February 16, 2026
Why should voluntaryists care about the Epstein files?
Frankly, I’m concerned you’re not seeing this story correctly.
I’m having conversations with people about the Epstein files. It’s like their brains are stuck in mud because…
Far too many people think the Epstein files are about Donald Trump.
The President hasn’t helped his case by acting so suspiciously. He’s called the story fake. He got his FBI director and deputy to flip-flop – first to deny there’s anything of value in the files, and now (we’re learning) to redact the hell out of the files! Trump also urged his compliant House Speaker to delay any action for several months, and now sends his Attorney General to filibuster and holler – even gaslight us into the idea that this transparency was the President’s idea.
Would you like to know something even more weird than all of that?
All the way back in the ancient days of 2024, most people thought the Epstein files were about Bill Clinton. Nearly everyone that wanted those files released voted for the “swamp drainer” Donald Trump. They were led by people like the current FBI director and his recently departed deputy, who at the time were podcasters. That’s why, less than a year ago, every Democrat thought Epstein was a crank conservative conspiracy theory. Then, they saw that this news harmed Trump’s approval rating.
Because you live in an environment where nearly all of the media and most of the people in the country are led around by their partisanship – incapable of critical thought, let alone principles – you could be forgiven for believing that this is only about Trump, Clinton, or even sex.
But the voluntaryist analysis of this story should stand out. Our approach should be distinct and principled. You should have something smarter and more interesting to say, instead of repeating the hack, partisan takes you’re seeing everywhere else.
That’s why Bill Protzmann and I sat down, more than a week ago, and recorded “Five Things We Can Learn From The Epstein Files.”
OR…
In this episode of Gracearchy with Jim Babka, despite the “Five things” title, we had time to cover…
Seven Things to Learn From the Epstein Files
We put the five-item list on the screen, within the first 90 seconds of show. Here are the first four…
- Large conspiracies can exist in secret for decades.
- All nations have deep States. Voluntaryists can understand both why this fact is true, and what it tells us about democracy.
- Major international corruption is like a criminal gang.
- Rational apathy is real. We explore a paradox where people vote in elections but feel powerless to stop evil.
Plus, we have two bonus items because we had the time – the show is only 31-minutes long. That portion includes a hilarious heuristic about “Blue Ribbon Commissions,” and why this case teaches us to love anarchy.
This short show is perfect for a commute or two, to play while you shower or shave, or to digest as do another task. That’s why we’re on these audio podcasting platforms: Spotify * Pandora * iHeart * Apple, and several others.
We’re featuring today’s episode on…
Impact Actions
These small actions “speed up the algorithm” so that new people discover the program.
- Reacting (thumbs up) and subscribing, while you’re listening (the later you do this, the better).
- On Rumble or YouTube, leave a comment (we often respond).
These simple actions are like contributions. Thank you!
ZAP The State and have a nice day,
Jim Babka
Host, Gracearchy with Jim Babka
Co-creator, Zero Aggression Project
Jim Babka is the co-creator of the Zero Aggression Project. However, the views expressed in the show do not necessarily reflect those of the board, staff, or supporters of the Zero Aggression Project (Downsize DC Foundation). Sometimes, we use ChatGPT or AI to help with blogging elements (but not this time).