A weekly show that takes big ideas about civic life and democracy and turns them into action items for you.
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Socialcontract Podcasts
The Edifice of Trust is a podcast that provides discussion and analysis of today's current events from the perspective of America's Founding Principles. Based on Enlightenment philosophy as espoused by John Locke and economic freedom as described by Adam Smith, the host, Victor Bolles, provides listeners a path toward understanding current events from these timeless principles. Many Americans believe that the country is moving in the wrong direction, the podcast tries to point out a new cour ...
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Our political leaders try to blame others for all the problems we face. Illegal immigrants, greedy corporations, drug cartels, white men, you name it. They want us to believe that we are victims not responsible for the difficulties that afflict us. But like the Michael Jackson song, Man in the Mirror, if we want to make the world a better place, th…
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We discuss the promise of radical liberalism to deliver equal freedom for all. Alex's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Join the fight for democracy 2) Put pressure on a leader who has the power to resist Alex Zakaras is professor of political science at the University of Vermont and the author of Freedom for All: What a Liberal Society …
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Shifting Terrain: What the Manosphere Tells Us About Working Class Politics
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44:22
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In this episode of Shifting Terrain, Colin Davis and Reece Peck discuss why liberal messaging continues to fail, where to find the Joe Rogan of the left, and how to actually reach working class men. Plus we'll hear from author Joan Williams about how class cluelessness led to the downfall of the left's power. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight …
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President Trump conflates his interests and desires with those of the country and accuses any who opposes him of sedition or treason. He accuses Marjorie Taylor Greene of being a traitor for pushing the release of the Epstein materials even those this was clearly the will of the people. A 35% approval rating means that he does not represent the wil…
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Storytelling For Change: Shanelle Matthews
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We discuss the building blocks of narrative power and the strategies to succeed in changing hearts and minds. Shanelle's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Share your stories of your experiences in your community 2) Get involved in local government Shanelle Matthews is a leading voice in narrative power and social movement communications …
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By Victor C. Bolles
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We discuss the complexity of gun violence in the United States and the reality that strong gun laws save lives. Emma's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Contact your senator to vote NO on concealed carry reciprocity Go to giffords.org and get involved Emma Brown is the executive director of GIFFORDS, an organization whose mission is to save…
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Our leftist friends suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome cannot get anyone to agree with their rejection of Trump's policies because their arguments are based on emotion and not logic. Only others equally afflicted by this syndrome can sympathize. But now our friends on the right are suffering from a similar syndrome, Mamdani Derangement Syndr…
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Understanding the Infodemic: Pauline Hoffmann
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We discuss how we can tell the truth, how we can speak the truth, and how we can avoid misinformation and disinformation. Pauline's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Maintain a degree of curiosity! Care before you share. Pauline Hoffman, also known as the Data Doyenne, is an esteemed infodemiologist and the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts,…
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An article in the most recent issue of the Atlantic Magazine casts doubt on the validity of an originalist interpretation of the US Constitution citing the hopelessly archaic and undemocratic beliefs of many of the Founders. But the progressive reforms recommended by the author would only facilitate the concentration of power in the Executive Branc…
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AI for the Public Interest: Bruce Schneier
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We discuss how AI can both serve the public interest and advance the goals of our democracy, despite the misgivings about the current state of AI. Bruce's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Use the tools of AI! 2) Use assistive tech to write to your elected representatives Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologis…
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Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor of New York City on what he calls an affordability agenda. He apparently does not realize that it is capitalism that makes things affordable. Socialism just makes things scarce. In this commentary we look at why Mr. Mamdani's affordability agenda is doomed to failure (and some other matters).…
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How Underdogs Build Power: Stephanie Luce
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We discuss Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World—a guide for a new generation of activists seeking not just to understand power, but to build it. Stephanie's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Learn a new skill, like non cooperation or mutual aid 2) Find organizations that align with your values and check if they offer …
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The situation in the Middle East is changing quickly. The euphoria of a ceasefire and exchange of hostages has deteriorated into the reality of public executions on the streets of Gaza. But the war against Israel is only one front of the larger war against the West. In this commentary we look at the threats to the peaceful Middle East we hoped woul…
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A fair, humane, and orderly immigration system should think of the US as the top destination for top talent from around the world, as well as a beacon of hope. Changing the law to give permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship would fix the current failed immigration system. Todd's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Post know-your-…
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Small Dollars, Big Strategy: Brian Derrick
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We discuss how the everyday voter can make strategic political campaign donations just like a billionaire. Brian's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Find an election you've never participated in before and get involved 2) Check out the Supreme Court races in Pennsylvania, governor's races in NJ and VA, and the California redistricting ba…
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Remember the old saying, "it is always darkest before the dawn?" This maxim is intended as a message of hope. No matter how bad things are there is always the hope of a better future, and we are currently living in pretty dark times. But this future dawn doesn't just happen. We have to make it happen. In this commentary we look at some things we ca…
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Following the Money in Politics: Hilary Braseth
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We discuss the unavoidable intersection between our capitalist economy and democratic governance, and how their relationship plays out through campaign finance and other political transactions. Hilary's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get the data of your state, locality, and elected officials at opensecrets.org Piece together what is hap…
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As a politician Donald Trump has always been controversial and many of his campaign promises were outlandish and impracticable. In his first term his close advisors and cabinet members were able to dissuade him from following through on some of the more outrageous ideas. In his second term he has been unchecked by his cabinet and advisors so his id…
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Holding Democracy Accountable: Miranda Spivack
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We discuss how the struggle for transparency is really a struggle for the soul of American democracy. Miranda's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Look up the agendas of your local school board and city council, and attend the public meetings Learn how your local and state governments make decisions Miranda S. Spivack is a veteran reporter a…
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The horizontal nature of American society (as described by Gordon S. Wood in his book The Radicalism of the American Revolution) is a key factor in what makes our country exceptional. But over time that exceptional social structure, which empowers millions of citizens, has been eroded as more and more power becomes concentrated in Washington. In th…
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We discuss the basics of organizing and the fruits of that work. Michael reminds us that "organizers organize organizations." Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Gather 4-5 friends to talk about what's happening 2) Share ideas on what you can do to resist Michael Ansara is a seasoned community organizer and the author of The Hard…
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We discuss the enduring power of protesting and the significance of the Ferguson uprising in the long arc of the Black liberation movement. Jonathan's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Speak with a young person in your life about what they're wrestling with 2) Emphasize community engagement Jonathan Pulphus is an organizer from St. Louis…
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We discuss the importance of shifting our mindset to one that is infused with hope. Positive change comes when we choose hope. Though nobody can fix it all, we can all do something and make an impact. Sharon reminds us that if something is worth doing for everyone, it's worth doing for one person. Sharon's civic action toolkit recommendations are: …
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