Rep. Katie Porter and Rabbi Sharon Brous in Conversation
Jan 8, 2024
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Rep. Katie Porter and Rabbi Sharon Brous discuss the state of democracy and civic engagement, prioritizing justice and building affordable housing, their passion for climate justice and 'Life After Doom', reparations for Black Americans and Indigenous communities, and the challenges faced when navigating the discourse around Israel and the ongoing war.
Recognize the fragility of democracies and actively address the home ownership crisis through policy changes.
Promote empathy and open conversation to navigate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and support a comprehensive plan for rebuilding Gaza.
Safeguard core values, promote conversation about a two-state solution, and caution against the weaponization of anti-Semitism.
Deep dives
The Fragility of Democracy and the Need for Federal Involvement in Housing
Congresswoman Katie Porter discusses the importance of recognizing the fragility of democracies, both in the United States and around the world. She emphasizes the need for the federal government to take ownership of the home ownership crisis and actively create meaningful, affordable, and good quality housing for all Americans. She highlights specific policy changes, such as financing the construction of one to four unit residential properties for sale and exploring shared appreciation models and land trust development, to address the housing crisis.
The Challenges of Navigating the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Congresswoman Katie Porter shares the personal and political struggles in navigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She emphasizes the need for empathy and open conversation, recognizing the pain and suffering on both sides. She calls for a focus on ceasing violence and developing a comprehensive plan for rebuilding Gaza, addressing both the hard and soft infrastructure. She believes that Congress should play a role in supporting Israel and actively engaging in dialogue to move towards a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Addressing Anti-Semitism and the Importance of Third-Way Spaces
Congresswoman Katie Porter acknowledges the rise of anti-Semitism and the challenges of dealing with toxic binary narratives. She emphasizes the importance of safeguarding core values and commitments, even in the face of external pressures. She calls for representatives in Congress to promote conversation about a long-term negotiated solution towards a two-state solution. She also addresses the weaponization of anti-Semitism, cautioning against its negative consequences for communities and the need for careful and thoughtful dialogue.
Federal Innovation and Streamlining Housing Regulations
To address the cost of housing and promote innovation in the housing sector, there is a need for a federal investment that streamlines regulations. Currently, the lack of federal rules creates a complex system of county, local, and state regulations, hindering developers and builders. To overcome this, the federal government should take over some of the regulation processes, creating a streamlined and efficient system without compromising quality or promoting discrimination.
Climate Crisis and the Urgency for Action
Addressing the climate crisis requires urgent action and a comprehensive approach. While climate legislation is a significant step forward, it is crucial to recognize that the urgency of the crisis demands more comprehensive and immediate action. It is essential to raise awareness about the trade-offs between addressing climate change and other societal challenges, emphasizing that the cost of inaction will only increase with time. Furthermore, it is necessary to focus on permitting reform, build electrical transmission systems, end tax subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, and ensure climate justice to prevent repeating the injustices of the past in the clean energy era.
