The State of Us
TrueChat
Go beyond mainstream cable news and party lines, with a Millennial and a Boomer, as they work to push past the noise and bring attention to all the issues that matter. Justin T. Weller and Lance Jackson examine the topics that are often overlooked by most major media outlets, but are critical for Americans to be educated about. There’s a world beyond the noise and it begins with Justin & Lance on The State of Us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 5, 2019 • 39min
Should Employers Offer Payroll Advances?
A new benefit provided by some large organizations: payroll advances. About 40% of adults say they do not have enough cash to cover a $400 expense. Some employers see access to cash as a way to improve retention. Justin and Lance breakdown the situation.tags: politics, news, discussion, current events, minimum wage, poverty, payroll, business, workers, economy, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Sep 3, 2019 • 43min
Should Police Photoshop Lineup Pictures?
The police used editing software to remove tattoos from a picture of Tyrone Allen - a suspect in a bank robbery - when presenting his picture to witness for identification. This isn't the only time police have edited photos for a picture lineup. There's more than two sides to this story. Justin, Lance, and Caleb examine the nuances.tags: politics, issues, news, police, violence, investigation, edit, rights, suspect, crime, discussion, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson, laws
Aug 29, 2019 • 44min
Does the NRA Still Have Power in Congress?
Since 2008, the number of "A" ratings the NRA has assigned to Democrats in Congress has dropped from 63 to just three in 2018. What has caused this shift and how should America move forward with gun laws?tags: politics, congress, guns, news, democrat, republican, weapons, nra, national rifle association, debate, mass shootings, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Aug 27, 2019 • 42min
Why are American's Values Changing?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger generations rate patriotism, religion, and having children as less important to them than did young people two decades ago.tags: politics, values, issues, news, polls, gen x, gen z, millennials, boomers, religion, community, democrat, republican, president, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Aug 22, 2019 • 38min
Liberals Would Benefit From More Self-Criticism
An opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal suggests that Trump may win in 2020 if liberals don't change some of their current habits. Justin and Lance examine the authors five suggestions for Democrats.tags: politics, government, republican, democrat, party, politics, election, 2020, donald trump, ideas, third party, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Aug 20, 2019 • 33min
Farmer's Might Grow Their Way out of Climate Change
How serious is the climate crisis and where do farmers fit in? Justin and Lance examine a new concept that involves farmers and the battle against climate change.tags: politics, news, issues, climate change, farm, farmers, crops, weather, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson, truechat
Aug 14, 2019 • 37min
Unleashing the Potential of Rural America
A presidential candidate recently released a plan to lift up rural communities across the country. Justin and Lance examine the issues facing rural America and the practicality of this candidate's proposal.tags: politics, election 2020, president, campaign, rural, farm, community, republican, democrat, small town, economy, business, development, tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, truechat
Aug 8, 2019 • 38min
Social Media's Role in Mass Violence
Nearly 80% of Americans have a social media profile and these places are becoming a major place for pushing extreme ideologies. Justin and Lance discuss the larger issue and what can be done to fix it.tags: politics, current events, social media, violence, mass shootings, hate, crimes, dayton, el paso, ohio, texas, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson, republican, democrat, president, donald trump
Aug 7, 2019 • 36min
Cost of a Middle Class Life is Increasing
The price of cars, colleges, and houses have become more costly while wages have remained essentially flat. What does this mean for the "middle class?" Justin and Lance search for an answer.tags: politics, economy, business, middle class, life, american dream, future, wages, minimum wage, college, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Jul 30, 2019 • 37min
U.S. Citizens Protest in Puerto Rico - Should It Be a State?
Tens of thousands of American citizens are protesting in Puerto Rico. With tear gas deployed against the people of the United States, why isn't this issue getting more coverage? Could some of this be fixed by making Puerto Rico a state?tags: politics, government, issues, puerto rico, united states, republican, democrat, statehood, state, protests, citizens, corruption, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
