I was joined today by Dr. Roy Schwarzman, UNCG Professor of Communication and Rachel Sanders, Media Literacy Educator who teaches a new seminar in understanding "Fake News."

We first discussed how our topic related directly to today's shooting of Congresspersons in Alexandria, Virginia.  I outlined how violence exists on a continuum from thought to speech/arguments to physical violence.   So to understand how "fake news" has stemmed from echo chambers and confirmation bias, helps us understand the consequences of not considering the impact that "fake news" is having upon our human experience of conflict.

Roy presented a history of fake news - going back centuries historically - to the negative lambasting of political opponents holding opposing view points. Roy further discussed the systemic problem of fake news and the need for a more peer reviewed editorial process of information BEFORE it airs or is published.

Rachel presented academic study and the fact that non peer reviewed information can easily fit the descriptor of "fake" because it has not be validated or verified.  Rachel and Roy both presented the dangers of dismissing information as "fake" that one doesn't agree with or labeling it as "fake" to categorically dismiss information when it doesn't fall into line with what one thinks.

We encouraged listeners to listen to many varied sources of information and directly challenge ourselves to consider other political view points besides our own.

CLIMATE CHANGE: The Aftermath of the Paris Agreement Decision

My guests were Dr. Dave Dobson, Guilford College, Professor of Geology & Environmental Studies & Lorelei Elkins, Greensboro Environmental Services & Triad Air Awareness.

Dave discussed the history & science behind climate change, giving a complete comparison to the cycles that the earth has gone through. Lorelei, Dave and I analyzed the ramifications of the Paris Agreement decision. We discussed the details of the conservative perspective of job loss in the fossil fuels industries and the projections of long wait times and increased money projected to convert to cleaner fuels.

Lorelei and Dave presented the long term economic gains of converting to cleaner, renewable fuels and how these industries will create the jobs of future and the present, if leadership returns to support these renewable fuel industries.

We further discussed what we can do to continue to decrease our carbon footprint individually and collectively - through both smart industry standards and individual choices to promote a healthy earth.

Dr. Thom Little and I discussed the status of the Trump Investigation.  We compared all of the major separate investigations - how they overlap and the potential outcomes of each. We discussed the "court of public opinion" and how this is separately playing out.  Thom presented that impeachment is a political process driven by public opinion.

We discussed the three past Presidential Impeachment processes:  Nixon, Johnson, and Clinton (in that order).  Thom presented the interesting details of political party influences upon these three separate political impeachment processes and the specific details of each.  I read the articles of impeachment presented for all three.  

We discussed the potential process of impeachment for President Trump and the impact of this investigation on the public - including the disconnect from both the Administration and the American media - as well as the perceptions of the U.S. world wide.  

We discussed how this investigation may proceed - depending on the evidence that comes forth.

Don Hild, Veteran Director & Insurance Agent joined me to discuss the differences between the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and the Proposed AHCA (American Health Care Act).  Don discussed the many nuances and differences between the two healthcare initiatives, including the history leading up to the ACA and the specific challenges that plagued the ACA.

We discussed that these challenges appear to not have been addressed in the work thus far to compile the AHCA. We discussed many of the challenges that face listeners this year and until the AHCA may go into effect - which Don projects to be some time between 2018 - 2020.  Don discussed that until the AHCA is finalized, the ACA as is will continue to be in effect.

Don discussed a very specific parameter within the AHCA of health savings plans.  He defined how these plans are created and used with healthcare.  Don further specified the differences between the ACA supplements versus the proposed AHCA flat tax credits.  

It was clear that the differences and nuances comparing these two separate healthcare systems are deep, and a second analysis of both will be beneficial. Don discussed that the next time to sign up for the ACA happens between November 1 - December 15.

Director of Elections, Charlie Collicutt (Guilford County, North Carolina) discussed the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the North Carolina Voter ID law. He discussed the ease of the process to register to vote, absentee voting and early voting in NC.  We briefly touched on national election controversies such as whether and how checking for voter fraud can happen. We discussed the difference in the electoral college for the national Presidential election and the popular vote.

Charlie discussed the paperwork to file to run for office (local, state, & national) and we discussed how this process was easily accessible for anyone with a passion to lead and/or become involved. Charlie pointed out that local elections for mayor and city council members will happen this fall in both Greensboro & High Point and the need for listeners to understand that every vote counts in every election.

In this clip, Nicole (Berrios) Kaufman, LPC discuss ways to handle stress. Nicole gives simple, specific options to consider and we both discussed the benefits of counseling.  This episode originally aired 12-12-16.  A full recording can be accessed by contacting me through email.   As a licensed counselor (myself) of 20 years, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with Nicole because it gave me an opportunity to promote the healthy choice of seeking counseling.

Congressman Amos Quick (D) of North Carolina joined me to discuss the current and pending legislation in our North Carolina State House.  This episode aired 5-10-17 and was previously recorded due to his work schedule in our congress.

Amos discussed in detail the HB2 & HB142 "Bathroom Bill" giving a brief history, definitions and present status of the compromise. He discussed all sides of this issue. He further discussed that the House had approved a year's "stay" of the bill that may initiate the elimination of "Specials" teachers in NC (Art, Music, PE & Languages). He discussed bills that he had introduced or co-sponsored with bi-partisan support to include:  

• Citizens Review Boards,
• Anti-discrimination Act,
• School Justice Partnership/SRO Training,
• School Calendar Flexibility,
• Body Worn Camera Recordings,
• School Lunch Shaming &
• The Task force on homelessness & Foster care dependency.

Congressman Quick passionately discussed his dedication to bi-partship with his fellow Republican congress members and the need for North Carolina to turn the corner and begin to set an example for the nation in coming together to work for the good of all.

Todd Warren, President, GCAE (Guilford County Association of Educators) in North Carolina came to talk with me about his innovative plans for educational reform and the work to improve and support public education.  Todd is a grassroots organizer for progressive ideas and programs.  He discussed his work to mobilize communities throughout Guilford County and North Carolina to get informed and get involved in the legislation that affects the lives of their children and families. 

Congressman Mark Walker (R) of North Carolina's 6th District came to "Seeking Justice" LIVE on this episode which aired 4-19-17. Mr. Walker is the Chairman of the Republican Study Committee - on which his job (as he discussed) is to seek compromise and often mediation between the opposing House members and the Administration on some of the most salient issues facing our legislature.

Mr. Walker gave a comprehensive update on a number of issues that he is currently working on.  He presented updates of the current work on: healthcare (the Affordable Care Act & American Healthcare Act) medicaid expansion; planned parenthood; education (A-PLUS Act) international actions in Syria & North Korea; tax reform and the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act.  

Air date: April 12, 2017:  With Nicole Berrios, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). I am also a National Board Certified Counselor (since 1995) and past practicing counselor (3 States).  Nicole and I analyze and discuss the mental health of Mr. Trump.  

Nicole and I discussed specific descriptors from the DSM 5 (Diagnostic & Statistics Manual) to help listeners understand aspects of his behavior that we have observed.  We discussed ways in which his administration is a extreme pendulum swing from the prior administration. We further provided our recommendations for Mr. Trump to handle stress and stimulate a positive change in his experience as President moving forward.