Jonathans Verdicts

In this episode, I describe the current tax brackets. Next, I explain Trump's plan to decrease the tax brackets from seven to three. Lastly, I show why decreasing the number of tax brackets results in huge tax cuts for the wealthy and maybe tax increases for the middle class.

The verdict for this episode is: class action lawsuits are the best way to protect consumers cheated by financial institutions. In this episode, I show how Republicans are trying to force consumers to arbitrate disputes with financial institutions. Next, I demonstrate why class actions are so much better for consumers than is arbitration.

I begin this episode with a description of the incidents that led to Hill,Schilling, and Cohn attracting attention for comments that had nothing to do with sports. After that, I describe how their roles with ESPN at the time of their controversial comments makes a huge difference in what opinions they were able to share.

I discuss how I was kicked out of a Facebook group for Trump supporters when I discussed Trump's decision to pardon Joe Arpaio. I compare that with the negative treatment I got when I pointed out that many on the left were spreading lies about Mike Pence's support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I conclude with the idea that those working through the disastrous aftermath of Harvey aren't tal...

The verdict for this episode is: the words of the treasonous states demonstrate that slavery was the reason for secession. Four states: Georgia; Mississippi; South Carolina; and Texas published documents explaining their reasons for secession. As you will see, their words prove that secession was all about slavery.

The main idea presented in this podcast is that America needs a new strategy in Afghanistan. America needs to try actual nation building. We must admit that trying to bomb our way through the war on terror isn't working. It's time to build schools and hospitals in Afghanistan.

In this episode, I discuss the march through Charlottesville the night before the so-called Unite the Right rally. I describe some of the symbols shown, some of the slogans chanted, and some of the history behind both. I then talk about Trump's sad, changing response to the hate and violence. Which leads me to conclude that Donald Trump is a racist. No other conclusion is possible. I finish with a...

The verdict for this episode is: insulting the intelligence of those in the Trump administration isn't helping. I begin this episode by discussing the number of times I've seen progressives and Democrats using words like stupid, idiot, and moron when referring to members of the Trump administration. After acknowledging that I've used those words many time too, I explain how Trump is playing us. I...

The title of this Episode is: Trump's Immigration Plan Take Two. The verdict for this episode is: Trump's immigration plan is racist. In this episode, I explain diversity visas, refugee visas, the family-based system of immigration, and the employment-based system of immigration. I also show how eliminating diversity visas and reducing the number of accepted refugees by more than half will greatly...

The title of this episode is: Discussing Trump's Immigration Plan. The verdict for this episode is: America must not embrace its much more racist past. In this episode, I give a brief description of the history of America's immigration law. I also demonstrate how Trump's immigration proposal rejects the progress we've made and returns us to the days when America's immigration policy was created by...

The title of this episode is: How Trump Could Hurt the Affordable Care Act. The verdict for this episode is: Trump won't defund the individual insurance marketplaces. In this episode, I explain cost sharing reduction payments. I demonstrate the purpose behind them and who qualifies. I also explain who will be hurt if the cost sharing reduction payments are ended. Lastly, I let you know why I don't...

The title of this episode is: Explaining Some of the Terms Around the Health Care Debate. The verdict for this episode is: budget reconciliation and the Byrd Rule make health care reform even more difficult. In this episode, I walk you through the legislative process known as budget reconciliation and the related Byrd Rule. I also explain why the Senate is using budget reconciliation as it tries t...

The verdict for this episode is: accessible, free, universal health care is a right. After reminding you that in Canada there are no copays, deductibles, or monthly premiums for medically necessary services, I demonstrate the high cost of Medicare. I also discuss several services most of us want and many of us need that aren't covered by Medicare.

The verdict for this episode is: we shouldn't forget our history. This podcast is based on a Facebook post I wrote after reading comments from several Trump voters who once relied on Government benefits.

The verdict for this episode is: the Emoluments Clause should cover elected officials. This episode explains the meaning of the word emolument. It also discusses arguments against and for the proposition that the Emoluments Clause covers elected officials. The episode concludes with what seems like a bit of logic that's hard to ignore.

The verdict for this episode is Kate's Law is a bade idea. Passing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 as a response to the death of Len Bias caused loads of problems. America's federal prison systems swelled, billions more had to be spent, and lots of nonviolent people spent years in prison.

The Senate bill would stop paying for the actual cost of Medicaid. Switching to either a per capita or block grant funding scheme will greatly decrease Medicaid's funding. Tying funding to either the Consumer Medical Price Index or the Consumer Price Index will further decrease Medicaid's funding.

I discuss my own experience purchasing insurance through the individual marketplace. Then, I use fictitious neighbors to demonstrate the problem with individuals deciding which services they will pay for as a part of their health insurance plan.

This podcast compares America with many other nations in the areas of life expectancy, maternal mortality, and infant mortality. After demonstrating how badly America's health care system is failing, I show how much more for health care Americans pay when compared to the citizens of every other nation.

I used to believe an assault weapons ban was the right approach to the rampant problem of gun violence in America. After the Congressional shooting, I researched gun violence and changed my mind. America needs a total gun ban.

I give a brief description of events from Jeff Session's confirmation hearing to James Comey's firing. Then, I discuss Session's recusal from the Russia investigation and his involvement in Comey's firing.