Episode #4: You're Not Supposed to Talk about It

Laura and Jeff talk about the things you are not supposed to talk about in episode no. 4. Politics, religion, and money... OH MY!

Show Notes

So they say there are a few ...Things You Should Never Talk About. So we decided to do just this after pondering a few things over the past few months. Here we go!

Let’s Get Political...

• Forget Canada. Stay and Fight for American Democracy.
• Just because you don’t vote in the US, doesn’t mean we should not participate in politics or your civic duty. We should be concerned for the DREAMERS, DACA, and the thought of a Muslim Registry.
• We discuss our privilege & responsibility. What is a system of privilege? 
• Texas was once a blue state. Why Is Texas So Red, And How Did It Get That Way? Jeff is not a “party person.” This does not mean he is anti-social.
• Why are there only 2 political parties? Doesn’t choice matter. MTV explains. Does the US political system need fixing? Aside: Is the Electoral college the worst?
  • FACT CHECK: There are 24 triscuit flavors, Laura was spot on!
• The Dutch Political System in a Nutshell [PDF]
  • FACT CHECK: Ireland can fit into Texas’ land mass 8 times and Canada 118 times.
• Can a two-party system really serve such a large and diverse nation? Which smaller American nation would you want to live in of these potential 11? Slate, WSJ & others had a similar thought on this divided America. A short NPR listen about the 11 nations. 
• A few differences of French language in Quebec vs. France

Religion (mixed with Politics)

• Growing up where you are - does geography matter?
• Our past, history, community, and culture do shape our views -- specifically with politics.
• How evangelicals helped Donald Trump win
• The Religious Right’s Trump Schism and the Religious Right’s Trojan Horse via NYT
• Jeff shares his political hangover from the election from his own religious beliefs.

Church vs. State happenings:

• Laura asks why religion and politics are infused: church and state should be separate.
• Funding of the Catholic schools in Canada
• 13 Colonies - Facts & History => Religion and the Church (a social study recap for y’all)
• FACT CHECK: Where the term comes from: Separation of Church & State 

How Does Religion Influence Politics

• Is the religious right is now judgment free, thanks to Donald Trump?
• How the Christian Right Ended Up Transforming Politics
• The Refugee Resettlement in the US 
• Key facts about refugees in the US via the Pew Research (2017)
• A few fast facts about Pope Francis -- he’s pretty hip & would almost encourage Laura to return back to Catholicism (almost); he is more accepting of gays, lesbians, divorces, believes women should be priests, and more.
• Landmark case Obergefell vs. Hodges as a fundamental right to guarantee same-sex marriage

Money Matters

• How you make very little in higher ed? Or do you as you get smarter or advance your degrees? Debatable.
• Surviving the crash of post-2008. How did Texas survive the recession? 
• Redlining: The Racist Housing Policy that Created Your Neighborhood
• How much money WAS spent on the 2016 Election https://www.opensecrets.org/overview/
• What is the worse and most common questions people ask when they first meet you? “What do you do [for work]? How does this question 

LATE @BreakDrink-ING NEWS: Nerlens Noel was traded to the Mavs Go team!

Our @BreakDrink Podcast Love: 

• Nerdist: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes #114: Aziz Ansari
• Gimlet: Sampler Podcast concludes with Brittany Luse - a great way to find podcasts
• Mystery Show with host Starlee Kine
• Note to Self with host Manoush Zomorodi
• Gimlet: Twice Removed with author A.J. Jacobs, check out episode No. 3

@BreakDrink REQUEST: Back in either 2008 or 2009 there was a NASPA Presentation on Being Conservative in Higher Education. Get in touch with us. We want to talk with you on a future @BreakDrink podcast. We welcome differing views and viewpoints from professional in higher ed. Always.

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What is BreakDrink Podcast?

BreakDrink is an occasional chat with Jeff Jackson and Laura Pasquini about life, work, and random stuff. There’s a good chance you’ll hear these co-hosts talk about their thoughts on current events, ukuleles, the NBA, podcasts, higher ed, rescue dogs, research, books, technology, and tacos… not in any particular order. They may even invite a friend to the pod to chat. Really, it’s a podcast to encourage you to take a break from the day and have a friend fill your cup.