Interview | Description | Timestamps | Show Notes

iTunes | Spotify | Google Play | Deezer | Stitcher | SoundCloud | YouTube | TuneIn | RSS Feed

Download Episode MP3 File
The file will open in a new window. Click down arrow to download the file.

We’re in a strange political limbo: Joe Biden is systematically dealing with the transitional process in a composed manner and with full confidence he will be inaugurated on January 20th. However, in the foreground Donald Trump and his allies continue to protest that the election was stolen and Trump has been demanding the result be overturned. Following the election, surveys have found between 70-80% of Republicans think the election results were effected by fraudulent means, whilst Democrats have faith in the integrity of the election.

At the same time, the US is dealing with an early winter Covid surge. There has been a dramatic increase in hospitalisations across the country, and concerns about how high the death rate will go prior to the effective distribution of a vaccine. As with the results of the election, this critical issue is being made more difficult because of partisan divisions. There are significant differences of opinion on both sides regarding the seriousness of the disease and the need for measures and controls to limit its spread. The problem is that the decision to save lives through lockdowns and controls, whilst trying to support the economy, is a zero sum game. It is an issue that needs compassion and compromise, but instead the debate is increasingly polarised and bitter. The result is a confused picture of the seriousness of the virus where even mask wearing has become politicised.

While we contend with society living in alternative version of reality, people are still losing their livelihoods, people are developing serious mental health problems, and people are continuing to die.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

The success of Defiance will be largely down to the support of you, the listener. Below are a number of ways you can help:

• Subscribe to the show on your favourite app so you never miss an episode:

  • iTunes

  • Spotify

  • Deezer

  • Stitcher

  • SoundCloud

  • YouTube

  • TuneIn

• Leave a review of the show on iTunes (5* really helps, if you think the show deserves it).

• Share the show and episodes out with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

• Follow Defiance on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

• Subscribe to the Defiance mailing list.

• Donate Bitcoin here: bc1qd3anlc8lh0cl9ulqah03dmg3r2uxm5r657zr5p

If you have any questions then please email Defiance.

Coming soon…

Mentioned in the show:

• Trump fires director of US cybersecurity agency that refuted voter fraud claims

• Trump refuses to accept defeat in US presidential election

• The Times Called Officials in Every State: No Evidence of Voter Fraud 

• Trump says Biden should not 'wrongfully' declare victory after president's illegitimate claims 

• US election results: Trump sues as path to victory over Biden narrows

• Kristi Noem touts South Dakota's economic recovery after refusing lockdowns: 'We're open for opportunity'

• Annual Sturgis rally expecting 250K, stirring virus concerns

•  Over-the-Year Change in Unemployment Rates for States

• Analysis | Public health recommendations are another opportunity for partisan performances

• Rising coronavirus cases push North Dakota, other communities to take new measures

•  Michigan hospitals filling up as COVID-19 case, positivity rates continue to soar

•  Real-time pandemic data from Carnegie Mellon's CovidCast shows why you should wear a mask  

• Republicans, Democrats differ on why masks are a downside of COVID-19

• AP-NORC poll: Few Americans trust Trump's info on pandemic

• Americans sour on Trump handling of coronavirus

• Trump's handling of coronavirus pandemic hits record low approval: Reuters/Ipsos poll

THANK YOU TO MY SPONSOR

Kraken - the best place to buy, sell or trade Bitcoin.