Conversations In American Democracy

Ponderings from Palm Coast with Mark Webb - Ep 026 - Merrill Shapiro

Discussion of The Johnson Amendment a provision in the U.S. tax code, since 1954, that prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates and the order to the IRS to stop enforcing it. Separation of Church and State. Influence that can be bought. Can religious leaders change on a dime to supplient themselves to this new decree? Does it only take a small group of dedicated people as Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." What happens when politicians go against the teachings of their own faith, can the community of any faith influence the bad behaviour of individuals that reflect badly on their faith? Vouchers for schools being fraudulently misused and taking away benefits from public school education and losing public schools as a result. Perceived value of charter schools vs public school education and the lack of accreditation needed to teach at a charter school vs the extensive array of testing required to teach at a public school. Have you asked a good question lately? As always, think, question, ponder on! Please like, comment, share to help us grow our channel! Thank you! https://youtu.be/ldJE-twgRks

Conversations In American Democracy - Ep 021

Conversations continue exploring the Constitution Article 3, the dramedy that is Palm Coast politics, the library troubles and John Lewis Week, including the rally on July 17th at the usual rally locations from 6 - 7 PM. Please join 50501 Flagler private FB page to get all the details. Discussion of the coach in New York protecting his charges from ICE agents which is a profile in what courage looks like. Rabbi Shapiro explains about the June 18th memorial of the 1969 protest of Rabbi's walking arm in arm with a black teanager that were jailed. July 22 there will be a Holocaust survivor speaking at 6PM at the library 2500 Palm Coast Parkway. [https://youtu.be/pJfTn9lliNs](https://youtu.be/pJfTn9lliNs) Please like, subscribe and share! We'd love you to leave a comment as well! Thank you!

Conversations In American Democracy - Ep 020

July 9, 2025 Spirited conversations in the Constitution - Bill of Rights Amendment 2, the path to American citizenship, could you pass the test?, EO's (Executive Orders) comparisons between a previous administration and the current one, updates on Flagler 50501 activities including Good Trouble honoring John Lewis on July 17 and all week here in Flagler and finally updates on what's happening locally here in Palm Coast. Full video available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HAFJR2lnbBo 

Conversations In American Democracy - Ep.19

Continuing our exploration of the Constitution of the United States beginning with the Bill of Rights and the protections the Constitution affords us. The attempt to negate the Federal Census of 2020 to disallow Immigrants. Local issues including the older Fire Station 22 including the Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Club attempt to utilize the space. Project 2025 and the Federal and local overlap in what's happening. The local library issues, protesting and organizing. Are you will to go to jail? The disappointing Supreme Court ruling today leaves many of us reeling. Please like and subscribe (it's free) and share this video with like minded people. This podcast is also available to take on the road with you in audio version where ever you get your podcasts! https://youtu.be/z-RhxM7lM40

Conversations In American Democracy - Ep. 18

Discussing local vs national politics, corruption and the overlap between the two, DOGE, Federal prisons, Quid Pro Quo and scrambling to meet their quota by snatching people off the street, security now that this country has bombed Iran, will sleeper cells be activated? Media coverage is insufficient, no fact checking anymore, joke of a transportation secretary, Autocracy, Oligarchy. Is everything black or white? Where are the gray issues? Is the growth of NPA's due to dissatisfaction with both parties? national hearings are outstanding. What do you think? Please like, share and subscribe if you have not already done so. It's free to subscribe. Full video of this episode is available at YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ngm4WT4LB-c

Conversations In American Democracy - Episode 017 - Constitution and NO KINGS

Kathy Ritondo moderates the meeting this week. We begin with Curt McCauley leading a spirited discussion on the formation of the Constitution and the intention of the founding fathers. Our intention is to follow through each week with the Articles and how they are being abused daily! Mark Webb walks us through this week in Palm Coast politics and the frustration with the Council bringing up and voting on new business particularly the YMCA after all time for citizens remarks had been shut down. We discuss NO KINGS Day, the protests everywhere, the amazing turnout in Palm Coast 1,200 people at both locations and all over the country giving us hope with the latest count at 13.4 million turned out to show that we mean to remain a democratic country and will never support the current administrations turn toward authoritarianism. Please like and subscribe to the feed and share it with like minded people and groups on your social media where it is permissible. Full video of this episode is found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/3_wqU5ErMoE

Conversations In American Democracy - Ep.016

Comparison of what's happening today to what happened in Natzi Germany. Report on the Bunnell protests Belvedere Fuel Farm and Land Use for hazardous waste materials, next meeting June 23 so SHOW UP. Upcoming elections, selecting people to run for office and hearing from people in the room who have run about their experiences. What will it take to get democrats to VOTE? And, would you risk it today, some questions to ponder in todays' environment. Full video of this episode is available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/66kiclHz1k4

Conversations In American Democracy - Episode 015

Recap of last meeting, continued reading of the constitution. City council review including approved 2 cell towers, impact fees doubled, new budget for the sheriffs department goes from 8.9 million to 11 million. 3 Seats on city council coming up for election and what should we do about it. Full video of this episode is available on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/I0a9qpFq0g4

Conversations In American Democracy - Episode 014

Special guests, Jim, Greg and Kelly today to discuss the reasons for forming a PAC, what the requirements are, how they function and they set the stage for what happens if/when we establish a PAC of our own. Such great information shared! Discussion to be continued at the next meeting. Full video of this episode can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/tv8cnPXNOBw

Conversations In American Democracy - Episode 013

Will the Memorial Day festivities here in Palm Coast be about memorializing our fallen heroes without the invocation of religion? Can we expect a clear separation of church and state? We aim to find out. County involvement in the Belvidere Fuel Farm, Report on the progress of our PAC. Discussion on the lack of tornado notifications in Kentucky. Political postings are now performance art. Can they act the part as they are certainly not doing the job, getting crazy rich from their postings. Should DeSantis be charged with dereliction of duty? Follow the money! Full video episode is available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/-EL6LKs7qWs