Why, America? with Leeja Miller

Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta and all of its platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, would no longer be fact checking or moderating its content, instead opting for a community notes system like X/Twitter. This change comes as Zuckerberg makes clear his willingness to do whatever it takes to get on Trump's good side, and signals a continued rightward turn as billionaires everywhere bend the knee.   Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches. Go to my sponsor https://aura.com/leeja to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposed. 🖇️Sources: https://leejamiller.com/episodes/2025/1/8/fact-checking-is-bad-for-business  🔮Join the Inauguration Eve Seance: https://leejamiller.kit.com/seance  🎙️Listen to the podcast version of every episode here: https://leejamiller.podbean.com/ 👑 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leejamiller 👕 Get your Reagan Ruined Everything t-shirt right here: https://leejamillermerch.com/ 📃Sign up for Why, America? The Newsletter for news insights every Friday: https://leejamiller.kit.com/newsletter 

Who would have guessed that the H1B immigrant visa would be the thing splitting MAGA apart at the seams? From unhinged tweets by Elon Musk and Laura Loomer, to alleged censorship and arguments over lazy Americans, to discovering that we might actually have more in common than we think??? The infighting indicates a rocky road to come as Trump enters the White House.   🖇️Sources: https://leejamiller.com/episodes/2025/1/6/maga-is-splintering  👑 Patreon [INCLUDING Why, America? Co-Learning Lab]: https://www.patreon.com/leejamiller 👕 Get your Reagan Ruined Everything t-shirt right here: https://leejamillermerch.com/ 📃Sign up for Why, America? The Newsletter! https://leejamiller.kit.com/newsletter 

Buy, borrow, die. Donor-advised funds. Tax loopholes have been created specifically so that billionaires can legally avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Since so many billionaires will soon be running our government, let's discuss how billionaires avoid taxes. 🖇️Sources: https://www.leejamiller.com/episodes/2024/12/30/how-billionaires-avoid-taxes 🗞️ Go to https://ground.news/Leeja to stay fully informed on US Politics and more. Subscribe through my link for 50% off for unlimited access on the Vantage plan. 👑 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leejamiller 👕 Get your Reagan Ruined Everything t-shirt right here: https://leejamillermerch.com/ 📃Sign up for Why, America? The Newsletter! https://leejamiller.kit.com/newsletter 

Elon Musk's tweets are now powerful enough to influence federal legislation, raising alarms about the growing plutocracy in America. The conversation delves into his close ties with political figures and the possible repercussions for democracy. Personal health insights from the Lumen device highlight the intersection of individual wellness and bipartisan support in politics. A critical examination of the controversial omnibus spending bill underscores the urgent need for campaign finance reform to combat the overwhelming influence of wealth in shaping government decisions.

The indictment of Luigi Mangione raises intriguing questions about labeling murder as terrorism. The conversation delves into the complexities of defining terrorism and the inconsistencies in current laws. It examines how such labels can be politicized, potentially threatening activists' rights. Legal implications of defining threats under the First Amendment are also explored, highlighting the fine line between free speech and perceived danger. Historical and contemporary examples enrich this examination of motivations behind violent actions.

The $15 million settlement between ABC and Trump raises critical questions about press freedom. Legal complexities surrounding Trump's case with E. Jean Carroll highlight evolving definitions of sexual abuse. The chilling effects of defamation lawsuits on journalistic integrity are explored, emphasizing the risks faced by media outlets. Additionally, the podcast tackles how media consolidation impacts democracy, urging listeners to resist conformity. Finally, it advocates for the importance of press freedom amid rising authoritarianism and the need for public engagement.

The podcast dives into the contentious topic of vigilante justice, examining two starkly different cases involving young white men and their repercussions. It highlights disparities in the American legal system and explores the societal perceptions surrounding race and safety. The discussion links vigilantism to systemic issues and the failures of healthcare, arguing that while it emerges from injustice, it perpetuates a cycle of violence. It emphasizes the need for collective action and social engagement to empower marginalized communities facing growing challenges.

The podcast dives into the public's reaction to the shocking death of a healthcare CEO, sparking discussions about anger towards the flawed healthcare system. It explores dark humor and moral dilemmas within corporate power, revealing growing class consciousness in America. The hosts analyze the links between violence, capitalism, and social justice, questioning societal views on wealth and inequality. The conversation advocates for reforms that could address wealth disparity and reduce political corruption, aiming for a more equitable society.

The recent Supreme Court case on Tennessee's ban against gender-affirming care for minors could set a precedent for trans rights nationwide. The discussion delves into the complexities of the Equal Protection Clause and its implications for case law. Legal arguments highlight the struggle for access to healthcare faced by trans youth amid scrutiny and discrimination. The potential impact of political shifts and the urgency for activism to support trans rights are emphasized, shedding light on the long road to justice for the community.

The podcast dives deep into the political uproar following Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden, revealing the GOP's outrage and hypocrisy regarding the DOJ. It explores the implications of Trump's potential appointments to key positions within the Justice Department and how these moves could target perceived enemies. Discussions include the challenges facing the DOJ, the influence of an 'America First' agenda, and the risks of a politicized intelligence community. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for citizen engagement to safeguard democratic values.