#455 — More From Sam: Guns, Propaganda, AI, and Power Unbound
In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris examines the case of Alex Preti, who was killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, and discusses how the response from gun rights groups appears to be influenced by partisan politics rather than constitutional principles. He also addresses the ongoing situation in Iran, where government crackdowns on protesters have resulted in significant casualties.
Harris explores the challenge of climate change misinformation in public discourse, using recent social media posts and media appearances as examples. He emphasizes the need to maintain focus on climate issues and counter misleading narratives with scientific evidence, even as other immediate crises compete for public attention.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 30, 2026 episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris
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1-Page Summary
Police Violence and Gun Rights
Sam Harris discusses the troubling case of Alex Preti's death at the hands of federal ICE agents in Minneapolis. Harris notes that Preti was fully disarmed and restrained when agents fired ten rounds into his body, constituting a clear violation of his Second Amendment rights. Harris expresses concern over the silence from gun rights groups regarding this incident, suggesting that if the same event had occurred under a Democratic administration, the response would have been drastically different. This muted reaction, Harris argues, reveals that many gun rights advocates may be more driven by partisan loyalty than genuine concern for protecting constitutional rights against government overreach.
International Affairs (Iran)
Harris brings attention to the severe situation in Iran, where government crackdowns on protesters have potentially resulted in over 30,000 deaths. While discussing signs of possible U.S. military preparation in response to these events, Harris advocates for a careful approach. He suggests that while the U.S. should support efforts to overthrow the current Iranian regime, it should avoid direct military confrontation that could further destabilize the region.
Climate Change and Misinformation
Harris addresses the ongoing challenge of climate change misinformation, specifically pointing to public figure Candace Owens' recent tweet displaying a fundamental misunderstanding of basic climate science. Drawing from his memory of a previous roundtable discussion and Owens' appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Harris emphasizes how such misinformation undermines climate change efforts. Despite immediate crises drawing public attention away from climate issues, Harris stresses the importance of countering misleading narratives with scientific evidence to maintain focus on this pressing global threat.
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Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Second Amendment primarily concerns the right to keep and bear arms, and while the excessive use of force by law enforcement is a serious issue, it may not be directly related to Second Amendment rights, which typically involve an individual's right to possess and use firearms.
- The silence of gun rights groups on Alex Preti's case could be due to a variety of factors, including lack of awareness, perceived relevance to their mission, or other priorities, rather than purely partisan loyalty.
- The response of gun rights groups to incidents of police violence may not necessarily be predicted by the political party of the current administration, as these groups may have complex positions and motivations.
- The estimated number of deaths in Iran could be subject to verification and might not be accurate without reliable and independent sources confirming the figure.
- Advocating for the overthrow of a foreign government is a complex issue that can have unpredictable consequences, and some may argue that it is not the place of the U.S. to involve itself in regime change.
- Military preparation by the U.S. in response to international events can be part of standard operating procedures and does not necessarily indicate an intention to engage in direct military confrontation.
- Candace Owens' statements on climate change may reflect a segment of public opinion, and addressing such views could involve understanding the underlying concerns and providing education rather than solely focusing on the misinformation aspect.
- While immediate crises can distract from long-term issues like climate change, they can also provide opportunities to address the root causes of both immediate and long-term challenges in a holistic manner.
- Countering misinformation with scientific evidence is important, but it is also necessary to engage in effective communication strategies that resonate with different audiences, as scientific evidence alone may not change deeply held beliefs or overcome skepticism.
Actionables
- You can engage in informed discussions by researching the Second Amendment and its interpretations to better understand the complexities of gun rights and government actions. Start by reading the actual text of the Second Amendment, then look for scholarly articles or legal analyses that explain how it has been interpreted in various court cases. This will equip you with a nuanced perspective when discussing cases like Alex Preti's with peers or on social media, allowing for a more informed dialogue rather than relying on partisan talking points.
- Enhance your media literacy by learning to identify misinformation, especially regarding climate change, through online courses or workshops. Websites like Coursera or edX offer free courses on media literacy and critical thinking. By understanding the tactics used to spread misinformation, you can better assess the credibility of information you come across and explain these concepts to others, contributing to a more informed public discourse on climate change.
- Support organizations that work towards international human rights by volunteering or donating to groups focused on monitoring and reporting government actions against citizens. Find a reputable organization that aligns with your values and offers volunteer opportunities or ways to contribute financially. Your involvement can help amplify the voices of those affected by government crackdowns, like in Iran, and support peaceful efforts to promote human rights and democratic values globally.
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Police Violence and Gun Rights
Alex Preti's Police Killing Violated Second Amendment, Should Outrage Gun Rights Advocates
Sam Harris sheds light on the troubling circumstances of Alex Preti’s death at the hands of federal agents, emphasizing that Preti’s Second Amendment rights were violated.
Video: Preti Disarmed, Restrained, Shot by Federal Agents
Harris notes that the killing of Preti by what he describes as poorly trained ICE officers in Minneapolis was not only depressing but also completely unwarranted. He points out that Preti was fully disarmed and restrained before being fatally shot, with the agents firing ten rounds into his body—an action Harris deems as a senseless violation of Preti's rights.
Gun Rights Groups' Silence on Second Amendment's Role Against Tyranny Is Puzzling
Moreover, Harris brings attention to the puzzling silence from gun rights groups who typically claim to uphold the Second Amendment as a safeguard against tyranny. He argues that their absence of outcry over Preti's killing, particularly given the violation of his Second Amendment rights, is both astonishing and concerning.
Gun Owners and Rights Groups' Response to Preti's Killing Reveals Double Standard and Hypocrisy
Harris suggests that if an incident like Preti’s killing had occurred under a Democratic administration, the response from the gun rights community would have been drastically different, implying a stark double standard.
Gun Rights Community Would Demand Accountability if Incident Under Democratic Administration
He speculates that had Preti been killed under an administration led by Biden or Kamala Harris, it would likely trigger a substantial display of opposit ...
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Police Violence and Gun Rights
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Counterarguments
- The Second Amendment primarily protects the right to keep and bear arms; it does not necessarily shield individuals from the use of force by law enforcement in all circumstances.
- The actions of federal agents may have been in accordance with their training and protocols, which could include the use of lethal force under certain conditions.
- The silence of gun rights groups could be due to a lack of information or a wait-and-see approach to gather all the facts before making a public statement.
- Gun rights groups may not see Preti's case as related to the Second Amendment if he was not actively using a firearm in a lawful manner at the time of the incident.
- The response of gun rights advocates to incidents of police violence may vary based on the specifics of each case rather than partisan politics.
- The perceived muted response could be due to the incident not being widely reported or not ...
Actionables
- You can start a personal audit of your advocacy efforts by tracking when and how you speak up about issues. Create a simple spreadsheet or journal where you note the topics you advocate for, the actions you take, and the reasons behind your involvement. This self-reflection can help you identify any biases or inconsistencies in your advocacy and encourage a more principled approach.
- Engage in constructive conversations with friends or online communities about the importance of consistent advocacy. Use specific cases as starting points for discussion, avoiding mentioning Preti's case directly, to explore how people react differently to similar events under varying political contexts. This can help raise awareness about potential biases and the need for consistent principles.
- Vol ...
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International Affairs (Iran)
As the situation in Iran intensifies, Sam Harris brings attention to the severity of the government's suppression of protesters and the possible reactions from the international community, particularly the United States.
Iran Crackdown on Protesters Likely Results In Over 30,000 Deaths
Government's Repression: Horrific and Deserving International Condemnation
Sam Harris details alarming reports indicating that Iran's crackdown on dissenting voices and protesters might have resulted in over 30,000 deaths. Such horrific repression by the Iranian government is likely to draw international condemnation due to the gravity and scale of the human rights violations involved.
U.S. May Prepare Military Response to Iran Situation
Concerns About U.S. Intervention's Potential Consequences and Regional Destabilization
Harris discusses the possibility that the U.S. is preparing a response to the killings of protesters in Iran, noting that there are signs of military equipment being moved into the region. This potential U.S. intervention raises concerns about the subsequent consequences and risk of further destabilizing an already volatile region. ...
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International Affairs (Iran)
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Counterarguments
- The reported number of deaths may be subject to verification and could be influenced by the sources of information, which might be biased or not fully accurate.
- International condemnation might not lead to effective action due to geopolitical interests, the complexity of international relations, and the principle of state sovereignty.
- Military movements by the U.S. could be part of routine operations or strategic posturing rather than a direct indication of an impending military response.
- Non-military interventions, such as sanctions or diplomatic pressure, might also have unintended negative consequences for the Iranian population, potentially exacerbating their hardships.
- Supporting regime change from the outside can be perceived as interference in internal affairs, which may not align with the international norms of respecting national sovereignty.
- The effectivene ...
Actionables
- You can raise awareness by creating digital art that highlights the plight of Iranian protesters and sharing it on social media platforms. By using your artistic skills, you can design impactful images or graphics that encapsulate the struggle for human rights in Iran. Share these with relevant hashtags to increase visibility and encourage others to learn about the situation.
- Start a book club focused on Iranian history and culture to foster a deeper understanding of the country's complexities. Choose books written by Iranian authors or those that delve into Iran's political landscape. This can lead to informed discussions about the country and create a community of individuals knowledgeable about Iran beyond the current events.
- Engage in consumer activism ...
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Climate Change and Misinformation
The fight against climate change is undermined by persistent misinformation from prominent figures, despite the overwhelming consensus among scientists about its urgency.
Despite Scientific Consensus, Prominent Figures Still Deny or Downplay Climate Change Urgency
Candace Owens, a well-known public figure, recently exhibited a misunderstanding of basic climate science in a tweet where she expressed confusion about ice not melting at 30 degrees. This incident is one among several where she has spread misleading information about climate change.
Candace Owens' 30-Degree Ice Tweet Misinforms and Undermines Climate Change Efforts
Candace Owens' tweet not only reveals a lack of understanding about the climate but also contributes to misinformation that can influence public perception. Sam Harris, commenting on Owens' misunderstanding, recalled a past roundtable discussion on climate change and her appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, underscoring her influence and continued spread of misconceptions.
Public Focus Shifts From Climate Change Amid Immediate Crises
Climate Change Urgency Persists Despite Waning Attention
In times crowded with immediate crises, the urgency surrounding climate change tends to wane in the public eye. Despite this shift in attention, the th ...
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Climate Change and Misinformation
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Clarifications
- Candace Owens is a conservative political commentator and activist known for her influential presence on social media and in public debates. She has a large following, which amplifies her impact on public opinion. Her views often challenge mainstream scientific consensus, making her statements on climate change particularly notable. This influence means her misinformation can significantly affect public understanding and policy discussions.
- The "30 degrees" reference likely confuses Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales. Ice melts at 32°F (0°C), so ice would not melt at 30°F, which is below freezing. Understanding this basic fact is crucial to grasping climate science discussions about temperature and ice melt. Misinterpreting temperature scales can lead to incorrect conclusions about climate phenomena.
- Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and public intellectual known for discussing science, ethics, and society. He often addresses misinformation and promotes rational, evidence-based thinking. His relevance here is as a commentator who critiques public figures spreading falsehoods about climate change. Harris' involvement highlights the importance of informed dialogue in combating climate misinformation.
- Joe Rogan's podcast is one of the most popular and widely listened-to platforms globally, reaching millions of diverse listeners. It often features long-form conversations where guests share their views, including on controversial topics like climate change. When public figures with skeptical or misleading views on climate science appear, it can amplify misinformation to a large audience. This influence makes the podcast a significant factor in shaping public opinion on climate issues.
- Public attention shifts away from climate change during immediate crises because people prioritize urgent, visible problems that affect their daily lives directly. Media coverage and political focus tend to concentrate on these pressing issues, reducing the visibility of long-term challenges like climate change. Cognitive biases also lead individuals to respond more strongly to immediate threats than to gradual or distant ones. This shift can delay public suppor ...
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