OK Boomers: Victor Davis Hanson, Pagers, Zelenskyy, and the Fellows “Talkin’ ‘Bout Their Generation”

Hot-wiring pagers and walkie-talkies to take out Hezbollah operatives: Was Israel’s tactic-like something from an Ian Fleming novel-a justifiable act of national security or a violation of international law? Victor Davis Hanson, the Hoover Institution’s Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow and a military historian and classicist, joins GoodFellows regulars John Cochrane and H.R. McMaster to discuss the latest in the Middle East, as well as whether it was wise for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to tour a munitions factory in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on the verge of America’s national election. Next, the three Baby Boomer panelists reflect on their generation’s legacy, plus which singer deserves a statue in the US Capitol alongside country music legend Johnny Cash.
Recorded on September 24, 2024.
Learn more about this episode: www.hoover.org...
ABOUT THE SERIES
GoodFellows, a Hoover Institution broadcast, features senior fellows John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H.R. McMaster discussing the social, economic, and geostrategic ramifications of this changed world. They can’t banter over lunch these days, but they continue their spirited conversation online about what comes next, as we look forward to an end to the crisis.
For more on this series, visit: www.hoover.org...
__________
The opinions expressed on this channel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.
© 2024 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.
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[@thomasburke3013]

Economic stats are not necessarily reflective of the US economic environment when class wealth difference is higher than every and dramatically skewing the numbers

[@nuqwestr]

1920 The 3rd Arab/Palestine Congress told Winston Churchill they would "kill all the Jews". It's all here from a primary source issued in 1921. "Report on the State of Palestine presented to the Right Honourable Mr. Winston Churchill P.C., M.P. by the Executive Committee of the Third Arab Palestine Congress. Jerusalem, March 28, 1921." - Library of Congress PDF, online, easy to read.

[@UberGringo]

Considering how badly Churchill screwed the Arabs in WW1 to the benefit of the Jews, would you expect some other outcome? The Arabs were promised their own state, but their homes were given to others. I'd be pissed off too.

[@ykcirnhoj2225]

because the jews invaded Palestine

[@peredavi]

The Arabs began killing Jews who bought land and started kibbutzs in early 1900s.

[@sarahsanford3682]

I'd like to point out that the New Yorker article was before Zelenskyy came to the US. Zelenskyy was here for the UN meetings. It's not his fault that the ammunition factory closest was in Pennsylvania. Zelenskyy has offered to meet with Trump, and it doesn't seem that Trump wants to meet him. Everyone on the right is blowing this out of proportion. Zelenskyy just wanted to thank the factory workers for the ammunition. No one on the right made a big deal that a bunch of Senators, Representatives, and the Indiana Governor just went to Kyiv recently.

[@HORSEBITE]

I graduated from high school in 1968 and saw the Vietnam War constantly on TV and the newspapers during that time and after. I didn't really understand what was going on, yet I was expected to fight there. I still recall every time Johnson came on TV and said he was sending more troops to that corrupt country. What a waste. Since then I have grown to distrust politicians and the way they run this country,

[@peredavi]

I can’t blame young men who went to Canada or Australia and never returned.

[@TheLxjp]

Vance and Trump casually comment on the sovereign of Ukraine, that's OK, Zelensky visits an ammunition factory with the local governor, totally unacceptable... I wonder if these people understand how ridiculous th they are being

[@daveolssonmusic]

I want to propose the idea that in fact the true Baby Boomers are really a demographic subset that should be assigned to the years of 1946-1956. My reason is simply that the kids born in those years had to deal quite directly with the Vietnam War, whereas after that the war and the draft were no longer a direct concern for the kids born after 1956. Many of those early-born Boomers were also in or entering college around 1968, where the events of that year were so keenly felt on campus. I think that these factors colored their socio-political and cultural outlook in a profoundly different way that a late-born "boomer" like myself. I was born in 1961) In addition, my father didn't serve in WWII or in Korea, so I think his political and cultural opinions were considerably different than the older fathers who had seen military service. Likewise, perhaps his approach to parenting. I know I feel I have far more in common with people born in 1974 or '75 than I do with people born in 1956, only a few years earlier than me. I attribute this to the aforementioned factors.

[@c.c.9539]

There does seem to be a nod to two groups of boomers: Group I born in the years you suggest and Group II born in the remaining years. There does seem to be a difference imo.

[@DavidK-z8q]

Excellent points. I was born in 1963 and always said what do I have in common with someone born in 1946? I have more in common with Gen X than Boomers. As for Boomers, I think it's the fringe that got most of the attention about how they "changed the world". Annoying.

[@obshaky]

Well the Chinese already came up with that idea a while ago. While in the U.S., generations are typically divided by years, Boomers, X, Millennials, Z, etc, this is based largely on cultural, social, and economic events within set time periods (e.g., Boomers being born post-WWII, Millennials coming of age around the year 2000). In China, it’s more common for generational divisions to be marked by significant historical events, such as wars, political shifts, or major social changes. These events often define a generation’s identity. Like, those born before and after the Chinese Civil War (1944-1949) or the Cultural revolution (1967-1976) are seen as having very different experiences and outlooks. This generational division can also be tied to particular eras in Chinese history, like the Maoist Era, Reform Era and Opening-Up period in the 70s, and the current one, the rise of the digital age. So yeah, China in their usual pragmatism often uses major events or political eras to mark its generational divides, not just blocks of years.

[@FrankWood-li6ft]

Born early 62, I check all the Gen X boxes

[@strnbrg59]

Disagree. If you're male and you blow-dried your hair in high school, then you're still a boomer.

[@aprobstayahoo]

Cochrane sure has some weird paintings in the background.

[@thecount1001]

wife or daughter's studio?

[@laurelsternberg5861]

Yeah, I can’t figure out the one on our left; quite androgynous.

[@shmachable]

I am pretty sure they are paintings by his daughter who is an artist. Love them.

[@peredavi]

Probably his wife or daughter is the artist. He has no choice.😂

[@justintindall9515]

They're sweet! Get to an art museum now and then ❤

[@pauliusdotpro]

31:30 elections are suspended because of the martial law. not because zelensky doesnt want elections. Surpised no one corrected him, hopefully this channel doesnt become tucker carlson 2.0

[@svenab5850]

It is obvious that Trump has no idea what he is talking about. It cannot be wrong to point that out.

[@bradapotamus]

Hard to beat a Carlin intro

[@bsmithhammer]

Let's back up a sec - The Iranian proxies weren't conducting "conventional warfare" to begin with. It's just that when pressed, Israel is a lot better at "unconventional warfare" when it comes down to it.

[@kevinjenner9502]

It took Kermit Roosevelt Jr 2 weeks to plan Eisenhower’s CIA Coup in Iran, and remove their democratically elected leader Mossadeq, and install the Shah as an American puppet.

[@kevinjenner9502]

“Rise and Kill First:The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations”. By Ronen Bergman

[@Opel314]

Regarding Ukraine, John Cochrane talks a good fight. That's easy to do from a distance, half way around the world.

[@nuqwestr]

Boomer Axiom from the Movie "Easy Rider" - "We Blew It" - Captain America

[@mortenjohansen4120]

Maybe Goodfellas should discuss Trumps latest speech where he claims «Ukraine is gone» and bashes Zelenski?

[@hankroest6836]

Victor is why history needs to be written by the Victors. :-)

[@meinking22]

Boomers using "Okay Boomer" pejoratively is cringe. Just saying

[@svenab5850]

“What happens if they win? That’s what they do, is they fight wars. As somebody told me the other day, they beat Hitler, they beat Napoleon. That’s what they do. They fight. And it’s not pleasant.” Trump

[@nba25678]

It is all about Iran. They’re responsible for all the turmoil in the Middle East, period.

[@danielhall3105]

I was at UCSC at precisely the same time as VDH. I would be willing to wager that we were the only two conservatives on campus.

[@ashleywebb2736]

A question. Why did general mattis support the iran deal of the Obama admin?

[@tycurtin7565]

Because he FOLLOWS ORDERS

[@johngibson5314]

Comment by John Cochrane that the American economy is going great - has he checked out the 35 trillion debt? If my household had unlimited access to money, we'd be going pretty well too!

[@lembergnative7731]

My understanding is that Trump and Co didn't want to meet with Zelensky

[@AndelaPandela]

At work we have a joke - You can make it as a carpenter if you just marry a woman who makes more money than you. I think that's the missing key to John's recipe for younger folks. Floored to see VDH on here

[@richardhausig9493]

Bill, close the shades.

[@MFJoneser]

All love to you gents

[@--Dani]

VDH is a national treasure

[@bogeyb200]

he does need to read up on Economics, Fed mandate and financial markets though.

[@janobrien1936]

One estimate is that a third of Gen x were aborted. We would be a bigger generation without Roe vs Wade.

[@00000000000101010]

Look like we will be losing a lot more under Dobbs.

[@secret.mission]

Lol

[@jannestrang]

Omg 🤦

[@1526andrews]

Baby boomers truly are the most selfish, shallow and irresponsible generation in history.

[@kennethobrien8386]

Great point, Janobrien!

[@GeorgeStreet-m8c]

you guys are ok but your one fellows art there is a little weird

[@danielninedorf5502]

If Israel invades Lebanon, what is the radius of the "Iron Dome" ? I.e. can the Israeli troops loose there protective umbrella ?

[@tb8865]

They will demand American support.

[@kevinjenner9502]

Netanyahu is Fuhrer.

[@calvincoolidge6627]

Three more boomers telling us that the economy is great. Wonderful

[@averagejoe1773]

Hahaha

[@sethmoffitt7813]

John Cochrane saying if you get a job and keep a job you'll be fine is totally disconnected from reality, with how fast things change showing up every day to work is no guarantee of a stable career, and even those who succeed will mostly be unable to afford a house

[@aprobstayahoo]

As Thomas Sowell might say, "Compared to what?" (Sowell is from the Silent Generation.)

[@LloydLaughalot]

@@sethmoffitt7813in the U.K., in 2024, you can be in full-time employment (on minimum wage) and still not be able to accrue any wealth (savings / buy property etc). In the 1990s that was a possibility (all things being equal).

[@michellebeyeler7339]

Did Israel receive the $7M bounty?

[@geraldashton8589]

Watching from the uk. Always enjoy the discourse on Goodfellows.

[@lawrencefrost9063]

GEORGE CARLIN!! MY FAVORITE HUMAN BEING ! Great intro! And great video overall!

[@JohnWillkie]

To H.R.'s comment about George Clinton "Do fries go with that shake?"

[@obfuscati]

McMaster stammering, trying to prop up Zelenskyy lol

[@ikawtubo1968]

Wow Hanson, Trump LOVER!

[@justintindall9515]

What keeps a peoples so revengeful? The only thing is their harsh dessert environment???

[@dianamariewells1437]

To whom it may concern, Thank you for this channel does. It is appreciated. Would you consider a Rumble channel as well? KZbin has gotten ridiculous woth censoring. Im so very tired of it. Thank ypu kindly. 2cD

[@kingcrazymani4133]

The irony of having your conversation about the Middle East interrupted by Obama’s 40-second unskippable ad to raise money for Harris and Walz…. I’m still recovering, but laughing at how much Obama could afford to contribute himself given how much he has saved in housing costs given his brilliant housing strategy. I am Metacom’s Heir. 48:20. Years ago, curious as to why Augustus had banned Horus, I picked up a copy of Ars Poetica. By page 3, given what Horus wrote, these days I would have banned him myself if empowered to do so. 1:00:00 Donna Summer. “She works hard for the money.” Two statues, one on each side of Johnny Cash. With a name like that…. In statuary room…

[@Daniel-r3y2u]

Did John paint those portraits in the background?

[@DanHowardMtl]

5:25 google "Jus ad bellum" to know what McMaster meant.

[@justintindall9515]

I'm not understanding the stupidity? Being an economics major, John let me understand where the economic vs social thresholds diffuse?

[@justintindall9515]

I don't understand your reasoning...educate me.

[@justintindall9515]

So that the broader public can be free❤❤❤ To think and be logical. Where's John Locke when you need him?

[@justintindall9515]

Create a border with Ukraine like we have with Mexico and Canada.

[@MacDKB]

The heart of a victim that has flatlined (aka: stopped beating) CANNOT be restarted. China's economic heart has stopped beating. The patient is dead. That will soon be the case everywhere. No amount of stimulus will restart it. Right now, the heart is fibrillating. But soon it's going to stop entirely, due in no small part to the economic CPR & shocks that have been applied to it...

[@justintindall9515]

It's been beautiful! Who needs the dark ages. Yes, Adds stop us from fucking on the beach as much. So shame to those that didn't how to sanitize. Otherwise my 70's were built on happiness, passing a joint around and getting the munchies going for a big mac frys strawberry shake.

[@justintindall9515]

It's time where we should let freedom ring again!

[@michellebeyeler7339]

I think a lot of students went home for the summer and their Boomer parents told them to straighten up and fly right or their grandkids get the inheritance. That would be my move.

[@justintindall9515]

Victor, where is your end game? Why has a small group of Oligarchs for centuries been able to manipulation from the Baltic to the Pacific and who knows how many dialects?

[@justintindall9515]

You guys are like talking to kids. Get dam fight over! I have to go to lunch!. And how many more wonderful youngsters to grow up in a world where they can explore rather than hide.

[@peredavi]

Wonderful session. Having VDH on is always great. If you’re a young person, like to work with your hands and not interested in college? Go to community college. Get welding certification, HVAC training, electrician apprenticeship, plumbing, IT security, A/P aircraft mechanic… Good income. Start your own business when you get a lot of experience. Live in a small city in flyover country. Buy a fixer upper home…..

[@steveabell8946]

Thank god Trump hasn't hosted a foreign leader. Right Vic

[@justintindall9515]

Educate me. I've been to Israel got interrogated at the airport like I was James Bond, (2005ish), saw even out in the hinterland beautiful woman with long hair carrying Ozzies. Did they get so lacked? And why don't they have a second amendment like ours?

[@justintindall9515]

So the question is, how to supplant Eliot Nesses in thier neighborhoods!

[@akow2655]

As a liberal living in the EU I'm always happy to listen to the Goodfellows for insight into american politics, politics in general and just wisdom for life. These sorts of reasonable political discussions with actually accomplished individuals is something I feel is lacking today. Stay safe and stay genuine

[@jonathanmoore7079]

Thank you VDH for not letting John go unchecked on his Establishment garbage.

[@corrinnereynolds4091]

Another fantastic discussion. Love you guys

[@siuwong4588]

22:12 You need to know there are ethical chinese “leaving” from ccp in the old moving to CA but still strongly supporting ccp china 🤣

[@loudawg25]

I believe the economist is delusional over Ukraine.

[@justintindall9515]

Question gentleman, is there a tendency bias toward a female not having enough balls? (Let's say it like it is!). It needs to become front and center in this day and age.

[@user-xr9iw4ex9e]

Is there a valid reason why the West + The IDF can't take out Iran's capability to manufacture and deliver the munitions they supply to their proxies?

[@bogeyb200]

the esteemed Professor VDH needs to read up on Economics and the Fed mandate, etc. The conspiracy theory about lowering interest rates prior to election can only be believed by the daft as 1) it takes up to 6 months or so for effects of interest rate changes to filter through economy and 2) there were record bets by the markets (who only care about making money) on the fact the Fed would cut by as many as 50 bps. General McMaster should look up demographics of Arab population of Dearborn and such areas and then he won't make such preposterous statements like "it's racist" to suggest those people are very anti Zionist. That population is overwhelmingly 90%+) Palestinian and overwhelmingly Muslim. I think he can do that math

[@plangbro]

John Keegan's The Face of Battle. A truly great, and influential book. He examines the mental battle, which must be won before the physical battle can take place.

[@peetky8645]

we should exit the red sea and allow egypt to invade yemen if they want the cash flows from the suez canal

[@jesuslovesaves2682]

On the exploding electronics, can this explode global trade? I think this along with AI deep fakes could really erode trust.

[@kh-vz2el]

Gentlemen one of the best GoodFellows I've ever had the pleasure to watch thank you Victor HR John and Bill.

[@massoudbagheri5673]

The Shah’s government was great for Iran, the region and the world. Stop calling it “authoritarian”. It was a government that had the best interests of Iranians in mind and at the same time maintained regional stability and was a positive player on the global stage.

[@jesuslovesaves2682]

I agree with VDH on the Ukraine President visit.

[@laurelsternberg5861]

Dylan gets so much respect as a poet but Joni Mitchell’s poetry was far more intelligent, as were her melodies and chords. Ry Cooder should be remembered for introducing Tex Mex and Taj Mahal for introducing reggae into the American music vernacular.

[@laurelsternberg5861]

Thanks for the book recommendations. I live in central Israel and have learned more about war than I ever wanted to. It sounds like these books would help me to understand, in part, what we’re doing. God bless you all.

[@schnauzerloversmom]

Of all the nations of the world, is it not obvious why the majority of Nobel prizes have gone to Jews?

[@JM-vh7oc]

Wow - disagree with John - economy is only doing great for people invested in stock market -- the far more vast amount of Americans are suffering. Get out of your bubble.

[@stevebainbridge310]

Great discussions from very wise and stimulating thinkers. There is a positive view for the future!!

[@Billb9I3]

Genius move by the Jews, with the pagers. Awesome

[@strnbrg59]

"that's Niall's loss" Did you really mean to say that!?

[@dongaetano3687]

Fellas - I'll vote for Lawerence Welk and the lovely Lenin sisters with a working bubble machine! I'm 74. (to be honest - lots of Brazillian and Spanish music plus the American song book. Great video and fun ending. I'll go back over the book suggestions and make a list - Thanks Good Fellas

[@DirkusTurkess]

VDH is the best fellow. Love that guy!

[@pengudapenguin]

Weird that you invited a guest from RT on the show this week.

[@remillkd]

Your brilliance and passion for knowledge have profoundly enriched my life. Each of you possesses a unique ability to illuminate complex ideas, making them accessible and engaging. Your insights challenge me to think critically and embrace curiosity, inspiring me to explore new horizons. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouraging those around you to grow. Your contributions not only elevate discussions but also foster a deeper understanding of the world. I am truly grateful for the impact you have on my journey of learning.

[@obshaky]

My parents were silent generation, my older brother is baby boomer, my middle brother is gen X and Im a milenial... we cannot be more different just by the sheer amount of changes. Like between the greatest and the silent there were some changes but between GeX and milenials we have smartphones, social media and many many more things. I wonder how Gen Z and their kids will be like throwing in AI into the ring. Great episode, you should do one for every generation and close the series with how the future might look like.

[@TheRamsesII]

Sure, the "Greatest Generation" had more kids. They could! Everyone debates about the "best" economy in the USA in recent years, but back then, the man could work even in a relatively unskilled job and make enough money to have a house a car (maybe two), support all those kids, and allow his wife to stay home and take care of them. Try that today! Try that even with a skilled trade or a college degree. People today can't afford to have a lot of kids. And wouldn't take nearly as good care of them if they did. Both spouses have to work in today's economy, so no one staying home to raise them, and most of the daycare options make it even costlier. I have wondered often why no one ever seems to point this out during these sort of discussions and debates.

[@UberGringo]

You guys are totally in the bag for Israel.

[@lukejolley8354]

As a millennial I have to say that we’re pretty lucky to have free access to these great figures and that we can hear them speak in their own voices! Thanks!

[@samblum153]

i wish i could ask VDH what he would make of the tv show Kaos.?

[@life-PoliticsAndPhilosophy]

The Chinese and other enemies of freedom have been reading some of the books recommended while Americans and other democracies have not heeded them for too long!

[@heikoderiese]

art work in the background is not pleasant to look at

[@BernardMavis-l8d]

Kaylie Landing

[@pplusbthrust]

Money! It doesn't seem like that long ago we were doing millions (it was a lot). Now we're are doing billions and it is (a lot more). Are we close to trillions yet?

[@jesuslovesaves2682]

Strange looking art there John

[@jameswhitwell9512]

HR for president 🇬🇧

[@terryllee7706]

Divorce is out of control

[@AndrewBarisser]

If Niall is out then I’m out

[@pmmsfc]

Hercules and the Hydra

[@brooklyn8787]

Brilliant !!!

[@charlesmackey8179]

Always excellent!

[@swissgirlie1]

Love this!!!!❤❤❤

[@RightSideNews]

Good eppy

[@robertprawendowski2850]

⭐️

[@fs5775]

You boomers totally failed to parent us GenXers and we will never forget it. We were the latchkey kids who got dumped by divorced parents and those who couldn't be bothered to arrange child care for us while at work. Thank god we became resilient, self-reliant survivors but it sure wasn't thanks to you selfish lot, it was thanks to *US* ...