Jonathans Verdicts

The verdict for this episode is Kate's Law is a bade idea. Passing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 as a response to the death of Len Bias caused loads of problems. America's federal prison systems swelled, billions more had to be spent, and lots of nonviolent people spent years in prison.

The Senate bill would stop paying for the actual cost of Medicaid. Switching to either a per capita or block grant funding scheme will greatly decrease Medicaid's funding. Tying funding to either the Consumer Medical Price Index or the Consumer Price Index will further decrease Medicaid's funding.

I discuss my own experience purchasing insurance through the individual marketplace. Then, I use fictitious neighbors to demonstrate the problem with individuals deciding which services they will pay for as a part of their health insurance plan.

This podcast compares America with many other nations in the areas of life expectancy, maternal mortality, and infant mortality. After demonstrating how badly America's health care system is failing, I show how much more for health care Americans pay when compared to the citizens of every other nation.

I used to believe an assault weapons ban was the right approach to the rampant problem of gun violence in America. After the Congressional shooting, I researched gun violence and changed my mind. America needs a total gun ban.

I give a brief description of events from Jeff Session's confirmation hearing to James Comey's firing. Then, I discuss Session's recusal from the Russia investigation and his involvement in Comey's firing.