued picture ID, which is essential for various activities.
  
  
• 00:15:00 In this section of the speech, RFK Jr. addresses the issue of requiring voter ID and proposes a solution that he believes would benefit both Democrats and Republicans. He suggests providing free federal government-issued picture IDs to all citizens, which would eliminate the need for demanding IDs at the voting booth. This would also address concerns of voter fraud and reassure both parties. Additionally, RFK Jr. highlights the problem of employers hiring illegal immigrants and suggests that requiring a federal photo ID for employment would discourage this practice and protect American workers. He also touches on the issue of housing affordability, particularly in Los Angeles, where many workers cannot afford to live due to high housing prices.
  
  
• 00:20:00 In this section, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses the housing crisis in California and its connection to the high rate of homelessness in the state. He highlights the disparity between the average housing prices in Los Angeles and the national average, attributing the skyrocketing prices to the housing issue. Kennedy argues that the homeless population in California is primarily native to the state, contradicting the notion that homeless individuals from other states are migrating to California. He emphasizes that the root cause of the problem lies in the unaffordability of housing and warns that this issue may soon spread to other parts of the country.
  
  
• 00:25:00 In this section, RFK Jr. discusses the increasing difficulty for people to buy homes, with 35% of the population spending more on basic human needs than their income allows. He attributes this to inflation caused by wars and lockdowns, but primarily blames three giant corporations - BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street - for owning 88% of the S&P 500 and now investing in farmland and family homes. He notes that the younger generation no longer believes in the American dream of homeownership, as cash offers from these corporations often outbid individuals and families, making it impossible for them to afford homes. RFK Jr. warns that within six years, corporations may own 60% of the homes in the country, leading to an aristocratic model where ordinary people become serfs on their own land. Additionally, rental prices are soaring due to these corporate investments, leaving 48% of renters feeling unable to afford their homes. Overall, RFK Jr. highlights the dire situation for the middle class and working poor, who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
  
  
• 00:30:00 In this section of the speech, RFK Jr. criticizes the financial system, specifically credit card companies and banks, for taking advantage of the American middle class by imposing high interest rates and fees. He highlights that these companies, including BlackRock, are strip mining the wealth and equity from the middle class. RFK Jr. pledges to re-jig the tax code to make it unprofitable for these companies to exploit homeowners and promises to create a new class of mortgages at 3% interest. He explains that the mortgages will be financed through the issuance of tax-free treasury bills and Uncle Sam will co-sign the mortgages. Additionally, RFK Jr. mentions allocating the first 500,000 mortgages to teachers and questions the allocation of funds to Ukraine by comparing it to the proposed mortgage plan.
  
  
• 00:35:00 In this section, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses the disproportionate allocation of funds in the United States. He highlights that the entire budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is only $12 billion per year, while the US government has spent 12 times that amount in one year on Ukraine. Kennedy criticizes the prioritization of military and banking interests over the well-being of working Americans, citing cuts to food stamps and Medicare as evidence. He also exposes how the money sent to Ukraine is not actually going to the country but rather to US military contractors, benefiting American companies. Additionally, Kennedy reveals that Ukraine is being compelled to sell its valuable farmland, with the biggest buyer being the same American companies profiting from the war. He emphasizes that the rulers in power intentionally divide the American people to distract them from these injustices.
  
  
• 00:40:00 In this section, RFK Jr. discusses the tactic of distracting the public by pitting them against each other while those in power carry out their hidden agenda. He emphasizes that while people are busy fighting over various issues, those in power are silently robbing the bank. RFK Jr. also addresses the corruption within the Democratic Party, pointing out that they did the same thing to Bernie Sanders as they are doing to him. He highlights the immense amount of money raised by the party and questions the motivations behind these large donations, suggesting that they are more of an investment rather than acts of patriotism or humanitarianism. RFK Jr. vows to ensure that these donors do not get a good return on their investment.

Robert F. Kennedy reveals campaign positions that gunman might have been seeking to squelch

Robert F. Kennedy re-enters ballroom for Q&A

Why does the Biden Administration deny RFK Secret Service protection 13 months prior to Election Day, despite the fact that in 2007, the campaigning Barack Obama was afforded such protection even 18 months prior to election?
 

The Los Angeles Police Department told The Epoch Times it received a call at around 4:30 p.m. reporting that a male was in front of the event venue with "a badge on their lapel, a gun, and a shoulder holster, and claimed to be a U.S. Marshal."

A spokesperson for Mr. Kennedy confirmed the incident to The Epoch Times. Mr. Kennedy Jr. had not arrived at the venue yet when the incident occurred.  According to the LAPD, the man reportedly claimed to be employed for the event, but he wasn't recognized by the security staff.

"I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight. The man, wearing two shoulder 

holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines was carrying a U.S. Marshal badge on a lanyard and beltclip federal ID. He identified himself as a member of my security detail. Armed GDBA team members moved quickly to isolate and detain the man until LAPD arrived to make the arrest. I’m also grateful to LAPD for its rapid response.

… pic.twitter.com/vvJc0Gtk4o 

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 16, 2023

In July, Mr. Kennedy Jr. said his request for Secret Service protection was denied by the White House.

"Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection," Mr. Kennedy Jr. wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "But not me."

The U.S. Secret Service, according to its website, only provides protection to presidential candidates starting 120 days prior to the general election, which means Mr. Kennedy Jr. won't be eligible for protection until July 2024.

Audience's questions answered by Robert F. Kennedy - following the arrest of armed fake US Marshal in Los Angeles. 

Arrestee, Adrian Aispuro, 44,
carried two pistols and ammo

RFK addresses various questions and topics including border security, pharmaceutical companies' liability, chronic diseases, abortion, wealth disparity, homeownership, student debt, and the Warfare state. He highlights the need for community restoration, mental health, addressing root causes of addiction, and transparency in assessing vaccine safety. RFK also emphasizes the role of chronic diseases in COVID-19 deaths, the need to improve healthcare outcomes, and his fight for medical freedom. He discusses the importance of individual decision-making in reproductive rights, supports reducing wealth stratification, rebuilding the middle class, and redirecting funds from war to social programs. RFK warns about the decline of American engineering and the rise of China, calling for a change in focus towards peace. Lastly, he stresses the importance of dismantling foreign policies, reviving the middle class, and addressing the concerns of young people.

   

 

• 00:00:00  Mr. Kennedy addresses questions about border security and the threat of individuals with malicious intent entering the country. He acknowledges that drugs like Fentanyl are being smuggled into the country in various ways and that it is nearly impossible to completely stop their import. Instead, he proposes a different approach that focuses on community restoration, mental health, and addressing the root causes of addiction. Former Chief Chris Clem supports the idea of detaining individuals from countries with hostile intentions until they can be properly vetted to ensure they won't harm the country.
  
  
• 00:05:00  RFK discusses his plan to work with Congress to eliminate the immunity from liability for pharmaceutical companies regarding the damages caused by their products. He also highlights the need for transparency and access to data in order to assess the safety profile of vaccines and make informed decisions. RFK further emphasizes the importance of investigating the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic in the country and challenges the lack of answers surrounding this issue.
  
  
• 00:10:00  RFK discusses the high death rate from COVID-19 in the US compared to other countries and attributes it to chronic diseases, such as obesity, asthma, and diabetes, that the average American who died from COVID-19 had. He points out that the US has the highest healthcare costs in the world but ranks 79th in health outcomes. He suggests that the cause of chronic diseases could be the toxic elements in our food, water, medicines, and vaccines. RFK also mentions that during his uncle's presidency, only six percent of Americans had chronic diseases, compared to the current rate of 80 percent. He expresses his desire to improve the quality of our food and address these issues. Another person in the audience shares her personal experience with Planned Parenthood and asks RFK about his stance on abortion. He acknowledges that every abortion is a tragedy and supports respectful debates on the issue, emphasizing his fight for medical freedom and bodily autonomy.
  
  
• 00:15:00 Mr. Kennedy expresses his mistrust in the government's ability to make decisions regarding women's reproductive rights, stating that such decisions should be left to the individuals involved, including the mother, her spiritual advisors, and medical professionals. They also emphasize the importance of supporting mothers who want to bring their babies to term but face economic hardship. The questioner then brings up the issue of wealth disparity in the country and suggests implementing wage ratios instead of discussing minimum wage. The speaker agrees to consider the concept but highlights the need to lower housing costs and regain control over the Federal Reserve to address wealth stratification. They emphasize the importance of rebuilding the industrial base and creating a middle class to sustainably support democracy.
  
  
• 00:20:00 RFK discusses the importance of homeownership and its role in building the middle class. He emphasizes the need for Americans to have access to equity so they can borrow against their homes and start businesses. RFK also highlights the detrimental effects of student debt on young people's ability to participate in the economic system, calling for measures such as discharging debt in bankruptcy and lowering the student debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, he talks about his focus on rebuilding the American middle class and shares his ideas for bipartisan support. In response to a question from a young voter, RFK stresses his commitment to ending the Warfare state and redirecting the trillions of dollars spent on war towards important social programs. He recalls his uncle, President Kennedy's, vision of keeping the country out of war and being a beloved nation that is associated with peace rather than violence.
  
  
• 00:25:00 Robert Kennedy discusses the impact of his uncle's presidency and the importance of putting America on the side of the poor. He talks about how the Chinese have adopted the strategies used by his uncle, such as investing in infrastructure, while the US has spent trillions on wars. RFK emphasizes that the Chinese are displacing the US as the world leader and warns that the decline of American engineering and overextension of the military are threatening the country. He highlights the need for a change in focus and suggests that the US should prioritize making peace instead of engaging in constant warfare.
  
  
• 00:30:00 In this section, RFK discusses the need for someone who can dismantle the foreign policies of the Empire, bring back the money, and revive the middle class. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the concerns of young people and mentions that there is time for this change to happen.

"Biden has a secret, illegal deal with Iran that gives mullahs everything they want" - N.Y. Post Opinion

By Richard Goldberg in New York Post, Opinion Sept 12, 2023

In the latest phase of an unacknowledged and unlawful nuclear deal between the United States and Iran, President Joe Biden this week formally approved giving the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism another $6 billion — ostensibly for the release of five Americans held hostage in Tehran.

Rob Malley, US envoy to Iran, fmr Secy of State John Kerry,
and former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

But in bypassing Congress to avoid a political fight he knows he’d lose, Biden is not only guaranteeing more hostage-taking of American citizens, he’s also subsidizing Iran’s terrorism, military support for Russia, nuclear-weapons capabilities and repression of Iranian women. 

In May, a top White House official visited Oman to pass a message to Tehran: Washington wants to broker a nuclear deal in secret.

Biden would lift sanctions restrictions on Iranian funds held outside its borders, and in exchange Iran would slow its steady march toward a nuclear-weapons threshold.  

Iran would be free to continue hunting former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook and other Americans.

Tehran could keep directing attacks against Israel through its Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror proxies.

The mullahs could keep providing armed drones to Vladimir Putin for use against the Ukrainian people.

The regime could even keep producing high-enriched uranium just a stone’s throw from weapons-grade, manufacturing advanced centrifuges, developing longer-range missiles, denying access to international nuclear inspectors and constructing a new underground facility that could prove invulnerable to military action. 

Biden’s only demands: Don’t move across the nuclear threshold by producing weapons-grade uranium and release five American citizens held hostage in Iran.

For Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the deal was a dream come true.

3 US State Dept nuclear negotiators resigned over
Democrat regimes' weak postures with Iran, 1/22

On the nuclear front, Iran gives up nothing. The United Nation’s nuclear watchdog last week reported that Iran is still expanding its stockpile of high-enriched uranium, just at a slower rate.

As for the five American hostages — at a cost of $1.2 billion a person — Khamenei will merely restock his collection of American hostages for a future extortion racket.  

Meanwhile, Iran gets to use billions of dollars in budget support to subsidize a wide range of illicit activities. 

Gabriel Noronha previously served on the Iran desk at the State Department and maintains contacts there and in the National Security Council and European Union who are directly involved in the negotiations. His colleagues were so appalled at the concessions the US gave Iran that they asked him to leak details:

1. NEW: My former career @StateDept, NSC, and EU colleagues are so concerned with the concessions being made by @RobMalley in Vienna that they’ve allowed me to publish some details of the coming deal in the hopes that Congress will act to stop the capitulation.

[Long thread]

— Gabriel Noronha (@GLNoronha) March 2, 2022

In June and July, the Biden administration unfroze more than $10 billion of Iranian assets held in Iraq, allowing Baghdad to move payments for Iranian electricity into accounts in Oman established for Tehran’s use — payments that will continue on a rolling basis.

Now comes $6 billion more transferred to accounts in Qatar, providing the regime additional budget support.

Multiple reports also suggest Washington is allowing Tehran to trade $7 billion in International Monetary Fund special drawing rights for fiat currency. 

At the same time, US officials now admit they’re allowing Iranian oil exports to China to skyrocket with estimates ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 million barrels per day flowing in August — their highest levels since President Donald Trump ended America’s participation in the old Iran nuclear deal.

Conservative estimates put this sanctions relief at $25 billion in annual revenue. Iran is now eyeing the transfer of another $3 billion from Japan.

All told, this is at least a $50 billion protection racket — not just a $6 billion hostage payment.                              (article continues after break)

The debt-bubble is popping - what comes next? Ed Dowd at American Freedom Alliance Conf.

Ed Dowd, Phinance Technologies partner addressed an
American Freedom Alliance Conference, April '23 in L.A.

Ed Dowd, founding partner of Phinance Technologies discusses the anomalies in the financial system and his concerns about its future. Speaking at the American Freedom Alliance's "World War III: The Early Years" conference in April, Mr. Dowd points out negative M2 money supply growth, which historically leads to financial panics and bank failures. He predicts a deep recession, and warning that the debt-based central banking system often leads to conflict, potential wars in the next five years.

He advises holding cash equivalents like treasury bills in retirement accounts and suggests caution with gold in the short-term. Mr. Dowd also expresses skepticism about replacing the Petro dollar with the Petro Yuan and warns against digital currencies, which he sees as a form of social control. He encourages resistance to compliance and criticizes the concept of 15-minute cities. Mr. Dowd believes individuals can exercise their power to seek alternatives and move away from oppressive regions. 

 

00:00  In this section, Ed Dowd, Robert F. Kennedy Jr's invited treasurer, discusses the current anomalies in the financial system and expresses concern about the end of the global monetary system. He points out that M2 money supply growth has gone negative for the first time since 1930, which historically leads to serious panics in the financial markets and bank failures. Dowd predicts a deep economic recession, potentially even a depression, and warns of the possibility of war talk and actual wars in the next five years.

He believes that the central banking system, based on debt and fiat currency, is a war system, as inflation and deflation cycles often lead to wars. Dowd advises individuals with retirement accounts to hold cash equivalents like treasury bills and suggests that while gold may not be a bad long-term investment, it may go down in value in the short term. 

05:00  In this section, Mr. Dowd expresses his skepticism about certain investment options and discusses his concerns about globalist powers and their impact on the US economy. He dismisses the notion that China can easily replace the Petro dollar with the Petro Yuan, stating that the US dollar is deeply ingrained in the current global financial system. 

Dowd also expresses his worries about social control through digital currency, referring to it as a slave system that takes away freedom and liberty. He opposes the adoption of digital currencies in the US and encourages people to resist compliance with such systems. Additionally, Dowd criticizes the concept of 15-minute cities and believes that control over individuals and their choices is not acceptable. Lastly, he suggests that people have the power to move away from oppressive areas, like California, in search of alternatives. 

George Gilder: Why are Obama Dems empowering (& enriching) Islamist Iran against their enemy, Judeo-Christian Israel?

Analyst, George Gilder discusses his views on why he believes the Democratic Party, particularly under Obama's leadership, has empowered Islamist Iran against Judeo-Christian Israel. He suggests that Obama's upbringing with Muslims, his association with individuals like Nation of Islam's Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and possible support from Islamists during his education at Harvard and Columbia have influenced his stance. 

Mr. Gilder also mentions the influence of Communism and argues that the Democratic party perceives the Islamo-Marxist axis as being on their side, leading to what he deems as a self-destructive movement and social suicide for the country.

Mike Rowe contests woke shibboleths with real-world wisdom and ethics - at FreedomFest in Memphis

 Mike Rowe (host of TV's "Dirty Jobs") interviewed by Mark Skousen at FreedomFest Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

FreedomFest organizer, Mark Skousen, interviewed "Dirty Jobs" and podcast host, Mike Rowe before a large audience at the 2023 edition of the Libertarian convention last week. In this video excerpt, they discuss how society has become overly concerned with health risks and eliminating all possible dangers. Mr. Rowe questions the excessive use of vaccines and the increasing prevalence of allergies. Rowe believes that instead of eliminating risks, we should focus on mitigating them. He shares personal experiences of maintaining natural immunity and attributes his good health to his work in sanitation. He concludes by sharing a story about his survival camp, highlighting the importance of facing and overcoming challenges.

Mike Rowe is concerned about how our society has become more safety-conscious and aware of health risks. He mentions the prevalence of advertisements for pharmaceutical products addressing previously unknown ailments. While he acknowledges the importance of vaccines, he questions whether we have gone overboard with them. Rowe believes that we have become too focused on eliminating all risks and that mitigating risks is a wiser approach. He also discusses the increase in allergies and expresses curiosity about the causes, whether it be diet, lack of exercise, environmental factors, or genetics. Despite these concerns, Rowe shares that he has not had a cold in decades and attributes it, in part, to natural immunity and his experiences working in sanitation. He concludes by sharing a story about his survival camp in the Uinta Mountains. 

In this second segment of the interview, host Mark Skousen dares Mike Rowe to share a can-you-top-this extreme experience. Rowe recounts this controversial story from his show, Dirty Jobs, which calls into question the conventional wisdom of authorities. 

On an earlier Dirty Jobs episode, attempting to demonstrate where we get our food, Mike shot a cow and butchered it. Protests from PETA animal rights activists nearly caused the show to be cancelled.

In an upcoming episode, an expert would demonstrate shepherds' castrating (i.e., docking)  of sheep. Hoping to avoid further problems and ensure that he handles the process gingerly, Rowe consulted with PETA. They recommended showing the method of tieing-off the testes. However, once he arrived in Colorado, the shepherd switched to a method which involvesd cutting off the lamb's tail and snipping off the lamb's testicles, which animal activists imagine to be less humane.

Though it may be imagined as unpleasant, Rowe came to learn how the traditional cutting method was actually less painful and unsanitary than the PETA-preferred, pinched-til-dried alternative method. He decided to showcase the truth of the process - and received backlash - but he stood by his evidence as reason to question the authority of progressive thinkers. This shift in focus on work and the experience of regular people on the front lines is what contributes to making Dirty Jobs successful and still on the air.

In this third video excerpt, Mike Rowe discusses the concerning state of the American workforce, where millions of people between the ages of 25 and 54 are not working and not even actively seeking employment. At the same time, there are 11 million open jobs that many people are not interested in, despite not requiring a four-year degree. Amidst this, there is a staggering $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, with no real plan for borrowers to pay it back. Rowe emphasizes the need for more focus on practical trades, such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry, which have a high demand for skilled workers. He expresses his worry about the generational shift towards spending excessive hours on screens instead of pursuing meaningful work and contributing to society.

From 5 - 10minutes in, Mr. Rowe expresses his concern about the skyrocketing cost of college education and the burden it places on students through loans. He worries that if nothing is done to address this issue, universities will have no incentive to lower their tuition fees. He also expresses skepticism towards experts who rely solely on their credentials to command trust, emphasizing the need for them to earn the public's trust through persuasion and transparency. Rowe believes that the public's trust in institutions has been broken and that it is the responsibility of elected officials and the media to restore it. He suggests that alternative platforms, such as Substack, may gain more influence if the mainstream media fails to regain public trust.

In last section, Mike Rowe and Mark Skousen discuss the importance of persuasion in economics. They acknowledge that while history can provide insights, it is crucial to continue making points and fighting for what they believe in. Mark Skousen's dedication to writing books and newsletters demonstrates his determination to keep the fight going. Despite the high stakes, they also value taking breaks, like watching a spring training game, before proceeding with the Q&A session.

In the first segment, Mike Rowe emphasizes the importance of skilled trades and the need to confront the stigmas and misperceptions surrounding them. He discusses the detrimental effects of removing shop classes from high schools, which not only deprived students of opportunities but also erased the visibility of these jobs. Rowe urges for a change in mindset and the need to highlight success stories of individuals who have found fulfilling and well-paying careers in trades. He calls for a shift in focus from the distinction between blue-collar and white-collar work to the mastery of in-demand skills and the value of hard work. He also mentions the need for better marketing and public relations to promote the trades industry.

Between 5 and 10 minutes in, Mike Rowe discusses the impact of "Dirty Jobs" on changing people's perceptions about work. He compares it to the "Keep America Beautiful" campaign that successfully changed people's behavior towards littering through PR efforts. Rowe believes that a similar campaign is needed to change our relationship with work. He also shares a personal story about losing all his savings due to a financial scam, which led him to take on a steady paycheck and eventually led to the opportunity for "Dirty Jobs." He emphasizes the importance of financial education and mentions influential authors such as John Bogle and Burton Malkiel.

From 10 minutes onward, Mike Rowe shares his personal experience with investing and how he became a disciple of low-cost mutual funds and diversification. He emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's investments but also acknowledges the benefits of having professionals look after them.

However, before he can answer Rob Strong's question, the atmosphere suddenly takes a strange turn when a barbershop quartet called The Times invites Mike to join them in singing a song.

Despite the unexpected situation, Mike puts on a straw hat and prepares to sing with the group. Video highlights both the amusement and talents of Mike Rowe at the live FreedomFest'23. 

     

As he steps on stage, it becomes evident that his costume has suffered a mishap, with his flies noticeably down. However, Rowe's ability to entertain prevails as he continues to captivate the audience. Affectionate lyrics like "I love you" and "Sweet and Lovely" further showcase the playful atmosphere and Rowe's pleasant demeanor. Overall, his costume malfunction added an entertaining twist to an already enjoyable performance.