Welcome back to the ModState Podcast. On episode 107 John and Nate keep it light and discuss varying topics that have happened throughout the week.
Sitting US Senator Tammy Duckworth is the first US Senator expected to give birth while working in the Senate. Should her baby be allowed on the floor?? She certainly thinks so.
Secondly, has the wave of (or apathy) finally hit the United States? Both conservatives and democrats agree that cannabis should be legalized. Senator Booker has just pushed out a bill called the Marijuana Justice Act that will allow for federal legalization.
Will it pass with the intentions that legalization is a step in the right direction for civil rights?
Lastly, Jeff Sessions has laid out a plan for the next 5 years at the Justice Department. What is his plan for America? Tune in and find out!

Show Notes:
1) Senator Tammy Duckworth
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/08/politics/tammy-duckworth-senate-baby-pregnant/index.html

2) Marijuana Justice Act
https://harvardlawreview.org/2018/01/marijuana-justice-act-of-2017/

3) Jeff Sessions Draft-Plan
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/doj-trump-strategic-plan-civil-rights_us_5a7120c6e4b0a6aa487457b9

Welcome to the 106th episode of the ModState Podcast. It's hump day folks and the boys are back to another Mid-Week Rap.
On this episode John and Nate swap some war stories, discuss President Donald Trump's recent comments about due process and China's new dictatorship, and the recent rants from former aides on mainstream media. Wow!
Lastly, John and Nate discuss the new tariffs that have been imposed on steel and aluminum. Hmm maybe not so good to start a trade war?

Show Notes
1) Tariffs
http://fortune.com/2018/03/02/donald-trump-steel-aluminum-tariffs/

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast episode 105!
This episode is brought to you by SeneGence. To learn more find SeneGence at http://www.senegence.com/ParlezvousGloss

Universal Basic Income better known as UBI has been a fairly well talked about. Since the crash in 08' wages have stayed stagnant while housing, food, and daily living expenses have continued to rise. The wealth gap in this country is arguable at an all time high and more American's are struggling to make ends meet. Sooo...introduce the UBI.
What is the argument from the left? What is the argument from the right? Believe it or not there could be a fairly bipartisan agreement for something like UBI.
Tune in and find out what John and Nate have to say and where they disagree.

Show Notes:
1) Basic Income
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_income

2) Would people work less?https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2018/03/05/does-a-universal-basic-income-discourage-work/#629ef384541b

3) http://www.senegence.com/ParlezvousGloss

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast with the 104th episode.
On this geographical region tour we explore the great plains from east of the continental divide and west of the Mississippi River.
What are the economic drivers of this region? What will political factors be in mid-term elections? How does the price of wheat affect a nation?
Tune in and find out!

Welcome to the 103rd episode of the ModState Podcast. On this Mid-Week Rap John and Nate dive back into the 2nd amendment but approach it from the perspective of Florida Governor Rick Scott. As a conservative he has gone against ideology and put forth a list of regulations for gun control.
Is this political suicide? Is he doing what he feels is right because there have been too many shootings on his watch? A deeper philosophical discussion ensues...are all people inherently evil?
Lastly....Johnnie Walker brand has decided to go #JaneWalker. Yes, Black Label, for March, will have a female "Jane" on the bottle. Sooo....SJW's are having a field day with this progression. Tune in and find out more about this!
Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes

1) Rick Scott
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Florida-Gov-Rick-Scott-to-Gun-Control-and-School-Safety-Plan-in-Miami-Dade-475312123.html

2) #JaneWalker
http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/27/news/companies/johnnie-walker-women-jane-walker/index.html

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast and the 102 episode.
On this episode John and Nate discuss the US Judicial System.
Both sides of the isle argue about "legislating from the bench." What does this mean? What is the structure of the US Federal Judicial system and why does it run the way it does?
Tune in and find out!

Show Notes

1) Conservative (ultra) Perspective
https://www.conservativereview.com/articles/12-reasons-why-federal-judiciary-is-irremediably-broken/

2) Court Structure and Role
http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure

3)Legislating From the Bench
http://harvardpolitics.com/online/legislating-from-the-bench/

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this 101st episode John and Nate explore the 2nd a 4th amendment.
It is important to add a disclaimer to this episode. Neither John or Nate are conspiratorial, and this episode is by no means tin-foil hat. However, Nate lays out an important position regarding 4th amendment infringements that are insidiously happening, as we speak, with little issue from the same individuals who hold the constitution so dear. This isn't an argument about which amendment is more important but what a world will look like in an "Orwellian" state that 2nd amendment purists claim will happen if their, "guns are taken away."
With the repeal of the Propaganda Act that allows for the US government to broadcast propaganda, designed for foreign nations, to be disseminated on US soil coupled with the deconstruction of net neutrality we are far closer to an "Orwellian" state where guns may be meaningless.
Thanks for tuning in and keep engaged!

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast, and welcome to the 100th episode!
John and Nate are pleased and excited to have made it to 100 episodes. As always the strategy doesn't change and discussions are needed.
John and Nate reflect upon the last 7+ months and 100 episodes. What has changed? Have we become more or less divided as a nation? What will the breaking point be, and what do we need and not need to do to move forward?
Questioning someones patriotism, love and loyalty to this country or projecting your moral superiority never moved a conversation to deeper philosophical and ideological exploration. More often than not it backs people into corners making them more defensive. This must stop and discussion should be re-invented. Please tune in and see what John and Nate have to say, and as always thank you for being part of the first 100 episodes!

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate discuss various topics surrounding voting.The main topic is about gerrymandering and how it effects elections.

Gerrymandering will be taken up this spring by the Supreme Court so you may hear this in the news. Words you may hear. Packing, Cracking, Hijacking, and Kidnapping.

John also has an interesting take on exit polling. So in the end...does your vote count? Tune in and find out. Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to the ModState Podcast! On this episode of the Weekend Beat John and Nate discuss the movie Spy Game featuring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt.

The question remains...Would you be able to use someone to your advantage knowing that they could be put in harms way? Or would your conscience and guilt be an obstacle in your way?

Tune in and find out what John and Nate have to say about it!