Truth and Democracy Podcast

Character Disturbance: The Phenomenon of Our Age

Politicians are notorious for telling lies and weaving together half-true and divisive narratives in order to gain notoriety, raise money, and win elections. There are two main reasons people get into politics and activism. The first is to make a positive difference in the world whatever that person believes that to be. The second is to benefit themselves. Most politicians have some combination of both, but some are primarily in it for themselves. Whether it’s aggrandizement, power, or money, how do we distinguish between those who are ill-motivated and those with more altruistic characteristics? Dr. George Simon is an internationally-recognized expert on manipulators and other problem characters and the author of 3 bestselling books. He’s made appearances on several major television and radio programs and is also the host of the Character Matters Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@georgeksimon Dr. Simon will tell us about what he describes as “the problem of our time:” character disturbance. We have an epidemic of narcissism in America. Character-disturbed people abound in our world and can be treacherous. They are especially dangerous when they hold positions of authority. Dr. Simon has worked with character-disturbed individuals throughout his career He will help us better understand and recognize the signs of character disturbance in our leaders and politicians so that we don’t elect them or put them into positions of authority.

Don’t Defund Ukraine!

I call into the Shroader Show. 

America is Good, Even Though it has Done Bad Things

In this episode, Rich Procida takes questions from participants and discusses the importance of seeing both the good and the bad in America.

The Importance of Individual Rights: An Open Letter to Angela Davis

Liberalism is under attack. The Right wants to own the Libs, and the Left wants to disown them. The individual is the foundation of liberal democracy. Yet some Leftist propagandists are disseminating anti-liberal propaganda. In this episode, we examine a piece of anti-liberal propaganda disseminated by Angela Davis. We then take action to demand that she cease and desist from disseminating anti-liberal propaganda.

The Origins of Individual Rights

Liberalism is under attack. The Right wants to "own the Libs," and the Left wants to disown them. Yet individualism is the basis of human and civil rights. The individual is the primary social unit in Liberal thought. In this era of tribalism, recognizing individual rights may be exactly what we need. We are exposed to a great deal of propaganda designed to divide the nation. A focus on individual rights protected by the Constitution can bring us together again. We must rebuild the Liberal middle so we can win elections in the future. Author, Attorney, and Activist Rich Procida will overview the origins of Western Liberalism and the importance of defending the Constitution and Liberal democracy. He will rely on historian and political philosopher Larry Seidentop's book "Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism." While Marxist scholars, like Angela Davis, describe individualism as "insidious," without the individual, we have no rights. Join our discussion as we ask whether individual rights and liberties are essential to freedom, or whether the rights of the individual undermine group rights and social justice. 

CRT Debate 3

In the episode, we hear mostly positive views about CRT. 

The CRT Debate, Part Two

In this episode, Toastmaster LeQuesa Agnew tells us what is and is not critical race theory. But first, we hear briefly from Ambassador Maria Yankovich. Near the end, we hear comments from Rich Procida. 

The CRT Debate, Part 1

What is the debate over Critical Race Theory really about? In the first eight minutes, Rich Procida critically examines bad propaganda often associated with Anti-racism. Debbie Sue addresses her concerns about Critical Race Theory. A listener then argues for Critical Race Theory and Anti-Racist teachings. 

Moving Past Political Rancor with Braver Angels, Part 2

Do you feel moved to help bring down the temperature of politics in our country? Here’s your chance!
Please join us for an introduction to Braver Angels.
Braver Angels is about depolarizing American politics with grassroots organizing. The foundation of all of our activities is patriotic empathy: the idea that our love for our country is shown by our concern for our fellow citizens.
Our approach is guided by the Braver Angels Approach:As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it. In our communities, we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together. In politics, we support principles that bring us together rather than divide us.
Local Braver Angels leaders Mary Thomas-Vallens and Susan Rico will present the BA mission, approach, workshop offerings/events, and how to get involved. Mary will also conduct a brief workshop exercise for those who wish to participate. This will be one example of what you can expect at a Braver Angels event.
In part 1, we learned about the Four Horsemen of Polarization" and reflected upon our "inner polarizer." In Part two, we learn how to deal with our inner polarizers and learn skills for reaching across political lines. 

Moving Past Political Rancor, Part 1

Do you feel moved to help bring down the temperature of politics in our country? Here’s your chance!Please join us for an introduction to Braver Angels.Braver Angels is about depolarizing American politics with grassroots organizing. The foundation of all of our activities is patriotic empathy: the idea that our love for our country is shown by our concern for our fellow citizens.Our approach is guided by the Braver Angels Approach:As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it. In our communities, we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together. In politics, we support principles that bring us together rather than divide us.Local Braver Angels leaders Mary Thomas-Vallens and Susan Rico will present the BA mission, approach, workshop offerings/events, and how to get involved. Mary will also conduct a brief workshop exercise for those who wish to participate. This will be one example of what you can expect at a Braver Angels event. 
In Part 1, we learn about the "Four Horsemen of Polarization" and reflect upon our "inner polarizers."