Bo and Ben discuss the issues of the week. Impeachment trial. Some of the prosecutors, especially Jamie Raskin from Maryland, were incredibly effective. However, the Democrats lamentably chose highly partisan members to prosecute, including Swalwell (IA) and Castro (TX), almost provoking Republicans to acquit, like so that they can keep the connection between Trump and the GOP for the 2022 midterm. Still, Bo and Ben agree that, on the merits, Trump deserves to be convicted.

The Romney plan. Romney forwarded an intriguing bill, called the Family Security Act that would pay families 350 dollars a month for each child they have up to 15,000 dollars per year. His idea has provoked spirited debate, with most people praising the plan for its boldness and pro-family, pro-fertility aspirations. However, some conservative, including Marco Rubio, have criticized it for potentially disincentivizing work. Bo and Ben both like the plan and think the criticisms are largely overstated.

Finally, West Virginia. A state that is a symbol for spatial inequality. Beautiful mountains and rivers, but a slave to the industries of the past. Poor. And hemorrhaging population. How can West Virginia be saved? Answers to this question are difficult but crucial going forward for the United States.

Impeachment: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/02/11/us/impeachment-trial

Romney plan Vox: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/22264520/mitt-romney-checks-parents-4200

Rubio criticism of Biden’s plan: https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/02/bidens-child-care-plan-is-wrong-for-families-and-ignores-the-lessons-of-the-past/

West Virginia: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/08/upshot/west-virginia-manchin-stimulus.html

UBI around the world: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/2/19/21112570/universal-basic-income-ubi-map