Arthur Chu argues that Andrew Jackson is the worst president we've ever had, and his face should be removed from the $20 bill. For starters, Andrew Jackson removed about 46,000 Native Americans from their established homelands to make way for White settlement leaving a "Trail of Tears" of starvation, disease, and death.
That's just the beginning of a long line of horrors: he annexed Florida, executed militia members after the War of 1812, and dismantled the central bank to push wildcat banks. Maybe America has never been a paragon of the ideals we hold dear, and maybe America would rather forget our past than deal with it.
Next, the Connecticut State Police Union is upset that Connecticut's longtime state police spokesman, Lt. J Paul Vance was transferred from his job without explanation, provoking tension between the union and controversial public safety commissioner, Dora Schriro. Everyone agrees he's done a good job and served the state well. In 2012, after the shootings at Sandy Hook stunned the state, Lt. Vance's calm demeanor and respect for the families brought praise from all over the world. So, why the transfer?
Finally, Ana Marie Cox, the founding editor of Wonkette, author, and political blogger came out this weekend as... a Christian. That shouldn't seem unusual, no matter what your politics are. So why did she hesitate to share her beliefs with her progressive colleagues and worry that other Christians will make her feel like an outcast?
GUESTS:
- Arthur Chu - "Jeopardy" champion and culture blogger
- Andrew Matthews - President of the Connecticut State Police Union
- Ana Marie Cox - contributor to Daily Beast, co-founder of Wonkette, and author of Dog Days
