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
Jul 25, 2019 • 36min
What's The Return on Investment for Social Services?
A new study discovered that government programs for adults typically lead to more government spending. On the other hand, programs for low-income children return taxpayer dollars in the long run. Justin and Lance breakdown the situation.tags: government, politics, republican, democrat, morals, value, kids, education, social security, unemployment, welfare, medicare, medicaid, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson, caleb spinner
Jul 23, 2019 • 42min
Should Your Employer Spy on You?
From the tone of your voice in a meeting to how often you are away from your desk, big employers are tracking more information on employees. Where should the limits be and what are the benefits? Justin and Lance are joined by Caleb Spinner to discuss.tags: current events, politics, privacy, information, news, business, tracking, data, personal, technology, company, tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, caleb spinner, truechat
Jul 18, 2019 • 38min
House Votes on $15 Minimum Wage
What should the United States do about the minimum wage? Is the solution put forward by the House of Representatives the answer? Justin and Lance have the answers.tags: politics, government, wage, minimum, living, lives, quality, republican, democrat, new, house, speaker, justin weller, tsou, lance jackson, truechat
Jul 16, 2019 • 34min
100 Families Own About 42 Million Acres
Who gets to own the West? According to The New York Times, a new group of billionaires is shaking up the landscape. Justin and Lance dive into the details and talk about the implications.tags: land, government, climate, freedom, united states, america, republican, democrat, history, west, truechat, justin weller, tsou, lance jackson, families, power, money, business
Jul 11, 2019 • 37min
Trump & Ocasio-Cortez Blocking People on Twitter
In a recent court ruling, it was determined that President Trump is not allowed to block critics on Twitter. This has spawned new law cases against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for also blocking critics on the platform. Justin and Lance determine if this is a simple as it seems or if there may be other consequences.tags: politics, government, free speech, first amendment, donald trump, alexandria ocasio-cortez, AOC, twitter, facebook, instagram, social media, policy, tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, truechat
Jul 4, 2019 • 36min
Does Free College Work? A Michigan Town Tried It
After being hit hard by the departure of several large companies, Kalamazoo, MI was desperate. They believed the promise of free college might fix their problems. Years later, the initial data is in. Did it work? Justin and Lance analyze the situation and discuss the broad implications.tags: politics, government, college, education, democrat, republican, policy, free, small town, tuition, economy, truechat, tsou, justin weller, lance jackson
Jul 2, 2019 • 36min
Should the U.S. Respond to the Hong Kong Protests?
Potentially more than 550,000 people gathered to protest in Hong Kong. How long will China wait to respond more aggresively and should the United States get involved? Justin and Lance analyze the situation and explore options.tags: politics, government, international, relations, china, foreign, policy, republican, democrat, independent, protest, issues, tsou, hong kong, united states, justin weller, lance jackson
Jun 28, 2019 • 37min
Supreme Court Bars Challenges to Partisan Gerrymandering
The Supreme Court has left the legality of Gerrymandering up to the states. Should anything be done about this and what does it mean for future elections? Justin and Lance provide some historical context and discuss the implications in today's world.tags: politics, government, gerrymandering, republican, democrat, independent, representation, congress, constitution, supreme court, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Jun 25, 2019 • 34min
Could Trump Lose the Popular Vote by 5 Million and Still Win the Presidency
The electoral college is a system that eludes many voters. Should the President of the United States be elected by a simple majority? Justin and Lance examine the issue and discuss alternative options.tags: politics, government, election, history, 2020, discussion, predictions, electoral college, voting, vote, donald trump, president, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
Jun 20, 2019 • 35min
Companies Cater Products to Singles
Today, 28% of households are made up of just one person. This is a significant increase and companies are taking notice by catering more products to singles. Olivia Jackson, a single millennial from the midwest, joins Justin and Lance to share her perspective on living alone.tags: news, information, trends, tech, millennial, generation, single, tips, politics, government, business, companies, truechat, tsou, future, justin weller, lance jackson
