Reform the Internet: Deconstruction, and Politics
Apr 28, 2025Reform the Internet brings you a rollercoaster of an episode that blends deep dives into faith, sharp takes on politics, and a sprinkle of lighthearted humor. From Rhett and Link’s deconstruction journey to Trump’s intriguing cabinet picks, there’s plenty to chew on. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7A2K4uc8QU[/embed]
Reform the Internet: What’s Deconstruction All About?
Deconstruction, the process of rethinking one’s beliefs, was a central theme in this episode. Corey and Matthew explored its complexity, especially how it’s reshaping people’s faith and values. Corey shared his own evolving perspective. In the past, he viewed deconstruction as a wholesale rejection of God and a self-centered reshuffling of priorities. But over time, he’s come to see it as a more layered experience. Many people who deconstruct aren’t abandoning values like kindness, empathy, or raising moral kids—they’re simply shifting the foundation those values rest upon. However, Corey also highlighted a tension he’s noticed: people trying to preserve the "fruit" of faith-based values (like compassion) without the "roots" of religious belief. He wonders if this approach can hold up in the long run. When discussing Rhett and Link’s public deconstruction journey, Corey didn’t hold back. He questioned whether the duo ever truly embraced deep faith in Jesus, citing Bible verses that suggest genuine faith is unshakable. To him, their shift away from Christianity seems to indicate a lack of foundational belief rather than a loss of it.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks: Hits, Misses, and Head-Scratchers
Switching gears, we delved into the political arena, examining Trump’s latest cabinet picks and Corey’s unfiltered reactions.
- RFK Jr. for Health Secretary: This nomination sparked mixed emotions. Corey vehemently disagrees with RFK Jr.’s pro-choice stance but doesn’t think it will heavily influence his role. He also chuckled at the irony of a photo showing RFK Jr. holding a McDonald’s bag after a UFC fight with Trump, given RFK’s vocal criticisms of processed foods.
- Lori Chavez-Ramírez for Labor Secretary: Corey admitted he’s still learning about Chavez-Ramírez and labor union history. However, he touched on a recent conversation about the cultural distinctions between “Hispanic” and “Mexican,” which gave him pause for thought.
- Scott Besent for Treasury Secretary: Besent’s policies on lower taxes and deregulation resonated with Corey, and he appreciated Trump’s humor during their announcement, especially the quip about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state—a lighthearted jab in the middle of a trade policy discussion.
- Marco Rubio for Secretary of State: Corey pointed out Rubio’s strong foreign policy credentials, particularly his unwavering support for NATO and strategic diplomacy. However, he didn’t dive too deeply into this nomination.
- Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense: While Corey raised concerns about past allegations against Hegseth, he acknowledged the nominee’s outspoken critique of the current administration’s defense policies as a potential strength.
Reform the Internet: Wrapping It Up
We closed the episode with a few thought-provoking (and lighter) topics:
- Native American Representation: A discussion on the Washington Redskins logo led us into the broader complexities of cultural appropriation and identity.
- Immigration Laws: Corey weighed in on a recent case involving a Denver mayor accused of interfering with federal immigration enforcement. He strongly supported upholding legal consequences for those who undermine enforcement efforts, emphasizing the importance of rule of law.
This episode from Reform the Internet was packed with debates, controversial takes, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re here for the deep dives, the bold opinions, or just a good chuckle, we hope you found something to connect with. Now, it’s your turn! What did you think about the episode? Agree, disagree, or have your own take? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to keep the conversation going!