Category: Foreign Policy

In light of the growing normalization of white supremacy and related forms of bigotry in the United States, Jaye focuses on the debate between unfettered free speech and the regulation of hate speech. What does “free speech” truly mean in the US context, and why does it matter? Should “dangerous” speech be made illegal? Jaye also discusses libertarian ideology – specifically how, despite its emphasis on individual rights, it may fall short in the realm of free speech. In a corporatocracy, should we consider ensuring free speech rights in relation not only to government, but also to businesses, especially in the Internet age?

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What if the religious extremism Americans should be most concerned about comes from Christianity? In this episode, Jaye explores the authoritarian, extremist elements of American evangelicalism and the overwhelming support of Donald Trump by white evangelical Christians. Jaye also discusses the Quiverfull movement, the increasing emphasis on authoritarianism and control within evangelical Christian colleges, dominionism, racial reconciliation, evangelical support for Donald Trump’s inhumane policies, and parallels between right-wing evangelicalism and ultra-conservative Islam.

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With Donald Trump verbally capitulating to Vladimir Putin during the Helsinki summit July 16, the Russia investigation heating up, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigating the NRA for potential money laundering for the benefit of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Trump is clearly embroiled in a great deal of controversy. But in the face of it, Trump tells the American people to believe him over the facts that are publicly available. Evangelical leaders are also steering their flock toward belief in Trump – elevating their defenses of Trump over the Bible they state is inerrant. Will there come a time where Trump Christians will have a moment of clarity and decide that their deal with the devil is untenable?

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Do we have a “free press” in the United States? Jaye makes the case that even though the news media are not owned by the government, elite monopolistic ownership of media outlets and lack of federal regulations lead to outcomes not much different than state-run news media. What does the lack of free press mean for our democracy?

Also – we debut a new segment called “Editorial by Jaye.” In the first “editorial,” Jaye gives her reaction to the Alfie Evans case. While the case is extremely tragic – is it also an example of nationalized health care gone horribly wrong?

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This special Christmas/New Years episode takes a look at the “War on Christmas” – the belief that societal forces are attempting to attack or downplay the Christmas holiday. The “War on Christmas” tends to be a common idea in conservative Christian circles, and exploited by conservative politicians and media. Is there a “War on Christmas,” and what it the concern about Christmas truly about? Jaye also gives a year in review and gives her predictions regarding what we will see in US national politics in 2018 and beyond. One of these predictions is a bit shocking – don’t miss it!

Admin Note: The next episode of Potstirrer Podcast will be released February 4, 2017. During this break, please be sure to catch up on older episodes, check out the PotstirrerPodcast.com website, and join the conversation on social media. We’re not going anywhere! Thank you for listening.

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Today’s episode is a reminder that truth still matters, even in a “post-truth” era. Jaye discusses the  abandonment of truth among many conservative evangelicals in the United States in pursuit of political power.  What does the Bible say about truth, and what does it mean for those in American society who claim to hold the Bible as the inspired or literal word of God, yet also profess allegiance to Trump, nationalism, and the Republican Party?

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*Apologies in advance for unforeseen technical difficulties in post-production (i.e. a running train has been stuck behind my house for the past couple of days! – Jaye).