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What Is Happening To The America Of Our Ideals

Rick McCharles
/
Creative Commons

America has never been able to fully measure up to the ideals we embody. Yet, we could reasonably believe that we at least aspired to those ideals of equality, opportunity, and civility.  Today, we can no longer deny that those in power care little about the people they govern. 

In the last weeks, The Supreme Court upheld president Trump's travel ban, weakened labor unions, said pregnancy crisis centers didn't have to tell women abortion was an option, supported voter purges, and said companies can use arbitration clauses to prohibit employees from filing class-action lawsuits. 

Several of the rulings overturned precedent. 

Congress and the Supreme Court have abdicated their responsibilities in checking the power of the third - and equal - branch of government. This is not how democracy works.

Like today's guest, you may be feeling a deep sadness over what feels like an America that is changing in irreversible ways. Is there any way to come together?

We have one guest. Then, it's you and your calls. 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

Colin McEnroe and Jonathan McNicol contributed to this show

GUEST:

  • Lili Loofbourow - Writes about culture, gender and politics for Slate. She has written for several publications including The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, and The Los Angeles Review of Books. @Millicentsomer

Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Federal funding is gone.

Congress has eliminated all funding for public media.

That means $2.1 million per year that Connecticut Public relied on to deliver you news, information, and entertainment programs you enjoyed is gone.

The future of public media is in your hands.

All donations are appreciated, but we ask in this moment you consider starting a monthly gift as a Sustainer to help replace what’s been lost.