Flip Side of the Coin

We have spent the last several weeks looking at some of the benefits of public transportation, according to its advocates. This week we shift gears and look at some of the challenges that public transportation faces when the topic is raised. We look at the challenges around substantial initial costs, long construction times, and the risk of low utilization once it is built. 

We have looked at most of the well-recognized modes of public transportation, but what about some of the lesser utilized ones? This week we spend some time looking at lesser known modes of public transportation, and we look at how they are utilized around the world by different cities and communities. We look at monorails, and their ability to offer a medium-level rail option without the footprint of laying tracks on the ground. We look at aerial gondolas and how they are able to connect neighborhoods in areas with difficult topography, and we look at maglev trains, and how they can offer high speed rail using newer technology. 

We continue our conversation around public transportation, this week focusing on heavy rail. Heavy rail is different from light rail mainly in scale and capacity. Heavy rail cars are larger, and heavy rail trains often include more cars than light rail, meaning they can carry many more passengers at a time. Proponents of heavy rail often see it as a foundation of a larger public transit system, carrying millions of passengers every day between major hubs, with lighter public transit lines, like buses and trolleys, carrying passengers the last mile or two to their final destination. 

We continue our conversation around public transit, this week focusing on light rail. Light rail often comes in the form of trolleys, tram cars, and street cars, and are generally defined as small, 2-3 car trains on tracks that use electricity for power. We look at some of the benefits that advocates of light rail raise when discussing public transit. They argue that light rail can be more efficient, both in costs and in greenhouse gas emissions, than may other forms of transit. They also argue that rail can help trigger revitalization in communities and can encourage investment in areas where light rail is built. 

This week we are starting a conversation around transportation. We begin by looking at buses and discussing some of the arguments that proponents of buses raise when discussing their benefits. We look at how buses offer flexibility in public transit at a fraction of the cost of building out a rail system. We also take a brief look at Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and how they can mimic light rail without the cost of laying track. 

This week we look at some of the arguments of supporters of alternative methods of landscaping, particularly xeriscaping. Xeriscaping was coined as a term in 1981 by combining "xero" (meaning "dry") with "Landscaping", and aims to create a lush welcoming yard with minimal use of irrigation. We look at some examples of how xeriscaping can reduce water usage, and look at some of the creative ways that designers use xeriscaping methods to enrich their property while also enriching their local environments. 

We take a look at lawns. In the past several years a debate around lawns and their importance, as well as their environmental impact, has increased in the US. Today we take a look at the argument in favor of lawns and look at some of the reasons why they hold such an important space in our culture. We look at the history of lawns, and how they relate to the American Dream. We also look at some scientific studies that investigate how lawns and heavily vegetated areas can cool an environment and can impact the livability of a neighborhood.

We continue our conversation around the War on Drugs and its relationship with the United States' increase in its prison population through the last quarter of the 20th century.  This week we look at the argument that the it was policy decisions that drove the US to increase its number of inmates, rather than it being a direct result of more crime.We look at the correlation between arrest rates and policy changes as well as incarceration rates to similar countries to the US as we explore this point of view. 

We take a deeper look at the US prison population and its dramatic increase during the last quarter of the 20th century, and we ask the question "How did this happen?" Many experts argue that the rise in US incarceration rates is closely correlated with the War on Drugs. We take a brief look at the War on Drugs, and what led to it, as well as some data and statistics around drug use and crime rates during the 1970s and 80s. 

We continue our conversation around the privatization of prisons. This week we take a look at the argument in favor of privatized prisons. The first modern private prisons emerged in the US in the 1980s, and the industry has grown rapidly since then. Supporters of privatized prisons argue that they offer the opportunity for better innovation and flexibility than government facilities. We look at some examples of this, such as tablets and online education and training opportunities for inmates, as well as GEO Group's Continuum of Care program, which aims at assisting and aiding inmates with training, education, therapy, both while they serve their sentence and after. 

Today we begin a conversation around the topic of private prisons. Private prisons are facilities that are privately owned and/or contracted out by the US government for housing incarcerated people. Critics of private prisons argue that when a prison is run for profit, that it can create incentives to increase incarcerations and extend sentences in the name of increasing revenue. They also argue that private prisons can reduce costs by employing less staff and cutting costs in training, leading to unsafe environments for both the prisoner and the employee. 

We're doing another rant today. Today we're talking about the importance of taking a break and stepping away from social media and the constant noise and endless feeds they provide us. People spend hours everyday on social media, and it can suck us in and we can get stuck spiraling through an constant stream of videos, posts, and memes. Today, we are encouraging you to take a break, and step away and to go outside and touch some grass, for your mental and emotional well-being. 

This week we look at the argument in favor of term limits for congressional reps and presidents. Those who support term limits often raise the argument that term limits can help prevent career politicians, or those who remain in office for a very long time. The concern that many of these supporters raise is that career politicians can become more concerned with retaining their position than they are with serving their constituents. The argument is that by enacting a set time limit for service, this will remove the incentives to embed themselves in the political system, and help them focus on serving the American people. 

Today we start a conversation around term limits and the arguments that those who oppose term limits raise in the discussion. Today, congressional representatives do not have term limits, but the president does. We look at the history of how that came to be, with the tradition that George Washington set where no president served more than two terms until FDR, who is the only president in history to serve more than two terms. We look at some of the arguments that critics of term limits raise, specifically that they limit the voice of the people, and that they could inadvertently force experienced lawmakers out of office just when we need them most. 

One misconception that people tend to have about skeptics and critics of EVs and Hybrid vehicles is that they do not care about the environment. In fact, many critics of EV and hybrid technologies are very concerned about the environment and our impact on it. Their concerns around electric vehicles and hybrids focus on the concern that the promises of these new technologies are overstated, and that the actual impact on our carbon footprint and environmental impact is not lessened as much as one would hope. We investigate a few of the points these critics raise, particularly around the recycling and end-of-life processes for EVs and hybrids and the safety concerns around their large and complex lithium-ion batteries. We also look at at the higher initial costs and how they can impact the total cost of ownership for hybrids vs traditional gas-powered vehicles. 

We take a look at hybrid vehicles and some of the arguments that supporters of hybrids raise when they encourage their wider adoption. Hybrid vehicles use both battery power and gas power for propulsion, and can switch back and forth between using their electric motor and their internal combustion engine while in operation. Supporters of hybrids argue that they essentially offer motorists the best of both worlds, by providing higher fuel efficiency than traditional gas-powered vehicles, while also taking advantage of EV tech, thus reducing their overall environmental impact. 

Today we start looking at different kinds of vehicles. We start by looking at electric vehicles. EVs have seen a recent resurgence in popularity, and today we look at some of the reasons that are driving their popularity. We look at some of the data around energy efficiency and how analysts calculate the differences in energy usage between electric vehicles and gas powered ones. We also look at some of the other benefits, like driver experience when choosing an EV vs a gas powered vehicle.

We continue our conversation around projects that essentially "de-extinct" a species ad bring it back. This week we look at the argument that critics of these projects raise, specifically that re-introducing a modernized version of some of these extinct species may not have the intended effect on a habitat, and may cause more harm than good in an ecosystem. We look at a few examples of invasive species and the havoc they cause in their new environment, as well as look at some alternative methods of conserving and protecting endangered species. 

Recently you may have heard stories in the news around newly birthed pups that are modern-day dire wolves, a species of canine that went extinct around 10,000 years ago. You also may have heard about efforts to bring back woolly mammoths who also went extinct several thousand years ago. We explore the topic of de-extinction projects like these. We look at some of the reasons that supporters argue in favor of these projects, especially when they involve species that have gone extinct due to human activity. We also look at how the technology used in these projects can be used to help repopulate species that are endangered and how they can help revitalize these vulnerable populations. 

We continue our conversation on the Alien Enemies Act, this week looking at some of the arguments that critics of the legislation raise. We start by looking at one of its earliest critics, Thomas Jefferson, who argued that the Alien Enemies Act bordered on tyranny and argued that the president should not have unilateral power to remove or arrest those who the president feels is a risk, without due process. We also look at the argument that the act is outdated, as it calls for use during times of declared war, and most modern conflicts do not include a formal declaration, thus creating a space of ambiguity that critics argue leaves space for misapplication. 

Today we begin looking at the Alien Enemies Act, which was invoked earlier this year by Donald Trump. The Alien Enemies Act is a piece of legislation that gives the president of the United States the ability to detain, monitor, and remove citizens of a hostile nation that are living within the United States during times of war and national crisis. We explore the history of this law and some of the instances in which it has been invoked during America's history. We also explore some of the arguments raised by those who support this act and why and when they support its use. 

We continue our conversation around art and whether or not you can separate art from the artist. This week we take the position that you can separate art from the artist and look at some of the logic behind the position. We explore the concept that literary critic, Rowland Barthes argues in his essay "The Death of the Author" in which he argues that once a piece of art is created, the ownership of assigning meaning to it is released from the author and belongs to the reader, or the audience. 

Have you ever had a film or piece of music ruined for you because of something an actor or musician has done or said in real life? Today we dive into the question of whether or not you can separate the art from the artist, and whether or not you should. We look at some arguments for those who argue that you cannot separate the art from the artist, and we look at some examples of real life art that is directly infused with the beliefs and worldviews of the artist. 

We continue our conversation around boycotts and the question as to whether or not they are effective as a means of protest. The word "boycott" comes from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland during the 1800s, who became so unpopular with his tenants that the entire community refused to do any sort of business with him. The movement was so effective that he fled the country within a year, and the term has been used ever since. Today we look at some of the arguments that supporters of boycotts cite and we look at some examples in history of successful boycotts, including the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of the 1950s and the BP Boycott of 2010.

Today we are talking about boycotts! Boycotts are a form of activism where consumers refuse to do business with an organization in an effort to pressure that organization to change their practices or policy. Some argue that boycotts are an effect and simple means of creating financial pressure on an organization, while others argue that they are not as effective as their organizers may hope. We look at the argument against boycotts, and some of the challenges they face. We look at a couple real-world examples of boycotts that failed and explore what led to them not accomplishing their goals. 

This week we are taking a break from our normal routine and are trying something a little different. I am getting a bit personal this week and talking about the importance of human connection and community. This is something I have been delving into the last few years and I wanted to take this week and share a bit about what I am finding. We take a look at the book "Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital”, where American political scientist, David Putnam, explores the declining involvement of Americans within social civic groups, and the results of that decline. 

We continue our conversation around isolationism, this week we look at some of the arguments that critics of isolationism raise when arguing against it. We look at economic and geopolitical advantages to staying involved in the global village, and look at some of the consequences of what can occur when a country steps away from it, or reduces it engagement with international trade partners. 

We begin looking at the topic of isolationism. Isolationism is when a country minimizes its international activity in favor of focusing almost exclusively on domestic issues, and it has been a topic of debate within the United States, more or less, since the nation began. Today we look at a couple of the reasons that supporters of isolationism tend to bring up when trying to plead their case. We also look at a couple instances from US history where the United States shifted its focus inward and look at some of the long term benefits that have come from those periods. 

We continue our conversation around using screens as a means of occupying children. Today we look at the position that some parents take in arguing against using screens with children in public. We look at some research around the topic, specifically research that points out the risks around becoming too dependent on screens, and the developmental and social implications that dependence can carry for children in the long term. 

Something just about everyone agrees on is that parenting is hard. There is a debate, however, around the rising trend of parents using screens as a means of occupying their children when in public. Today we look at some of the reasons why some parents see smart devices as a valuable tool when a child becomes agitated or bored in public places. We look at some studies around the trend and some recommendations that researchers give for parents who are looking for apps to use when giving their children screen time in public. 

We continue our conversation around executive orders and begin exploring some of the arguments that critics of executive orders raise, specifically that executive orders can open the door for executive overreach and can allow the president to make unilateral governmental decisions without congressional approval.We look at two examples in history of executive orders that were deemed unconstitutional and the impact that they had on American politics. 

This week we begin exploring executive orders and their affect within the federal government. Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States and carry the weight of law. We look at some of the contexts in which executive orders can be applied and look at some historical examples of executive orders and how they impacted the federal government as well as the nation as a whole. 

We continue our conversation around Puerto Rico's future with the United States. This week we look at some reasons why some residents of Puerto Rico argue against statehood. We look at how statehood would increase residents' tax burden in addition to looking at cultural reasons why some Puerto Ricans may see a future as an independent nation as a better path for Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The US took control of Puerto Rico in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War. Since then, there has been a debate around the island and its future with the United States. Some feel that Puerto Rico should be granted statehood, while others look to other paths, such as independence or continue as a territory. Today we look at some of the reasons why some support granting Puerto Rico statehood. We look at some of the possible economic benefits as well as discuss the implications statehood could mean in a cultural and political lens for Puerto Rico and its residents. 

We continue our discussion around subscription business models, or the "subscription economy". We look a brief history of subscriptions and how they have risen to become prevalent in media and entertainment as well as becoming adopted by other industries. We look at some of the reasons why critics of the subscription economy argue that ownership is preferable for customers, especially in the long term. We look at how subscriptions can cost consumers more over time than ownership, especially with subscription prices being raised by service providers. We also look at the shift the subscription economy introduces in dynamic between the consumer and the producer. 

Welcome back to a new year of Flip Side of the Coin! This year we start off by looking at the conversation around subscriptions. Some industries have been moving to a subscription model over a traditional purchase/ownership model. In a subscription business model, customers pay a regular monthly or annual subscription for access to a service, whether it is a library of movies or music, a software platform, or leasing a vehicle. Those who support these new subscription models cite that they offer access to customers with low initial costs and they remove some of the burdens of ownership, like responsibility for maintenance or repair. These customers cite how convenient subscriptions are and argue that subscription-based models open the door for a new way for customers to engage with products and services. 

We continue our discussion around the Department of Education and explore some of the reasons why critics support dismantling or significantly reducing it. We explore the 10th Amendment, which provides protection for state and local autonomy by reserving rights to them that are not specifically designated to the federal government. We also look at the No Child Left Behind Act as an example of how national policies can impose a one-size-fits-all approach to the nuanced process of educating to the needs of the student. This is also our last episode for the season. We will be taking a short break but will return in January with more topics to explore and discuss!

The Department of Education, as we know it today, was founded by Jimmy Carter in 1980, and has been a topic of debate ever since. Critics argue that it is federal overreach and adds to government bureaucracy, while supporters argue that the Department of Education provides important support necessary to help schools in need. We look at some of the reasons supporters argue in favor of the Department of Education. We look at how it consolidates government educational support and how it helps reduce educational disparity between schools in wealthier communities and schools in more economically challenged areas, with the goal of ensuring that every American student has access to a quality education. 

We continue our conversation around tariffs, exploring why some people argue against imposing them on imported goods. We look at some historical examples of how tariffs can have negative impacts on working families as well as domestic and global economies. We look at the Smoot Hawley Tariff and its effect on the trade wars of the 1930's as well as some examples of how the global economy relies on international trade. 

Today we begin exploring the complex topic of tariffs. Tariffs are a tax that a government imposes on imported goods. This tax is paid for by the importer and is paid to the government into which the goods are being imported into. Tariffs often come up in conversations around economy and international relations as they can play a major role in setting the stage with international trade partners. We look into the argument that supporters of tariffs often raise. We look at the argument that tariffs can help bolster domestic industries and can help offset trade deficits. We also look at the benefit of additional revenue paid to the government and how that can help benefit the citizens of the importing country. 

We continue our conversation around Homeowners Associations (HOAs). We take a brief look at the history around HOAs and then explore some of the reasons that some homeowners like living within them. We look at how HOAs can protect property values by helping ensure property upkeep and maintenance in a neighborhood. We also look at how HOAs can enhance the neighborhood experience by paying for and managing community amenities like pools and parks. 

Home Owners Associations (HOA's) are governing bodies that govern residential communities. They are created with the goal of maintaining property values and creating a sense of congruency and community, and they do this by setting and enforcing regulations on properties within their community. Today we look at some of the arguments that critics of HOAs hold, specifically that the additional cost and limitations they place on personal property rights overstep their purpose. These critics argue that the costs and conflicts that HOAs introduce to communities outweigh their benefits. 

We continue our conversation around compulsory voting. Compulsory voting is when citizens are legally required to vote in elections, and can face a fine or other penalty if they fail to cast their ballot. Today we look at the argument against compulsory voting. We look at the concern around voter apathy and the behaviors that voters can exhibit when they are required to vote, but have no interest in the election's outcome and how those behaviors can lead to murky election results. We also address the concern around personal liberty and the argument that requiring people to vote is an infringement of personal rights. 

Compulsory voting is when voting is mandatory for voters. Currently, the US makes voting completely voluntary. One result of this is low voter turnout. Average voter turnout for presidential elections is around 50-60%. This low average engagement has caused some to ask if making voting required would resolve this issue. We look into the argument in favor of compulsory voting and look at some of the reasoning behind it. We look at voting rates for some countries that have made voting required of their people. We also look at some case studies with low voter turnout and then address some of the logic and the goals of those who want to make voting a requirement. 

We continue our conversation around the Electoral College. This week we look at the position that supporters of the Electoral college take and look at some of the reasons why they support as well as some of the reasons why it was adopted in 1787. We look at the effect and need for finding balance in representing smaller states vs large states. We look at some of the history of the Electoral college as well as some of the applications it can take today. 

The Electoral College is the system the US uses to elect its presidents, and has been in use since 1787. Since its adoption it has been a source of debate. Some feel that it ensures equity between large and small states, while others argue that it unnecessarily disrupts the democratic process and empowers the minority of voters at the expense of the majority.Today we look into the argument against the Electoral College, and we look at some examples and cases that its critics cite when arguing against it. In our exploration, we look at elections where the winner of the presidency won the required number of electors but did so while losing the majority vote nationwide as well as looking into swing states and their impact on the US election process.  

We continue our exploration of the discussion around going cashless. Today we look at the argument in support of going cashless. We begin by looking at the history of currency and some of the changes money has taken as technology and society has changed.  We look at a real life example of how going cashless or prioritizing cashless payments can help streamline customer experience and can offer more security for both the customer and vendors. 

Today we begin exploring the topic of going cashless. Going cashless is when a business opts to no longer deal in cash and only accept payment by other methods, like credit or debit cards or mobile pay.Today we begin by looking at the argument against going cashless and look at some of the reasons why some people argue against it. We look at how going cashless can affect certain demographics and some of the risks of relying too heavily on technology that can fail. We also look at the argument that going cashless undermines consumer privacy and how that can shift our perception of personal autonomy and liberty.

We continue our conversation around gun control, specifically around the question as to whether or not gun control would be effective in solving mass shootings. Today, we explore the position that gun control would not solve mass shootings, and we do so by looking at historical gun ownership development and availability tied with mass shootings. We look at the logic around the historical availability of firearms paired with the relatively recent rise in mass shootings and explore their possible relationship.  

Today we begin a conversation around two incredibly complex and divisive topics: gun control and mass shootings. We begin by exploring the position that gun control has the potential to reduce mass shootings. For our episode today we take most of our information from the book The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic. We look at two studies mentioned in the book, one from Switzerland and one from Israel, that demonstrate that deaths can be prevented with firearms are not easily accessible. We also explore the relationship between suicide and mass shootings, and address some of the assumptions made in this argument.