JRE #1706 – Billy Corben

This podcast explores the life and work of Billy Corben, a documentarian and producer best known for his “Cocaine Cowboys” series, now available on Netflix. The conversation delves into the unique character of Florida, especially Miami, highlighting its history, culture, and controversial political landscape. Provocative topics include COVID-19, drug culture, political corruption, and the future of Miami. Underlying themes explore the allure of the American Dream, the dangers of unchecked power, and the fragility of democracy.

Major Topics:

Florida’s Unique Character:

• Florida’s ‘hustle’ economy and its reliance on tourism and new investment.
• Florida’s lack of indigenous industry and its reputation as a “sunny place for shady people.”
• The ‘Florida Man’ phenomenon and the state’s embrace of chaos and absurdity.
• Miami’s historical significance as a recording hub and its association with music legends.

COVID-19 and Florida’s Response:

• The high number of COVID-19 deaths in Florida, particularly among law enforcement officers.
• Florida’s “open for business” approach and its rejection of mandates and restrictions.
• The role of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in driving COVID-19 deaths in Florida.
• The availability and effectiveness of treatments like monoclonal antibodies, which are not always utilized.

Miami’s Drug Culture and ‘Cocaine Cowboys’:

• Miami’s history as a major hub for the cocaine trade, with the “Cocaine Cowboys” series as a case study.
• The role of money laundering and the impact of the drug trade on Miami’s economy and real estate market.
• The rise and fall of drug kingpins like Willy and Sal, and the brutal methods they employed to enforce their trade.
• The comparison between the drug trade and Miami’s current tech industry, highlighting the similarity in “hustle” and “fake it till you make it” culture.

Florida’s Political Landscape and Corruption:

• The pervasive corruption and cronyism in Florida’s government, evidenced by the Champlain Towers South collapse and FIU bridge collapse.
• The lack of accountability and transparency, exemplified by the absence of punishment for the contractors involved in the building collapses.
• The influence of private sector interests in Florida’s politics, with examples like Miami’s mayor holding multiple private sector jobs.
• The growing wealth gap and the inability of many residents to afford the cost of living in Miami Dade County.

The Future of Miami and the “America of Tomorrow”:

• Miami’s vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise, and the potential for future flooding and displacement.
• The influx of people from other states, seeking lower taxes and a “wild west” lifestyle, and their potential impact on Miami’s future.
• The challenges of social issues like homelessness and affordable housing, exacerbated by Miami’s rapid growth.
• The potential for Miami’s current political and social trends to become more prevalent across the United States.

Social Media and Free Speech:

• The debate about the role of social media platforms in regulating speech, especially in the case of Donald Trump’s ban.
• The argument that social media platforms have become too powerful, resembling utilities rather than private businesses, and the potential for government regulation.
• The potential for censorship and the silencing of dissenting voices, particularly in the context of ideological divisions.
• The importance of robust debate and the dangers of demonizing those who hold opposing viewpoints.

The Importance of Education and Compassion:

• The underfunding of public education and the increasing reliance on charter schools, which may not be held to the same standards.
• The importance of teaching children compassion and understanding of diverse perspectives, while acknowledging the reality of racism and other social issues.
• The dangers of teaching children that they are inherently racist or guilty for the actions of their ancestors.
• The need for more empathy and understanding in a polarized society, and the dangers of demonizing those who hold opposing viewpoints.

The American Dream and Its Perversions:

• The allure of the American Dream and its potential for both success and corruption.
• The impact of cronyism and corruption on the ability for hard work and merit to lead to success.
• The challenges faced by younger generations, particularly millennials, who may have fewer opportunities than previous generations.
• The need for a more equitable system and a renewed emphasis on compassion and understanding.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Florida has no indigenous industry. We don’t produce anything but oranges and machine guns. That’s what Florida makes. We sell the sunshine.”
• “Miami is the city of the future. And effectively, the Florida of today is the America of tomorrow, and more importantly, the Miami of today, more specifically. The Miami of today is the America of tomorrow.”
• “Miami is just one of those places. In that era, when it became America’s Casablanca, I mean, look, the the our numbered 1 and 2 industries at that time, still today. Early 19 eighties Miami. Number 2 was tourism, generating upwards of about $7,000,000,000 a year into the Miami Dade economy. Number 1, should say, legitimate industry. It was real estate generating about $9,000,000,000 a year into the economy in Miami. The drug trade at the time was estimated to bring it upwards of $12,000,000,000 a year into our local economy.”
• “The worst people they elect, the better it is for our business. For your business. Yeah. Yeah. Because it like Right. And I’m like, what a shitty way of, like, it’s true. I think you’re good. I think you’re good.”
• “The greatest threat to to capitalism for example is cronyism. That is the greatest threat. That corruption is what taints the system. That’s the I see that. I see that in the bridge collapse. Why isn’t anybody in trouble? Right. It’s this it’s the friend they call it the friends and family. program, you know, friends and family plan in Miami.”