Topic: Civics

David Brooks advocates for a "civic uprising" involving universities, law firms, and scientific communities to resist the amassing of presidential power. He cites Harvard University's refusal to comply with certain administration demands as a turning point for institutional resistance. The segment also touches on radical signage at pro-trans protests in the UK, which the hosts characterize as "trans-maoism" rather than a genuine social movement.

Despite polls showing a majority of Democrats do not want Joe Biden to run in 2024, pollster Celinda Lake dismissed the data as "flawed." The hosts also discuss Jesse Watters' "Man on the Street" segments, which highlight a perceived lack of basic historical and civic knowledge among the American public.

The "Millennial Minute" segment addresses common legal myths held by younger generations, such as the belief that collecting rainwater or driving barefoot is illegal. A certified paralegal provides feedback on the lack of basic civics and legal education among Millennials. The segment also highlights the actual illegality of driving with headphones or earbuds, which many younger drivers ignore.

Parents in San Francisco report a severe rat infestation at the Helen Diller Civic Center Playground located behind City Hall. Video footage shows children chasing eight-inch-long rats, prompting health warnings from local medical professionals.

Internal Facebook documents suggest that test accounts following conservative figures were quickly recommended QAnon and conspiracy content. Frances Haugen's past role on the Civic Integrity team is noted, specifically her alleged involvement in censoring the Hunter Biden laptop story.

A video from a college campus reveals that many students are unable to identify the significance of the Fourth of July or the year of American independence. Two teachers interviewed on camera admitted to bypassing standard curricula to teach "anti-racism" and Black Lives Matter activism to elementary and middle school students. The hosts argue this shift in education is the root cause of declining civic knowledge.

Representative Eric Swalwell's comments regarding the removal of ambassadors are criticized for showing a lack of understanding of basic civics. Swalwell argued that removing an ambassador for political reasons constitutes an abuse of power, despite ambassadors being political appointees. The discussion contrasts professional foreign service officers in places like Ethiopia with "choice spots" given to high-end donors.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was recorded mistakenly referring to the "three chambers of Congress" and the "three chambers of government," including the Presidency, Senate, and House. The hosts deconstruct her error, noting she omitted the Judicial branch entirely. Despite these gaffes, they discuss her rising celebrity status and potential future in the Democratic Party.

Viral video footage shows drug addicts using needles and unconscious individuals in the corridors of San Francisco's Civic Center BART station. BART officials attribute the lack of policing to addicts timing their activities around officer shift changes. San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed has proposed safe injection sites, modeled after programs in Vancouver, to address the public health crisis.

The "Question Authority" slogan, popular during the 1960s anti-war movement, is being reversed in modern educational settings. Current teaching trends emphasize compliance and trust in institutional authority rather than the traditional skepticism inherent in the U.S. Constitution. This shift is viewed as a move away from the revolutionary spirit that defined early American civics.

A compilation of mainstream media clips shows pundits repeatedly claiming that American "democracy" is in danger under the Trump administration. The hosts argue this is a fundamental misunderstanding of the U.S. government, which is constitutionally a federal republic rather than a pure democracy. They suggest the media uses the word "democracy" for political reasons to align with the Democratic Party's branding.

The hosts discuss the decline of civics and American history education in schools, attributing it to a "globalist" movement that de-emphasizes national pride. They argue that this educational shift creates a psyche where national symbols like the flag are viewed with suspicion. The conversation touches on the influence of figures like George Soros in promoting a borderless, internationalist world government.

A critique of emergency management highlights the failure to shut off the power grid and gas lines in burning neighborhoods, which exacerbated the fires. Reports indicate gas was pouring out of destroyed homes at full tilt, creating massive flames while residents struggled with electric garage doors that would not open during power outages.

The presidency of the European Parliament is up for grabs following Martin Schulz's decision not to run for re-election. Socialist leader Gianni Pittella has announced his candidacy, challenging the traditional right-left coalition. The hosts discuss the complex structure of the EU's multiple presidencies and the rotation of the Council presidency.

The hosts blame the lack of civics and history education in high schools for students' belief that Trump can immediately become a dictator like Mussolini. They criticize the use of Howard Zinn's history books, which they claim teach students to hate their own country. They argue that the media has done a "good job" of bamboozling the youth into supporting a world government.

Professor Henry Giroux appeared on "Democracy Now" to discuss his book "America at War with Itself," arguing that the U.S. is sliding into authoritarianism. Giroux claims celebrity culture and "thoughtlessness" have eliminated civic literacy, allowing money to corrupt politics entirely. He also criticizes the progressive left for failing to take education and "changing consciousness" seriously.

Van Jones' criticism of Donald Trump's history with the Central Park Five case is reviewed. The discussion moves to the concept of a "colorblind society," with Jones arguing that Martin Luther King Jr. wanted people to be judged by their character while still acknowledging their cultural and physical differences.

A report from the Education Department reveals that only a quarter of eighth graders are proficient in history, civics, and geography. The hosts joke that this lack of knowledge is not new, playing Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World," and share an anecdote about a modern astronomy class that never used a telescope.

A Connecticut youth civics booklet titled "Play by the Rules" is reviewed, which contains surprisingly graphic information for young students. Topics include legal definitions of sexual assault, public indecency, and the dangers of date rape drugs like GHB and ecstasy. The hosts express shock that such complex and adult themes are being introduced to second graders.

The hosts review sample questions from the U.S. Citizenship test, mocking the simplicity of questions regarding the colors of the flag and the date of Independence Day. They discuss the five-year residency requirement for citizenship and the industry built around helping immigrants pass the interview.