After busting some myths about US education performance and its causes, we interview renowned SF Teacher of the Year Lana Corda to understand some of the challenges facing one of the toughest school districts in the country. We learn a lot about the on-the-ground details about some of the barriers to improving student performance.

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How's the US education system performing relative to other countries? How can we improve our own performance?

There are many opinions and narratives about what to do, and in this episode, Xander and Erik dive into the data to understand which hold water, and which are swept away by facts.

Check out sources on the companion post page!

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Welp: it happened! Britain had its referendum, and they're leaving the European Union. What the heck happens next? What are the short- and long-term consequences, and what is the UK going to do?

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Free speech protests have popped up in campuses across the United States over the past few years, and everyone is getting their word about it in, even President Obama. You may or may not yet feel strongly about this. No matter where you stand, now's the time to get yourself some context. What is "harm," and what kinds of speech should still be protected even if they are harmful? Time to ReConsider.

 

Sources and Links

• Atlantic, great summary of the issue on college campuses:http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/03/the-glaring-evidence-that-free-speech-is-threatened-on-campus/471825/

• Diane Feinstein + Blum → UC Campus anti-semitic speech restrictions:

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"Speak softly and carry a big stick." Or, "speak loudly and carry an even bigger stick!" There are different kinds of power and different ways to wield them... and it's not always clear what's our best kind of power to bring to bear in a given situation. In this "toolbox talk," we team up with Kelsey, who runs the Women in Diplomacy podcast, to work through the meanings of hard, soft, and smart power, and their benefits and drawbacks.

Plugs

• Kelsey's Podcast, Women in Diplomacy
• Rex Factor!
• FoggofWar

Errata:

• When discussing Russia and Ukraine, Erik says "Haidan Revolution" and meant "Maidan Revolution"

Sources

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David Cameron doesn't want the UK to leave the EU, but he set up the referendum for Brits to vote on it. Why the heck would he do that? How likely is Brexit to happen? Who wants it and who's against it? What are the stay/leave arguments? What will be the implications for the UK, Europe, the US, and the globe as a whole if the UK leaves or stays? This is hugely complex and hugely important, and the vote is coming up soon: June 23. So time to get yourself some context. 

Bonus: Kelsey's Podcast, "Women in Diplomacy." Go check it out. She gets some amazing interviews and we've learned a ton. And she interviews us, as well!

Reasonable Summary of In & Out Arguments

Polls and Migration #'s

European Institutions: Cheat Sheet

Sources

• The Economist summarizing Brexit:

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Now that we have a decent idea of the history of Chinese, East Asian, and US diplomacy and foreign policy, it's time to throw all of this into the crucible of the South China Sea. It's a powderkeg of epic proportions, but it's something most Americans know very little about. This is a really important issue and a big pivot point in the upcoming American presidential election.

"We're gonna need a bigger boat."

Claims in the South China Sea

Outposts in South China Sea

Claims and Facilities

Oil and Gas in South China Sea

Chinese Territorial Claims

Naval Power in East Asia

Images of Buildup

Sources

• http://news.usni.org/2016/03/28/opinion-dont-miss-the-boat-on-australian-and-u-s-policy-in-the-south-china-sea

• ...

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There are tiny little rocks in the South China sea that have become a pretty big deal. China has claimed them as its own, putting air bases, missile batteries, and harbors on the islands to stake its claim. It's become a huge, but quiet, international struggle. Why are they suddenly so important, and what is the historical context behind it all? In this two-part episode, we let you in on it. 

Spratly Islands Map

Harbors Being Built on Spratlys

Taiwanese Hotel Construction on Spratlys

Chinese Deep-Defense Strategy Against Japanese Invasion in WWII

Farthest Extent of Chinese Borders and Chinese Claims

Sources

• Taylor Fravel, Strong Borders Secure Nation

• Carrier locations

• Taiwan pushing...

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Hoo boy, we've got an exciting presidential nomination this year. More and more we're hearing rumblings that the GOP might go to a brokered convention. But... how the heck does that work? What'll happen if it gets there? How likely is it? Find out all that and more in our wackiest episode yet! This episode's a ton of fun. Listen before Tuesday, March 15th if you can!

 

UPDATE: Kasich takes the lead in Ohio according to 538's polls-only forecast.

UPDATE: Rubio's team encouraging voters in Ohio to vote Kasich.

...

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The FBI wants Apple to write some code to unlock the phone of the San Bernardino shooter, and Apple has filed an appeal to make sure they're not compelled to do so. Is it a ravenous attack on privacy? Is it not a big deal? Xander and Erik have done a ton of research and take on both sides of the argument: should Apple be forced to write the code? What are the long-term implications?

We break down the technical details, the precedents and legal cases being brought to bear, and the potential long-term consequences and precedents. This week's episode is a great example of political disagreement in the Considerate style!

UPDATE: Edward Snowden weighs in on the FBI's claim that it needs Apple's help to get into Farook's phone, calling it "bullshit." 

UPDATE 2: Apple claims that if the FBI...

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