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    Ep. 477 - From Believe Women To Believe Biden

    enApril 30, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • The Me Too movement's inconsistency in handling allegations against Joe BidenThe Me Too movement's inconsistent application of its principles and intolerance of dissenting voices has exposed it as an imperfect and potentially harmful force in society.

      The Me Too movement's handling of the Joe Biden allegations has raised questions about its credibility and intentions. The movement, which began as a call to believe women, now appears to prioritize belief in certain individuals over the principle itself. This shift has been evident in the media's response to allegations against Biden, who is a prominent figure and a former presidential candidate. The movement's inconsistency in applying its principles has led some to view it as a sham. For instance, Tara Reid's allegations against Biden, which were made years after the alleged incident, were initially dismissed, despite her having several people who could vouch for her account. This inconsistency undermines the trust and confidence that the movement once enjoyed. Furthermore, the media's response to those who speak out against the movement or question its methods, such as Ben Shapiro, only serves to highlight the intolerance and lack of nuance that can be present within the movement. Ultimately, the Me Too movement's failure to consistently apply its principles and its intolerance of dissenting voices has exposed it as an imperfect and potentially harmful force in society. It is important for any movement to remain true to its core principles and to be open to criticism and debate in order to grow and improve.

    • Joe Biden's Alleged Inappropriate Behavior: Substantiated ClaimsDespite evidence and a documented history, the Me Too movement and media have been mostly silent on Biden's alleged inappropriate behavior. Democrats in Congress have defended him, raising questions about inconsistent standards for addressing sexual misconduct.

      The case against Joe Biden regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a woman is more substantiated than many Me Too cases that received widespread attention in the media. Tara Reid has provided evidence in the form of a recorded call from what she claims is her mother discussing the issue on the Larry King show. Biden's documented history of inappropriate touching and his lack of denial add to the case. However, the primary promoters of the Me Too movement and the media have been largely silent on the issue, allowing Biden a month to prepare a response. Democrats in Congress have also come to his defense, despite the lack of a denial from Biden himself. This raises questions about the standards for believing and addressing allegations of sexual misconduct.

    • The complexities and nuances of the #MeToo movementSupporters of Joe Biden continue to back him despite sexual assault allegations, highlighting the challenges of balancing accountability with electing candidates.

      Despite the allegations against Joe Biden regarding an incident of sexual assault, many supporters, including high-profile figures, continue to stand by him. They believe in his values, integrity, and authenticity, and are satisfied with how his campaign has addressed the issue. Some have criticized those who have made allegations against Biden as being motivated by politics or personal gain. Others, such as Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris, have previously advocated for believing women but have since changed their stance in support of Biden. Several organizations that position themselves as pro-women have remained silent on the issue. The founder of the Me Too Movement, Tarana Burke, has also declined to comment. The debate over the allegations against Biden highlights the complexities and nuances of the #MeToo movement and the challenges of balancing the need for accountability with the importance of electing candidates.

    • Me Too Movement Exposed as Political ToolThe Me Too movement has been criticized for its selective application and hypocrisy, with some accusing it of being a political tool rather than a genuine effort to support rape victims. Its defense of certain individuals and refusal to help others based on political affiliations has undermined its credibility.

      The Me Too movement has been exposed as a political tool rather than a genuine effort to support rape victims. Alyssa Milano's defense of Joe Biden, despite allegations against him, and the refusal of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund to take Reid's case illustrate this. The movement's selective application, focusing on non-Democrats or those who are not in positions of power, highlights its ideological agenda. The double standard was evident during the Clinton years, and it has resurfaced in the current political climate. This hypocrisy undermines the credibility of the Me Too movement and calls into question the sincerity of those who claim to support it. The movement's abandonment of its principles in favor of political expediency is a disappointing reminder that it was never truly about justice for all.

    • Balancing the value of lives during a crisisAcknowledge the complexities of public policy decisions during a crisis, recognizing that saving every life is an unattainable goal, and focus on preserving as many lives as possible while acknowledging that not all deaths are of equal value.

      The value of human life is not uniform, and making public policy decisions during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic involves balancing the risks and rewards. While saving every life is an ideal, public policy does not treat all lives equally, and age is a significant factor in this calculation. The speaker acknowledges that all life is inherently valuable, but not all deaths are equally tragic. The speaker also emphasizes that everyone secretly agrees with this assessment, even if they may be outraged or offended by it being stated openly. The speaker encourages recognizing this reality and focusing on preserving as many lives as possible while acknowledging that not all deaths are of equal value. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexities of public policy decisions during a crisis and recognizing that saving every life is an unattainable goal.

    • The death of a child is perceived differently than the death of an elderly personThe loss of a child is met with intense grief and sadness, while the death of an elderly person may elicit different emotions, but both are significant and valuable.

      The death of a child is perceived as more tragic than the death of an elderly person due to the length and potential of a young life. The speaker acknowledges that the death of an elderly person is not less valuable or tragic, but the reaction and mood at their funeral is often different. The death of a young person, especially a child, is met with intense grief, sadness, anger, and despair, as they have not had the opportunity to live a long and fruitful life. The speaker encourages understanding and acknowledgement of this difference in reaction, rather than pretending not to understand or minimizing the significance of the loss of a young life.

    • Protecting Young Life and Essential ServicesAdults have a unique responsibility to prioritize young life and essential services during a pandemic. Simple preventative measures could mitigate the impact, and maintaining basic services is crucial for society's well-being.

      The value and protection of young life and essential services, such as clean public transportation, should be prioritized, even during a pandemic. The speakers emphasized the unique responsibility adults have to protect children and ensure basic services are maintained for the greater good. Additionally, simple preventative measures, like cleaning and hand washing, could have significantly mitigated the impact of the coronavirus. Another interesting point was the decline in marriage rates, which began before the pandemic, and isn't solely attributed to it. These discussions highlight the importance of prioritizing the essentials, protecting young life, and maintaining basic services to ensure the well-being of society.

    • The shift from marriage to cohabitation among millennialsMillennials are moving away from traditional marriage towards temporary cohabitation arrangements due to past experiences with divorce and a desire for flexibility.

      The trend of decreasing marriage rates among millennials and the increasing prevalence of cohabitation is a significant social change. This shift is not just about fewer marriages, but a replacement of traditional marriage with temporary cohabitation arrangements. This phenomenon can be attributed to millennials growing up with parents who went through high divorce rates, leading many to view marriage as an unnecessary source of emotional pain and instability. The decline in divorce rates might seem like a positive sign, but it's actually a symptom of a larger societal issue. Baby boomers, who experienced the high divorce rates of their time, need to take more responsibility for the current state of relationships. Cohabitation, while understandable given the context, is still not a good idea for various reasons. Additionally, there have been criticisms of inappropriate trends, such as TikTok videos of nurses dancing with pretend corpses in hospitals, which might not be suitable for professional settings.

    • Criticizing Counterproductive Pandemic Response MeasuresSome political leaders' pandemic response measures, such as closing beaches and parks, are being criticized for being unnecessary and counterproductive to public health. The speaker argues that being at the beach is a healthy activity and the virus transmission is more likely due to close contact and intimate situations, not the beach itself.

      The ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic by some political leaders, including closing beaches and parks, is being criticized as counterproductive and unnecessary. The speaker argues that being at the beach is a healthy activity and the transmission of the virus is more likely to occur due to close contact and intimate situations, rather than being at the beach itself. He also emphasizes that becoming a Daily Wire member offers numerous benefits, including two leftist tier tumblers, an ad-free website experience, access to exclusive content, and opportunities to engage with the team. However, the speaker's main message is a critique of the pandemic response measures and the importance of considering the actual impact of such actions.

    • Acts of solidarity and courage during challenging timesDuring tough times, small acts of solidarity and courage can make a big difference. Find ways to show support, like Hilary's decision to stop dyeing her hair in solidarity with healthcare workers.

      During these challenging times, small acts of solidarity and courage can make a significant impact. Hilary Burton, an actress, has gone viral for her decision to stop dyeing her hair in solidarity with healthcare workers. Her simple gesture serves as a reminder of the sacrifices being made by essential workers and inspires others to find ways to show support. The importance of this act goes beyond just hair color; it's a symbol of unity and compassion. We can all learn from Hilary's example and look for ways to make a difference, no matter how small, in our own lives. Whether it's making masks, volunteering, or simply offering words of encouragement, every act of kindness counts. So let's take inspiration from Hilary and strive to make a positive impact in our communities.

    • The line between fact and fiction in news reportingStay informed but also be discerning and fact-check news before accepting it as truth. Reputable news outlets can spread misinformation, and all news is filtered through biases.

      The line between fact and fiction in news reporting can be blurry, and it's important to approach all news stories with a critical eye. The recent revelations about the FBI's handling of the Michael Flynn case and the questionable origins of certain coronavirus-related news stories serve as reminders of this. As Michael Walsh discussed on his show, even reputable news outlets like Yahoo News can spread misinformation, which can have serious consequences. The Michael Knowles show further emphasizes that all news is, to some extent, "fake" because it is filtered through the perspectives and biases of those reporting it. It's crucial to stay informed, but also to be discerning and fact-check information before accepting it as truth.

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    • The different forms of recognition that Workhuman promotes and how that recognition supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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    • How diversity and inclusion are not the same, what organizations can do to ensure that they have both

     

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    Steve Pemberton Bio

    Passionate about building human-centered workplaces that recognize the value and potential of each and every employee, Steve Pemberton has made embracing humanity in the workplace the core of his responsibility.

     

    As the Chief Human Resources Officer of Workhuman, Steve is committed to working with HR leaders and senior management to transform and lead more connected, human-centered workplaces that accelerate learning, engagement and productivity. Steve aims to make the work more human in everything he does by fostering a sense of purpose in the workplace and ensuring equity for all.

     

    Steve also champions human rights efforts to ensure equality and access for all, both at home and in the workplace. This passionate advocacy has earned him honorary doctorates as well as the U.S. Congress’ Horizon Award for his personal contributions and for setting a positive example for younger generations. He is the esteemed author of “The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have an Extraordinary Impact in the World” and the USA Today best-selling memoir “A Chance in the World,” following him on his search for his family. Steve is a graduate of Boston College and is involved with UCAN Chicago, Boys Hope Girls Hope and The United States Business Leadership Network as a board member.