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Who Do You Believe Anymore?
Summary
Trust is the glue that holds democracy together. But today, Americans distrust almost everything — political parties, Congress, government agencies, even each other. In this episode, I look at where trust has frayed, where it still exists, and why it matters. From The West Wing’s fictional handover of power to neighbors helping each other with packages, we explore how trust once worked — and how we might rebuild it.
Resources & References
- In 2023, Congress passed just 27 laws — the lowest number since the Great Depression (PolitiFact).
- Michael Lewis, Who Is Government? (2025) — collection of essays on public servants’ contributions.
- Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (2000) — landmark work on declining civic engagement and trust.
- Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government: 1958–2023.
- Historical context of unequal justice for minorities in U.S. courts (Jim Crow, sentencing disparities).
Call to Action
Do you still see trust working — in your neighborhood, your community, or an institution you believe in? Send me your stories at [email protected]. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.
Credits
Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson
Music by Universfield from Pixabay
View all episodes
By Shana BynonSummary
Trust is the glue that holds democracy together. But today, Americans distrust almost everything — political parties, Congress, government agencies, even each other. In this episode, I look at where trust has frayed, where it still exists, and why it matters. From The West Wing’s fictional handover of power to neighbors helping each other with packages, we explore how trust once worked — and how we might rebuild it.
Resources & References
- In 2023, Congress passed just 27 laws — the lowest number since the Great Depression (PolitiFact).
- Michael Lewis, Who Is Government? (2025) — collection of essays on public servants’ contributions.
- Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (2000) — landmark work on declining civic engagement and trust.
- Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government: 1958–2023.
- Historical context of unequal justice for minorities in U.S. courts (Jim Crow, sentencing disparities).
Call to Action
Do you still see trust working — in your neighborhood, your community, or an institution you believe in? Send me your stories at [email protected]. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.
Credits
Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson
Music by Universfield from Pixabay