The Uninformed States of America, Benefits and Entitlements


1st Segment: The Uninformed States of America

In 2009 The European Journal of Communications looked up how informed are US citizens on civic, government and political matters versus other democratic nations (Denmark, UK, Finland). The US electorate turned out to be the 2nd most uninformed populace amongst the study. The Scandinavian countries were the most informed. What is causing this level of disinformation and how is it effecting the outcome of our society? Is there a "dumbing down" of America taking place? We discuss all of these issues.

2nd Segment: News of the Week

Obama Reducing sentences for an additional 102 inmates
Amy Goodman Is Facing Jail Time for Reporting on the Dakota Access Pipeline
California Proposition 66

Economics: Benefits and Entitlements
One of the big issues surrounding the last Presidential Debate of 2016 was entitlements. What do entitlements mean and who is considered "entitled?" Why do Republicans want to cut entitlements? Is it a battle of morality or is it economically a good idea? In this segment we go deep into the subject of Social Security Entitlements which is a big issue in the 2016 election.

TheUSAPodcast
with Mike Riley

The Party Platform; Donkeys, Elephants and in Between & The Theory Behind Deregulation


1st Segment: The Party Platform: Donkeys, Elephants and Between.

In this segment we ask is voting against the “system” simply the trendy and popular thing to do, or is something more pragmatic for the young? Barack Obama polled 60% amongst younger voters while Hillary Clinton is only polling 31%.

2nd Segment: News of the Week

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf Resigns In Wake Of Bank Scandal
Judge extends Florida voter registration deadline until October 18
Amazon to Expand Grocery Business With New Convenience Stores

3rd Segment: Economics: The Theory Behind Deregulation.
In this segment we take a deeper look into the economic theory behind deregulation. Republicans and conservatives argue for more deregulation while liberals argue for the opposite. What is regulation? What is a free-market mean in economics? The “takers versus makers” theory and the 2016 Noble Peace Prize to Bengt Holmstrom from Finland for “Contract Theory”