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 One listener writes, Hey I wonder if you guys have heard of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. She was recently released from prison for her role in the killing of her mother. Now she has over 7 million followers on Instagram and she is likely going to be a millionaire because of the fame she is getting from her story. What is the morally appropriate reaction someone should have to a person like Gypsy-Rose?

The Thought Provoker:

Sam is up first.  Disney world

Next up, Matt. There is a crisis at the southern border. The US Customs and Border Protection statistics show that since 2021 the number of people encountered at the border has risen from around 70,000 per month to over 200 thousand people each month. Texas has responded by implementing a crackdown of their own. This has led to US citizens being unlawfully detained by Texas police. When it comes to abortion, Shawn seems to favor federalism and state’s rights. But, isn’t it the job of the federal government to secure the border? Isn’t this an issue in which states need to stay out of enforcement?

 Finally Shawn. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly launched a direct-to-consumer website yesterday, allowing its customers to receive third-party prescriptions for its drugs, including its newly approved weight loss injectable Zepbound (similar to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic). Users can be connected to a telehealth service via the site to quickly receive prescriptions before placing an order. This direct to consumer approach eliminates the big 3 Pharmacy Benefit Managers (middleman) and allows Eli Lilly to reduce drug prices significantly. For example, Zepbound will be $1,000 from a Pharmacy but only $500 through Eli Lilly’s new website for non-insured and only a $25 copay for insured. Is this a game changer and a Capitalists dream? 

The Big Question: I've been pondering ways that we could improve civic awareness, better prepare young people for life, and reduce crime at the same time. Many countries around the world have some form of required military service for young people between the ages of 17 and 26. There's a wide variety in how countries implement these programs, but the big question is. Would it be good for the United States to implement some form of mandatory military service for young adults?