Newsom’s Billionaire Tax, Iran War Escalates & Israel Acknowledges Genocide | PBD Podcast #825

California Governor Gavin Newsom, initially hesitant about a state wealth tax, is now advocating for a national 'billionaire's tax.' The hosts argue this proposal extends beyond actual billionaires, targeting the top 10% of individual income earners ($155,000 annually) and households ($255,000 annually). They contend that these income levels are not 'rich' in high-cost-of-living areas like Los Angeles or Manhattan, and that such a tax would drive wealthy individuals and businesses out of states like California, exacerbating existing financial issues like homelessness and budget deficits.

Newsom's public statements and a clip advocating for a national billionaire's tax and a 'new social contract,' citing 10% of people owning 2/3 of wealth and stagnant wages. The hosts cite California's $24 billion spent on homelessness with doubled rates, and a shift from a $100 billion surplus to a $10 billion deficit under Newsom's governance. They also refer to his prior opposition to a state wealth tax before pivoting.

Senator Chris Murphy's proposal to raise the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $25 an hour is critiqued as economically damaging. While large businesses in major metropolitan areas might absorb such a wage hike, small businesses in lower-cost regions like Hope, Arkansas, or Toledo would struggle or fail. The hosts argue this policy would inadvertently benefit large corporations (like Walmart or McDonald's) that can afford higher wages and leverage economies of scale, further consolidating market power and eliminating jobs through automation (e.g., McDonald's kiosks).

Discussion of median income by state (e.g., New York $104k vs. West Virginia $61k) to illustrate cost-of-living disparities. Example of Big Mac price doubling if labor costs double. Reference to McDonald's investing in kiosks after minimum wage increases in New York.

The movie 'Citizen Vigilante,' starring Armie Hammer, is described as a highly controversial film depicting a man who becomes a vigilante after his mother is murdered and the justice system fails. The film explicitly addresses themes of government inaction, particularly regarding migrant-related crimes (e.g., a gang rape where the mother of one perpetrator blames the victim). Banned in Germany, the hosts express serious concern that the movie, which is popular on Apple TV and was posted for free by Elon Musk on X, could inspire actual vigilante actions and social unrest in Europe among citizens frustrated with perceived lawlessness and government failures.

Detailed plot points including the vigilante killing rapists and their families, and a judge who considers the rapists 'victims.' The film's line: 'This is an unfair takeover by Islamic extremists and the woke left.' Its banning in Germany and Australia, and Elon Musk posting it for free on X. Comparisons to 'Joker' and 'Death Wish' as films that could inspire real-world actions.

The hosts assert that democratic socialists, exemplified by figures like Mamani and AOC, are increasingly dominating the Democratic Party, pushing radical leftist policies and ideologies. They argue that the traditional Democratic establishment has lost its way, becoming 'useful idiots' who are being 'cannibalized' by the DSA. This shift is characterized as a 'fight for the soul of the nation,' with the DSA advocating for policies and cultural stances (e.g., open borders, wealth taxes, denying traditional American pride) that the hosts deem 'America-hating' and 'Marxist.'

Mamani's statement that 'a democratic socialist can get elected anywhere across this country for any position.' Discussion of George Soros's $100 million funding for midterm candidates who 'hate America.' Adam's assertion that 'MAGA has basically taken over the GOP' while 'DSA has taken over the Democratic establishment party.' Trump's clip warning against 'communism' as a 'cancer' permeating the country.

HelloFresh, a meal kit delivery service, is heavily criticized for a Pride Month campaign on Instagram that included sexually explicit language related to anal sex and a discount code 'Bottoms Up.' The hosts express disgust, arguing that a family-oriented food company should not engage in sexualized marketing, especially given its broad customer base including families and children. This campaign is framed as another example of 'woke' corporate missteps, drawing parallels to the financial losses incurred by Budweiser due to its Dylan Mulvaney partnership.

Direct quotes from HelloFresh's Instagram post: 'We know eating isn't always top priority this month' and 'for those of you who are... prepping.' The 'Bottoms Up' discount code. Mention of HelloFresh having 7.1 million active customers worldwide and a prior Department of Labor investigation for migrant child labor.

The Texas Education Board's decision to make Bible passages, including stories like Noah's Ark, Exodus, and Adam and Eve, required reading in public schools starting in 2030 is presented as a positive step towards instilling moral foundations. This move follows the prior mandate to post the Ten Commandments in schools. The hosts support this as a way to teach 'good citizenry' and counter the 'lawlessness' and 'insanity' observed in schools, rejecting the argument of 'teacher autonomy' as a union-driven attempt to inject personal political agendas.

Report on the Texas Education Board's 9-5 vote. Quotes from Republican board member Julie Pikrin on students engaging with foundational texts. Opposition from board member Evelyn Brooks citing 'unconstitutional' and teacher autonomy. Discussion of the Ten Commandments' dual role in religious and civil law.

Effective July 1, 2026, Idaho will allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for child sexual abuse convictions and has designated the firing squad as its primary method of execution. This move is praised by the hosts as a strong deterrent against severe crimes, particularly those against children. They link it to Idaho's existing pro-Second Amendment stance (60% of households own guns, lowest ATM muggings) and its overall conservative values, emphasizing that institutional justice should be firm and visible, even if not publicly televised.

Idaho House Bill 37 and 380 authorizing firing squad. Details on restricted viewing (official witnesses, victims' families, media). Statistics on Idaho's gun ownership and low ATM mugging rates.