May 31, 2023: Racial Inequality, Corporate Activism, Prisoner Swaps, Insider Trading in Congress, Electric Vehicles

Latter Day Lens

One listener writes, “So, remembering Sam’s counsel to never complain without offering a solution, I’d love to hear you each come prepared to answer this question: What is the present day cost to living Black people of past slavery and past and present discrimination? Can you estimate a dollar figure? Be sure to consider all the ways generations are connected—inheritance, gifts, educational opportunities, mental/emotional health, etc. Put yourself in the role of the judge in a civil suit.”

Another listener said: “I would love for you to spend one day in a high school, none of you know what is actually happening in schools. Parents should not decide the school curriculum, but Matt is wrong to suggest that University professors should be. The people who work in schools are highly educated and well-trained. They can decide the curriculum. The biggest problem is that the public doesn't respect teachers.”

The LA Dodgers decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with a Community Service Award at its 10th annual Pride Night celebration on June 16 was met with backlash from conservatives and Catholics who took issue with the group’s use of Christian imagery and the term “nun.” Ultimately, the Dodgers decided to reinstate a Christian Faith and Family Day to help resolve hurt feelings. Is this the best way to resolve these kinds of issues? Rather than picking sides in social disputes, is the best thing to just create a special day for everyone?
The U.S. is still seeking the release of Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in March on espionage charges. The U.S. says the charges against them are baseless and considers them wrongfully detained. Russia wants the US to release someone accused of laundering billions of dollars as part of the exchange. What obligation does the United States have to citizens who are wrongfully detained?
New York Rep. Dan Goldman, the multimillionaire Democrat and heir to the Levi Straus & Co. fortune has made more than 500 trades worth between $10 million and nearly $31 million since being sworn in as a congressman in January. This makes him one of the most active stock traders in Congress. Although he has put his accounts into a blind trust (meaning he doesn't know what trades are happening with his money) Goldman sold up to $15,000 in stock in Credit Suisse on March 20, days before the Senate Finance Committee found the embattled banking giant is continuing to violate a 2014 plea deal with US authorities. The stock has since dipped slightly. Goldman also dumped $15,000 worth of First Republic Bank on March 15, as its stock plummeted following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and three weeks before the company announced it was suspending dividend payments to conserve capital. This looks like insider trading—which is illegal. Should there be laws banning members of Congress from trading stocks while they are in office?

There are strong incentives for people to stop purchasing gas-powered automobiles. Ford EVs will get access to Tesla charging network next year. I talked to someone recently who has an EV in Cache Valley and I wonder if EVs actually make sense for most people. President Biden’s