Episode 128: MAGA's Meaning, Epstein's Secrets, China 2.0, and the Morality of Legal Fees

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This week on the Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Marc dive into a whirlwind of topics, from economic theory and political landscapes to the legal system. Get ready for lively debate and unexpected agreements!

00:01 - 01:00: Kicking Off with Reenactments and Ribbing

The episode opens with Matt introducing Marc as "a guy that voted for Trump," leading into a light-hearted discussion about Marc's Revolutionary War reenactment experience. Matt and Shawn playfully contrast Marc's discipline with Matt's own rebellious nature.

01:00 - 08:48: The Mailbag - Adam Smith's Invisible Hand & Bidets

The hosts address a listener's email challenging Shawn's interpretation of Adam Smith's "invisible hand." While Shawn humbly accepts the historical nuance, he maintains the concept's modern relevance, arguing it motivates producers to provide value. This segues into a humorous tangent about Matt's impulse purchases, including a bidet, prompting a quick topic change.

08:48 - 21:50: The Thought Provoker - Defining "Make America Great Again"

Matt introduces a New York Times opinion piece by Peter Baker, suggesting Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" points to the 1870-1913 era.

• Shawn argues "MAGA" is an intentionally undefined "gimmick."
• Matt posits the era's minimal regulation and high tariffs would appeal to Trump as a capitalist.
• Marc believes "MAGA" signifies a return to a "moral past."
• The discussion expands to whether Trump is a true conservative, with Shawn distinguishing between "reactionism" and "conservatism." Marc agrees with this distinction.
• Matt challenges the idea of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a conservative organization, citing its history of radical change.

21:50 - 32:58: China Shock 2.0 and Tariffs

The hosts discuss economists David Autor and Gordon Hanson's warning about "China Shock 2.0," where China could surpass the US in innovative sectors.

• Matt questions if US tariffs, often politically motivated, inadvertently help China gain a future advantage.
• Shawn suggests tariffs aim for better trade deals.
• Marc expresses little concern for "China Shock 2.0," relying on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, leading to a humorous debate on the scriptural definition of "soon."

32:58 - 44:54: The Jeffrey Epstein Files

The conversation turns to the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files.

• Matt surprisingly argues against releasing all files (e.g., child pornography) to protect victims, believing law enforcement would have already prosecuted any implicated individuals. He trusts the FBI.
• Shawn and Marc strongly disagree, advocating for full transparency to expose "secret combinations" and ensure justice, expressing skepticism about Epstein's death and alleged cover-ups.
• The debate highlights contrasting views on transparency and the legal system.

44:54 - 54:10: The Big Question - Lawyers, Conflict, and Latter-day Lens Principles

The episode concludes with a "big question" inspired by Alma 10 and 11 on lawyers profiting from societal conflict.

• Matt asks if the current legal system, which incentivizes conflict, is flawed. He proposes alternatives:
  • Lawyers not charging fees.
  • Community councils resolving disputes.
  • A system like the Church's disciplinary councils, where randomly assigned individuals defend both sides.
• Marc agrees the current system encourages litigation.
• Shawn, initially skeptical, is eventually convinced by Matt's arguments, particularly the alternati