Some More News Some More News: Checking In On Trump's Authoritarian Takeover
10 snips
Sep 17, 2025 Recent episodes highlight the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. Topics include Trump's executive order for the involuntary commitment of the homeless and the dangers of for-profit institutionalization. There's a look at his dismissal of the BLS chief over unfavorable job reports, raising concerns about the politicization of economic data. Also discussed are gerrymandering tactics in Texas and California, as well as the deployment of federal troops in D.C. The discussion concludes with a reminder that vigilance and voting are crucial in these troubling times.
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Institutionalizing Homelessness Replaces Housing-First
- Cody Johnston explains Trump's executive order encourages involuntary civil commitment of homeless people into treatment facilities.
- He contrasts this with 'Housing First' programs that reduce homelessness but require sustained funding.
Policy Shifts From Harm Reduction To Punishment
- Cody details the executive order prioritizing clearing encampments and defunding harm-reduction programs like safe-syringe services.
- He warns this shifts policy toward punitive removal rather than evidence-based public health approaches.
California's Push And Questionable For-Profit Care
- Cody recounts Gavin Newsom creating a task force to dismantle homeless encampments and loosened involuntary commitment rules in California.
- Investigations show many committed to for-profit psychiatric hospitals report abuse and receive lower per-capita care.