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This week on The Latter Day Lens, Matt, Shawn, and Graham tackle a thought-provoking lineup of topics that cut to the heart of justice, liberty, and the proper role of government. We dive deep into the surprising reality of America's low crime clearance rates and ask if it's time for a new approach to deterring crime. Then, we pivot to a local controversy in Provo, Utah, where a popular dance fitness program was suddenly shut down, sparking a debate about local control and individual liberty – and whether one always serves the other. Finally, we examine the Trump administration's approach to undocumented workers and employer accountability. Plus, in "The Big Question," we confront the alarming truth about a new, more toxic ingredient in weedkillers and ponder the government's moral obligation to protect its citizens from harmful substances. Tune in for a lively and insightful discussion!

Thought Provoker & Topic 1: The State of Justice - Why Are So Many Crimes Unsolved?

• The Data: We discuss the shocking reality of low crime clearance rates in the U.S., particularly for murders and car thefts, and how America compares to other developed nations.
• The Question: Given that the U.S. incarcerates more people than almost any other country, is our current system effective in deterring crime? What "better way" might we find?

Topic 2: Local Control vs. Individual Liberty - The Provo Dance Class Controversy

• The Story: We break down the unexpected closure of the "Dirtylicious Dance Fitness" program at the Provo Recreation Center after six years, and the city's reasoning.
• Shawn's Take: Shawn, a proponent of local government control, weighs in.
• The Debate: Does this example demonstrate how local control can inadvertently reduce liberty? Is local control a scriptural principle or more of a political preference?

Topic 3: Immigration Enforcement - Who Should Be Held Accountable?

• The Policy: We examine the Trump administration's stated vow to hold companies accountable for employing undocumented workers.
• The Reality: Why have DHS enforcement operations overwhelmingly focused on arresting workers rather than punishing employers?
• The Discussion: Is this the right approach? Should employers who knowingly hire undocumented individuals face more significant repercussions?

The Big Question: Government's Role in Public Safety - The Diquat Dilemma

• The Concern: We uncover the troubling facts about diquat, the highly toxic herbicide ingredient now replacing glyphosate in Roundup, which is banned in many other developed nations.
• The EPA's Stance: Why has the EPA resisted calls for a ban, even as products containing diquat hit U.S. shelves?
• The Core Question: What is the proper role of government in regulating potentially harmful products? If a government knows a substance can harm its citizens, does it have a moral obligation to ban it, or at least warn its citizens?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Host Introduction
02:49 Understanding Propaganda and Its Implications
05:45 Crime Rates and the Effectiveness of Punishment
08:48 Rethinking the Criminal Justice System
11:32 Community Standards and Local Government Decisions
14:27 The Role of Local Government in Providing Services
25:59 Local Control and Scriptural Principles
28:32 Government's Role in Community Standards
30:09 Immigration and Employer Accountability
34:27 The Role of Government in Public Health
47:11 Trust in Government vs. Free Market Solutions
 

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