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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

By Ben Shapiro

Dive into "The Ben Shapiro Show" where Ben Shapiro, alongside guests Mike Johnson, Mark Green, Dan Goldman, Tom Cotton, and Cori Bush, engage in a fierce critique of current U.S. departmental policies and practices. Addressing the Justice Department’s supposed inconsistency, Shapiro argues that a biased approach in prosecuting anti-abortion protesters while neglecting riot participants is undermining its credibility. He scrutinizes the treatment of former President Trump, labeling the legal pursuits as endless, baseless witch hunts that further damage the DOJ's reputation.

Shifting focus to domestic policy issues, Shapiro highlights the crisis at the U.S. border and President Joe Biden’s contradictory use of executive power. Urging House Republicans to leverage their majority, he emphasizes the importance of voter sentiment which paints the current administration’s immigration handling as ineffectual. On the international stage, Shapiro details the threat of displaying American weakness through Biden's foreign policy, echoing Senator Cotton's call for a strong military response to provocations. This episode unpacks a narrative of accountability and the critical need for policies that project strength to maintain national and international order.

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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

1-Page Summary

Justice Department Increasingly Seen As Politicized Witch Hunt

Ben Shapiro criticizes the Justice Department (DOJ), accusing it of political bias in the way it handles cases. He points out an inconsistency in prosecuting anti-abortion protesters who were singing hymns during a protest, threatening them with severe prison sentences under the FACE Act and civil rights conspiracy, while seemingly dropping cases involving 2020 riot participants. Shapiro draws attention to the DOJ's handling of cases against former President Donald Trump, including the January 6th investigation and the Fannie Willis case in Georgia. He views these legal actions as endless, baseless, and politically motivated, undermining the DOJ’s credibility.

Democrats Have Enabled Border Crisis, Forcing GOP to Block Legislation

Shapiro criticizes President Joe Biden for claiming he lacks the authority to secure the U.S. border, contrasting it with his use of executive power elsewhere. He urges House Republicans to use their majority to ensure border security is addressed, encouraging them to reject any inadequate deals on the issue. According to Shapiro, public opinion is against Biden, with a significant portion of voters holding the President responsible for the border crisis. He cites statistics that suggest immigration as a top issue for voters and uses this to affirm that the public broadly views the administration's approach as a failure.

Foreign Policy Shows Biden Projecting Weakness Emboldening Enemies

Shapiro expresses concern that Biden's foreign policy actions convey weakness, thereby encouraging adversary boldness. He reports multiple attacks on American troops by Iranian proxies and condemns the administration's lack of response. He takes issue with Biden's approach of publicly signaling possible retaliation rather than taking decisive, immediate action. Shapiro echoes Senator Tom Cotton's call for a forceful military response to provocations, including strikes. He also criticizes Representative Ilhan Omar for suggesting Somalis and Muslims will guide U.S. government policies and questions the compatibility of her statements with her oath of office, stressing the need for a foreign policy that effectively deters adversaries through strength.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The FACE Act, or the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, is a U.S. federal law that prohibits obstructing access to reproductive health facilities, including abortion clinics. It aims to prevent violence and harassment towards patients and staff at these facilities. Violations of the FACE Act can result in criminal penalties.
  • The January 6th investigation refers to the ongoing inquiry into the events that occurred on January 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The investigation aims to uncover the individuals and groups responsible for the attack, as well as any potential coordination or planning involved. It also seeks to understand the security failures that allowed the breach to happen and to hold accountable those who participated in the insurrection. The investigation involves various law enforcement agencies, congressional committees, and legal proceedings to address the assault on the Capitol and its implications.
  • Iranian proxies are groups or organizations that are supported, funded, or influenced by Iran to advance its interests in various regions. These proxies often operate in conflict zones or areas of strategic importance to Iran, carrying out activities that align with Iran's foreign policy objectives. They can include militias, insurgent groups, or political factions that receive support from Iran to further its agenda. The term is commonly used in discussions about Iran's involvement in regional conflicts and its efforts to exert influence beyond its borders.
  • Representative Ilhan Omar has faced criticism for suggesting that Somalis and Muslims will influence U.S. government policies. Critics question the implications of her statement on her commitment to her oath of office and the potential influence of identity politics in policymaking. This has sparked debates about the role of cultural background and religious beliefs in shaping political decisions. The criticism highlights concerns about the intersection of personal identity and public service responsibilities.
  • Senator Tom Cotton is known for advocating a strong military response to provocations against the United States. He believes in using forceful actions, such as military strikes, to deter adversaries and protect American interests. Cotton's approach emphasizes the importance of projecting strength to prevent aggression and maintain national security. His stance aligns with a more assertive and proactive foreign policy strategy.

Counterarguments

  • The Justice Department operates under strict guidelines and career prosecutors, not political appointees, often make decisions on cases, suggesting that decisions are based on legal merits rather than political bias.
  • The FACE Act is a federal law, and its enforcement may not be directly comparable to state-level decisions on prosecuting rioters, which could explain the perceived inconsistency.
  • Investigations into former President Trump have been conducted by multiple entities, including state prosecutors and bipartisan committees, which could indicate they are not solely politically motivated.
  • The executive branch has limited authority over immigration law, which is primarily the purview of Congress, and President Biden's actions may reflect those legal constraints.
  • Public opinion on immigration is complex and varies widely, with some voters supporting more lenient immigration policies and others favoring stricter controls.
  • Foreign policy often involves nuanced and strategic considerations, and a lack of public military response does not necessarily equate to weakness or emboldening enemies.
  • Diplomacy and de-escalation can be effective foreign policy tools, and military action may not always be the most appropriate or effective response.
  • Representative Ilhan Omar's comments may reflect her advocacy for a more inclusive foreign policy and do not necessarily conflict with her oath of office.
  • A foreign policy based on strength must also consider the long-term consequences of military action and the importance of alliances, diplomacy, and international law.

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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

Justice Department Increasingly Seen As Politicized Witch Hunt

Ben Shapiro is voicing strong criticism of the Department of Justice (DOJ), drawing attention to what he perceives as political bias in handling recent cases.

Illogical charges against anti-abortion protesters singing hymns contrast with dropped 2020 riot cases

Shapiro expresses dismay at charges brought against anti-abortion protesters, who face up to 11 years in prison for violations of the FACE Act and civil rights conspiracy during a protest outside a Mount Juliet abortion provider on March 5th, 2021. He highlights that the demonstrators were praying and singing hymns while urging women not to get abortions. Shapiro suggests that the charges seem disproportionate, especially in light of cases related to the 2020 riots being dropped.

Comparing the treatment of these pro-life advocates to those involved in the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots, he criticizes the DOJ for arresting and prosecuting peaceful protesters while appearing to be more lenient towards 2020 rioters who blocked highways and were sometimes violent.

Endless baseless Trump investigations undermine credibility

In addition, Shapiro accuses the DOJ of engaging in what he views as endless and baseless legal procee ...

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Justice Department Increasingly Seen As Politicized Witch Hunt

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act is a U.S. federal law that prohibits obstructing access to reproductive health facilities. Violations can lead to criminal charges. Civil rights conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more people to commit a civil rights violation, such as interfering with someone's right to access healthcare services. It is a serious offense under federal law.
  • RICO statutes, short for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, are laws in the United States that target organized crime. They allow for the prosecution of individuals involved in a pattern of criminal activity as part of a criminal organization. RICO statutes are designed ...

Counterarguments

  • The DOJ's actions may be based on legal grounds and evidence rather than political bias, with each case assessed on its own merits.
  • Charges against anti-abortion protesters could be consistent with the enforcement of the FACE Act, which is designed to protect the rights and safety of patients seeking reproductive health services.
  • The decision to drop cases related to the 2020 riots might be due to prosecutorial discretion, evidentiary issues, or resource allocation rather than leniency or political motivation.
  • Investigations into former President Trump could be founded on substantial allegations and potential legal violations, and it is the responsibility of the DOJ to investigate such matters thoroughly.
  • The complexity of ...

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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

Democrats Have Enabled Border Crisis, Forcing GOP to Block Legislation

Biden claims inability to secure border, contrary to his executive authority

Shapiro criticizes President Joe Biden's stance on the border crisis, pointing out that while Biden suggests he lacks the power to deal with it, this contradicts his use of executive authority in other areas—such as student loan debt relief and vaccine mandates. Shapiro claims that Biden has the executive power to secure the border immediately, indicating a discrepancy in Biden’s assertions regarding his executive capabilities.

Slim House Republican majority has duty to reject bad border deal

The Republican House majority, though slim, is urged by Shapiro to use their leverage to ensure border security issues are addressed. Speaker Mike Johnson of the House also emphasized employing their majority position to secure the border. Shapiro suggests that Republicans walk away from negotiations if they're presented with unsatisfactory border deals and insists that the Biden administration enforce existing immigration laws.

Public blames Biden for border crisis by wide margin

Public opinion appears to side with Shapiro's perspective. Shapiro hi ...

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Democrats Have Enabled Border Crisis, Forcing GOP to Block Legislation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The House Republican majority's leverage stems from their numerical advantage in the House of Representatives, allowing them to influence legislative decisions and negotiations. This leverage enables them to push for their priorities, such as addressing border security issues, and potentially block or shape legislation related to immigration and border policies. Speaker Mike Johnson's emphasis on using this leverage underscores the importance of their position in advancing their agenda and holding the Biden administration accountable on border security matters. The slim majority means that each Republican member's vote carries significant weight in determining the outcome of key legislative initiatives related to border security.
  • President Biden could potentially use executive power to secure the border immediately by directing federal agencies to implement stricter border control measures, such as increasing border patrol presence, enhancing surveillance te ...

Counterarguments

  • The complexity of border security may limit the effectiveness of executive action alone, and comprehensive immigration reform typically requires legislative collaboration.
  • Executive authority has constitutional and legal limits, and actions like student loan debt relief and vaccine mandates are different in nature from border security measures.
  • A slim majority in any legislative body may not be sufficient to enact significant policy changes without bipartisan support.
  • Negotiations on complex issues like immigration often require compromise, and walking away from negotiations could stall progress on border security and other related reforms.
  • Public opinion is not always a reflection of policy efficacy or the nuances of governance; it can be influenced by many factors, including media representation and political rhetoric.
  • Blaming a single individual or administration for systemic issues like immigration may oversimplify the problem and ignore the long-stan ...

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How Elmo Unleashed Emotional Hell

Foreign Policy Shows Biden Projecting Weakness Emboldening Enemies

Ben Shapiro outlines concerns regarding the Biden administration's foreign policy decisions, which he interprets as projecting weakness and emboldening adversaries.

Undefended American troops attacked repeatedly by Iranian proxies

Shapiro highlights a series of attacks on American troops, with 165 incidents reported between October 17th and January 29th across the Middle East. He critically points out the administration's inaction in response to aggression from Iran and its proxies.

Biden bizarrely telegraphs unspecified retaliation instead of just acting

Shapiro criticizes President Biden for publicly announcing his intent to respond to the aggression without taking immediate action. This, Shapiro argues, demonstrates a lack of strategic forethought, as it would be more effective to act decisively without forewarning.

Cotton calls for "all of the above" military response including strikes

Senator Tom Cotton suggests a robust military response, recommending "all of the above" options, including devastating retaliatory strikes, particularly in response to incidents like the one in Jordan resulting in American casualties. Cotton criticizes the previous Obama-Biden administration's approach as appeasing and calls for stronger immediate action and a policy of zero tolerance for provocations.

While discussing policy and response, Shapiro references Donald Trump's decision to kill Qasem Soleimani after an attack on a U.S. base, arguing that it showed that Iran is unresponsive to diplomacy but responsive to direct military action. Shapiro supports the idea that ...

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Foreign Policy Shows Biden Projecting Weakness Emboldening Enemies

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The text criticizes the Biden administration for what is perceived as a lack of immediate and decisive action in response to attacks on American troops by Iranian proxies. Ben Shapiro and Senator Tom Cotton suggest that the administration's delay in responding to these incidents may be seen as projecting weakness and emboldening adversaries. Shapiro contrasts this approach with former President Trump's decision to take direct military action in response to similar provocations, arguing that such actions are necessary for effective deterrence.
  • Ilhan Omar's statements imply that she believes Somalis and Muslims will have a significant influence on the decisions made by the U.S. government. This suggests a perspective that certain ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration may have chosen a more cautious approach to avoid escalation and war, considering the complex geopolitical implications of military action against Iran.
  • Publicly announcing retaliation plans could be a strategic move to deter further aggression by signaling to Iran and its proxies that their actions have consequences, while also maintaining diplomatic channels.
  • A strong military response is not the only form of deterrence and could lead to unintended consequences, including increased anti-American sentiment and further destabilization of the region.
  • The killing of Qasem Soleimani was a significant and controversial decision that, while it may have deterred Iran in the short term, also risked a larger con ...

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