More Perfect Union - WFPR: Recent Episodes
WFPR
Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Natalia Linos and Jeff Roy host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.
In this episode, the group and guest Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, a commissioner of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, discuss ICE. Topics include ICE invasions and raids from North Carolina to Massachusetts, the response from local law enforcement and government officials, how corrupt ICE and its practices seem to be, and much more.
In this episode, the group and guest United States Represenitive Jake Auchincloss discuss immigration and the courts, the government shutdown, no kings day, and how we the people can adress these issues.
You can find the full respone to the "Trump has pardons and tanks... what do you have?" note from United States district judge William Young here: https://tinyurl.com/22xcjxhu
In this episode, the group and guest Dr. Jim Purcell, the executive director of the comission of higher education in Alabama, discuss attempts to supress DEI, personal experiences about the importance of DEI, the benefits it brings, and much more.
In this episode, the group and guests Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of the United Teachers Los Angeles, discuss if teacher's should be able to legally strike, and why they would want to strike.
In this episode, the group and guests Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of the United Teachers Los Angeles, discuss if teacher's should be able to legally strike, and why they would want to strike.
In this episode, the group and guest Dr. Bell, as well as the audience from the Senior Center discuss the DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, and how it as a concept has been around, and it's important to provide oppurtunites and fairness to all people.
In this episode, the group and guests Scott Dragonetti and Rachel Plukas discuss the special election happening in Franklin on June 3rd proposing an override. They discuss Franklin's history, the last special election not passing, and what the group hopes to happen this time.
In this episode, the group and guest Dr. Kenneth Elmore discuss the history of Juneteenth, what this day means to so many people, the politics around it, how it influences and brings to light certain issues in America, and much more.
In this episode, the group dicusses many then when taking a deep dive into democrats vs republicans, such as presidental elections, immigration, bills, and much more.
In this episode, the group returns after a short break to talk about how things are moving in 2024, the upcoming election; why Nikki Haley likely won't be in the election, the concern around President Biden's health, the possible "none of the above" option on ballots, why voting is important and much more
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the 14th Amendment and voting; can candidates be removed from the ballot? Why the electoral college vs. popular vote system may need changing, the benefits of ranked choice voting and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the "Right to Shelter" law, Maura Healey's announcement and current state of dwindling shelter in the state of Massachusetts.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the feeling of deja vu at the moment in America as we find ourselves in another Impeachment trial, another government shutdown, more back and forth between political parties and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the hot topic age and politics. How old is too old to be in office? Covering some recent news regarding Mitch McConnell and Joe Biden. Also covering Hunter Biden's indictment, low approval ratings for both Trump and Biden, another possible government shutdown and more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the Police Raid of a small Kansas newspaper, freedom of the press, the First Amendment and more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss a panoply of topics including the anti-abortion legislation in Ohio, the current polarization in Congress and voting, Trump's legal fees & indictments and more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent indictments against Trump, what he's being called for, what his response has been, how this will (or won't) affect his voter base, the 2024 election and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss Florida and Texas, the backwards policy changes taking place, the stacking of the courts by both parties, the increased polarization in the country, Rudy Giuliani lying and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss their fourth of July traditions, mass shootings that happened over the weekend, how legislation and regulations help, the other components of this problem, and much more
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent decisions made by the Supreme Court in the past weeks, whether these decisions are ethical or not, what it means for the future of America, and how this ties into Indepence Day as well as Juneteenth.
In this episode, the group sits down with Dr. Ken Elmore, president of Dean College, for a special episode to talk about Juneteenth, what the date signifies, it's recent addition as a recognized U.S. holiday, the important lessons that come with Juneteenth, how African Americans commemorate this day, and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to talk about Trump's recent arraignment, the election and how this will affect his position among republican candidates, how democrats are responding, the candidates they have lined up, and third party candidates like Cornel West.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent airing of Trump at Town Hall from CNN; why it was a blunder for the network, how other republicans play into this, how it impacts the upcoming election, the democrats response and more.
In this episode, the group is joined by Frank Falvey to discuss the debt ceiling; why the U.S. continues to borrow and go over budget on its loans, the current debt ceiling standoff, what the government is doing (and isn't) and the dangers this could mean for the future of the U.S. and the dollar.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss a smorgasboard of topics on the Supreme Court and its role in US politics, Ethics, the ongoing trial against former president Donald Trump and the U.S. Justice system.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent shooting of Ralph Yarl, a black teen from Kansas City, who was shot after going to the wrong address. They talk over self defense and firearms, the dangers and responsibilities of being a firearm owner, what can be done to mitigate shootings like this from happening in the future and more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent trial around Trump's Indictment; going over the details that have happened so far, what we know about the case, how the state of New York is handling it and more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent trial around Trump's Indictment; going over the details that have happened so far, what we know about a possible Trump arrest, what this would mean for the Republican party, how this is similar to Ronald Reagan and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss "woke" culture, the movement towards progressive principles, how members of the Republican party like Donald Trump have built a platform around anti-wokeness, the anti-war speech coming from the right regarding Ukraine and more.
In this episode, the group is joined by new Dean College president Dr. Kenneth Elmore, to discuss the current state of education in the United States; where has modern education improved, what could use improving, is diversity being addressed, and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to talk about the growing problem surrounding gun violence; why this keeps happening, the false conflation between mental health and shootings, what steps need to be taken to mitigate violence, and what the future looks like.
In this episode, the group sits down to talk about the recent State of The Union Address from President Biden, what issues he addressed, what things still face the country, Biden's ability to run again for president in 2024 and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to talk about black history month and the recent killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. What happened at the traffic stop, why police reform is so necessary, what it means to be African American in today's America and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss how congress currently functions, the left vs. right dynamic that's only gotten worse over the years, the past Legislative Reorganization Acts of 1946 and 1970, and what another modern version of that act might entail if passed today.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our countries history with civil rights, where we've been versus where we are now, the work we still have to do, the criticism around the new MLK statue in Boston and more.
In this episode, the group is joined by More Perfect Union founder Frank Falvey, to discuss the place of ethics in politics, whether or not there needs to be an ethics test for congress members, the current scandal around George Santos and embezzlement and much more.
In this episode, the group discusses the problem republican's are having appointing a house speaker, how congress works, why this is holding up session, the democratic party's reaction, and so much more.
In this episode, the group continues reflecting on this past year's episodes, diving back into topics such as The Supreme Court, Women's Rights, Gun Laws & Uvalde, Clean Energy and more, bringing in clips from past episodes and guests such as Peter Canellos (author of The Great Disenter), Jesse Mermell (Democratic Candidate for Congress) and Bob and Stavroula McQuarrie (firearms trainers and specialists).
In this episode, the group reflects on this past year's episodes, diving back into topics such as The Supreme Court, Women's Rights, Gun Laws & Uvalde, Clean Energy and more, bringing in clips from past episodes and guests such as Peter Canellos (author of The Great Disenter), Jesse Mermell (Democratic Candidate for Congress) and Bob and Stavroula McQuarrie (firearms trainers and specialists).
In this episode, the group is joined by Karen Ward and Scott O'Brian, to talk about registered apprenticeships, what happens, the evolving landscape, being prepared to enter the workforce and so much more.
In this episode, the group is joined by Emerson Claus, long time home builder and Clean Heat Commission member, to continue their discussion on apprenticeships, how they're useful in the trades as well as the rest of the working world, the on-the-job experiences one gains in them and so much more.
In this episode, the group discusses apprenticeships. The differences between apprenticeships and mentorships, the laws in Massachusetts around them, the value of colleges and the requirement of getting an apprenticeship, workplace experiences and much more.
In this episode, the group discusses the recent 2022 election results; Jeff Roy's reelection to the state house, Maura Healey taking over as Massachusetts's first female state governor as well as being the first openly lesbian governor in the United States, the underwhelming red wave that was predicted to come as a result of this election and the future of the U.S. from here.
In this episode, the group discusses the ballot questions in the upcoming election; what each one is, what a yes and no vote for each means, and the possible outcomes for the different results.
In this episode, the group discusses Jury Duty; how the system works, their personal experiences and stories with the court system, how a jury reaches a decision and so much more.
In this episode, the group sit down with MPU founder Frank Falvey to discuss the recent move from governor DeSantis of transporting 50 immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, the ethics & thought process behind this action, the current immigration system, the 2022 election, how immigrants are treated in America, and what the future of immigration might look like.
In this episode, the group continues their discussion of the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, what this means for the UK, what the future of the monarchy might look like, the pros and cons of a monarchy, the differences between US and UK politics and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, what this means for the UK, what the future of the monarchy might look like, the pros and cons of a monarchy, the differences between US and UK politics and much more.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the importance of Labor Day, how Unions help workers, current worker conditions and how we can better care for workers, the decline in unions and much more.
In this episode, the group continues their discussion with Ted McIntyre, Franklin Resident and Climate Activist, to discuss the climate change situation and Jeff Roy's recent victory on Beacon Hill for climate change activism in Massachusetts. This episode is part two of a two-part conversation with Ted McIntyre on climate change in Massachusetts.
In this episode, the group sits down with Ted McIntyre, Franklin Resident and Climate Activist, to discuss the climate change situation and Jeff Roy's recent victory on Beacon Hill for climate change activism in Massachusetts. This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Ted McIntyre on climate change in Massachusetts.
In this episode, the group is delves into a collection of topics starting with the recent FBI Search and Seizure that took place on former President Trump's Mar-A-Lago home, what will happen in the coming days following this and how America's current climate allows Trump to have a platform.
In this episode, the group is joined by Steven Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Alan Earls of the Franklin Observer, and Martin Luttrell, former long-time reporter for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, to dive into the issue of "The Local News Desert" - the dissolution of smaller local news outlets, discussing the decline of readership seen by newspapers, the economics of small businesses, the importance journalism plays in your community and the online future for regional reporting. If you'd like to learn more about Steve Sherlock and the news Franklin Matters brings to the Franklin community, you can visit their here: https://www.franklinmatters.org/ (https://www.franklinmatters.org/)
If you'd like to learn more about Alan Earls and the reporting done from Franklin Observer, you can visit them here: https://franklinobserver.town.news/ (https://franklinobserver.town.news/)
In this episode, the group dives into a mixed bag of discussion topics covering the current climate of Covid, the president's current bout with covid, his effectiveness as a president given his age, the 2024 election & who the big players may be and clean energy and what Massachusetts is doing to play their part.
In this episode, the group continues their conversation with award-winning writer, author and former Boston Globe Editor Peter Canellos, to speak about his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', a look at the U.S.'s history of civil rights, how John Marshall shaped the political and economic landscape at the turn of the century and the ties that has to today. This conversation is part two of the two-part conversation with Peter Canellos. If you'd like to learn more about Peter Canellos, his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', or Peter's other works, you can visit his website here: https://peterscanellos.com/ (https://peterscanellos.com/)
In this episode, the group sits down with award-winning writer, author and former Boston Globe Editor Peter Canellos, to speak about his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', a look at the U.S.'s history of civil rights, how John Marshall shaped the political and economic landscape at the turn of the century and the ties that has to today. This conversation is part one in a two-part conversation with Peter Canellos. If you'd like to learn more about Peter Canellos, his book 'The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero', or Peter's other works, you can visit his website here: https://peterscanellos.com/ (https://peterscanellos.com/)
In this episode, the group sits down with Dr. Britney Butler and Mass State Senator Rebecca Rausch to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling reversing Roe v. Wade; what this means for Americans, who and where will be affected by this, what we can do now and what the future holds for us.
In this episode, the group continues their discussion with firearms trainers and educators Michael Cox, and Robert and Stavroula MacQuarrie, to discuss responsible firearm ownership, the future of firearm legislation in Congress, the importance of education and proper firearm safety. Michael Cox is a firearm safety and training coordinator at Safe Insight. You can learn more about Michael and the work Safe Insight does at their website: https://www.safeinsight.net/home (https://www.safeinsight.net/home) Stavroula hosts an informational Youtube channel discussing concealed carry, firearm instruction and personal safety called "She Equips Herself". You can learn more here: https://my.captivate.fm/www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself (www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself)
In this episode, the group sit down with firearms trainers and educators Michael Cox, and Robert and Stavroula MacQuarrie, to discuss responsible firearm ownership, the future of firearm legislation in Congress, the importance of education and proper firearm safety. Michael Cox is a firearm safety and training coordinator at Safe Insight. You can learn more about Michael and the work Safe Insight does at their website: https://www.safeinsight.net/home (https://www.safeinsight.net/home) Stavroula hosts an informational Youtube channel discussing concealed carry, firearm instruction and personal safety called "She Equips Herself". You can learn more here: https://my.captivate.fm/www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself (www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself)
In this episode, the group convenes to discuss the upcoming Insurrection Hearings; what January 6th meant, how right wing politics can go too far, and what the future might hold for America.
In this episode, the group sits down with Robert and Stavroula, two firearms instructors from Franklin MA, to talk about the current gun laws in America; the problems around mental health and gun access Robert sees as a police officer, why the U.S. continues to see shootings like the one in Uvalde TX, and what action needs to be taken to see real change. Stavroula hosts an informational Youtube channel discussing concealed carry, firearm instruction and personal safety called "She Equips Herself". You can learn more here: www.youtube.com/c/SheEquipsHerself
In this episode, the group is joined by MA State Senator Eric Lesser to talk about his campaign for Lieutenant Governor, time as an MA state senator, working with the Obama administration and in the White House, and what he hopes to accomplish as the LT. Governor.
In this episode, the group sits down to continue their discussion of the Supreme Court; recounting the history of the Courts System, famous cases, where's they've missed the mark in the past and what the future of the Supreme Court might look like.
In this episode, the group sits down with Jesse Mermell to talk about the pending Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision; what that decision would mean for the U.S., the policies in states like Texas that has made abortion more difficult, the work in front of America to better protect women with legislation, and what listeners can do to help.
In this episode, the group sits down to talk about The Supreme Court; potential changes that could be made, the issues that face the court and democracy right now and what the future of SCOTUS could look like.
In this episode, the group is joined by two of the candidates running for the position of Massachusetts Attorney General; Quentin Palfrey and Shannon Liss-Riordan. The two discuss their backgrounds in government and law, the issues facing the Mass Attorney General's office currently, what they'd aim to achieve if elected, and so much more.
In this episode, the group is joined by former BBC and WGBH radio voice Chris Woolf to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, Chris's time in Afghanistan reporting from the country, similarities and differences between the two, what it's like in a warring country and so much more.
In this episode, the group is joined by Massachusetts State Auditor candidates Chris Dempsey and Diana DiZoglio to talk about what the job entails, what problems face Massachusetts, and what they aim to accomplish in this position.
In this episode, the group is rejoined with Frank Falvey to discuss the current stance of religion in the U.S., how it's played a part in the groups lives, what the future of religion in America looks like and how the digital age has shaped that
In this episode, the group is rejoined with Frank Falvey to discuss the current covid climate and the effects it's had on senior citizens; what it's like being a senior during this time, the disproportionate negative effects it's had on seniors, what has been done to aid this group and what more still needs to happen.
In this episode, the group sits down to discuss what the Supreme Court means to the U.S., how it works, it's history some of the cases up for decision in the court right now, the political lean of Supreme Court members and so much more.
In this episode, the group is joined by Emerson Claus, the president of the Home Builders and Home Improvement Association and new committee member of the Commission of Clean Heat, to talk about what goes into building a home, the U.S. workforce and his work towards bringing more clean heat to America.
In this episode, the group talks about holiday traditions; the story of Hanukkah and what it means to the Jewish people, how Santa and Christmas formed into what they are today, the story of St. Nicholas and more.
In this episode, the group talks about local government; the work they do to keep the towns roads, schools and different buildings and services running, how things get done on a local level, what is taken for granted, and how the community comes together to improve things.
In this episode, the group is joined by Franklin's Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sara Ahern, to discuss the her time here as a superintendent during COVID, the actions made to handle the pandemic and the work the schools are doing towards the future.
In this episode, the group is joined by US State Rep. for Massachusetts, Jake Auchincloss, to discuss his work, the district in Massachusetts he serves, the Infrastructure Bill that's in development in Washington, the process of making and revising large bills, the Biden administration and working in the current bipartisan world.
In this episode, the group dives into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Bill, breaking down the different components of the bill, the possible effects that will come as a result, the hurdles that stand before it and so much more.
In this episode, Jeff Roy leads the discussion on U.S. presidential libraries, the tradition of honoring past presidents with a library which details the time during their presidency. The group discusses the significance around these libraries, stories, and Jeff's recent completion of his library passport.
In this two part series, the group is joined by Mass General Dr. Ray Liu to discuss climate change in the US and globally, the policy and actions that need to take place to keep things under control, and share snippets from a recent Harvard talk given by John Kerry about climate change and public health.
In this two part series, the group is joined by Mass General Dr. Ray Liu to discuss climate change in the US and globally, the policy and actions that need to take place to keep things under control, and share snippets from a recent Harvard talk given by John Kerry about climate change and public health.
In this episode, the group dives into the Universal Basic Income discussion; covering the pros and cons of implementing it, the history and facts of wages and labor, the alternatives to UBI and the plausability of actually pulling it off.
In this episode, the group discusses the crisis in Afghanistan, the US desicion to pull out of the the country, how the Taliban has taken over and what the future may hold for the country. As mentioned in this episode, a PDF outlining the UN Declaration of Human Rights can be found here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/udhr/documents/udhr_translations/eng.pdf
In this episode, the group discusses misinformation in this age of social media, how social media companies should approach content moderation, the potential dangers of misinformation and the positives for the spread of information and connecting with others.
In this episode, the group talks about the importance of the right to vote, the voter suppression that took place this past election, what's being done as a result of it and what the future might hold for voting.
In this episode, the group talks about the Biden administration's efforts to roll out the vaccine and mitigate the virus in a timely fashion, how virus misinformation hurts these efforts, and the problems still at play with the coronavirus.
In this episode, Peter opens a discussion around teenagers, Brandon Levy's recent victory in the Supreme Court, the first amendment, freedom of speech, and the laws surrounding what is and isn't allowed.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the history of Tulsa Oklahoma, Texas, the history of Juneteenth and the recent developments on the legislative push to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss how ethics play a role in society and how something the difference between what's legal and what's ethical.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the recent passing of legislation in Evanston Illinois, the positive impact it will have for POC, and the importance of reparations for African Americans.
In this special Mother's Day episode, the group discuss the influence their mother's and mother figures have had in their lives, sharing stories and lessons from their upbringing.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the results of the recent Derek Chauvin Trial, the work that still needs to be done on, and the future following these results.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the history of the U.S. constitution, amendments, and the need for more amendments in the modern age.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the current climate crisis, projections, and what efforts the U.S. and the rest of the world need to make to keep things under control.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss public health, what's a right and what needs to be enforced, and why the government needs to play a part in protecting the public.
In this episode, Frank and the group are joined by students of Franklin High School to discuss their experiences as being a POC in Franklin Schools, racism, and the efforts the school system is making to combat racism.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the Covid vaccine's current rollout, what future projections look like and what we can expect moving forward.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the experiences of being a POC in the United States today, the challenges at hand, and what needs to be done now and moving forward to ensure a safer and more equal country.
In this special episode, Frank and the group take a break from current events to discuss music, their backgrounds and even play some of their favorite songs.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss how the covid-19 recovery plan has played out, how things have changed under the Biden presidency and what the future for America may look like.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the president's ongoing impeachment, the effects of the decision and the results following the January 6th attack at the Capitol.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the current George Floyd trial, race relations in America and the role police officers play.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the current impeachment trial, Trump's role in that, the republican party's response, and the current setting of the U.S.
In this episode, Frank and the group are joined by Harvard professor Danielle Allen to discuss the history of democracy.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the impact of legislation of small business owners and the impact of Covid-19 on small businesses.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the Biden's recent Presidential Inauguration, his promises to America and what this means for the future of the country.
In this episode, Frank and the group are joined by representative Shawn Dooley to talk about the future of the republican party and the coming impeachment trial.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the recent US Capitol attack, Trump's link to the events and how this will play out for the future of Trump and the Republican party.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss how the U.S. has dealt with Covid and what could be done to improve the recovery.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the operations of the electoral college, and the current push in Massachusetts to switch to a ranked choice voting system.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the upcoming Inauguration, the current political climate, and what needs to be done now.
In this episode, Frank and the group go deeper on the 2020 Presidential Election, discussing the more solidified results and how things have played out between Biden and Trump's teams.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the 2020 Presidential Election, the current political climate and what the future might hold.
In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the 2020 Presidential Election, the current political climate and what the future might hold.