LDRship Podcast

Episode 31 - ICE in Minnesota: Wherein we react to ICE tactics that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.00:00:11 - Introduction00:02:06 - Why is ICE in Minneapolis?00:03:16 - Why are they there in large numbers in military gear?00:04:41 - A brief discussion of the militia and the 2nd Amendment00:05:45 - Getting back to why so many ICE agents in Minnesota...00:08:58 - We try to argue the Republican side of it00:10:20 - Sanctuary cities00:14:08 - Minneapolis is an effort to undo Biden's immigration policies00:17:14 - Why isn't this happening in other cities?00:18:49 - Some complications with mobilizing the National Guard00:20:08 - What we're seeing in the media about ICE activities00:21:22 - The Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis00:23:25 - What the ICE agent's video shows00:27:46 - A long debate about compliance00:37:52 - Us vs. Them mentality00:40:43 - Do they understand what's at stake?00:44:05 - Where our social media feeds differ00:46:42 - The Alex Pretti shooting00:47:58 - Everyone's a domestic terrorist00:53:18 - Cops use deadly force for their protection, not intimidation00:55:14 - Pardons and qualified immunity00:58:49 - The cost and politicization of law enforcement01:05:17 - Takeaways01:12:17 - What do we do with ICE?01:19:05 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 30 - The Murder of Charlie Kirk: Wherein we react to the murder of Charlie Kirk and discuss the reactions of our fellow Americans.00:00:11 - Introduction00:01:13 - The death of Charlie Kirk00:03:09 - We have far more in common than is different00:03:51 - The gruesomeness of the videos00:05:08 - Political violence is never the answer00:06:16 - Shocking reactions on both sides00:10:13 - Just because you don't like what someone says doesn't mean he should die00:14:34 - The social media echo chambers00:21:34 - Hypocrisy on the right?00:25:09 - Does watching it happen affect us more?00:28:15 - Are words violence?00:40:10 - Words have meaning00:46:43 - Us vs Them rhetoric00:50:13 - Political violence is based in fear00:54:44 - We've lost the ability to engage with ideas we don't agree with00:59:35 - He had a right to be who he was01:05:47 - Good or bad, people don't deserve to die for their words01:08:24 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 29 - Toxic Masculinity: Wherein we discuss toxic masculinity, what it is, how it affects society, and what we can do about it.00:00:11 - Introduction00:03:07 - Does toxic masculinity even exist?00:04:56 - How do we define masculinity?00:11:14 - Grab 'em by the pussy - just locker room talk?00:12:41 - Raising our boys right00:17:01 - The transmogrification of men in society00:24:00 - A lack of good male role models00:27:27 - Have we abdicated the role of "father" to society and the government?00:30:16 - Mixed signaling to men00:34:14 - Black and white men have different definitions of what it means to "be a man"00:39:22 - Evolutionary components to male behavior00:43:40 - How do we address toxic behaviors?00:49:11 - Spaghetti and waffles00:52:20 - Is Pete Hegseth the ultimate in toxic masculinity?00:56:48 - Are You Man Enough for Kamal Harris?01:01:23 - In summary, masculinity is not inherently bad01:03:19 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 28 - The Rise of Political Violence: Wherein we discuss the seeming rise in number and severity of political violence instances recently, whether it's different or worse than we've had in the past, where it's stemming from in American society, and some thoughts on what we can do about it.00:00:11 - Introduction00:01:22 - July 4th, 'Murica! Yeah!00:04:04 - A difference between the Revolution and random acts of political violence00:05:42 - Luigi Mangione00:10:29 - It shouldn't matter whose team the offender was on00:13:43 - Does media bias play a role?00:20:19 - Political violence is domestic terrorism00:22:32 - Reactions to the Trump assassination attempt00:25:23 - Rhetoric from media and politicians00:33:30 - Are Americans angrier today?00:39:17 - How the narrative is told00:44:48 - The power of social media00:48:07 - Politicians need to condemn political violence00:52:07 - They're not just the "other"...they're not even Americans!01:03:53 - Getting to a point without political violence01:04:36 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 27 - The Commander in Chief: Wherein we discuss the two recent events where the President activated the military, one to quell a riot in Los Angeles and the other to bomb nuclear production sites in Iran.00:00:11 - Introduction00:01:08 - The situation in Los Angeles and Iran00:03:35 - The riots in LA00:07:35 - Pitting the public against the military00:09:49 - The President's legal authority to use military force on US soil00:13:03 - A Libertarian perspective on borders, immigration, and the rule of law00:15:06 - Posse comitatus00:17:17 - The Republican standpoint00:18:29 - The battle between Governor Newsome and President Trump00:20:07 - What is posse comitatus?00:24:18 - When law enforcement and the military are indistinguishable to the public00:26:53 - Making the case for war with Congress00:30:52 - The optics of striking a country with our stealth nuclear bombers00:34:51 - Technically legal or not, is it right?00:37:05 - Quoting Dave Smith from Part of the Problem00:40:17 - DNI said they weren't trying to build nuclear weapons00:44:31 - The President has to build a case for the people00:48:27 - The Founding Fathers did not intend for one person to be able to commit the country to war00:49:47 - How would America feel if Wakanda bombed us?00:52:26 - The difference between striking a nation or striking an extra-governmental entity00:55:04 - What did China and Russia think of our B-2s flying around?00:58:10 - Wrapping up our opinions on using the military, and Dion's opinion (Libertarian)00:58:53 - Will's opinion (Democrat)00:59:41 - Thea's opinion (Democrat)01:01:45 - Brett's opinion (Republican)01:04:12 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 26 - The National Debt and Deficit Spending: Wherein we discuss the $37 Trillion US national debt, the budget deficit that every President has run for decades, the dangers to America due to increasing debt, and what should be done about it.Links:https://www.usdebtclock.org/https://demonocracy.info/infographics/usa/us_debt/us_debt.html00:00:11 - Introduction00:02:32 - The stereotypical Democrat and Republican approaches to spending00:06:34 - Definitions00:08:37 - Republicans hold a double standard when it comes to spending? (The Democrat viewpoint)00:10:42 - Nah, both parties have a double standard!00:12:48 - Mind blowing graphics00:15:54 - So the debt is huge...00:17:21 - The Libertarian viewpoint00:19:05 - The Republican viewpoint00:21:08 - Fiat currency00:25:18 - Are we okay with deficit spending to get out of a crisis?00:29:35 - Now would be a time to cut spending...00:32:58 - An explanation of why the Republican majority isn't going further with spending cuts00:35:13 - Why is Elon Musk really mad about the Big Beautiful Bill?00:37:50 - Congressional budget math00:42:45 - Other factors that contributed to the Clinton budget surplus00:43:51 - Why is debt bad?00:52:14 - If you were King or Queen for a day, how would you fix this?01:08:23 - Are Libertarians right-leaning?01:11:45 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 25 - American Culture: Wherein we discuss what American culture is, what defines it, its history, and where it is headed in the future.00:00:11 - Introduction00:02:17 - Some definitions00:04:54 - There's no wrong answer to what is American culture, or is there?00:09:49 - When in our history did we have a cohesive culture?00:14:51 - Division is part of our DNA as a country00:16:44 - There's a difference between being multicultural and multiethnic00:17:40 - Black American culture and code switching00:23:50 - Why does melanin count determine culture?00:26:46 - There's more than one birthday song?00:29:10 - People who don't conform are being pushed out by the administration00:33:15 - Assimilation into our society and culture00:38:53 - What are our shared values as Americans?00:42:06 - The rule of law as an American value?00:47:29 - Moral absolutism versus moral relativism00:49:52 - Screw that box!00:51:49 - What's more American than being lazy?00:54:45 - Part of being American is being able to be whatever you want00:56:46 - The comparison to the Roman Empire01:00:23 - The Democrat argues for individualism and the Republican argues for collectivism...01:05:07 - Part of what it means to be American is to be able to disagree with each other01:07:34 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 24 - DEI: Wherein we discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what it is, what it's not, and how Americans on both sides of the political divide are reacting to it.00:00:11 - Introduction00:01:36 - Definitions00:02:57 - DEI, quotas, and affirmative action00:07:17 - Isn't discrimination in the workplace already illegal?00:09:11 - The DEI ideal00:10:38 - Two big education cases00:13:45 - SCOTUS has left room for racial diversity as a compelling interest00:15:57 - Diversity versus merit00:19:11 - Kamala Harris, the DEI Hire?00:22:01 - Where's the data that DEI is lowering standards?00:23:31 - Making statements that aren't helpful to the cause00:25:57 - It feels like vibes00:30:18 - Clarence Thomas and statements about hiring because of race00:33:02 - Acknowledging the historical lack of representation00:35:47 - A better way to phrase it00:41:00 - How do you know if someone was a DEI hire?00:44:57 - Virtue signaling00:49:29 - Equity versus equality00:56:21 - If DEI had overcorrected, wouldn't we see a lot more minorities in power?00:57:35 - Can we live in a society where skin color doesn't matter anymore?01:01:26 - Talking about different lived experiences is perceived as division01:03:15 - In summary...?01:06:21 - Making the workplace look like other aspects of society01:09:08 - Having a "month" for minority groups01:18:19 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 23 - The First 100 Days of Trump 2.0: Wherein we discuss the first 100 days of Trump's second term, what he promised to do, what's he's accomplished and failed to accomplish, and overall how we'd grade the start to his second time in the White House.00:00:11 - Introduction00:02:08 - The Republican says Trump has been effective in what he promised to do00:04:05 - The Democrat agrees? (Not so fast...)00:05:23 - He's done what he said he was going to do, and that's what I have a problem with00:06:15 - Don't come for my coffee, bro!00:08:07 - The rule of law00:10:53 - Trump's campaign promise scorecard00:13:55 - DOGE does a "delete all" to get rid of DEI00:16:20 - Trump's foreign policy successes and failures00:20:07 - The difference between the first 100 days in the 1st term vs the 2nd term00:24:56 - Comparing Trump to Thanos00:27:02 - The lack of empathy in execution00:32:51 - Trump's long term strategy00:36:58 - A record number of Executive Orders in the first 100 days00:40:54 - Playing the short game?00:42:25 - More rule of law00:54:12 - Letter grades for the first 100 days00:57:39 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 22 - The Death Penalty: Wherein we discuss capital punishment, whether it is still an appropriate punishment in the 21st Century, and the roadblocks to changing the laws around it.00:00:11 - Introductions00:02:09 - The Republican side of things00:05:30 - Death penalty should be rare and have the utmost due process00:07:00 - The financial cost of the death penalty00:09:56 - Against the death penalty because of justice system bias00:12:32 - Would you be more in favor of the death penalty if the system was flawless?00:17:44 - Where does the government get the authority to kill people?00:19:51 - Historical context of the government's powers00:24:11 - If everyone seems to be against it, why does it still exist?00:30:30 - The will and the method to vote on it isn't there00:35:43 - What's wrong with keeping it on the books but rarely using it?00:40:26 - Comparison between the death penalty and physician assisted suicide or abortion00:43:43 - Republicans don't want to be seen as soft on crime00:46:14 - There are alternatives to the death penalty00:51:10 - What is the point of the criminal justice system?00:52:58 - The death penalty is not a deterrent to crime00:58:21 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 21 - Abortion: Wherein we discuss abortion, personhood, whether there should be national-level laws regarding abortion, or whether it should be left up to each state, as the Dobbs decision has done recently.00:00:36 - Introductions and trigger warning00:03:10 - Roe v. Wade, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey SCOTUS decisions00:08:39 - Definitions of abortion and life00:11:24 - 1 USC 8 definition of personhood00:14:13 - Rights, choices, and responsibilities00:16:20 - Is abortion appropriate when there is something terminally wrong with the fetus?00:18:46 - The problems with one-size-fits-all legislation00:21:40 - This is not a decision that should be made by the state00:23:47 - Balancing the life of the mother against the life of the unborn child00:25:44 - Summarizing the Republican and Democrat viewpoints on the start of personhood00:30:23 - Restrictive laws make tough decisions for doctors00:35:30 - An analogy between abortion and end-of-life decisions00:38:34 - The problems with short time window abortion allowances00:43:40 - There needs to be more support and options available to women00:48:05 - The role of government versus the role of the community00:54:19 - Making something illegal doesn't stop it from happening00:59:14 - Fewer abortions is probably an overall good?01:05:18 - In conclusion...01:06:54 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 20 - States' Rights: Wherein we discuss the balance between states' rights and the power of the Federal government.00:00:11 - Introductions00:00:47 - Any discussion about states' rights is code for slavery?00:02:54 - States' rights is never about granting more rights...00:08:08 - The differences between states is part of the beauty of the United States00:10:41 - We live in a very diverse society00:13:51 - There's no genuine compromise anymore00:22:01 - The gray area in national policy00:25:06 - The tough conversations need to be had00:29:27 - The 24-hour news cycle divides us00:32:05 - Is the system we have working?00:34:47 - The strengths and weaknesses of the different states balance out00:35:37 - A brief history lesson00:39:42 - Pushing back on the framing of the discussion00:43:40 - Democrats not so sure about strong central government?00:50:42 - Do any of us feel there should be more federal control?00:53:52 - States as laboratories of democracy01:00:42 - What are some positives from states' rights?01:05:45 - Viewing states' rights in a different light01:09:56 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 19 - Tariffs: Wherein we discuss what tariffs are, what they're being used for, their pros and cons, and whether we think they're a good idea.00:00:11 - Introductions00:01:13 - What are tariffs?00:02:48 - Will thinks the cons outweigh the pros00:03:56 - What helps the US use tariffs to its advantage00:05:37 - What about the things we can't produce domestically?00:08:00 - Tariffs as negotiating tool00:11:20 - But what are we trying to negotiate?00:15:06 - What do you want Canada to do?00:17:30 - Why isn't Congress doing its job?00:22:38 - Tariffs as primary government income00:29:26 - The effects of tariffs on Americans00:35:10 - Tariffs as a way to strengthen bonds with allies00:40:10 - Are these current tariffs pissing off our trading partners?00:43:01 - What is the long term strategy?00:47:22 - Will this cause a recession?00:52:47 - Will is not going to buy a Tesla...00:54:01 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 18 - DOGE: Wherein we discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its legal status, its methods, and whether it will ultimately be effective.00:00:11 - Introductions00:03:33 - What is DOGE legally?00:09:14 - It's in the execution of it00:13:52 - Kneejerk reactions00:15:52 - The inefficiencies of the government budgeting process00:18:49 - DOGE's questionable legal stance could lead to the biggest inefficiencies00:22:21 - So far they're going after low dollar items00:28:50 - Could the Department of Veterans Affairs be outsourced to save money?00:33:39 - DOGE is lacking transparency?00:38:14 - Elon Musk's conflict of interest00:42:17 - Is this all a dog and pony show?00:46:40 - DOGE is just treating symptoms, not root causes00:51:52 - It's difficult to fire government employees00:55:42 - Merit-based systems need to have clear measures of performance00:58:17 - Five bullets on what you did last week01:03:45 - We have to change the government mindset when it comes to spending01:06:18 - DOGE spending cuts seem to be funding tax cuts instead of paying down debt01:10:24 - The bureaucracy hasn't allowed this kind of government cutting in the past01:14:08 - DOGE isn't touching the biggest parts of the government budget01:15:38 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 17 - The 2nd Amendment: Wherein we discuss the 2nd Amendment, the Founding Fathers' original intent in drafting it, and what that means in today's society.00:00:11 - Introductions00:01:35 - Definitions from 178900:07:24 - What was the reason for this amendment?00:10:32 - The difference between a militia and a standing army00:12:55 - The difference between 1789 and 202500:15:39 - The right to defend self and property is an inalienable right00:16:28 - You can't pick and choose when to be an originalist or a revisionist when it suits you00:19:05 - Shackled by the Founders' lack of imagination00:23:06 - Should civilians have nukes?00:27:47 - The huge disparity between the Government's and the civilian populace's arms00:34:37 - The lack of gun restrictions results in too many deaths00:36:59 - People got meaner...00:38:54 - Disagreements with the Bruen case00:42:12 - FBI statistics on active shooter incidents00:45:13 - There is a way to amend the Constitution if we wish...00:47:09 - The victims of mass shootings00:50:27 - More gun laws wouldn't have helped, but maybe different laws00:54:03 - The prevalence of gun violence in America00:57:22 - Comparing the war on guns to the war on drugs01:00:31 - The problem with statistics01:04:01 - Emotion doesn't have a place in lawmaking01:06:37 - A short discussion about common sense gun laws01:09:53 - So you get to have a weapon on you wherever you go unrestricted?01:14:53 - What if the majority wants more restrictions?01:23:00 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 16 - What are Rights and Who Gives Them to Us?: Wherein we discuss the nature of Rights and whether they are given to us by our creator or by our government.00:00:11 - Introductions00:01:54 - What the Founding Fathers wrote about our rights00:03:57 - What's the precedence of our inalienable rights00:05:44 - The balance between life and liberty during COVID00:08:41 - No right is absolute00:10:40 - How many people's liberties is worth one life?00:13:38 - Your rights shouldn't impose on mine00:16:02 - Free market principles00:18:20 - It's not a free market...00:20:38 - We as a society trust government to place restrictions on our rights?00:22:20 - We naturally have rights; the government doesn't give them to us00:24:30 - What is liberty?00:27:52 - Restrictions are placed on liberty because the government knows better...00:29:53 - The government is not my parent00:33:31 - These restrictions are in place to make crime harder00:37:43 - Government and laws are a necessary evil in large societies00:39:17 - We're not a perfect society but we strive to be better00:41:44 - We wish more people would be engaged with their government00:43:54 - Big government, King Trump, or the Oligarchy?00:49:29 - The Founding Fathers didn't foresee the other branches of government acquiescing to the Chief Executive00:53:50 - We're not good examples of the extremes of our parties00:55:50 - Too many old people hanging around in government01:01:18 - If you don't know your rights, how do you know they're being violated?01:02:31 - We need more Civics classes01:07:21 - In summary...01:09:48 - What's been making us happy this week----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 15 - Foreign Aid: Wherein we discuss the usefulness of US providing foreign aid to other countries.00:00:11 - Introductions00:02:06 - Non-military foreign aid helps us avoid conflict00:03:18 - The 4-star General says if he had one more dollar to invest...00:04:11 - What if you don't have one more dollar?00:05:34 - Zeroing it out wouldn't solve our fiscal issues...00:06:04 - Who do we want to be as a country?00:06:59 - America benefits from helping others too00:07:53 - De ja vu from a previous episode00:09:11 - Pushback from the Libertarian00:11:22 - Can we sustain this spending long term?00:11:56 - We should be looking at the big ticket items and not small change00:13:33 - This conversation is not about the USAID controversies00:14:14 - We should prioritize our spending; small change adds up00:16:02 - We can cut things now, get our budget in order, and add them back in00:19:21 - You're looking at people's lives as Lattes00:21:12 - Cutting programs like a bull in a china shop00:23:47 - We shouldn't be nation building...00:25:35 - The juice has to be worth the squeeze00:26:19 - The US is the largest contributor to foreign aid in the world00:27:57 - The recent spike in foreign aid is an anomaly00:29:46 - Do we want to be the kind of people who let children starve?00:30:33 - No one has faith that money will go to help Americans00:32:55 - What are the different types of foreign aid and should we do them?00:34:11 - The benefits of economic development aid00:35:38 - We need to cut funding to programs that fail to produce results00:37:05 - Refugees at the southern border are seeking economic asylum00:38:33 - When we do nothing, we're still affected00:39:01 - We're not against foreign aid; it just needs proper checks and balances00:42:00 - The way the current administration is going about cuts...00:44:00 - Musk destroys everything and rebuilds from the ground up00:45:42 - Once something is in government it seems to stay00:48:16 - You gotta do your homework before you make cuts00:51:58 - The inertia of government00:53:44 - Has "Peace & Security" aid actually hurt America?00:56:54 - The first "America First" policy didn't work...00:59:12 - Peace & Security will always have unintended consequences01:00:14 - We're not the only country that can contribute aid01:02:41 - We've conditioned the world that the US will take care of it01:05:00 - Wrap-up and what's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 14 - Disaster Preparedness and Response: Wherein we discuss the role of the federal government in preparing the 50 states for disasters and responding in the aftermath.00:00:11 - Introductions00:01:11 - We can't keep up with this administration00:04:05 - LA's response to the wildfires00:05:45 - Who has the resources to respond after a natural disaster?00:07:50 - Friction in the government response00:10:19 - Insurance companies bailed out of LA due to government caps00:11:21 - People getting priced out of their homes by insurance00:12:52 - How do we fix that problem?00:14:56 - What are my tax dollars going toward?00:15:31 - It's really difficult to get permits to rebuild00:18:05 - Sacrificing accuracy for speed in the immediate aftermath00:19:52 - Skipping permitting dangerous?00:21:12 - Not just federal; local and state too00:22:09 - Our funding should go toward planning and preparedness00:23:12 - Should be state and local funding first - they know their local needs best00:24:42 - Know your local government and vote00:26:35 - Non-profits stepped up in LA00:27:05 - Certain disasters are too big to prepare for adequately00:28:09 - Even a city as rich as LA can get overwhelmed00:30:43 - Overestimating the kindness of neighbors?00:31:56 - We're all people!00:33:44 - FEMA skipping Trump supporter houses in FL00:35:48 - Who deserves my help?00:37:32 - The role of personal responsibility00:38:40 - Stop listening to us and go talk to your neighbors00:39:59 - The role of local and state governments in requesting aid00:41:55 - Part of being the UNITED States is contributing00:45:36 - What are the things we expect from the Federal government?00:46:44 - Will's experience with FEMA00:48:14 - How would you improve it?00:50:39 - The local government doesn't have the resources to invest in certain infrastructure00:51:40 - Does it have to be government that solves this?00:53:23 - Natural disaster insurance instead?00:55:50 - Central planning rarely works00:58:15 - Are Californians paying a lot of money into an ineffective solution? Thea defends her state...01:00:00 - Let's talk about Florida and their hurricanes too01:03:17 - What's been making us happy----------The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans.Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 13 - Trump's Cabinet Picks: Wherein we discuss some of Trump's picks for his cabinet and why they may or may not do a good job. 00:11 - Introductions03:13 - Let's talk about Pete Hegseth05:24 - His own mother thinks he's a terrible human being?06:20 - I outrank him and am older...could I do that job?06:59 - His career mirrored Trump's?08:07 - The theme is disruption09:24 - Civilian leadership of the military10:58 - Lack of experience leading large organizations12:43 - He'll be the guy taking the late night phone call15:09 - Second in command on Nukes16:24 - Women in combat18:30 - We've already adjudicated this...21:20 - Different fitness standards in the military26:01 - We're old...28:31 - Will Hegseth be able to say No to Trump?31:04 - What is the role of the Cabinet?34:20 - Let's talk about Pam Bondi37:58 - Yes, but...39:29 - Tulsi Gabbard45:45 - The hill she chose to die on47:46 - Is Tulsi's shift a power play?51:05 - Comparing Tulsi Gabbard to Sanders and Manchin53:45 - What if Tulsi was nominated for a different position?56:03 - Dion puts on his MAGA hat for a second58:48 - Is she going to be a team player?1:00:01 - Discussion wrap-up and what's been making us happy ---------- The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans. Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.

Episode 12 - January 6th: Wherein we discuss the events of January 6, 2021 and whether it has any import on today. 00:11 - Introductions 01:22 - Hakeem Jeffries dig at election deniers 02:51 - Our resident Republican's take 03:30 - Election oddities 05:49 - Election foul play or vibes? 08:29 - 2020 COVID vibes 09:44 - Violence vs legitimate protest 11:00 - The irony of storming the Capitol to keep Fauci in power 13:33 - Difference between Summer 2020 riots and J6 14:01 - Mob psychology 14:42 - Who stirred up the mob? 15:16 - What did Trump actually believe about the 2020 election results? 18:13 - From a legal standpoint, it doesn't really matter what he believed... 20:55 - What happened to people prosecuted during riots of the Summer 2020? 22:39 - Jurisdictional issues (State vs Federal) complicated things 23:34 - Should J6ers be pardoned? 25:45 - How do we feel about the criminal justice system as a whole? 27:26 - Testimony from a DC cop 30:59 - The differences in police response to Summer 2020 riots and J6 35:14 - J6 felt distinct from other riots at the time 37:10 - Let's talk about Trump's role in J6 38:27 - Trump was the Flava Flav of J6 39:53 - A failure of leadership...? 42:56 - The 14th Amendment 44:33 - We had four years to get to the bottom of all this 45:26 - Our justice system failed... 48:53 - Why didn't this go to trial earlier? 54:18 - Normalizing bad behavior 57:07 - Well, he wasn't ever convicted of anything, so let's move past it... 59:21 - Our government faced a trial and came through it 1:02:01 - We gotta save our energy for the battles to come 1:03:59 - What's been making us happy ---------- The LDRship Podcast: the podcast where we bring together voices from all sides of the political spectrum for thoughtful, civil discussion. Here we engage in real conversations with viewpoints from Libertarian, Democrat, and Republican backgrounds, tackling the issues that shape the hearts and minds of everyday Americans. Our goal is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create an upbeat, respectful space for serious topics. Whether you’re passionate about policy or just looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to lead the way.