Civil Discourse

Latest Episodes:

In the News: Objects in the Sky Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

Aughie and Nia briefly touch on the objects in American or Canadian airspace that have been brought down by the U.S. military.

Zip Codes Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

Nia and Aughie explore the history and assignment of zip codes by the U.S. federal government. They also discuss the largely failed implementation of the "extra four digits".

In the News: Presidential Records 2 Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Nia and Aughie discuss the continuing issue of Presidential and Vice-Presidential classified documents being found in inappropriate locations. They further discuss the need for regulations to be simplified and the classification scheme to be applied more carefully.

Government Numbers Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Aughie and Nia start the regular season of episodes with a discussion of how the government used to assign Social Security Numbers and Employer Identification Numbers. They also talk about the legislative and social history of these important nine-digit numbers.

In the News: The Dobbs Leak Report Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

Aughie and Nia catch up on the results of the SCOTUS investigation of the leak of the Dobbs opinion draft in 2022. The Marshall of the Court released a 20 page report this week detailing the investigation and results.

In the News: The Debt Ceiling Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

Nia and Aughie discuss the debt ceiling and the current issues being faced in Congress with raising the debt ceiling. Aughie also discusses historical approaches to the U.S. debt.

In The News: Presidential Records Act Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

Aughie and Nia start the new season with a discussion of recent Presidential records issues. Both President Trump and President Biden have been entangled with the National Archives in potential violations of the Presidential Records Act of 1978.

The Department of Homeland Security Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

In response to the terrorist attacks on the United states on September 11, 2001, the last department (in the series thus far) was created - the Department of Homeland Security. DHS is made up of 22 agencies gathered together to address a wide array of issues, from cybersecurity to border security to transportation safety. Aughie and Nia discuss the controversies and complications surrounding the Department of Homeland Security from inception to current administrative practices.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

Taking care of American military veterans began in the colonial era, after the Revolutionary War. In 1811, the federal government authorized housing and medical facilities. After each major war, Veterans' benefits were expanded, from establishing state level homes to the GI Bill after World War II. Eventually these programs were placed in a Veterans Bureau. The Veterans Bureau was elevated to a Department in 1989 by President Ronald Reagan. Aughie and Nia explore the history and controversies surrounding Veterans Affairs.

In the News: Railroad Strike Averted Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Congressional decision to avert a railroad strike.