Civil Discourse
233 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsThis podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government, and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life.
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Episodes
Congressional Review Act
April 13, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 35.6 MBAughie thwarts Nia's plan to use the Space Force to take over all the other agencies by explaining the Congressional Review Act. The act requires that agencies submit regulatory changes to Congress for review. Also, the plural of nemesis is nemeses.
Presidential and Congressional Medals
April 05, 2022 16:00 - 53 minutes - 29.4 MBNia and Aughie explore some of the various military and civilian honors and awards that may be granted by the President or Congress. Some awards are given for very specific contributions while others are given for lifetime achievements or contributions deemed worthy by individual members of Congress.
HIPAA
March 29, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 34.1 MBAughie and Nia have a discussion of the pros and cons of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This Act is an excellent example of the law of unintended consequences, in both good and bad ways.
That is Not in the U.S. Constitution
March 22, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 35.1 MBNia and Aughie continue their discussion of the text of the U.S. Constitution. This episode focuses on rights that are (and are not) enumerated in the text. The original text has no enumerated right to vote, privacy, or a fair trial, among others.
Short 3 - Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
March 15, 2022 16:05 - 22 minutes - 12 MBAughie and Nia briefly discuss President Joe Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
In the News - Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
March 15, 2022 16:05 - 22 minutes - 12 MBAughie and Nia briefly discuss President Joe Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Short 3: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
March 15, 2022 16:05 - 22 minutes - 12 MBAughie and Nia briefly discuss President Joe Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Dissed Amendments
March 15, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes - 29.8 MBAughie and Nia discuss the amendments that were tardy to be included or not included in the text of the U.S. Constitution. Of James Madison's 20 proposed amendments, only 12 went forward, and only 10 made it into the Bill of Rights. Aughie speaks in detail on 5 of the original 20 that were rejected by Congress initially. Aughie also discusses amendments that were rejected by the states.
Colorado River Compact
March 08, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 29.5 MBNia and Aughie discuss the factors that brought about the creation of the Colorado River Compact. They also discuss the current issues and challenges facing the Law of the River.
WOTUS - Waters of the United States
March 01, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBAughie and Nia explore the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and the Clean Water Act. They also discuss the complicated caselaw from SCOTUS regarding "navigable waters" and the changing presidential definitions of WOTUS.
What is the Serial Set?
February 22, 2022 17:00 - 48 minutes - 26.5 MBNia and Aughie extol the virtues of the United States Congressional Serial Set, especially its historical and political importance. They discuss the content of the set, and encourage listeners to explore these important American documents.
In the News - Russia and Ukraine, February 18, 2022
February 18, 2022 17:00 - 33 minutes - 18 MBDr. Judy Twigg joins Aughie and Nia to discuss the latest developments on the Russian/Ukrainian border. Dr. Twigg also gives us a primer on recent Russian history and the reasons for conflict between these nations.
Short 2 - Russia and Ukraine, February 18, 2022
February 18, 2022 17:00 - 33 minutes - 18 MBDr. Judy Twigg joins Aughie and Nia to discuss the latest developments on the Russian/Ukrainian border. Dr. Twigg also gives us a primer on recent Russian history and the reasons for conflict between these nations.
Robert J. (Bob) Dole Memorial
February 15, 2022 17:00 - 41 minutes - 27 MBAughie and Nia commemorate the career of Robert J. (Bob) Dole, (July 22, 1923 - December 5, 2021). They discuss his personal physical battles and inner strength as well as his storied political career.
Vice Presidents, Part 2
February 08, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 36.8 MBAughie and Nia discuss the office of Vice President of the United States. The second of two episodes explores interesting tidbits about various vice presidents, and ends with some quotes from office holders on the importance of the position.
In the News - SCOTUS and Vaccine Mandates
February 01, 2022 17:01 - 19 minutes - 10.5 MBNia and Aughie give a quick take on two recent vaccine mandate rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Short 1 - SCOTUS and Vaccine Mandates
February 01, 2022 17:01 - 19 minutes - 10.5 MBNia and Aughie give a quick take on two recent vaccine mandate rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Vice Presidents, Part 1
February 01, 2022 17:00 - 59 minutes - 31.8 MBNia and Aughie discuss the office of Vice President of the United States. The first of two episodes discusses the evolution of the position.
Presidential Libraries Part 2: Boxes and Boxes
January 25, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 29.5 MB*Recorded in 2020* Professor Bill Newmann joins Aughie and Nia in the first two episodes of season 9 to discuss visiting presidential libraries. In this second episode, Dr. Newmann explains in detail how get the most out of a visit to the Presidential libraries
Presidential Libraries Part 1: Two Folders
January 18, 2022 17:00 - 49 minutes - 27.9 MB*Recorded in 2020* Professor Bill Newmann joins Aughie and Nia in the first two episodes of season 9 to discuss visiting presidential libraries. The first episode covers general research visits and what types of materials a researcher can find in the Presidential libraries.
D.C. Statehood
December 14, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 34.9 MBAughie and Nia discuss the potential difficulties of adding the District of Columbia as a state to the United States. Complexities include representation, balancing federal and state needs, and the Constitutional issues. *Correction: Nia mistakenly says LaFayette planned the city of Washington twice; rather, L'Enfant planned the city. Apologies for the error.
Adding a State to the United States
December 07, 2021 17:00 - 52 minutes - 28.7 MBNia and Aughie discuss how territories and protectorates come to join the United States. The discussion includes the barriers to statehood and the requirements that Congress sets out for proto-states to meet. The latter part of the discussion covers the Equal Footing Doctrine.
Fun with Patents and Trademarks
November 30, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 37 MBAughie and Nia welcome back copyright librarian Hillary Miller. Hillary walks listeners through the process of applying for a patent. The discussion then moves into some of the more interesting patent and trademark cases.
Do You Want to Know a Secret?
November 23, 2021 17:00 - 58 minutes - 32.9 MBNia and Aughie discuss the State Secrets Privilege in court, and the potential problems that arise from invoking that privilege. They weigh the pros and cons of protecting information versus transparency.
Controlled Substances Act
November 16, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 36.4 MBAughie and Nia discuss the Controlled Substances Act and the latest changes to Virginia marijuana laws. They also discuss the positives and negatives of enforcement of state drug laws versus national drug laws.
2020 U.S. Census Update
November 09, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 31.1 MBNia and Aughie explore more 2020 U.S. Census data. This episode focuses on the racial demographics of the U.S. currently, and projections for future demographics in 20-40 years.
Rats' First Amendment Rights
November 03, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBAughie and Nia discuss the case of Scabby the Rat and the rights of unions to protest in certain conditions. Aughie explains the early history of the National Labor Review Board and its current powers and problems when dealing with labor disputes.
Midterm Elections Preview
October 26, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBNia and Aughie discuss why people vote the way they do in non-presidential elections. Aughie explores the three most common political theories that explain voter behavior in the midterm elections.
R Kelly and the RICO and Mann Acts
October 19, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 35.9 MBAughie and Nia discuss the conviction of R&B singer R Kelly in instances of racketeering and Mann Act violations. Aughie explains the history behind, and crimes that may be charged, under the RICO and Mann Acts.
Who Responds to Elections Polling?
October 12, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 34.9 MBNia and Aughie discuss polling and the media prior to the November elections of 2021. They cover common mistakes in polling that can lead to confusion and unreliable results.
Government Public Relations
October 05, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 33.6 MBAughie and Nis discuss the Gillette Amendment, 5 United States Code Section 3107, and the use of public relations specialists by the United States Government. The discussion ranges from messy public relations around COVID messaging to the titles given government information employees to the use of propaganda by federal agencies.
Shadow Docket Follow Up, Fall 2021
September 28, 2021 16:38 - 1 hour - 35.7 MBIn this follow up episode, Nia and Aughie discuss two recent controversial SCOTUS shadow docket decisions. The Evictions Moratorium case and the Texas Abortion case decisions may have far reaching consequences in American law and may affect future SCOTUS decisions.
Shadow Docket
September 21, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBAughie and Nia discuss the nature of the shadow docket, and how it is used by the Supreme Court. Aughie also explains the common scholarly critiques associated with the use of the shadow docket.
Preliminary 2020 Census Report
September 14, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBNia and Aughie give their take on the initial data released by the Census Bureau for the 2020 Decennial Census. Results of the new census count are affecting Congressional and in some cases State Assemblies' districts.
SCOTUS Wrap Up, Part 2
September 07, 2021 16:01 - 59 minutes - 38.2 MBSeason 8 begins with Aughie and Nia discussing the 2020-21 U.S. Supreme Court Term. Part 2 deals with current and possible future trends in rulings.
SCOTUS Wrap Up, Part 1
September 07, 2021 16:00 - 51 minutes - 32.9 MBSeason 8 begins with Aughie and Nia discussing the 2020-21 U.S. Supreme Court Term. In part 1, topics include general statistics of the Court (number of cases, percentages of agreements and dissents, and number of opinions written).
Smithsonian Institution, Part 2
July 06, 2021 16:05 - 58 minutes - 38.2 MBAughie and Nia welcome back Eric Johnson to discuss James' Smithson's gift to the United States, the funding for "an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men." The first episode covers the early funding of the Nation's Attic. The second episode covers the personalities involved in the early years, and the basics for planning a visit to the Smithsonian Institution.
Smithsonian Institution, Part 1
July 06, 2021 16:04 - 50 minutes - 33.1 MBAughie and Nia welcome back Eric Johnson to discuss James' Smithson's gift to the United States, the funding for "an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men." The first episode covers the early funding of the Nation's Attic. The second episode covers the personalities involved in the early years, and the basics for planning a visit to the Smithsonian Institution.
National Gallery of Art
July 06, 2021 16:03 - 1 hour - 44 MBDr. Kristine Artello joins Nia and Aughie for an episode about the National Gallery of Art. The discussion covers the basics of visiting the galleries as well as Jazz in the Garden, the chequered history of Andrew Mellon's involvement, and a note about visiting art where you live.
National Zoo
July 06, 2021 16:02 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBAughie and Nia welcome Dr. Pattie Sobczak to discuss the National Zoo. Topics range from the history of the Zoo, to the basics of planning a visit, and Panda Diplomacy.
National Parks, Part 2
July 06, 2021 16:01 - 50 minutes - 33 MBIn a two-part set of episodes, Nia and Aughie talk with Eric Johnson about the opportunities to see national parks in every state in the union. The first episode focuses on the legislation that brought the National Park system into being. In the second episode, Eric explains the details of visiting the parks.
National Parks, Part 1
July 06, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 40.1 MBIn a two-part set of episodes, Nia and Aughie talk with Eric Johnson about the opportunities to see national parks in every state in the union. The first episode focuses on the legislation that brought the National Park system into being. In the second episode, Eric explains the details of visiting the parks.
The Moynihan Commission
June 01, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 39 MBIn the final episode of the Commissions series, Aughie and Nia look at the Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government Secrecy, also known as the Moynihan Commission. Coming at the end of the Cold War Era, this report discusses the need for careful review of secrecy decisions to limit the potential harms from too many documents being declared secret.
Banking Commissions, Part 2
May 25, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 39.9 MBThe second of two episodes that find Nia and Aughie exploring the four major Banking Commissions from 1907 to 2010. In part 1, they discussed the National Monetary Commission and the Pecora Investigation. In part 2, they look into the Commission on Money and Credit and the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission.
Banking Commissions, Part 1
May 18, 2021 16:00 - 58 minutes - 38.1 MBThe next two episodes find Nia and Aughie exploring the four major Banking Commissions from 1907 to 2010. In part 1, they discuss the National Monetary Commission and the Pecora Investigation. In part 2, they look into the Commission on Money and Credit and the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission.
The Kerner Commission, Part 2
May 11, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 34.9 MBIn these two episodes of the Commission series, Nia and Aughie explore the report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. In the first part, Aughie and Nia discuss membership, precipitating events, and list the recommendations. In part 2, they discuss the public reaction to the recommendations, and the ongoing political fallout from the Commission's work.
The Kerner Commission, Part 1
May 04, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 33.6 MBIn these two episodes of the Commission series, Nia and Aughie explore the report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. In the first part, Aughie and Nia discuss membership, precipitating events, and list the recommendations. In part 2, they discuss the public reaction to the recommendations, and the ongoing political fallout from the Commission's work.
Tower Commission
April 27, 2021 16:00 - 57 minutes - 36.7 MBThe Tower Commission, established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, was to investigate and review the proper role of the National Security Staff in the sale of arms to Iran. Aughie and Nia discuss the scope of the investigation, from the Congressional mandates regarding arms sales to the lack of cooperation of some of the intelligence agencies. They also touch on the concurrent Congressional investigations.
The Shafer Commission
April 20, 2021 16:00 - 56 minutes - 36.5 MBNia and Aughie discuss the work of the The Shafer Commission. The discussion touches on Reefer Madness and moves to the 1974 report and the recommendations regarding decriminalization of recreational marijuana use. The Commission's report on marijuana use was largely ignored by the Nixon Administration.
The Brownlow Committee, Part 2
April 13, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 32.7 MBThe Brownlow Committee and report provide the next two episodes in the Commission series. Part 1 is a discussion of the goals of President Roosevelt in forming the Committee as well as their general recommendations. Part 2 is a discussion of the outcome of the Committee's report, including the many offices within the Executive Office of the President.