Rethinking Politics
135 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Finding Truth Beyond The Rhetoric
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Episodes
19: Second Presidential Debate & the Election
October 29, 2020 15:19 - 1 hour - 119 MBWith only days left before November 3rd, we take our last look at the election as well as at last week's debate. We do a breakdown of the policy differences and similarities between the two candidates in preparation for the moment when we collectively find out who will be the President of the United States for the next four years. By doing so, we hope not only to inform but to remind, that although they are different, the differences between these two candidates are not as earth shattering a...
18. Federalism vs Nationalism
October 22, 2020 06:04 - 1 hour - 99 MBAs we get closer and closer to the 2020 election, it can become very difficult to have hope or faith in our national government. So we figured now is a good time to discuss a solution that does bring hope: Federalism. Federalism is an answer to the national partisanship we see every day on TV and social media. We address the straw man arguments against federalism that are normally found in textbooks and focus on the role of the civil war in those false narratives. Then we discuss how actions...
17: Vice President Debate & Voting
October 15, 2020 15:51 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn our second (and maybe last?) week of debate coverage we take a look at the VP debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris. We analyse their performance in terms of both the game of politics and the substance we hope to see in debates. We then spend the second half of the episode answering a question we were asked by a listener that is on a lot of people's minds. Given the situation we are in as voters, what can we do this election to make a difference. To answer that question, we discuss ...
First Presidential Debate 2020
October 08, 2020 14:42 - 1 hour - 107 MBIn this episode, we discuss the first presidential debate of 2020 between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. As everyone knows who watched the debate, it wasn't pretty. But what people don't know is that even if it had been more orderly, it probably still wouldn't have been worth watching. We discuss how debates, debate analysis, and the ensuing fact checking are broken in ways that more decorum could never solve. Modern debates almost never actually discuss the issues, the ideas behind the issues,...
16: First Presidential Debate 2020
October 08, 2020 14:42 - 1 hour - 107 MBIn this episode, we discuss the first presidential debate of 2020 between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. As everyone knows who watched the debate, it wasn't pretty. But what people don't know is that even if it had been more orderly, it probably still wouldn't have been worth watching. We discuss how debates, debate analysis, and the ensuing fact checking are broken in ways that more decorum could never solve. Modern debates almost never actually discuss the issues, the ideas behind the issues,...
The Supreme Court
October 01, 2020 16:47 - 1 hour - 127 MBWith the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there is a vacancy in the Supreme Court. This vacancy, and whether it should be filled during an election year, has raised a whole world of controversy. But while everyone else focuses on this controversy, what we focus on is the make-up and evolution of the power of the Supreme Court itself. The Supreme Court is an extremely useful lens through which to understand the way the federal government and its powers are currently divided. We briefly outline t...
15: The Supreme Court
October 01, 2020 16:47 - 1 hour - 127 MBWith the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there is a vacancy in the Supreme Court. This vacancy, and whether it should be filled during an election year, has raised a whole world of controversy. But while everyone else focuses on this controversy, what we focus on is the make-up and evolution of the power of the Supreme Court itself. The Supreme Court is an extremely useful lens through which to understand the way the federal government and its powers are currently divided. We briefly outline t...
14: Equality of Opportunity
September 24, 2020 05:12 - 59 minutes - 101 MBEquality is a powerful rallying cry, which is why it has gained so much popularity this election season. While people generally know how they feel about Equality of Outcome, Equality of Opportunity is much less clear. Like so many issues discussed today, Equality of Opportunity has competing definitions that make it difficult to discuss effectively. To understand it better, we explore those definitions and the underlying ideas. To do that, we address the viral “monopoly” metaphor and the “li...
Equality of Opportunity
September 24, 2020 05:12 - 59 minutes - 101 MBEquality is a powerful rallying cry, which is why it has gained so much popularity this election season. While people generally know how they feel about Equality of Outcome, Equality of Opportunity is much less clear. Like so many issues discussed today, Equality of Opportunity has competing definitions that make it difficult to discuss effectively. To understand it better, we explore those definitions and the underlying ideas. To do that, we address the viral “monopoly” metaphor and the “li...
13: Crime, Punishment, and Restorative Justice
September 17, 2020 00:24 - 1 hour - 129 MBLast episode we talked about violence in a crisis and how to think about the just use of force in emergency situations. This episode we talk about what happens after the dust settles - otherwise known as the criminal justice system. With massive prison populations, an upcoming election, and incredibly high rates of recidivism, this discussion of criminal justice reform is more timely than ever. We discuss the theory of Deterrents, Threat Prevention, Rehabilitation, Restitution, and Retributi...
Crime, Punishment, and Restorative Justice
September 17, 2020 00:24 - 1 hour - 129 MBLast episode we talked about violence in a crisis and how to think about the just use of force in emergency situations. This episode we talk about what happens after the dust settles - otherwise known as the criminal justice system. With massive prison populations, an upcoming election, and incredibly high rates of recidivism, this discussion of criminal justice reform is more timely than ever. We discuss the theory of Deterrents, Threat Prevention, Rehabilitation, Restitution, and Retributi...
Kenosha Shootings & The Justified Use of Force
September 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBSince the death of George Floyd, there has been a resurgence in the scrutiny of police and non police instances of violence. As time has gone on, this issue has become more and more politicized and has strayed farther and farther away from the key question: when is force justified? In this episode we answer that question starting with principles and theoretical examples, and move into actual cases such as George Floyd, Andrew Jacob Preese, and finally Kyle Rittenhouse. Photo: Chase Baker on...
12: Kenosha Shootings & The Justified Use of Force
September 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBSince the death of George Floyd, there has been a resurgence in the scrutiny of police and non police instances of violence. As time has gone on, this issue has become more and more politicized and has strayed farther and farther away from the key question: when is force justified? In this episode we answer that question starting with principles and theoretical examples, and move into actual cases such as George Floyd, Andrew Jacob Preese, and finally Kyle Rittenhouse. Photo: Chase Baker on...
Republican National Convention 2020
September 03, 2020 15:37 - 1 hour - 102 MBWe are back at it for part two of our 2020 convention coverage, this time covering the RNC. Using the same basic principles as episode 10, we break down what happened during the GOP convention. Most importantly, we address surprising changes that may be reshaping the GOP and the DNC in the near future: Black Voters. We also take a few minutes to talk about our own history with party politics, and how that has effected our view of this particular party.
11: Republican National Convention 2020
September 03, 2020 15:37 - 1 hour - 102 MBWe are back at it for part two of our 2020 convention coverage, this time covering the RNC. Using the same basic principles as episode 10, we break down what happened during the GOP convention. Most importantly, we address surprising changes that may be reshaping the GOP and the DNC in the near future: Black Voters. We also take a few minutes to talk about our own history with party politics, and how that has effected our view of this particular party.
Democratic National Convention 2020
August 26, 2020 18:46 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn our first “Election Special”, we take a look at the Democratic National Convention. Instead of traditional partisan commentary, we look at the broader purpose behind these conventions and why they matter. In short, these conventions mark the critical moment where people with different opinions attempt to form a coalition large enough to win the general election. We discuss specifically how Democrats are attempting to do that and the degree to which we think it was effective. Music: Bea...
10: Democratic National Convention 2020
August 26, 2020 18:46 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn our first “Election Special”, we take a look at the Democratic National Convention. Instead of traditional partisan commentary, we look at the broader purpose behind these conventions and why they matter. In short, these conventions mark the critical moment where people with different opinions attempt to form a coalition large enough to win the general election. We discuss specifically how Democrats are attempting to do that and the degree to which we think it was effective. Music: Bea...
9: Inflation, Stimulus & the CARES Act
August 20, 2020 06:57 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBAs talks drag on about the second round of government relief packages, we take a look back at the first one. The CARES Act promised both relief and stimulus for small businesses, the healthcare industry, and millions of individuals who were struggling. The CARES Act cost over 2 trillion dollars, but at the time most of us just saw the benefits. We weigh the effects of the stimulus aspect by exploring concepts like inflation, production, consumption, saving, spending, and how these concepts c...
Inflation, Stimulus & the CARES Act
August 20, 2020 06:57 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBAs talks drag on about the second round of government relief packages, we take a look back at the first one. The CARES Act promised both relief and stimulus for small businesses, the healthcare industry, and millions of individuals who were struggling. The CARES Act cost over 2 trillion dollars, but at the time most of us just saw the benefits. We weigh the effects of the stimulus aspect by exploring concepts like inflation, production, consumption, saving, spending, and how these concepts c...
8: Education Outcomes & Charter Schools
August 13, 2020 03:48 - 1 hour - 128 MBJoin us as we tear into another controversial subject: Public Education. Last week we talked about disparity in outcomes and how understanding disparities and outcomes clarifies the issue of racism. Here we look at public education and the best way to improve some of those negative outcomes. While there are alternatives like private schools and home school, we discuss how charter schools are already making enormous differences in the areas with the worst outcomes. We just have to get out of ...
Education Outcomes & Charter Schools
August 13, 2020 03:48 - 1 hour - 128 MBJoin us as we tear into another controversial subject: Public Education. Last week we talked about disparity in outcomes and how understanding disparities and outcomes clarifies the issue of racism. Here we look at public education and the best way to improve some of those negative outcomes. While there are alternatives like private schools and home school, we discuss how charter schools are already making enormous differences in the areas with the worst outcomes. We just have to get out of ...
7: Racism: Definitions, Disparities, & Outcomes
August 06, 2020 04:06 - 1 hour - 109 MBTalking about racism is rarely easy, but it becomes much more difficult when the person you are talking to has a completely different definition of racism than you do. To clarify this surprisingly complicated issue, we analyse ideas from some of the most popular voices on racism: Ibram X. Kendi and Robin Diangelo. As we discuss and dissect their ideas, we talk about systemic racism, racial disparities, the concept of equality, and the complex factors that shape outcomes. Music: Beauty F...
Racism: Definitions, Disparities, & Outcomes
August 06, 2020 04:06 - 1 hour - 109 MBTalking about racism is rarely easy, but it becomes much more difficult when the person you are talking to has a completely different definition of racism than you do. To clarify this surprisingly complicated issue, we analyse ideas from some of the most popular voices on racism: Ibram X. Kendi and Robin Diangelo. As we discuss and dissect their ideas, we talk about systemic racism, racial disparities, the concept of equality, and the complex factors that shape outcomes. Music: Beauty F...
The Authority of Law & Civil Disobedience
July 30, 2020 19:05 - 1 hour - 102 MBFrom Portland in 2020, to Boston in 1773, protests have always been a part of American life. Drawing on the wisdom of thinkers like Thoreau, Brad and Dan discuss the moral basis of law. Then, using historical examples like the Salt March of Ghandi and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, they explore practical examples of civil disobedience. They also explore the reasons people use to justify legal injustice and some of the reasons we go along with laws when we shouldn’t. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevi...
6: The Authority of Law & Civil Disobedience
July 30, 2020 19:05 - 1 hour - 102 MBFrom Portland in 2020, to Boston in 1773, protests have always been a part of American life. Drawing on the wisdom of thinkers like Thoreau, Brad and Dan discuss the moral basis of law. Then, using historical examples like the Salt March of Ghandi and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, they explore practical examples of civil disobedience. They also explore the reasons people use to justify legal injustice and some of the reasons we go along with laws when we shouldn’t. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevi...
Hamilton & Two Party Partisanship
July 16, 2020 06:20 - 1 hour - 114 MBMany people have heard of the musical "Hamilton" but not many realize how applicable it is to current events. Brad and Dan jump in head first, nerding out over some of their favorite moments as well as expounding on some of the political wisdom and history inside. But this episode is more than Alexander Hamilton, it focuses on the political climate of overly aggressive partisanship and the solutions to our tribal system. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsp...
5: Hamilton & Two Party Partisanship
July 16, 2020 06:20 - 1 hour - 114 MBMany people have heard of the musical "Hamilton" but not many realize how applicable it is to current events. Brad and Dan jump in head first, nerding out over some of their favorite moments as well as expounding on some of the political wisdom and history inside. But this episode is more than Alexander Hamilton, it focuses on the political climate of overly aggressive partisanship and the solutions to our tribal system. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsp...
Capitalism & Inequality
July 09, 2020 07:51 - 1 hour - 141 MBCapitalism. Inequality. Railroads. Robber Barons. Exploitation. Need I say more? Join Brad and Dan as they take a look at the economic theory behind Capitalism, and the effect it has on inequality in the modern world. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Roberto Júnior on Unsplash
4: Capitalism & Inequality
July 09, 2020 07:51 - 1 hour - 141 MBCapitalism. Inequality. Railroads. Robber Barons. Exploitation. Need I say more? Join Brad and Dan as they take a look at the economic theory behind Capitalism, and the effect it has on inequality in the modern world. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Roberto Júnior on Unsplash
Risk & Covid 19
July 02, 2020 02:42 - 1 hour - 143 MBFor anyone who isn't sick of hearing about Covid-19, have we got a treat for you. Join Brad and Dan as they explore some of the issues involved with the Coronavirus outbreak. From WW2 to partisan forest fires, they peel back the surface issues to get beyond the rhetoric and find the real questions. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
3: Risk & Covid 19
July 02, 2020 02:42 - 1 hour - 143 MBFor anyone who isn't sick of hearing about Covid-19, have we got a treat for you. Join Brad and Dan as they explore some of the issues involved with the Coronavirus outbreak. From WW2 to partisan forest fires, they peel back the surface issues to get beyond the rhetoric and find the real questions. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
2: The War On Drugs
June 25, 2020 00:34 - 1 hour - 104 MBDan and Brad bite off more than they can chew by tackling the war on drugs. We talk about oddities like Prohibition and hallucinogenic berries in addition to drug statistics and the effects of legality on economic forces. We warned you we would take an unusual approach and we delivered in part by critiquing supply and demand for assassins in John Wick. All to distinguish what causes what problems in the war on drugs. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Rotorhead from FreeIm...
The War On Drugs
June 25, 2020 00:34 - 1 hour - 104 MBDan and Brad bite off more than they can chew by tackling the war on drugs. We talk about oddities like Prohibition and hallucinogenic berries in addition to drug statistics and the effects of legality on economic forces. We warned you we would take an unusual approach and we delivered in part by critiquing supply and demand for assassins in John Wick. All to distinguish what causes what problems in the war on drugs. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod. Photo by Rotorhead from FreeIm...
1: The Basis for Police Authority
June 19, 2020 20:29 - 1 hour - 120 MBDan and Brad rethink the hottest and most controversial subject of the day - Policing. But instead of the usual talking points, they examine police authority from the ground up. Analyzing things like the morality of stolen berries and lethal energy drinks, they go on to show how the usual ideas lead to specific systemic problems and bad practices like no-knock raids, partial immunity, civil asset forfeiture, and more. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod. Photo by simon stratford from Fre...
The Basis for Police Authority
June 19, 2020 20:29 - 1 hour - 120 MBDan and Brad rethink the hottest and most controversial subject of the day - Policing. But instead of the usual talking points, they examine police authority from the ground up. Analyzing things like the morality of stolen berries and lethal energy drinks, they go on to show how the usual ideas lead to specific systemic problems and bad practices like no-knock raids, partial immunity, civil asset forfeiture, and more. Music: Beauty Flow by Kevin MacLeod. Photo by simon stratford from Fre...