Should Ultra-Orthodox Jews Be Drafted into the Israeli Military? - #994

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.

Savage opens with a discussion on whether Israel should project more "Athens" or more "Sparta." He affirms Jews' right to Israel while arguing Netanyahu has become an overly militant, unpopular face internationally, citing his aggressive UN speech. Savage ang guest Jeff Rovin argue Israel's PR has faltered, especially on social media, and note rising antisemitism on both left and right driven by ignorance and profit. Savage highlights Netanyahu's rivals such as Gadi Eisenkot, a war hero who could bring a fresh perspective in Israeli leadership. They discuss Israel's biblical covenant, tribalism, and Iran's nuclear threat including dirty bombs. They then detail the challenges facing President Trump with the war in Iran and commitment to Israel. 

JULY 2, 2018 Savage compares current unrest to the 1960s. Shifting from politics, he reflects on mortality and ancestry, imagining conversations with a great-grandfather discussing faith, reason, and gratitude. Savage criticizes Democratic leaders' anti-ICE messaging, media bias in crime and terrorism coverage. He laments cultural decline in art and entertainment.

Savage speaks with Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, military strategist and author of "The New AI Cold War: Liberty vs. Tyranny in the Age of Machine Empires," about the rapidly evolving dangers and opportunities of artificial intelligence. They explore the intensifying U.S.-China competition for AI supremacy, the growing use of AI in warfare and cyberattacks, the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, and the frightening prospect of increasingly autonomous AI systems. Maginnis warns about the consequences of allowing AI to influence military decisions, particularly nuclear weapons, while Savage calls for a clear ethical framework—a "Ten Commandments of AI"—to ensure technology remains a tool serving humanity rather than becoming its leader. The conversation examines the urgent need for safeguards, accountability, and international verification before AI advances beyond human control.

Savage challenges President George W. Bush's claim that Islam is a religion of peace, arguing that militancy is embedded in Islamism. Iran is a rogue nation that would threaten or blackmail the civilized world if it obtained nuclear weapons. He says truth has become subjective and blames media figures, online influencers, and universities for spreading propaganda.Talking heads tout flat-earth and anti-science ideas, while ignoring Iran's alleged torture and killing of 50,000 citizens. Savage focuses on a "Red-Green alliance" of neo-Marxist progressives and radical Islamists, criticizing Bernie Sanders, "The Squad," CAIR, and George Soros. He links legalization of marijuana to political gullibility and calls for a new HUAC, deportations, defunding universities, restricting Sharia advocates.

(2015)   Savage argues that marijuana is more dangerous than tobacco, citing claims that marijuana smoke contains much higher levels of ammonia and other carcinogenic chemicals than tobacco smoke and that users may inhale heavy metals such as mercury He contends THC is fat-soluble and lingers in the body, criticizes "medical marijuana" rationales, and says vaporizers reduce toxins but still harm the brain and performance. He explains how marijuana impairs focus, skills, and life outcomes.

Savage describes a favorite painting, Coulter's "Sailboat in Distress," as a symbol of lives and nations reaching a point of no return. He recounts attending a religious dinner he found "weak," criticizing religious leaders for telling victimhood stories instead of emphasizing survival and strength. He links this to America's decline, liberalism, immigration, and industrial complexes around homelessness and immigration. With rising antisemitism under the label "anti-Zionism," he warns Jews not to accept the term. After his dinner with President Trump he spoke with Israeli IDF pilots, discussing Israeli submarines and military culture. He contrasts strong Jewish images with weak stereotypes popularized in Hollywood. He concludes about raising resilient children and rejecting weakness.

Savage shares his original September 11, 2001 radio broadcast on the 25-year anniversary of the attacks, arguing that many Americans, especially younger generations, no longer know who attacked the U.S. or why. Citing a New York Post headline,  only two states require 9/11 be taught and that schools and universities are filling the gap with lessons blaming America and downplaying Islamic terrorism. Hear the first hour of this historic broadcast as Savage reacts in real time to the tragic events. He argues terrorism is financed and trained by governments, urges closing borders, ending asylum and student-visa abuses, and advocates immediate, extreme military retaliation against training camps and sponsoring capitals. He cites reports of celebrations in Cairo and condemns political correctness, "ultra-tolerance," and open immigration as contributing factors, while rejecting calls to "not rush to judgment." Savage interviews his son Russ, who urges community preparedness and networking, and later adds a historical monologue on early Islamic conquests as a warning about modern immigration and Europe.

Dinner with President Trump recounted in a stream-of-consciousness style. Savage and his son Russ were invited are featured. Chaotic travel on United Airlines. His stay at the historic Natirar estate hotel in New Jersey as well as the President's arrival on Marine One helicopter. The intimate dinner only included four people and the President. Details are shared from the momentous evening including humorous moments and the President showing him the new Presidential Cadillac. Details about the dinner discussion involving the war with Iran and the economy are touched on. Savage concludes with his visit to Manhattan and sadly ponders whether he will ever live to see the President in person again.