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Vital Signs of Democracy

Vital Signs of Democracy

by Debilyn Molineaux & David Riordan

Government News Commentary

Season 1

What does it take to "do democracy?"

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan interview Julia Roig, Founder and Chief Network Weaver at Horizons Project. Julia is a peace worker with thirty years of experience in democratic change and conflict transformation in war torn countries around the globe. She has a special passion for narratives, collaborative partnerships and connecting diverse groups of activists that she is now pursuing here in the United States. On a scale of 1-10, 1= autocracy and 1= democracy, she feels America is currently at a 4. Read more about Julia's organization here: https://horizonsproject.us

The MAGA Bubble, Bidenonmics and Playing the Victim

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan explore the narrative themes emerging from the first MAGA Republican debate, the Democrats intention to run in 2024 on the strength of Bidenonmics and the tendency in times of crisis for all of us to play the victim card. These narratives are the first indications of what the MAGA Republicans and Biden Democrats are going to run on for the 2024 Presidential election. The question remains… will our democracy be served by the result? In this podcast, we referenced the plan that has been created should Trump be elected again. We provide the link so you can decide for yourself if this is the future you'd like to see. Project 2025, is presented by The Heritage Foundation. Their headline is Building now for a conservative victory through policy, personnel, and training.

Zombie Democracy Epic Times

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan explore how they are managing their growing depression and anxiety based on the seeming uncertainty about the health of democracy in America. Trumps new indictments, 75% of MAGA Republicans still believing the 2020 election was stolen by Democrats, and unprecedented climate change heat waves all add up to lots of questions as the 2024 election cycle begins with 70% of Americans desiring someone different than Trump or Biden for President.

The Imperial Supremes and Rights for Whom?

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan look at the latest rulings from the Supreme Court and check on the status of abortion rights one year after the Dobbs decision overturned the rights awarded in Roe v. Wade. Given all the narratives promoted by both sides of the abortion rights issue, Debilyn and David explore a hidden narrative in the continuing debate that could become the real threat to democracy in America - whose rights get protected in the judiciary?

Indictments & Big Lie #2

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan conduct a first analysis of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago documents indictment in Florida. They also look at the potential threat to democracy that is emerging from the debt ceiling deal and the other BIG LIE it suggests the Biden Democrats, MAGA Republicans and the media are all promoting.Chris Hayes reporting referenced in podcast.

Political Suicide?

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan examine the current 2024 Presidential election narratives of the MAGA Republicans and Biden Democrats. We dig deeply into why MAGA Republicans still seem to be pitching stories that lost them the 2020 election? Finally, IF the news of the day is overwhelming your ability to manage the deluge of stories, let us offer you three simple things you can do to re-connect with your family and friends that go beyond politics. President Biden Re-election video Republican National Committee Attack Ad Red States Suppress Voting Rights Red states gerrymander congressional districts Culture Wars of Fear No Abortions after 6 weeks Donald Trump runs for President facing multiple investigations and one indictment GOP slashes green energy development in their budget Iowa Rolls Back Child Labor Law MAGA Republicans Advocate for Open Carry Ballotpedia on state by state trifectas TEDx Foggy Bottom speaker list

Indictments and Power Plays

In this episode, David Riordan exposes the three different stories cable news told about Trump’s indictment when it became public. Debilyn Molineaux looks towards the states as abortion drugs are restricted in Texas but protected in Washington state, Tennessee lawmakers are expelled from their legislature for protesting and the Wisconsin Supreme Court flips from red to blue.Notes: What happened and didn’t happen in Tennessee: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/04/tennessee-capitol-protest-heres-what-did-and-did-not-happen/70075823007/What to know about the expulsion: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/04/07/tennessee-house-expulsion-vote-why-were-lawmakers-expelled/70092066007/ Wisconsin Supreme Court: https://www.npr.org/2023/04/04/1167815077/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-results-abortion-voting-protasiewicz-kelly

Partial Truths & Corporate Fables

In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux reveals the partial truths contained in conspiracy theories shared with her by a stranger on a plane. In addition, David sets out to explore the REAL culture war that can be tracked by FOLLOWING THE MONEY.

Kevin, Tucker and Wokism, Oh My!

In this episode, David Riordan reveals the real danger about Kevin McCarthy giving Tucker Carlson an exclusive. And it’s not what you think it is. Debilyn Molineaux talks about the underlying reasons that woke and anti-woke are used to recruit voters and how both versions of this narrative continue to unsettle America. Memorable line: "I don't want news about news. I want the news." Clips used in the episode: Trump Promises Pardons Tucker Explains His January 6th Conspiracy Theory Chevon – Windows Commercial DeSantis - Florida is where woke goes to die We apologize for missing the link where a Congressional Democrat spoke in David's segment. If we find the link, we'll update here.

Vital Signs of Democracy - Monsters, Menorahs & Balloons

This episode examines the hangover from the midterms and reviews possible healthier responses by the political party leaders. In seeking alternatives to the red and blue tribe narratives, as presented by partisan media, David Riordan and Debilyn Molineaux look to storytelling through television, film and documentaries for inspiration, observation and clues to how we might write a better story for ourselves. Referencing The Twilight Zone: The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, Chocolat and Not in Our Town.

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