Part 1: John Nichols, writer for Nation Magazine, who is providing us with on-the-ground description of what is happening in Kenosha, Wisconsin in the wake of the shooting of yet another black man by police. Trump’s visit did nothing to calm the atmosphere. The Police Chief of Kenosha seems to have had a mind-meld with Trump. Legislation proposed by the Wisconsin Legislature, but blocked by the majority, who are Republicans in JUne 2020.. The proposed measures oulined new police procedures, which might have prevented the tragedy.
However, we discussed some constructive actions taken by the Madicaon City Council.
These measures established oversight on the police in Madison. This group is community driven, and a community initiative. It has a budget, and suggestions have been made to have it be an elected body. It may become part of a national network of oversight boards. This a structural response, rather than a cosmetic one.
Part 2: Lenora Chu, Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor
We discuss the diminished economy, a poor job market for current graduates, in the midst of a pandemic. In China, this is a larger issue, with with 8-9 million graduates each year. The Chinese government is encouraging young people to move into rural areas to work, as part of its strategy to reduce the crowding in cities. The government is aiming students at careers in education and medicine.
In Germany, the government has more credibility, and is more trusted than in the US, and there is moe stability with repect to expectations for future actions. The safety net is robust, and that provides more emothional stability for the population. Youth unemployment is lower than in the US.
In the US, adult unemployment is high, and youth unemployment even higher. Without a social safety net as exists in other countries, this is stressful.
