THE SAVAGE NATION

Savage opens with the roar of the Blue Angels over San Francisco, celebrating American ingenuity and achievement while warning of the growing politics of resentment. Drawing parallels to the French and Russian Revolutions, he blasts Bernie Sanders and the proposed billionaires tax, radical ideology in universities, and the violent student protests in France. Savage reflects on the American dream, hard work, and the values instilled by his immigrant father. Finally, an extraordinary story involving a World War II prayer book leads Savage to examine his own crisis of faith, the power of prayer, and the spiritual battle for America's future.

Hear what Trump told Savage about Iran in 2011! Savage introduces Donald Trump on "The Savage Nation," saying Trump praised Savage's book "Trickle-Up Poverty" and agreed that tariffs on China are needed to stop currency manipulation and job losses. Trump argues China harms the U.S. through manipulated currency and advocates a firm 25% tax on Chinese imports, calling NAFTA a disaster and describing the U.S. as a "whipping post" in trade deals; he also criticizes technology concessions demanded by China. They discuss South Korea benefiting from U.S. protection, Iraq owing repayment for war costs. Trump discusses how the U.S. has become "policemen" in the Middle East. He warns that Iran will take over Iraq if we abruptly leave. Savage later urges Trump to run positively as a tough but compassionate capitalist and dismisses other Republican contenders as unelectable.

Savage argues that widespread access to information has produced a culture where uninformed people spread confident opinions and conspiracy theories. He then examines a disturbing paradox of the modern age: despite having more access to information than ever before, society increasingly rewards ignorance, shallow thinking, and emotional reaction over knowledge, depth, and truth. He explores how algorithms, social media, and the attention economy have created a culture of sensationalism and "digital Pavlovianism," where slogans, tribalism, and influencer personas often carry more weight than expertise or substance. Savage argues that schools and institutions can reinforce conformity rather than curiosity, while admitting ignorance is treated as weakness and genuine independent thought becomes increasingly rare. In a world where stupidity itself can become a profitable product, he asks whether the wisest form of resistance may be strategic silence—and challenges listeners to step back, think critically, and refuse to surrender their minds to the crowd.

Savage examines Caroline Glick's remarkable article, "The Woman With Steel Balls," which accuses the UK, France, and Canada of hypocrisy in their treatment of Israel. In a fiery piece, she chastises these nations for their placating of terrorists while criticizing Israel for protecting itself. Savage and Jeff Rovin debate whether Israel should embrace a more diplomatic "Athens" posture or maintain a "Sparta" mentality. The conversation expands to what they see as the disproportionate scrutiny of Israel compared with conflicts worldwide. Savage and Rovin also explore Daoist philosophy, Netanyahu's future, and what Iran may do next before the midterms. 

(March 12, 2014)   SAVAGE WAS 13 YEARS AHEAD OF HIS TIME ON THIS!  Must listen. Savage discusses Israel passing a law meant to draft ultra-Orthodox men and interviews Rabbi Yaakov Spivak, who argues Israel is a holy country needing a group devoted to Torah study and shielded from the moral and spiritual dangers of military life, especially for religious youth. Savage challenges the fairness of exemptions, cites biblical and historical examples supporting self-defense, and argues Jews should learn to use weapons after the Holocaust. They debate war's horrors and need for defense. Spivak notes many Orthodox already serve and emphasizes prayer and spirituality as central to Israel's survival, while both criticize secular liberal culture in Israel and America and call for a revival in God-fearing people in America.