Jonathans Verdicts

The main idea presented in this podcast is that America needs a new strategy in Afghanistan. America needs to try actual nation building. We must admit that trying to bomb our way through the war on terror isn't working. It's time to build schools and hospitals in Afghanistan.

In this episode, I discuss the march through Charlottesville the night before the so-called Unite the Right rally. I describe some of the symbols shown, some of the slogans chanted, and some of the history behind both.

I then talk about Trump's sad, changing response to the hate and violence. Which leads me to conclude that Donald Trump is a racist. No other conclusion is possible.

I finish with a message to those still supporting Trump.

The verdict for this episode is: insulting the intelligence of those in the Trump administration isn't helping. I begin this episode by discussing the number of times I've seen progressives and Democrats using words like stupid, idiot, and moron when referring to members of the Trump administration. After acknowledging that I've used those words many time too, I explain how Trump is playing us. I close with the idea that we should be approaching Trump voters from a place of love, not fear.

The title of this Episode is: Trump's Immigration Plan Take Two. The verdict for this episode is: Trump's immigration plan is racist.

In this episode, I explain diversity visas, refugee visas, the family-based system of immigration, and the employment-based system of immigration. I also show how eliminating diversity visas and reducing the number of accepted refugees by more than half will greatly restrict the ability of people of color to immigrate to America. On the other hand, adding the ability to speak English as a critical component of the employment-based system of immigration would increase the ability of white people to immigrate to America.

The title of this episode is: Discussing Trump's Immigration Plan. The verdict for this episode is: America must not embrace its much more racist past.

In this episode, I give a brief description of the history of America's immigration law. I also demonstrate how Trump's immigration proposal rejects the progress we've made and returns us to the days when America's immigration policy was created by racism and resentment.

The title of this episode is: How Trump Could Hurt the Affordable Care Act. The verdict for this episode is: Trump won't defund the individual insurance marketplaces.

In this episode, I explain cost sharing reduction payments. I demonstrate the purpose behind them and who qualifies. I also explain who will be hurt if the cost sharing reduction payments are ended. Lastly, I let you know why I don't believe Trump will stop the cost sharing reduction payments.

The title of this episode is: Explaining Some of the Terms Around the Health Care Debate. The verdict for this episode is: budget reconciliation and the Byrd Rule make health care reform even more difficult.

In this episode, I walk you through the legislative process known as budget reconciliation and the related Byrd Rule. I also explain why the Senate is using budget reconciliation as it tries to reform health care. Lastly, I demonstrate how the Byrd Rule has already affected those efforts.

The verdict for this episode is: accessible, free, universal health care is a right.

After reminding you that in Canada there are no copays, deductibles, or monthly premiums for medically necessary services, I demonstrate the high cost of Medicare. I also discuss several services most of us want and many of us need that aren't covered by Medicare.

The verdict for this episode is: we shouldn't forget our history. This podcast is based on a Facebook post I wrote after reading comments from several Trump voters who once relied on Government benefits.

The verdict for this episode is: the Emoluments Clause should cover elected officials.

This episode explains the meaning of the word emolument. It also discusses arguments against and for the proposition that the Emoluments Clause covers elected officials. The episode concludes with what seems like a bit of logic that's hard to ignore.