'Demoralization'

'Demoralization'

CNN data analyst Harry Enten aired a segment on July 4, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, examining polling on how proud Americans are of their country. The polling indicated that Democrats, particularly younger Democrats, are much less likely than Republicans to say they are proud of the United States. During the segment, Enten said that only 36% of Democrats described themselves as “extremely” or “very” proud to be American, compared with 92% of Republicans. What role, if any, does demoralization play in the lower levels of national pride reported among Democrats? Is it possible that Americans are being intentionally demoralized, and if so, by whom and for what purpose? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #421. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Marxism Crisis'

Many establishment Democrats seem surprised that socialists are gaining influence within their party, as if they slept through the past decade and have only now woken up. In 2016, Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, came close to winning the Democratic presidential nomination. Without the party’s superdelegate system and other actions by the DNC, he might have succeeded. In 2020, Sanders again emerged as a leading contender, but his rivals withdrew from the race and consolidated their support behind Joe Biden, effectively blocking Sanders’s path to the nomination. The rise socialism in the United States should not surprise anyone. The conditions have created an environment that is ideal for socialism. How did conditions in the United States become so conducive to the spread of socialism? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #420. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Tribalism Crisis'

One of the biggest challenges facing the United States as it approaches the nation's 250th birthday is tribalism, particularly racial tribalism. In many respects, the country appears more racially divided today than it did 50 years ago, at the time of its 200th birthday. This may seem counterintuitive because, as society becomes more diverse and pluralistic, one might expect race relations to improve. In many ways they have, and it would be inaccurate to suggest that no progress has been made. Nevertheless, there are also indications that racial polarization has increased over the past 50 years. What accounts for this apparent deterioration in race relations in the United States, and was it intentional? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #419. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Treason Crisis'

The United States is widely regarded as one of the most powerful nations in history. It possesses one of the world’s most advanced militaries, equipped with sophisticated weapons, technology, and global capabilities. As a result, conquering the United States through a conventional military invasion would present an enormous challenge for any adversary. Additionally, the country’s large and heavily armed civilian population would further complicate such an effort. But an enemy seeking to weaken the United States might find greater success by exploiting internal divisions and undermining national institutions from within. That is why treason has long been viewed as a serious threat to national security. Why does treason represent one of the United States’ greatest vulnerabilities, and what are some examples of actions that might be characterized as treasonous today? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #418. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'The Carrot'

Many people are unhappy with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the United States is considering with Iran. They believe the Trump administration is offering too many concessions and would prefer military pressure to continue. However, many of these critics may not fully understand Trump’s strategy. Trump appears to be employing a “carrot-and-stick” approach. After several months of applying pressure—the stick—he is now offering incentives—the carrot. It is up to Iran whether it accepts those incentives or faces additional pressure. President Trump has been clear that the stick, meaning further military action, remains an option. At the same time, he wants to give the carrot an opportunity to work by potentially releasing billions of dollars in Iranian funds and easing sanctions to allow investment and economic growth. Does Trump’s strategy have a chance of succeeding, and what happens if it does not? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #417. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]