Anthony says conservatives don't understand politics. He argues in Without Diminishment that "The state is the architect of culture, not a spectator."

Conservatives will keep losing until they realise that the must pick a side, when they form government. They cannot aim to simply manage the state. They need to shape it.

This is a hot debate in Canada right now. Anthony says there is no such thing as a neutral institution. All institutions pick sides. It's impossible to avoid.

Sean Speer takes the other side of the debate. We will post his episode on Thursday this week.

Anthony and Sean are two of Canada's leading political thinkers. You don't want to miss this!

AI summary:

In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley hosts Anthony Koch, a consultant, entrepreneur, and managing principal of AK Strategies. They delve into the ongoing intellectual debate with Sean Speer on whether the government should remain neutral on cultural issues or actively support and protect a distinct Canadian culture. They explore how deeply embedded visions of culture influence our institutions, including government agencies, universities, NGOs, and not-for-profit organizations. The discussion covers case studies such as recent BC elections, where cultural issues like drug policy, sex education, and refugee acceptance played significant roles. Anthony argues against the myth of neutrality, emphasizing that state institutions have never been neutral and always impact culture. He discusses the importance of a cohesive cultural identity, the challenges of multiculturalism, and the need for conservatives to articulate and implement a clear vision for Canada's future. The episode provides a fascinating and comprehensive analysis of the intersection between culture and politics, offering insights into how conservatives can reclaim cultural ground.

00:00 Introduction: Government's Role in Culture

00:45 Meet the Guest: Anthony Koch

01:26 Debate Overview: Government Neutrality in Culture

02:10 Anthony's Perspective on Cultural Influence

04:31 Historical Context: State and Culture

06:17 The Role of Education in National Identity

11:34 Conservative Strategies and Critiques

13:04 The Impact of Political Leadership

14:33 The Trudeau Legacy and Canadian Identity

16:35 Conservative Vision for Canada's Future

21:31 Judicial Influence and Political Conservatism

32:55 Healthcare Reform and Structural Change

36:01 Introduction to Failing Policy Philosophy

36:13 Infrastructure Argument in Immigration

37:02 Welfare State and Demographic Assumptions

38:08 Economic Contributions of Immigrants

39:24 Cultural Integration Challenges

43:28 Historical Context of Immigration

46:26 Modern Immigration and Cultural Identity

52:25 Political and Cultural Shifts in Canada

01:04:05 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections