I agree, universal income is a likely solution. The presumption that people are minions, worker bees, no individual worth but capable of menial tasks to benefit a few is not only antiquated, it cheats society as a whole of untold benefits. As odd as it may initially sound, individual information, my information, our information, is extraordinarily valuable. The unique contribution of the individual is clearly financially beneficial. The financial benefit is simply not reaching the correct source - the individual. The question is are we ready for such a radical change?
I loved hearing how you two "met". I've been wondering about that for weeks. On a future pod, I would love to hear more about your background, Robert. You are quickly becoming one of my favorite voices (Mike, you have been a favorite for a long while) and it seems like you came out of nowhere!
LOVE these conversations. Look forward to the next one. So insightful. Great to listen to two intelligent, creative people create solutions in real time. Stating the actual problem is the most important part of the problem solving process.
How about home ownership. That typically creates wealth. We need to get away from what’s becoming a renters society and STOP investors buying up all the homes and building massive apartments.
If the price ever stabilised it could be used as a moor for people residing in countries whose currencies are susceptible to debasement of their currency.
Judging from the books you've listed, I would highly recommend "Beautiful Country Burn Again: Democracy, Rebellion, and Revolution" by Ben Fountain. it veers around american history, some memoir, and even follows Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. In spite of, or because of it's sprawling narrative, it comes to a forceful central point about how we got here. It also happens to be beautifully written prose.
The Ultra Rich is and always has turned out to me the governing power of the nation when populated by self-driven individuals who will never have enough, who will never be fulfilled. Thus, the oligarchy (especially the mega trust holders) becomes the nationalized government.
I wish we could talk more about small business owners. I have owned 2 small businesses and there are 2 key places that we are being kicked in the ass. #1- Interest rates on commercial mortgages and the way they are structured, and #2-Insurance as a whole. Medical, liability, all of it. It is killing us financially and there are never any programs that truly help us. There have been something here and there but nothing substantial.
We need to change the tax structure. We need to tax corporations higher when they pay their ceos thousands of percent higher than the employees. To not give the extras to these companies who dont pay a living wage.
Be prepared to stand against taking away free and fair elections. States need to be prepared to hold elections no matter what “national security” rationale is used to intimidate, prevent , or overturn elections. Contact Governor's to demand a plan be publicized ASAP. We had police at our polling location this month ‘so people knew where to go to vote”. I spoke to one about their being there and was told it was a last minute decision and he was not happy since it was a late minute directive (elections coordinator), held on county grounds and since city police usually are present outside the grounds on city property, they wondered why the sheriff's dept who handles inside the grounds weren't there instead. Note:Our sheriff's participate in 287(g) so I anticipate the sheriff will ultimately be there in Nov. since the coordinator said the city plan is to have the police prevent any interference (have not seen this as effective means against any federal agencies) so this was a trial to normalize law enforcement presence which has never happened before. To say they were there to direct traffic when signs with arrows would have been sufficient as citizens are very familiar with the specifically named building ,so personal direction was unnecessary. I shared my thoughts with our elections coordinator and even asked how our votes will be protected after polls close since gathering votes from GA and CA have happened illegally and she said she was not familiar with that and would have to look into. Alarm bells…so I'm again volunteering to work polls in Nov. We are also going to electric signatures which of course never match our regular signature (disputed concern in 2020).
Ask questions, demand answers, hold them accountable for insufficient or deflective answers now. Understand how they will specifically address potential threats. Contact Governor's and AGs to share the information you received and are concerned about so the State can have a uniform policy across the state since not every county here follows the same procedures for all elections. Lastly, volunteer and prepare to ask questions, take notes and names if something doesn't seem right and demand that local news stations be present to document-whether it is now to get county plans, to share info at state level, and show up on election day.
Call your state to pass legislation to prevent Federal Agencies from being present at polling locations, and designate/enforce no weapons area.
Lots of work to do so organize groups to address and apply pressure now so there is time to change plans, get executive orders, have legislation ready, or lawsuits to be ready to file ASAP and demand representatives vote on constituant demands ensuring election protections including not allowing any federal agencies to be present. Demand JUDICAL warrants vs Administrative warrants since they are not legal/appropriate if they try to seize ballots. Have journalists ensure other state local stations share all this information and if reps or stations refuse, list those specifically so citizens have time to address them all specifically. And also, what steps will the state take if Congress refuses to swear in newly elected Congress members.
This conversation works in a way that teaches us and certainly encourages us to think and ponder things. I learn so much from these segments and am so appreciative for your time and expertise.
I love listening to how you two think--thank you both!
I agree, universal income is a likely solution. The presumption that people are minions, worker bees, no individual worth but capable of menial tasks to benefit a few is not only antiquated, it cheats society as a whole of untold benefits. As odd as it may initially sound, individual information, my information, our information, is extraordinarily valuable. The unique contribution of the individual is clearly financially beneficial. The financial benefit is simply not reaching the correct source - the individual. The question is are we ready for such a radical change?
I loved hearing how you two "met". I've been wondering about that for weeks. On a future pod, I would love to hear more about your background, Robert. You are quickly becoming one of my favorite voices (Mike, you have been a favorite for a long while) and it seems like you came out of nowhere!
Fully agree that we need to break up the monopolies
You guys are making me THINK today!! 🤣
LOVE these conversations. Look forward to the next one. So insightful. Great to listen to two intelligent, creative people create solutions in real time. Stating the actual problem is the most important part of the problem solving process.
How about home ownership. That typically creates wealth. We need to get away from what’s becoming a renters society and STOP investors buying up all the homes and building massive apartments.
That’s a very very small part of the problem and I agree with you it is a problem.
The problem in California, where the problem is the worst, is regulations preventing the building of new homes.
No policy maker of either party disputes that anymore. The evidence is too clear and obvious to get away from it anymore.
What you’re pointing out is a very small part of the problem.
Greetings from Ireland, I follow you and Waj Ali 😃
If the price ever stabilised it could be used as a moor for people residing in countries whose currencies are susceptible to debasement of their currency.
A lot of the bitcoin argument is based on the fact its independent of government
I read it Mike
Judging from the books you've listed, I would highly recommend "Beautiful Country Burn Again: Democracy, Rebellion, and Revolution" by Ben Fountain. it veers around american history, some memoir, and even follows Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. In spite of, or because of it's sprawling narrative, it comes to a forceful central point about how we got here. It also happens to be beautifully written prose.
These are the conversations that should be honestly conducted by candidates as political “thinking” debates rather than adversarial warfare.
The Ultra Rich is and always has turned out to me the governing power of the nation when populated by self-driven individuals who will never have enough, who will never be fulfilled. Thus, the oligarchy (especially the mega trust holders) becomes the nationalized government.
I wish we could talk more about small business owners. I have owned 2 small businesses and there are 2 key places that we are being kicked in the ass. #1- Interest rates on commercial mortgages and the way they are structured, and #2-Insurance as a whole. Medical, liability, all of it. It is killing us financially and there are never any programs that truly help us. There have been something here and there but nothing substantial.
This is what I want in a candidate How to be a “We the People” politician in 5 easy steps:
1. Get out and talk to the people (grassroots boots on the ground), listen and find out what their
needs are.
(Include: working and middle class in rural, suburban and urban communities.)
2. Shape policy around the people’s needs
3. Avoid billionaire and corporate donations.
(You report to the people; therefore you will not be owned by the billionaires/corporations)
4. Activate a vast number of volunteers all year long - every year
(We the People want to be involved. Find & organize things we can to do)
5. Repeat - all year long - every year. An ongoing process
We need to change the tax structure. We need to tax corporations higher when they pay their ceos thousands of percent higher than the employees. To not give the extras to these companies who dont pay a living wage.
Three more years to bankruptcy is coming fast. What do we have time to do in reality now to block our complete failure as a country?
Be prepared to stand against taking away free and fair elections. States need to be prepared to hold elections no matter what “national security” rationale is used to intimidate, prevent , or overturn elections. Contact Governor's to demand a plan be publicized ASAP. We had police at our polling location this month ‘so people knew where to go to vote”. I spoke to one about their being there and was told it was a last minute decision and he was not happy since it was a late minute directive (elections coordinator), held on county grounds and since city police usually are present outside the grounds on city property, they wondered why the sheriff's dept who handles inside the grounds weren't there instead. Note:Our sheriff's participate in 287(g) so I anticipate the sheriff will ultimately be there in Nov. since the coordinator said the city plan is to have the police prevent any interference (have not seen this as effective means against any federal agencies) so this was a trial to normalize law enforcement presence which has never happened before. To say they were there to direct traffic when signs with arrows would have been sufficient as citizens are very familiar with the specifically named building ,so personal direction was unnecessary. I shared my thoughts with our elections coordinator and even asked how our votes will be protected after polls close since gathering votes from GA and CA have happened illegally and she said she was not familiar with that and would have to look into. Alarm bells…so I'm again volunteering to work polls in Nov. We are also going to electric signatures which of course never match our regular signature (disputed concern in 2020).
Ask questions, demand answers, hold them accountable for insufficient or deflective answers now. Understand how they will specifically address potential threats. Contact Governor's and AGs to share the information you received and are concerned about so the State can have a uniform policy across the state since not every county here follows the same procedures for all elections. Lastly, volunteer and prepare to ask questions, take notes and names if something doesn't seem right and demand that local news stations be present to document-whether it is now to get county plans, to share info at state level, and show up on election day.
Call your state to pass legislation to prevent Federal Agencies from being present at polling locations, and designate/enforce no weapons area.
Lots of work to do so organize groups to address and apply pressure now so there is time to change plans, get executive orders, have legislation ready, or lawsuits to be ready to file ASAP and demand representatives vote on constituant demands ensuring election protections including not allowing any federal agencies to be present. Demand JUDICAL warrants vs Administrative warrants since they are not legal/appropriate if they try to seize ballots. Have journalists ensure other state local stations share all this information and if reps or stations refuse, list those specifically so citizens have time to address them all specifically. And also, what steps will the state take if Congress refuses to swear in newly elected Congress members.
VOTE for public service oriented candidates who will serve in the interest of the American people
and prepared to govern on day one🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
this podcast is becoming one of my favorite weekly podcasts.
This conversation works in a way that teaches us and certainly encourages us to think and ponder things. I learn so much from these segments and am so appreciative for your time and expertise.