Episode 171 - Stand Up Speak Out

[Mike]

Mike and Aidan open the show this week discussing President Trump’s first week in office and the importance of protecting and exercising our First Amendment rights. They also review the new M. Night Shyamalin movie, Split. Then it’s Pod-O-Matic time as R2 delivers ten new listener-submitted questions and there’s even some Listener Betrayal to round it out. It’s the best podcast of 2017. Make sure you don’t miss out.

Enjoy!

[akiva]

You talked about people holding Trump accountable--the problem is that the group that could do the most to hold Trump accountable are instead backing him. Virtually every important Republican is at best staying silent while Trump does these things. During the campaign, for instance, both Paul Ryan and Mike Pence said banning Muslims was wrong and in-American. Now they are (tacitly or explicitly) endorsing Trump's ban.

Also, on a more positive note, much of the content of Trump's executive orders are little more than statements of intent. For example, nothing has been done to build a wall because that requires money, which requires Congress to approve it. Also some of the thing in those orders may be illegal so they probably won't happen. This doesn't mean these things won't be done, but some of the actions cant happen by executive order alone.

[Mike]

Trump is busy galvanizing his base, but at the same time, he's doing more to galvanize his opposition against him. There are a few Republicans standing up to him here and there... or speaking out against his actions even if they don't move against him directly.

I suspect that sooner or later, he'll start lashing out at Republicans he sees as disrespecting him. When that happens, he will be typically Trump and will ensure that they only strengthen their resolve to fight him further.

He's dangerous, but he's also reckless, unqualified, and impetuous. Hopefully, it starts to crumble around the edges sooner rather than later.

[Cazmonster]

The Cure for Wellness scares the beejeebers out of me. I want to see it.

But first - MONSTER TRUCKS. Yes, that is going to be my reward for kicking ass for kicking ass on my house this week.

[Cazmonster]

Undead Pirates - IN SPACE!
Decades ago, The Intrepid was launched from Neo Orleans. The trans-light ship was meant to be the fastest ship in space.

They never knew that the place beyond light was inimical to souls. Six hundred men and women were denied death, even as their bodies rotted.

Now, every station in the alliance fears the spear-shaped shadow of the damned ship.