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This episode opens with a listener challenging hosts Shawn and Sam for previously dismissing Matt's concerns about Trump's Ukraine policy. The listener cites seven recent Trump administration actions that appear to validate Matt's predictions, including calling Zelensky a dictator, excluding Ukraine from peace negotiations, advocating for Russia's G8 readmission, ruling out Ukraine's NATO membership, refusing security guarantees, pausing military support, and exploring reduced sanctions on Russia. The listener specifically references Shawn's promise to call for impeachment if Matt proved correct. The episode then transitions to three "Thought Provoker" segments: Levi addresses DOGE; Matt discusses a Washington Post finding that federal employees work longer hours for less pay than private sector counterparts; and Shawn examines the case of Breeze Liu, whose life was devastated by non-consensual explicit videos, raising questions about content hosting ethics when Microsoft delayed removal of these materials from their cloud services. The episode concludes with "The Big Question" on racism, presenting research findings that conservatives tend to emphasize intentionality and individual growth when discussing racism, while liberals focus more on impact regardless of intent, systemic elements, and formal consequences—prompting consideration of how church members should approach this complex issue.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of American Mobility
03:07 Political Accountability and the Trump Administration
05:58 The Role of Doge in Government Efficiency
11:54 Self-Interest in Politics and Governance
22:47 Politicians and Public Perception
24:22 Government Employees: Myths vs. Reality
25:45 Data and Surveys: The Truth Behind Statistics
29:14 Bureaucracy vs. Private Sector Efficiency
35:10 The Role of the Invisible Hand in Economics
41:48 Transitioning to Serious Topics
42:06 The Impact of Non-Consensual Content
45:03 Moral Responsibility of Hosting Platforms
48:50 The Role of Cloud Services in Content Management
51:26 Racism and Perspectives on Intent vs. Impact
01:05:49 A Latter-Day Lens on Racism

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Summary
In this episode of Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt and Shawn engage in a candid conversation about their recent disagreements, the importance of reconciliation, and listener feedback. They explore LGBTQ+ issues within the church, discuss immigration policies, and delve into the topic of traditional gender roles in relation to gospel teachings. The conversation also touches on the complexities of political trust and personal responsibility, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and understanding. In this conversation, the speakers engage in a deep discussion about trust in politics, the role of media, and the importance of political engagement. They explore the dynamics of global leadership, particularly in relation to the United States and Europe, and the implications of nuclear proliferation. The conversation also delves into the balance between regulation and individual rights, and the complexities of majority rule versus minority rights in a representative democracy.

Chapters
00:00 Reconciliation and Apologies
02:42 Exploring LGBTQ+ Conversations in the Church
05:32 Listener Feedback and Immigration Discussion
08:30 Traditional Gender Roles and the Gospel
20:46 Political Trust and Personal Responsibility
24:25 Debating Trust and Accountability in Politics
27:43 Media's Role in Political Trust
30:11 The Importance of Political Engagement
32:44 Global Political Dynamics and Leadership
35:42 The Shift in European Political Trust
39:26 Nuclear Proliferation and Global Security
42:59 Regulation vs. Individual Rights
49:52 The Balance of Majority Rule and Minority Rights

Keywords
Latter Day Lens, reconciliation, LGBTQ+, immigration, gender roles, gospel, political trust, personal responsibility, family dynamics, listener feedback, politics, trust, media, accountability, global leadership, nuclear security, regulation, individual rights, majority rule, political engagement

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One listener pointed us to this article which explains the legal status of various undocumented immigrants.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Melanie delve into the complexities of immigration policy in the United States, exploring the roles of faith-based organizations, the impact of political decisions, and the moral implications of immigration laws. They discuss the importance of love and compassion in addressing immigration issues while also considering the need for order and clarity in policy implementation. The dialogue highlights differing perspectives on the motivations behind immigration laws and the historical context of these policies, ultimately questioning what principles should guide our approach to immigration today. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of order in spiritual governance, the impact of COVID-19 on public trust in science, and the responsibilities of leaders to provide truthful information. They discuss the implications of Jesus's teachings on order and governance, the partisan divides exacerbated by the pandemic, and the ethical obligations of leaders in the context of misinformation. In this conversation, the participants delve into the ethics of truth-telling, the complexities of national security, and the integrity required in leadership. They explore the moral implications of lying, especially in high-stakes situations, and discuss the historical context of deception. The dialogue transitions into the negotiation tactics used by leaders and the consequences of changing the international order established post-World War II. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining commitments in international relations and the potential repercussions of failing to do so.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:17 Clarifying Immigration Misconceptions
03:36 Faith-Based Organizations and Immigration Policy
06:01 Principles Guiding Immigration Perspectives
10:38 The Role of Love in Immigration
11:58 Order vs. Chaos in Immigration Laws
19:44 The Need for Order in Immigration Policy
20:55 The Order of Creation and Spiritual Governance
30:35 The Impact of COVID-19 on Trust in Science
40:36 Truth and Leadership: The Case of Zelensky and Trump
42:28 The Ethics of Truth and Lies
45:04 The Complexity of National Security and Truth
47:39 Integrity in Leadership and Personal Choices
49:14 The Role of Deception in Historical Contexts
52:57 Negotiation Tactics and Moral Implications
53:26 The International Order Post-World War II
01:00:34 The Consequences of Changing Global Dynamics

Keywords

immigration, faith-based organizations, refugee resettlement, human dignity, U.S. laws, Pope Francis, love thy neighbor, order and chaos, immigration policy, political landscape, spiritual governance, order, COVID-19, trust in science, leadership, truth, immigration, Jesus, family separation, ethics, truth, lies, national security, integrity, leadership, negotiation, international order, global dynamics, deception

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In this episode of Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Levi engage in a deep discussion about immigration laws, the complexities of undocumented immigration, and the economic implications of these policies. They explore the nuances of fiscal conservatism, the impact of government spending and taxation on the economy, and the historical context of immigration debates in the U.S. The conversation highlights differing perspectives on how to approach immigration and economic policy, emphasizing the need for a fair and effective system. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intersection of economic growth and political ideologies, exploring the claims made by conservatives regarding the impact of liberal policies on economic performance. They also discuss scriptural perspectives on economic systems, emphasizing themes of self-reliance and community support. The dialogue shifts to the topic of robocalls, questioning whether they represent a market failure or an innovative business model, and culminates in a debate about the ethical implications of profit-making in society. This conversation explores the themes of consent in market transactions, the complexities of externalities in public land use, the debate surrounding wolf reintroduction, and the balance of competing interests in land management. It delves into the importance of self-reliance versus government dependency, the role of science in ecological decisions, and the scriptural perspectives on land ownership. The discussion transitions to the family as a fundamental unit of society, addressing the need to support diverse family structures and the cognitive dissonance that arises from differing definitions of family within religious contexts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests
01:24 Immigration Discussion Begins
08:17 Understanding Immigration Laws
11:39 Economic Perspectives on Immigration
15:03 Fiscal Conservatism Defined
19:24 Economic Growth and Political Ideologies
21:05 Scriptural Guidance on Economic Systems
25:02 Robocalls: Market Failure or Innovation?
36:45 The Ethics of Profit in Society
38:25 The Importance of Consent in Market Transactions
39:08 Externalities and Public Land Conflicts
39:57 The Wolf Reintroduction Debate
41:09 Balancing Competing Interests on Public Lands
43:52 Self-Reliance and Government Dependency
45:03 The Role of Science in Land Management
46:01 The Scriptural Perspective on Land Ownership
49:58 The Family as the Fundamental Unit of Society
54:49 Supporting Diverse Family Structures
01:00:02 Cognitive Dissonance in Family Definitions

Keywords

immigration, economic policy, fiscal conservatism, undocumented immigrants, immigration laws, inflation, economic growth, political debate, border control, asylum seekers, economic growth, political ideologies, scripture, robocalls, market failure, innovation, ethics, charity, coercion, capitalism, consent, externalities, public land, wolves, ranchers, conservation, self-reliance, science, family, diverse family structures

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In this episode, hosts Matt and Shawn, along with guest David, engage in a deep discussion about racism, implicit bias, and the complexities of social justice. They explore the nuances of microaggressions, the role of education in combating racism, and the implications of implicit bias testing. The conversation also touches on economic shifts in manufacturing jobs and the political landscape surrounding these issues, particularly in relation to Trump's policies and China's labor practices. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various political and social issues, including the impact of troop deployments on U.S.-Mexico relations, the future of manufacturing in the U.S. in light of technological advancements, and the comparison of Biden's and Trump's policies. They also delve into the concept of second chances in politics, referencing Andy Reid's philosophy, and explore the public's role in holding political leaders accountable for their actions. The conversation delves into the themes of political corruption, accountability, civic engagement, and the role of faith in politics. The hosts discuss the changing landscape of public opinion and political responsibility, particularly in light of recent movements like Me Too. They explore the judicial system's role as a check on power and the importance of civic engagement in fostering a more responsible political culture. The discussion culminates in a reflection on how faith can guide political discourse and encourage unity rather than division.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:01 Racism and Subconscious Bias
03:51 Microaggressions and Personal Experiences
06:58 Implicit Bias and Agency
11:02 The Role of Education in Reducing Racism
13:50 Political Implications of Implicit Bias Testing
18:02 Economic Shifts and Manufacturing Jobs
22:01 Trump's Economic Policies and China
22:59 The Impact of Troop Deployments on U.S.-Mexico Relations
24:32 Manufacturing's Future: Technology vs. Labor
27:53 Biden's Manufacturing Policies: A Comparison with Trump
34:04 Second Chances: Political Perspectives and Forgiveness
42:22 The Role of the Public in Political Accountability
47:27 Corruption and Accountability in Politics
52:39 Civic Engagement and Political Responsibility

Keywords

racism, implicit bias, microaggressions, education, political science, manufacturing jobs, economic policies, agency, discrimination, social justice, U.S.-Mexico relations, troop deployments, manufacturing, technology, Biden, Trump, second chances, political accountability, public opinion, political science, politics, corruption, accountability, civic engagement, faith, political responsibility, Me Too movement, judicial system, public opinion, church doctrine

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In this episode of Latter Day Lens, hosts Matt, Shawn, and Marc engage in a lively discussion that begins with personal anecdotes about oil changes and transitions into listener feedback regarding the podcast's branding. The conversation then delves into the complex topics of racism and implicit bias, exploring scientific perspectives and societal implications. The latter part of the episode focuses on transgender policies in the military, examining the intersection of diversity, meritocracy, and military readiness. The conversation explores various themes surrounding military readiness, healthcare rights, and the implications of transgender surgeries within the military context. It delves into the political strategies of the Trump administration, particularly regarding public approval and the effectiveness of executive orders versus legislative action. The discussion also touches on the intersection of AI technology and censorship, raising concerns about national security. Additionally, the role of religion in politics is examined, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the balance between humility and self-praise in faith communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Oil Change Anecdotes
02:57 Listener Feedback and Podcast Branding
05:59 Racism and Implicit Bias
09:01 Scientific Perspectives on Racism
11:59 Transgender Policies in the Military
14:53 Debate on Military Readiness and Diversity
27:48 The Impact of Medical Procedures on Military Readiness
30:09 Healthcare Rights and Military Insurance
31:11 Gender Dynamics in Military Spaces
34:29 Trump's Political Strategy and Public Approval
38:40 Executive Orders vs. Legislative Action
42:10 AI and Censorship: A National Security Concern
50:10 Religion and Politics: A Civic Approach
56:08 The Balance of Praise and Humility in Faith

Keywords
Latter Day Lens, racism, implicit bias, transgender policies, military readiness, listener feedback, podcast branding, societal issues, personal anecdotes, diversity, military readiness, healthcare rights, transgender issues, Trump administration, executive orders, AI censorship, religion in politics, civic engagement, national security, public approval

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The Thought Provoker:

Melanie is up first this week. I got a Breaking News notification from BBC about how Thailand has legalized same-sex marriage, which brokered the question: why do we care? As global powers, how much is it our responsibility to enforce "good" causes around the globe, and how much should we remain hands off? Where's the line between the sins of the people being answered on the heads of their kings, and teaching men correct principles and allowing them to govern themselves?
Next up, Shawn.  The US State Department has issued a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid, with exceptions only for emergency food aid and for military funding for Israel and Egypt. If the US government is going to cede its role in helping support democracies and people in need around the world, what should good people do?
Finally, Matt.  A woman in Utah took issue with a transgender woman living in her daughter’s dorm and serving as an R.A., said she felt blindsided by the school for not alerting her about her daughter’s new suite mate. She went public and now the Utah legislature is considering writing a law that prohibits transgender people from living in dorms that match their gender identity if it does not match their sex at birth. What is the morally appropriate thing to do?
The Big Question: Elon Musk made a surprise appearance during Germany's AfD (Alternative fuer Deutschland) election campaign event in Halle in eastern Germany on Saturday, speaking publicly in support of the far right party for the second time in as many weeks. For listeners who may not know, the AfD is the new Nazi party in Germany. How should Americans feel about having a foreigner who supports elements of the Nazi agenda working in an unelected, non-appointed position in the US White House?
Chapters
00:00 Global Reach of the Podcast
01:11 Due Process and Legal Rights
07:11 Human Rights and Global Responsibility
17:30 Foreign Aid and Political Strategy
21:57 The Reality of Immigration and Foreign Aid
29:54 Negotiating Tactics in Foreign Aid
31:13 Transgender Rights in College Dorms
38:21 Disclosure and Transparency in Housing Assignments
39:58 Understanding Roommate Assignments and Disclosure
42:12 Cultural References and Living Situations
43:48 Elon Musk's Political Involvement
44:17 The AFD and Its Controversial Agenda
47:37 Debating Elon Musk's Influence and Citizenship
50:15 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Government

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Topic 1: The special counsel released their findings from their investigation into Trump's behavior on Jan. 6, 2020. We now know that Trump broke the law in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election. By the time this episode drops, Trump will have been sworn in as President of the United States. How will future members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints look back on this time? At present, we look back on decisions members of the church made and judge them. Will future generations find fault with us for electing  someone who tried to overthrow a US election?
Topic 2: Shari Franke has just released a memoir. Her mother (Ruby Franke) had a YouTube channel in which their families life was documented for more than 1 million of her followers. IN one video Ruby waxed her daughter's eyebrow (for content). Shari has become an opponent of these kinds of YouTube channels. She says children cannot consent and she regrets that so much of her private childhood moments have been documented for the world to see. Should it be illegal for parent's to make videos of their children for public consumption before the kids are old enough to consent?
The Big Question: Americans are living longer than ever, but along with that comes a heightened risk of dementia. According to a story in the Washington Post, after age 55 4 in 10 adults develop dementia. Most people who live past 85 in the US will develop dementia. But it can be prevented through the same diet and exercise habits that lead to better heart and brain health overall. The current structure of US society incentivizes companies to provide food options that are unhealthy. Bad food tastes great and has a long shelf life.  Shouldn't we find a way as a society to incentivize healthy food choices? American taxpayers end up shouldering the burden for unhealthy lifestyle choices through government sponsored end of life care. Wouldn't it be better to spend that money more wisely earlier on in the life cycle to help people have a better quality of life?
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics
03:02 Winter Blues and Mental Health
06:01 Feminism and Faith: A Complex Relationship
09:59 Political Reflections on Trump's Presidency
20:00 Guardrails of Democracy: A Discussion on Governance
25:52 The Controversy of Child Exploitation on Social Media
38:11 Dementia and the Impact of Diet on Health
51:40 Finding Common Ground on Food Subsidies

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The Salt Lake Tribune has a story about why a sizable number of faculty members at BYU are afraid. In the article and on the podcast the Tribune discusses this topic with former faculty members and only cites anonymous current faculty member sources. Should faithful latter-day saints be concerned about BYU faculty members' possible fear about policies that require them to agree with church policies? 

 Gallup conducted a survey of US adults asking them to make predictions about their expectations for 2025. Republicans are overwhelmingly positive in their expectations for 2025. They think that everything will be better except for political cooperation. Conversely, Democrats are overwhelmingly pessimistic in their expectations about everything for 2025. How should members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints feel about 2025. On issues about which we know so little (economy, crime rates, international affairs), how should we determine our level of optimism about the future?

 When he is sworn in next week, Trump will officially be the first president in the United States to enter office as a convicted felon. This means that in many states he will not have the right to vote, the right to own a gun, the right to travel abroad, or to serve on a jury. In many states, felons are not eligible to work for law enforcement, as a childcare professional, a teacher, or in the armed forces. Felons are not eligible for public housing, food stamps, SSI, or other federal and state grants. According to federal law, the person who is now commander in chief of the armed forces would not be eligible to serve in the armed forces. A majority of Americans decided in this last election that felony convictions should not stop a person from being president of the United States. In this case, many voters decided to not hold Trump's felony convictions against him. Shouldn't every felon have the same right in other areas of their lives? Is it morally wrong to deny felons their constitutionally protected rights? Shouldn't everybody have the chance to have their case looked at on an individual basis and not just have rights denied based on a felony conviction?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Farewell to Sam
02:57 The Purpose of the Podcast
06:00 Marc's Journey to Faith
08:57 Concerns About BYU Faculty
12:02 Faith and Doubt in Academia
14:53 The Role of Social Media in Faith
18:10 Hiring Practices at BYU
20:57 Balancing Faith and Academic Freedom
23:47 The Impact of Social Issues on Faculty and Students
25:50 Impact of Education on Faith
28:47 Optimism and Political Perspectives
36:11 Felons and Their Rights
46:02 Finding Common Ground

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In this episode of the RM podcast, hosts Matt, Sam, and Shawn engage in a lively discussion sparked by listener questions. They explore the impact of foreign relations on the growth of the church, the role of workplace safety regulations like OSHA, and the implications of government regulation on AI-generated content. The conversation highlights the complexities of these issues and the varying perspectives of the hosts, providing listeners with a thought-provoking experience. In this conversation, the hosts explore the themes of truth in media, the implications of cybersecurity laws, and the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. They discuss the importance of discerning truth in a digital age, the role of government in addressing youth cybercrime, and the evolving understanding of alcohol's health impacts. The conversation culminates in reflections on the Word of Wisdom and the need for public disclosures regarding health risks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement
01:24 Foreign Relations and Church Growth
06:21 Workplace Safety and OSHA
11:09 Government Regulation and AI Disclosure
18:28 The Quest for Truth in Media
21:52 Cybersecurity and the Role of Government
27:35 Alcohol Consumption and Health Risks
38:05 Conclusions and Reflections