6 chapters across the catalog
President Obama describes the creation of the U.S. Digital Service, a team of tech experts from Google and Facebook who "volunteer" to fix government IT systems. The hosts criticize the administration for relying on volunteers in t-shirts to fix critical infrastructure while spending billions on defense contractors. They question why the government doesn't simply hire and pay competent staff.
GSA Scandal Hearings and the Missing Results.gov Website
The hosts review testimony from the General Services Administration (GSA) oversight hearings regarding a million-dollar conference scandal involving clowns and challenge coins. A clip features a representative questioning a GSA official about "Results.gov," a transparency website she praised in her testimony that actually has no DNS entry and does not exist.
President Obama designates September 11th as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance," calling on Americans to participate in community projects like hammering shingles and assembling care packages. The hosts criticize the move as a way to keep the public busy and "serve" the government rather than focusing on job creation. The website Serve.gov is highlighted as an expensive government project promoting this initiative.
September 11 Memorial Speeches and National Day of Service Meme
Michelle Obama and Laura Bush delivered speeches in Shanksville to commemorate the passengers of Flight 93. The hosts analyze the "service" meme, noting that the Obama administration has officially designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. They question the logistics of cell phone calls made from the planes in 2001 and the lack of footage showing families waiting at LAX.
The hosts review the government website Fatherhood.gov, mocking its "Green Dad" tips that encourage fathers to use compact fluorescent bulbs and bring reusable bags to the grocery store. They argue the advice has little to do with actual parenting.
Serve.gov, Mandatory Volunteerism and Corporate Influence
The launch of Serve.gov and the Corporation for National and Community Service signals a move toward mandatory volunteerism for American citizens. The board of directors includes representatives from the pharmaceutical and energy industries, suggesting a deep tie between government initiatives and big business. Critics argue these programs are designed to habituate the public, particularly children, to working for the state without compensation.
