In this episode, Host Justin Bullock introduces Season 3 of the Public Problems Podcast.

In the Public Problems Season 2 Finale, Dr. Bullock, reflecting on Season 2, makes a brief argument for the importance of conversation, in particular conversations about public policies and public problems.

This is the last conversation for Season 2. In two weeks, a concluding episode for season 2 will be broadcast. This concluding episode will discuss some of the themes from season 2.

As mentioned in the episode, you can sign up for the companion course to the Solving Public Problems: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, at this link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xMwgJ3naxO8sPvrDZkAk_sRwXRJ-LyC1eDcJpjWB5Sk

Additional information on the podcast and the course can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=17D7ZXSjTGCsVOsF7Hr6OMyhJGzrAEk2FApT0MyQ5VsE

In this episode, Justin Bullock discusses the War on Drugs with student researchers who examined the War on Drugs as a pressing Public Problem.

In the introduction of this episode, Justin also announces a new podcast series titled "Solving Public Problems: The Fourth Industrial Revolution." This series will be complimented by a free and publicly available course.

You can view the course announcement here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17D7ZXSjTGCsVOsF7Hr6OMyhJGzrAEk2FApT0MyQ5VsE/edit?usp=sharing

You can register for the course here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdK-AVlFPyZ-i4J6MbeyaFObs9higU_ooJ4gtlGm-rSa8pzBQ/viewform

Season 2 Episode #8: On Childhood Obesity by Justin Bullock

Suicide rates among veterans has substantially increased in the past decade. A third of veterans are likely to have considered suicide themselves or have been exposed to the phenomenon through other people who have served with them. The consequences of these increasing rates are not felt only within the veterans’ community but stretch far wider for society in general. Students at The Bush School of Government and Public Service conducted research on prevention mechanisms for suicide among veterans, from policy changes to nonprofit work. Togeher with the host they provide an overview of the data available, resources put in place from the public and non-public sector, as well as offer recommendations on tackling policies and initiatives to help veterans deal with PTSD, stress, and post-service re-integration in society.

Sources:

To read the PAWS Act:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2327

Stop Soldier Suicide:

https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

Florid State University Research on Suicide: http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-bul0000084.pdf

CDC Suicide data:

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/index.html

Latest Veterans Affairs Report: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf

To report on suicide for veterans visit this link:

http://reportingonsuicide.org/

On more information regarding the 22 Push Ups challenge read: https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/what-is-the-22-push-up-challenge-raising-awareness-for-veterans-suicide-preventi.html

For more information on the Veteran’s Choice Program:

https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/VCP/index.asp

PMRA: Discussion on Management and Governance V: Tina Nibatchi by Justin Bullock

Over 400,000 children were in foster care at the end of 2016 in the United States, an increase for the fourth year in a row, largely due to the opioid crisis. While on average children remain in the foster care system for 3 years, a considerable number remain for up to five years. While the primary goal of the foster care system is for children to be reunited with their families and relatives, this noble goal often falls short of its own expectations. Studies have shown that as many as 70 percent of placement changes for foster care children have nothing to do with improving their wellbeing. What are some of the major challenges facing the foster care system in the US? Students at The Bush School of Government and Public Service investigated the issue and discuss with the host the findings of their research and their proposed solutions to this public problem.

Gene editing, in which the DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of living organisms, has a long history dating back to the 18th century in the US and later on in Europe as well. Throughout the history of its application both in humans, animals, or plans the phenomenon of gene editing has been used in a variety of ways, from rape and forced sterilization to positively tackle different diseases. The ethical concerns stemming from gene editing and the science behind it is multifaceted. Students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service researched the topic and engage with the host in a discussion of the history of gene editing, its positive and negative arguments and ethical dilemmas arising from gene editing. Even if the potential of gene editing to cure diseases and be used for noble causes, what would stop governments from using gene editing for bioterrorism, creating strong armies and the like? How would we make sure to make use of the benefits of eugenics, while being careful about its potential negative consequences?

For more on McKellar’s Book The Ethics of New Eugenics visit this link: http://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/MacKellarEthics

To read more about the Geneva Conventions visit this link:

https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/treaties-customary-law/geneva-conventions

In a world of increasingly polarized politics there are but a few topics that garner bipartisan support. Human trafficking is one of them. In June 2017, two democrats and two republicans in Congress introduced a joint bill to strengthen anti-human trafficking laws. Beyond being a point of unification in the realm of politics, human trafficking is a fundamental human rights issue and often dubbed modern day slavery. Once again, the host invites students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, who conducted research on the topic to share their findings, thoughts, and critical thinking in tackling human trafficking. Over 55,000 cases of human trafficking are reported in the United States each year, with a significant portion involving children, and the majority being women. The guests offer an overview of existing legislation and policies at the federal and state level and offer a variety of solutions in tackling human trafficking.

Sources:

The text of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 can be found here:

https://www.state.gov/j/tip/laws/61124.htm

A full list of ills passed on human trafficking is available here:

https://www.state.gov/j/tip/laws/

Robots, Men and Sex Tourism by Ian Yeoman and Michelle Mars can be found here:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328711002850

To read more about Shyima Hall check out this website:

http://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Shyima-Hall/407695673