Civics on the Rocks

Due to it being May, we decided to take our discussion to a galaxy far, far away. It went on a bit longer than intended. Also, somehow, we got to Oz. But stick with us, y’all. We eventually get back to this reality around the 18-minute mark. Enjoy, and may the force by with you.References Wookieepedia is a little vague on how the Jedi Council relates to the Galactic Senate, so the debate stands: Star Wars Fandom. “Jedi High Council.” https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jedi_High_Council But during the

Mack and Steve dive into various types of immunity. Also, we go off on rockets for a while.References “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” Juvenal. Satire VI, lines 347–348. Alan Moore wrote Watchmen. Alan Moore (Author) and Dave Gibbons (Illustrator). Watchmen. (DC Comics, 1995). That guy that cracked his head open because they just shoved him: The Guardian. “Buffalo police cleared over pushing 75-year-old George Floyd protester.” April 10, 2022.

Not to overstate the case, but the primary elections are where we can stage our revolution and overthrow the government! Listen to Mack and Steven discuss why the primaries are where it’s at. If you need a refresher: USA.gov. “Presidential primaries and caucuses.” https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses Because some people disagree with Mack’s opinion of the Iowa caucus: Oliphant, James. “Iowa Caucus 2024: How does it work and why is it important?” January 2, 2024. Reuters.

Mack and Steve wade into the role the United States plays in the world’s conflicts. This includes talking about several examples like the current war between Israel and Palestine. Fair warning: this episode covers some heavier topics than our previous ones have. References Just because they both like to say it a lot: Merriam-Webster. “Hegemony.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hegemony Everything that’s going on in Ukraine: AP News. “Russia-Ukraine War.”

Mack and Steve talk about taxes, highway budgets, and there are two (count ‘em two!) separate references to presidential speeches! Come join the fun! What one doctor has to say about health insurance: Shmerling, Robert H. “Is our healthcare system broken?” July 13, 2021. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-our-healthcare-system-broken-202107132542 Does Jeff Bezos pay any taxes: Eisinger, Jesse, Ernsthausen, Jeff, and Kiel, Paul. “The secret IRS files: Trove of

Steve and Mack tackle the hard-hitting question of whether violence is ever the answer. Did Buzz Aldrin really punch a guy? History.com Editors. “72-year-old Buzz Aldrin punches a moon landing conspiracy theorist in the face.” History. August 23, 2023. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/buzz-aldrin-punches-moon-landing-conspiracy-theorist-bart-sibrel Wondering about Mack’s story about John D. Rockefeller? Consider this footnote from Michael Reksulak and William F. Shughart II’s, “Of Rebates

Mack and Steve discuss the concept of civics and why it's important. They also drop several refences along the way. Here they are, if you would like to learn a little bit more about what they are talking about and form your own opinion. If you want to learn about PragerU: Archie, Ayana. “A lot is happening in Florida education. These are some of the changes kids will see.” NPR, August 14, 2023. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/14/1193557432/florida-education-private-schools-prageru-desantis If you want

Our first episode drops on Labor Day 2023! Until then, enjoy this trailer!