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    Civility and Civic Duty with the American Moms

    enOctober 04, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Behind the Scenes of Writing a White House SpeechGetting a job as a White House speechwriter requires connections and hard work. Start with an internship for a unique experience in history.

      Working as a speechwriter for a president at the White House involves a lot of hard work and long hours, but also comes with unique experiences and opportunities. The process of writing a speech is complex and involves a team of people. Getting a job as a speechwriter in the White House often requires knowing someone who can help you get your foot in the door, but hard work and determination are also important. Washington D.C. is run in part by interns, so applying for an internship is a good way to start if you don't know anyone in the industry. The experience of working in the White House may not be exactly like what is portrayed on TV shows, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of history.

    • Boosting Job Prospects with Internships and LinkedInInternships can enhance your resume and increase chances of getting hired. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for job seekers to connect with professionals and expand their network.

      Applying for a summer term job can be more competitive, and getting an internship first can increase your chances of being hired. Sandra, a professional, emphasized that LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals who might not be actively looking for a new job. Additionally, authenticity is crucial when making purchases online, and eBay's authenticity guarantee offers peace of mind. Lastly, the perspective one holds towards government and elected officials can significantly impact how one views their roles and actions. It's essential to remember that most elected officials are trying to do their best for their constituents, even if they don't always get it right.

    • Understanding the complexities of political figuresPoliticians are human, prone to mistakes, and dedicated to their country. Civility in political conversations is essential for productive dialogue and unity.

      People, including those in politics, are complex and imperfect individuals. Despite this, most are dedicated to serving the best interests of their country, even if their methods differ. It's crucial to remember that behind the scenes, they're human, and mistakes will be made. Civility in political conversations is essential, as social media has amplified our ability to insult and create division. America's history shows disagreement, but it's important to strive for understanding and respect, even when opinions differ. A lighthearted anecdote from the Bush administration illustrates this – presidents, like all people, are imperfect and can make mistakes, such as forgetting their glasses during a speech. Ultimately, maintaining a civil discourse allows us to engage in productive conversations and move forward together.

    • Promoting civility in political conversationsTreating politicians with kindness and understanding sets a positive example for children, promoting unity and preventing the passing down of hatred.

      Civility is essential in political conversations, especially in the age of social media where divisiveness is amplified. We should remember that we are more than our political preferences and that treating each other with kindness, especially in front of our children, is crucial. It's important to remember that politicians are human beings, and dehumanizing them sets a dangerous precedent for future generations. Let's avoid passing down hatred to our children and instead promote unity and understanding. The way we speak about politicians and other people shapes how our kids view the world. It's crucial to remember that checks and balances are in place, and the country will continue to function despite political changes. We should encourage our children to think critically and not to blindly believe everything they hear. In essence, we have the power to create a society where kindness and understanding prevail.

    • The limitations of individual power in governanceMaking significant changes in governance requires cooperation from various parties and can be a lengthy, complex process

      The power of an individual, even in a position of authority like the presidency or a congressperson, is limited. Making significant changes, like giving every child a candy bar or passing a bill, involves a lengthy process that requires cooperation from various parties. This process can be time-consuming and complex, with numerous obstacles to overcome. For instance, getting a bill introduced to Congress requires extensive work, and the chances of passing it are slim. Similarly, as a president, even something seemingly simple like giving every child a candy bar would involve going through Congress, dealing with complaints and logistical issues, and addressing various concerns. This highlights the importance of understanding the intricacies of governance and the role of cooperation in bringing about meaningful change.

    • Staying informed without feeling overwhelmedSeek out multiple news sources, utilize convenient methods, and focus on self-care to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

      Staying informed about the world, especially politics, doesn't have to be overwhelming. By seeking out multiple sources of news and utilizing convenient methods like podcasts or email briefings, individuals can easily stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information. Additionally, focusing on cellular aging with products like OneSkin can help keep skin looking and acting younger, allowing individuals to focus on other aspects of their lives. When it comes to passing bills, it's important to remember that it's a lengthy and complex process that requires cooperation from many people. For those feeling overwhelmed by the political landscape, it's recommended to educate oneself by seeking out various sources of news and not relying on a single source. By staying informed and taking small steps, such as listening to daily news podcasts or reading email briefings, individuals can feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the news.

    • Expanding Perspectives through News and Community InvolvementStay informed about local and global news, start with local issues, read reliable sources, engage in community, and give back this Mother's Day

      Staying informed about local and global news can broaden our perspectives and make us more engaged citizens. Watching the news together as a family opened up the speaker's awareness of the world beyond their sphere. They suggest starting with local news and getting involved in community issues to make the world seem less overwhelming. Reading local newspapers or following reliable news sources can provide valuable information without the distractions of comment sections. Additionally, being an active citizen goes beyond just posting on social media; it involves getting involved in local issues and making a difference in your community. This Mother's Day, consider giving back to the mothers in your life by gifting them with thoughtful presents from 1-800-Flowers or treating yourself to stylish and ethically-made travel essentials from Quince.

    • Extra efforts bring peace of mind in healthcare, authentic purchases, and news consumptionSupplemental healthcare plans offer peace of mind with no usual requirements, authentic purchases come with guarantees, read multiple news sources for a well-rounded understanding, and focus on making positive impacts in communities instead of engaging with negativity.

      Being extra, whether it's in healthcare or authentic purchases, can bring peace of mind. For healthcare, UnitedHealthcare's Health ProtectorGuard plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, offer supplemental coverage with no usual requirements and restrictions. For authentic purchases, eBay's authenticity guarantee ensures the items' authenticity, giving buyers confidence. Regarding news sources, it's crucial to read multiple sources to get a well-rounded understanding, as no single source is infallible. Additionally, our civic duty isn't to engage with negative comments or to read every news article but to look for ways to make a positive impact on our communities. As for the Statue of Liberty story shared by the speaker, it emphasizes the importance of everyone playing their role in making a difference.

    • The Power of Individual Efforts in Collective ChangeIndividual actions, even by children, can lead to significant change when united. Politics involves more than negative connotations; it's about being a good citizen and contributing positively.

      The collective efforts of individuals can lead to significant change, as demonstrated by the fundraising for the Statue of Liberty's pedestal by children. This principle applies to civic engagement and politics, where each person's involvement, regardless of age or resources, contributes to the betterment of the community and the individual. Politics is not just about negative connotations but encompasses being a good citizen, understanding the workings of government, and contributing positively. Encouraging children to learn about these concepts from a young age can set a strong foundation for their future engagement in society.

    • Prioritize Civic Education and Make Politics a Normal Part of Daily LifeEncourage civic education from a young age, discuss politics respectfully, and model accountability to create an informed and engaged citizenry.

      It's essential to prioritize civic education and make politics a normal part of everyday conversations, starting from a young age. The speakers emphasized the importance of understanding the structure of government and the role of citizens in holding leaders accountable. They suggested simple ways to incorporate civic education into daily life, such as praying for leaders during family prayers or discussing historical figures while learning to count money. The speakers also encouraged normalizing political discussions and modeling respectful behavior towards leaders, regardless of political affiliations. By doing so, they believe that every individual can contribute to creating an informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately leading to a better society.

    • Supporting the podcast communityEngaging with podcasts by following, subscribing, rating, reviewing, and sharing can help expand their reach and provide valuable feedback and new listeners for podcasters

      Learning from this episode of the Sharon Says So podcast is the power of support and engagement in the podcast community. Sharon humbly asked listeners to follow, subscribe, rate, review, and share her podcast to help expand its reach. This simple act of engagement can significantly impact podcasters, providing them with valuable feedback, new listeners, and a larger platform to share their stories and ideas. So, next time you enjoy an episode, consider giving back to the community by sharing it with others. Your support can make a big difference. Thank you for listening and for being a part of the Sharon Says So podcast community.

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