XXceedingly Persuasive

While in Part One, we discussed the legal history and constitutionality of the death penalty, in this episode we bring on political writer Kat Timpf to discuss the moral implications and whether government should have the ability to carry out executions.

The US federal government carried out a record number of executions under the Trump Administration (which pushed the last one through just days before President Biden’s inauguration). The current Supreme Court lifted multiple stays to allow these executions to go forward. With a new President, the same Court, and global attitudes shifting away from capital punishment, is the death penalty "cruel & unusual" punishment?

This week, we discuss Trump's second impeachment. Big guy now holds half of the presidential impeachments in our nation's history! In relation to the new impeachment charge AND upcoming inauguration, we examine when angry speech becomes incitement to violence, and what federal crimes the rioters might be facing.

(Sorry for technical difficulties with the first posting-- corrected now!)

After Trump supporters' attempted coup and invasion of the Capitol this week, we discuss the attack's significance, the rhetoric that led to it, and the response from both law enforcement and government. We touch on what this (and the newly 'blue' Senate after the Georgia run-off election) means for the transition of executive power and the incoming Biden administration. Also, can Trump pardon himself...?

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With the Dept. of Justice suing Walmart over pharmacy practices during the opioid crisis, and the Sackler family testifying before Congress, we diagnose the actual systemic problems in our healthcare framework. While politicians and corporations try to implement symbolic, ineffective hurdles after-the-fact, we'll see patients struggle to access prescriptions, and providers and pharmacists struggle to provide adequate treatment. The real fix is to take private industry control out of healthcare.

Bonus episode on Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli coming soon to Patreon.com/XXceedinglyPersuasive

Happy Georgia election day-- get out and knock 'em dead, Georgians!

Brooke and MacKenzie discuss the rollout of the three new COVID vaccines, the effect of the anti-vax movement on public reception, the danger of conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccine and the possibility of a state mandate requiring Americans who are able to be vaccinated.

With news of ICE Detainees going on hunger strike to protest being held in ICE facilities despite the risk of COVID, we discuss the balancing and international law around hunger strikes and forced feedings. We start with the most famous prisoner hunger strikes: the 10 IRA members who died in British custody during The Troubles. Also, we condemn eating eggs on planes.

(Please note that this episode includes descriptions of eating disorders, so be aware of that & gentle with yourself!)

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Biden won, Trump lost. What comes next, with recounts, lawsuits, and refusals to concede? This feels like the last scene in The Graduate.

To help distract from the presidential (+) election currently raging around us we are delving into a different potential crisis: reproductive rights and abortion access after Amy Coney Barrett's approval to the Supreme Court. Many, many things are on the chopping block with her unprecedented appointment, and Roe & Casey's protections are top of the list. We discuss the medical realities, legal standard, and what-ifs of abortion. Stay safe & go vote, if you haven't!

(Mkz apologizes for her mic quality- the good one broke- we hope you'll still listen on an important topic with the promise she will fix it by next time!)

Brooke and MacKenzie are joined by documentary filmmaker Benjamin Boult to discuss the story of officer Ken Williams, who says he was pushed out of his department in Brockton, Massachusetts after he helped the victim of an unlawful arrest file a complaint against a fellow officer.

Beyond the Blue Wall film: https://www.bluewallfilm.com/

Benjamin Boult's work: https://www.benjaminboult.com/