Topic: Social Programs

6 chapters across the catalog

28: Black Don't Crack
1:44:45 - 1:47:30

28: Black Don't Crack

Bobby Rush Apology, Legislative Regret

Congressman Bobby Rush issues a public apology for his 1994 vote in favor of the crime bill, calling it the worst vote of his career. He explains that the promised resources for "love and compassion" and social programs never materialized, while the focus remained entirely on "locking them up." This admission serves as a critique of the empty promises made to secure the bill's passage.

20: Separate but Equal
15:59 - 19:39

20: Separate but Equal

Community Decay, School Closures vs. Facility Improvement

The hosts critique the trend of closing neighborhood schools and busing children elsewhere rather than fixing local infrastructure. They argue that schools reflect the status of their communities, which have been impacted by social programs and welfare systems. The discussion highlights the cynicism of moving "gifted" students out of struggling schools instead of ensuring all schools have equal resources, textbooks, and safety standards.

12: White Guilt
1:09:37 - 1:12:20

12: White Guilt

Dissociation and LBJ's Great Society

Shelby Steele posits that the "Great Society" programs of the 1960s were a form of "dissociation" intended to distance the American government from the stigma of racism. While billions were spent on social programs, Steele and the hosts argue that these initiatives failed to eradicate poverty or bring about true equality, serving instead as a moral shield for the establishment.

10: Black and Blue
6:19 - 10:46

10: Black and Blue

News Industry Ratings and the "Super Bowl" of Tragedy

The news industry operates on the "if it bleeds, it leads" principle, treating high-profile tragedies like the Guyger trial as a "ratings bonanza" similar to the Super Bowl. By throwing "raw meat" to both sides of a racial or political divide, media outlets ensure viewers remain glued to their screens. This manufactured investment is compared to political polling tactics used to keep the public in a state of constant anxiety and engagement.

10: Black and Blue
1:49:36 - 1:54:45

10: Black and Blue

Conclusion and Call to Avoid Media Manipulation

The hosts conclude the episode by urging listeners to turn off the television and avoid participating in manufactured media dramas. They emphasize the importance of one-on-one conversations between people of different backgrounds to bypass elite structures of manipulation. The show ends with a final call for support via mofundme.com and a promise to return the following Monday with more "Mo Facts."