Mike Rowe counters '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.

What moved vaccine-exempt, grade-school teachers to sue their school district / L.A.U.S.D.?

Leslie Manookian's Health Freedom Defense Fund (HFDF), California Educators for Medical Freedom (CAEMF), and several individual plaintiffs sued Los Angeles Unified School District ("LAUSD") when it mandated the Covid-19 vaccines for all employees on August 13, 2021.

Here, two Southern California elementary school teachers, Ms. Tracey and Ms. Rosealba, explain how local education officials are oppressing grade-school teachers who received vaccine-exemptions.

Health Freedom Defense Fund attorney, Leslie Manookian updates Calif. Educators for Medical Freedom, at the Lighthouse Church, Santa Monica, CA on May 27, 2023

Dan Watkins, attorney suing school system for discriminatory treatment of teachers declining vaxxes. 

Bonnie Wallace performs her clever poem, After The Great Reset, dramatizing the dystopian future result of Westerners' apathy against the Marxist revolution upon us today. 

 

James Roguski on the World Health Org Treaty that will Control Americans' Freedoms  

EducatorsForMedicalFreedom.com is the correct spelling of the website where you can learn more about the progress in the teachers' situation.

How N. America's and French politicians' kowing to China and Iran will harm our liberty, economy, and safety

Writer, Guy Milliere, explains his criticism of French and
American pacifism towards Communist China and Iran

French socio-political writer, Prof. Guy Milliere, assesses that our world is in a unique type of war - involving military, ideological, and economic aspects - with China posing the biggest threat.  Democracy Broadcasting interviewed Prof. Milliere at the American Freedom Alliance's "World War III- The Early Years" Conference this spring in Los Angeles.

Here, Prof. Milliere explains how free trade with China has made the West economically dependent on China, which seeks to conquer the world through taking advantage of the West. Additionally, Prof. Milliere warns of the Biden administration's policy towards the Middle East, which he describes as a betrayal of Israel, is potentially making that region Chinese and in the control of Iran. Overall, Milliere suggests that China, not Russia, is currently the main threat to the US. 

 

In the video's first 5 minutes, Guy Milliere discusses his view that the world is currently in a unique type of war that involves many aspects - military, ideological, and economic. Economic warfare is mainly directed towards China, which he believes wants to conquer the world by taking advantage of the West. Milliere argues that it was a mistake to establish free trade with China, as it has made the West economically dependent on China. China's dominance in various businesses and the theft of intellectual property from several countries make it difficult for the West to sever ties with China. Milliere raises concern about China's involvement with the World Health Organization, suggesting that the pandemic was used by China as a biological weapon to make the rest of the world more dependent, and it worked.

In the next 5 minutes of the conversation, Prof. Milliere argues that Russia is not as much threat for war against the US because it is unable to create a world war and that the main threat is China. He suggests that China depends on trade and stopping or cutting trade with China will have a huge problem. He also warns of the Biden administration's policy towards the Middle East, stating that the Middle East is changing, and the administration is creating a very bad situation that could make the region Chinese and in the hands of Iran, potentially causing a threat to Israel. Milliere describes this as a betrayal of Israel, but he also notes that the Democratic party has become a Leftist party with an anti-Semitic strain which has shifted US policy (and attitudes) against Israel and towards the Islamist Iranian power behind Palestinian nationalism.

Islamo-Nazism is factual, not hyperbole. The Farhud and the Palestinian ‘cause’

Nazism continues to inspire the Palestinians. by Lyn Julius in JNS.org May 31, 2023.

Have you heard of the Farhud? Chances are you haven’t. This anti-Jewish massacre—Farhud means “forced dispossession” in Arabic—took place 82 years ago this week in Iraq. Yet a recent poll found that only 7% of Israelis have heard about it. 

Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al Husseini was
a Waffen SS recruiter and Nazi propagandist in Berlin

On June 1-2, 1941, at least 180 Jews were murdered in Baghdad and Basra—the figure could have been as many as 600—2,000 were wounded and 900 homes and 586 Jewish-owned businesses were destroyed.

There was looting, rape and mutilation. Stories abound of babies murdered and Jewish hospital patients being refused treatment or poisoned. The dead were hurriedly buried in a mass grave. The Farhud sounded the death knell for the ancient Jewish community of Iraq.

Iraqi-Jewish refugee, Joseph Samuels recounts how the Nazi connection with the Muslim leaders turned Muslims violently against their neighbors in a pogrom "Farhud," in 1941. The Jews had no where to flee from Iraq until Palestine, beginning 1947.

More “Farhuds” decimated other Jewish communities in Arab countries, leading to a mass exodus. Most of these Jews fled to Israel, where they and their descendants comprise over half the Jewish population.

Besides the general ignorance of the Farhud, the Palestinian role in it is almost unknown. In fact, the infamous Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, helped lay the groundwork for the massacre.

The Farhud, in other words, was proof that anti-Zionist “resistance” to the Jews of Palestine had spilled over into unabashed antisemitism directed against the Jews of the Arab world.  

The Mufti himself spent two years in Iraq beginning in 1939. He arrived with 400 Syrians and Palestinians, most of them teachers. In April, 1941, the Mufti backed a pro-Nazi coup led by Rashid Ali al-Gilani and four military officers. 

Theirs was the only Arab regime to sign a treaty with Nazi Germany. Throughout the Middle East, Arab public opinion was mostly pro-German. A poll carried out on behalf of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem in Feb. 1941 found that 88% of Palestinian Arabs wanted the Nazis to win the war.

Article continues on JNS.org:

Ms. Sarah Idan, the former Miss Iraq contestant in Miss Universe 2017 Competition acknowledges the roots of the pan-Muslim political opposition to Israel in the German Nazi involvement with Iraq and Egypt.

What the late singer, Ed Ames, encouraged us to "Try to Remember"

Fifty-days short of his 96th birthday, actor and singer Ed Ames died in Hollywood from Alzheimer's Disease. He passed on the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend, which is significant that such a patriot be remembered close to one of the rare dates that some Americans consider that our freedom might take earning and maintaining.

You may remember Ed Ames for his acting, whether on television as Daniel Boone's sentry Mingo, (whose tomahawk throwing skills astonished Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show) or a solo recording artist, known for "My Cup Runneth Over" or "Try to Remember" from his off-Broadway acting role in "The Fantasticks."

The Tonight Show's co-host, Ed McMahon, in a video interview, considered Ames' and Carson's tomahawk demonstration "the funniest laugh ever in television!"

In the context of the theatrical The Fantasticks, Mr. Ames' "Try to Remember" reminds us to appreciate and learn from our earlier experiences. Don't take our prior life conditions for granted, as circumstances may deteriorate over time. 

(Ed Ames on video singing "Try to Remember" on a PBS show called Over Easy hosted by Hugh Downs 12/31/79). (courtesy PizzaGuy2002)

Less well known is Mr. Ames' socio-political activism. America's epoch of the 1950's included coping with 

Karl Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao

a Communist threat from the newly-atomic Soviet Union. In the mid-60's Mao's Zedong's Communist Chinese Party undertook what they called the Cultural Revolution. This revolution demonstrated the power of propaganda and ideology to manipulate and control people. Mao's Red Guards were able to use these tools to turn ordinary citizens against each other, which led to widespread violence and destruction. Estimates range that the regime persecuted millions of people whom they deemed to be enemies of the state, killing many (estimated between .5 and 2 million people).

Imperialist Islamism, Marxism opposes free states

A native Jewish Bostonian, Mr. Ames witnessed the arrival of Jewish refugee survivors of the Holocaust. The Nazi-influenced, mideast Arab politicians launched military wars attempting a new genocide of the Jews of Israel, beginning at this time of year, in May,1948. This would recur in 1967, 1973, and 1982. To advocate to preserve American support for Israel amidst the newly Islamist Iran, Mr. Ames became active in the Zionist Organization of America, eventually becoming President of its Los Angeles chapter.

Observing Barack Obama's shifting US support away from Israel and towards her avowed Islamist enemies, Mr. Ames became more involved in Republican culture, putting his reputation at risk in Hollywood.

On September 11, 2011, we asked Ed Ames about how well western societies were doing not mollifying society against defeating the global Jihad, 10-years after the Islamist attacks on Washington and New York City.

In this video, he expresses his concerns about the lack of vigilance in various sectors of the American society that could potentially render the country defenseless against the war on terror. He warns against reducing the military spending, which could result in the country admitting defeat, and points out that Israel is the primary democratic country in the Middle East that has to defend itself from Islamism from within and without. Ames emphasizes that Israel is America's bastion in the Middle East, which spends the money given to it by America on American arms, thereby creating American jobs. Ames argues that the Obama administration has downplayed the role of radical Islam in the conflict with America and suggests that Obama has done nothing to help Israel, in fact, has targeted them before the UN Civil Rights Commission while overlooking their democratic and generous nature.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Ed Ames expresses his concerns about the lack of vigilance in the America's government, press, universities, and television, which could make the country defenseless against the war on terror. He states that reducing the government's military spending will hollow out the military and will lead to an admission of defeat, which will be disastrous for the country. He points out that Iraq will become a semi-colony of Iran if the US leaves, Israel will become tools of the Iranian mullahs, and the Taliban will take over Afghanistan if troops fully withdraw. Lastly, he emphasizes that Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East that is at war with the Muslims, who formally declared war on the US, citing that Israel is the canary in the mine.
  


• 00:05:00 In this section of the video, Ed Ames discusses the relationship between Israel and the United States. He notes that 80% of the money the US gives to Israel is spent back in the US. He also emphasizes that Israel is America's bastion in the Middle East, spending their money on American arms, which helps create American jobs. Ames then addresses the Obama administration's approach to downplaying the role of radical Islam in the conflict with America. He says that Islam is not a pure religion but, instead, a political group looking to conquer and set up a caliphate. He warns that even if Islamists denounce militant jihadism, it doesn't mean that they have given up their goal of a revolution against American democracy.
  
  
• 00:10:00 In this section, the speaker argues that lying in the name of advancing the interests of Islam is justified in order to expand their conquest of the world, which is the opposite of peace. He also discusses the Arab Lobby's attempt to establish hegemony over the United States and how a significant portion of the Muslim population sympathize with the jihadi cause. When discussing Obama's Mideast policies, Ames suggests that his family's background and associations suggest a lack of hostility towards the jihadi cause and a willingness to let Israel fall. The speaker also believes that Obama has done nothing to help Israel and, in fact, has targeted them before the UN Civil Rights Commission while overlooking the democratic and generous nature of Israel.

• 00:15:00 In this section, Ed Ames explains that it is against the law of Islam to kill people arbitrarily. He then goes on to criticize the Obama administration for what he believes to be a lie - bringing Israel and Arizona before the United Nations to be judged, an action that he believes mollifies both America's and Israel's resistance against Islamist conquest.
  

In this excerpt from a TJ Lublinsky PBS special, Mr. Ames performs "Who Will Answer" reflecting his concerns about the decaying conditions in our society.

Trump-voting, cyber-expert who "proved Mike (Lindell) wrong" concerned about Lindell welching; Offers services to explore verifiable, election fraud

Forensic engineer, Robert Zeidman, a participant in MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell's "prove Mike wrong challenge," speaks about having debunked the evidence Lindell has presented regarding the 2020 U.S. election. Mr. Zeidman reveals that Mr. Lindell's evidence was a collection of Word documents and a spreadsheet that were poorly disguised to look like sophisticated data.

He says that the claims he challenged in Lindell's "Prove Mike Wrong"$5 million dare are valid and that Lindell was directed to pay him - which Lindell is welching on. Mr. Zeidman believes that the materials Mr. Lindell purchased to prove voter fraud is hindering the real investigations that might actually show voter fraud. Though a Republican himself, Zeidman encourages people to come forward with credible evidences to allow justice to be served through the legal system.