Two Independents
Two Independents
John Opdycke
John Opdycke and Sarah Lyons, both political organizers with IndependentVoting.Org, wax philosophical about life, political change, independent voters, political reform, cultural posits, postmodernism, their athletic heroes and cinematic tastes.
Ep18 - Aaron Swartz and the politics of disappointment
Sarah and John respond to a very thoughtful listener e-mail about the death of activist Aaron Swartz and explore issues of political power and creativity, democracy, and how to organize support from bigger players. Plus, NFL expert Sarah offers her playoff predictions.
Jan 19, 2013
32 min
Ep 17 - What is Obama's message to Independents?
Sarah and John discuss Mitt Romney's selection of Paul Ryan, Jackie Salit's new book (fantastic!) Independents Rising, the unconventional wisdom of Walter Karp (author of indispensable enemies) and look back at Lenora Fulani and Pat Buchanan's brief post-ideological partnership. All in 35 minutes!!!
Aug 14, 2012
34 min
Ep - 16 - The policy and the process
Sarah and John unpackage the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act, take a look at Aaron Sorkin's new show, and answer listener questions from Ghana and Italy. Plus...did the Viking's discover America?
Jul 14, 2012
42 min
Ep 15 - A nation of ethical free agents?
John and Sarah don't buy Maureen Dowd's contention that "ethical free agency" is the new norm and challenge her (very catholic) editorial about the Penn State scandal. Plus, discussion of fine cocktails, the NBA finals, and the recent re-call election in Wisconsin.
Jun 25, 2012
30 min
Ep. 14 - Californians shake up the system
Sarah and John answer viewer mail, discuss the recent primary in California - the first under the new non-partisan "Top Two" system adopted by voters in 2010 - and reminisce about their days working together on the Fulani Show, the best cable access program of all time. Send your questions/comments to [email protected]
Jun 8, 2012
41 min
Ep. 13 - If you want to change the world, you've got to mix it up.
Sarah and John discuss the demise of Americans Elect, public cartooning, challenging society's unwritten rules, the pitfalls of relating to independent voters as a consumer category, and the success and limitations of Aristotelian logic. Plus, what is the logic of childhood? Tune in to find out...or at least find out that its something we are grappling to understand? Email your questions/comments/ideas to [email protected]. We need questions!
Jun 1, 2012
31 min
Episode 12 - Why are we vulnerable to quick fix solutions?
John and Sarah explore American's vulnerability to "quick fix" solutions, Bill Bradley's new book We Can All Do Better, the medicalization of mental illness, petitioning in the Bronx, and the best beer in the world. Hint: it is made in Kalamazoo Michigan and is available only in the summer. Enjoy! E-mail us your questions and comments to [email protected]
May 11, 2012
39 min
Episode 11 - Hello Stockholm!
Swedish journalist Linda Flood visits John and Sarah at IndependentVoting.org HQ for a candid discussion about independent voters, presidential politics, third parties, Obama vs. Romney, and the culture of American politics. Sarah (who lived in Sweden for a semester during college) gets to brush up on her Swedish. Njuta av samtalet!
Apr 21, 2012
46 min
Episode 10 - President Obama, meet Jamie Oliver.
Sarah and John look at labeling - in both mental health and the US government's management of Native Americans. They explore the question "On the issue of health care, what if President Obama had gone directly to the American people and bypassed Congress?" Plus a new recipe for Brussels Sprouts! Email your thoughts and questions to [email protected]
Apr 7, 2012
45 min
Episode 9 - Tim Tebow or Representative Government - which one stands a better chance?
Sarah and John discuss Tim Tebow's trade to the Jets, the upcoming American Political Science Association's Conference, and the joy of playing good defense. Plus, we inaugurate a new segment (rather poorly...but you be the judge of that) called "tell me something you don't know." Send us your questions and comments to [email protected] and give us reviews on Itunes! We need reviews!
Mar 23, 2012
40 min
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