In this episode Karen and Renee sit down and discuss the issue of book bans in Forsyth County, Georgia, and the efforts to challenge and address these bans.

Their conversation highlights the role of the local school council in reviewing book challenges and the targeting of LGBTQ and diverse literature. They explore the tactics of groups like 'No Left Turn in Education' and the impact of their actions on school board meetings.

Renee emphasizes the importance of context in understanding literature and the need for parents and educators to work together in shaping education. They touch on the potential consequences of school vouchers and the formation of Defense of Democracy Georgia to address these issues.

Conversation Highlights:

• Book bans in Forsyth County, Georgia, have sparked controversy and activism.
• Groups like 'No Left Turn in Education' target LGBTQ and diverse literature.
• The local school council plays a role in reviewing book challenges and making decisions.
• Context is crucial in understanding literature and addressing concerns.
• The push for school vouchers and privatization threatens public education.
• Student activism and community support are essential in challenging book bans.

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In this episode, Karen sits down with Reverend Amore and she discusses the challenges to democracy in Oklahoma and the weaponization of spirituality and the Bible.

She highlights the juxtaposition of the Black Lives Matter movement and the January 6th insurrection, as well as the impact of Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of education, on the school system.

Despite these challenges, Reverend Amore remains hopeful and emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and standing up for justice.

Conversation Highlights:

• Oklahoma has a rich history in the fight for democracy, including the first sit-in and the Greenwood Massacre.
• The state faces challenges to democracy, including oppressive legislation and the rise of Christian nationalism.
• The weaponization of spirituality and the Bible is a concerning trend, with some using it to justify harmful actions and policies.
• Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of education, has been open about his intention to create a Christian society, which raises concerns about the separation of church and state.
• Despite these challenges, Reverend Amore remains hopeful and encourages others to stand up for justice and to love one another.

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In this episode, Karen sits down with Lisa, the executive director of the Virginia Library Association, about the attack on democracy and the challenges faced by libraries and schools in Virginia. 

They discuss the vulnerability of school librarians, the evolution of attacks on books, and the rise of social media and misinformation. 

Lisa shares examples of sexually explicit labeling and the importance of librarians' expertise in book selection. 

They also discuss the Unite Against Book Bans campaign and the value of collaboration with parents. 

Conversation Highlights

Libraries and schools in Virginia are facing attacks on democracy, with vulnerable populations such as school librarians being targeted.

The rise of social media has fueled the spread of misinformation and copy-paste arguments, leading to attacks on books and creative expression.

Sexually explicit labeling is often used to target books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or relationships, highlighting the need for representation and understanding.

Librarians' expertise and collection development policies are essential in ensuring diverse and inclusive book selections.

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, Karen sits down with Sharon Rocchi Roggio, the producer of the documentary film '1946'. 

The film explores the history and impact of the word 'homosexual' in the Bible and how it has been used to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. 

Sharon shares her personal experiences growing up in a religious household and the importance of dialogue and relationship in navigating differing perspectives. 

She discusses the reception of the film and the partnership between Defense of Democracy and '1946' in organizing film festival events across the country. 

Sharon also highlights the future plans of the film, including a workbook discussion guide and a Get Out the Vote campaign for 2024.

Conversation Highlights:

The film '1946' examines the history and impact of the word 'homosexual' in the Bible and its use as a weapon against the LGBTQ+ community.

Dialogue and relationship are crucial in navigating differing perspectives, even within families, and promoting understanding and empathy.

The film has been well-received, winning numerous awards at film festivals, and is being shown at various locations through a partnership with Defense of Democracy.

Future plans for the film include the release of a workbook discussion guide and a Get Out the Vote campaign in 2024.

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In this episode, Karen talks with Erin, an advocate for the trans and queer community. They discuss the challenges faced by trans and queer youth, the targeting of marginalized communities, and the importance of local engagement in fighting discriminatory laws. 

Erin shares stories of hope and resilience, highlighting the progress made by trans individuals and the power of community support. 

They also discuss the upcoming elections and the potential impact on trans rights. 

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved in local politics and support organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

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In this episode Karen sits down with Tiffany Fee, founder of the Rutherford County Library Alliance. They discuss the attacks on public libraries and the cancellation of Pride events in Rutherford County, Tennessee. 

Tiffany highlights the challenges faced by the school district, including overcrowding and the need for diversity and inclusivity in curriculum and clubs. She emphasizes the importance of running for school board to protect the school system and support marginalized communities. 

Tiffany encourages individuals to use their voices and be courageous in the face of opposition.

Conversation Highlights:

• The Rutherford County Library Alliance was formed in response to attacks on public libraries and the cancellation of Pride events.
• The decency ordinance in Rutherford County led to restrictions on library cards and threats to public libraries.
• Book banning has also become an issue in schools, with dozens of books being quietly removed from shelves.
• Running for school board is crucial in protecting the school system and supporting marginalized communities.

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In this episode, Karen sits down with Sean and discusses his involvement in defending Oklahoma's education system. Sean highlights the challenges faced by the state's schools and the impact of defunding. 

Sean shares his concerns about Ryan Walters, the Secretary of Education, and his controversial actions. He emphasizes the importance of organizing and taking action to protect education. 

Sean explains the role of Defense of Democracy in advocating for change and the power of showing up and making a statement. He also discusses the use of privilege and humor as weapons in the fight for education. 

Sean shares personal experiences and highlights the need to stand up for rights and witness change. He emphasizes the importance of fighting for education funding and the power of coming together as a group. 

This conversation explores the power of grassroots movements and the impact they can have in creating change. It discusses the appointment of controversial individuals to positions of power and the threats and bomb threats that can result from their actions. 

Their conversation also emphasizes the importance of using legal action to hold people accountable and the need to hit them where it hurts, such as through lawsuits. It highlights the power of numbers and the importance of supporting schools and education. The conversation concludes with a call to action for collective action and making a difference in school lunch debt.

Conversation Highlights:

• Defunding has had a significant impact on Oklahoma's education system, leading to a decline in quality.
• Ryan Walters, the Secretary of Education, has raised concerns due to his controversial actions and associations.
• Organizing and taking action is crucial in defending education and bringing about change.
• Defense of Democracy plays a vital role in advocating for education and ensuring accountability.
• Using privilege and humor can be effective weapons in the fight for education.
• Standing up for rights and witnessing change requires persistence and determination.
• The fight for education funding is ongoing and requires collective action. Grassroots movements can be powerful forces for change, even without financial resources.
• Legal action can be an effective way to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
• It is important to hit those causing harm where it hurts, such as through lawsuits.
• Supporting schools and education is a crucial aspect of creating positive change.

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In this episode, Karen sits down with Andy and June to talk about their involvement with the Satanic Temple and their efforts to combat religious extremism in public schools.

They discuss the non-theistic beliefs of the Satanic Temple and clarify that they do not worship Satan. They also highlight the challenges posed by the Good News Club, a Christian evangelical organization, and the importance of providing alternative viewpoints through the After School Satan Club.

Their conversation emphasizes the need for parents and community members to speak up and take action to protect religious freedom and pluralism in schools.

Key Takeaways:

The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization that uses Satan as a symbol of rebellion against tyrannical authority.

The Good News Club, an evangelical Christian organization, poses challenges in public schools by promoting religious indoctrination and targeting children.

The After School Satan Club provides an alternative viewpoint and promotes critical thinking, science-based activities, and community projects.

Parents and community members need to be proactive in protecting religious freedom and pluralism in schools by attending school board meetings and advocating for inclusive policies.

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In this episode, Karen sits down to talk with Lacey. She shares her experience of racial discrimination and harassment in her children's school in Castle Rock, Colorado. 

The incident began when her daughter was called a racial slur in the school gymnasium, leading Lacey to question the school's response and the lack of clear definitions and punishments for hate crimes. Another incident involved her daughter being forced to argue in favor of slavery during a class debate on Jim Crow laws. 

Lacey also discovered a Snapchat group where her son and other black students were targeted with racial slurs and harassment. Despite reporting the incidents to the school and district, Lacey faced inadequate responses and a lack of action. Eventually this led her to file a federal lawsuit. 

She emphasizes the importance of speaking out, advocating for change, and holding the school district accountable. Lacey highlights the need for solidarity and the role of privilege in supporting marginalized communities. 

She shares her plans to continue fighting for justice and spreading awareness of the issues faced by marginalized children in schools.

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In this episode Karen sits down with Sheri to discuss her advocacy work and the struggles faced by marginalized communities in Texas. 

She highlights the teachings of the Jewish faith that support inclusivity and acceptance. Sheri draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Holocaust, emphasizing the dangers of discrimination and scapegoating. 

The conversation also delves into the controversy surrounding sex education curriculum and the impact on marginalized children. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the Chaplain Bill and its potential for indoctrination. This conversation discusses the role of chaplains in schools and the recent decision by the Fort Worth School Board to adopt a controversial sex education curriculum. 

The conversation highlights the difference between chaplains and school counselors, emphasizing the specialized training and skills required for each role. 

It also explores the potential harm of having chaplains in schools and the importance of comprehensive sex education. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the student activism and the hope it brings for positive change.

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In this episode, Karen talks with Michael, a former teacher in Florida. He discusses the challenges and restrictions faced by educators in the state's education system. 

He highlights the laws that have constrained teachers' ability to teach and the restrictions on books and interactions with transgender students. 

Michael shares his personal experience of having his classroom library books vetted and the subsequent removal of unvetted books from his classroom. 

He explains the chilling effect on teachers and the targeted attack on public education. Despite the challenges, Michael remains committed to advocating for teachers and public education. 

Michael discusses the importance of youth activism and the role young adults play in making positive changes in the world and shares his optimism about the younger generation's willingness to take action and make a difference. 

Additional resources pertaining to this episode provided by Michael:
(if the links are not live from your podcast platform, you may have to view them on the Defense of Democracy's podcast webpage).

Link to Michael's letter of resignation. It also includes the video footage of my empty classroom. 

My Letter of Resignation – Mr. Andoscia’s Classroom (mrandosciasclassroom.net) 

Michael's personal project is called The Mad Sociologist Blog. Here is the video of Michael's books covered for open house. 

A School Open House Without Books – The Mad Sociologist Blog 

Michael's interview with the local NBC2 affiliate. It also shows the pile of books in his garage.

It’s Been a Helluva Month! – The Mad Sociologist Blog

This was an article in the Fort Myers News Press

[Fort Myers News Press] My Story Above the Fold – The Mad Sociologist Blog

This links to an essay Michael wrote for Perspectives on History before all of this stuff kicked off!

[Perspectives on History] A School Without Books – The Mad Sociologist Blog 

Michael's Projects:

The main project is the Mad Sociologist Blog.

The Mad Sociologist Blog – For the Madness that is Sociology

The second project is called Dangerous Knowledge. It was designed for this very issue. 

Dangerous Knowledge – This website kills fascism! (dangerous-knowledge.com)

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In this episode, Karen talks with Lance Preston, the founder of Rainbow Youth Project, discusses the increase in crisis calls from LGBTQ youth and the overwhelming impact of anti-LGBTQ legislation and adult bullying.

He shares the collaboration between Rainbow Youth Project and Defense of Democracy and emphasizes the importance of advocacy and collaboration in supporting LGBTQ youth.

Lance also highlights the dedication of volunteers and the personal connection and passion that drives their work.

The conversation explores the harmful impact of anti-LGBTQ groups and the energy and hate they generate. It highlights the lack of understanding and empathy from these groups and the consequences for LGBTQ children.

The conversation also delves into the misguided beliefs of parents who are influenced by misinformation. It emphasizes the power of misinformation and political rhetoric in shaping public opinion.

The conversation addresses the devastating impact of these actions, including the push to suicide. It discusses the damage caused by words and the importance of countering misinformation and book bans.

Finally, it shares success stories and the hope that comes from supporting LGBTQ youth.

Check out more on Lance and his work here!

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In this episode, Karen talks with Dante, the co-chair of the Defense of Democracy DEI committee. 

Dante shares his background and passion for making a difference in his community. He discusses his experience working in policy and the importance of empowering voices. 

Dante and Karen also talk about the recruitment process for the committee and the need for a future-focused and driven community. 

They touch on the challenges faced in education and the importance of patriotism and accountability. 

Dante shares his aspirations for the future, including working on a national and international level to preserve democracy.

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In this conversation, Karen sits down again with Liz, the founder of Stop Moms for Liberty (MfL). They discuss the recent controversies surrounding MfL. 

Liz highlights MfL's connection to a registered sex offender and their lack of accountability. Liz also reveals the financials of the group, with their latest income being $2 million. She emphasizes the declining influence of MfL and their negative impact on education and children. 

Liz discusses the incident at a school board meeting and the need for legal action against MfL. She concludes by inviting listeners to join Stop Moms for Liberty. 

The conversation highlights the power of the majority and the need to stop the spread of misinformation. 

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In this episode Karen sits down with Texas Trey. Trey shares his journey from being a lifelong Republican to creating content that challenges conservative ideologies. He discusses his changing views on the Second Amendment and the need for responsible gun ownership. 

Trey also highlights the influence of money in politics and the tactics used by far-right groups to create chaos and maintain control. He emphasizes the importance of local elections and the battle for democracy at the school board level. Trey concludes by encouraging individuals to speak out and take action in their own ways. 

The conversation highlights the importance of achieving change in small towns and the surprising reversal of transgender discrimination in one such town in Texas. It emphasizes that reasonable people can stand against discrimination and the need to focus on positive examples of change. The future plans for advocacy and support are discussed, along with the importance of finding a role in advocacy. 

The conversation concludes with an appreciation for the nonpartisan mission of Defense of Democracy.

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In this episode Karen sits down to talk with Amanda, a teacher, librarian, and grassroots organizer, shares her journey of fighting against censorship in libraries. She discusses the targeted harassment she has faced and the legal actions she has taken. 

Amanda also talks about forming the Livingston Parish Library Alliance and her upcoming book. She emphasizes the importance of using privilege for good and the need for coalition building. Despite the challenges, Amanda remains determined to advocate for the right to read and create positive change in her community. In this conversation, Amanda Jones discusses the importance of defense against bureaucracy and the challenges faced in this area. She also shares strategies for overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and highlights the role of technology in this process. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of defense against bureaucracy.

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In this episode Karen talks with Rochelle and Katie. They  discuss their experiences with Pride Troop, a Girl Scout troop that welcomes everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. 

They talk about the challenges they faced during the pandemic and the importance of preserving Girl Scouting. 

The Pride Troop has received support from the community and has participated in pride parades and events. They also discuss their involvement in Band Books Week and the Defense of Democracy readout. 

Rochelle and Katie emphasize the importance of safe spaces and finding support in organizations like Finn's Place and Galileo Church. 

They share their plans for the future, including starting a podcast and participating in Girl Scout cookie season.

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In this episode Karen sits down with Brooke, who recounts her journey leaving the Mormon religion and moving from Utah to New York. Brooke shares the challenges of leaving her tight-knit community and the impact it had on her family relationships. She discusses the difficulties of adapting to New York and facing bigotry in her conservative area.

Despite the initial struggles, Brooke delves into her foray into local politics, running for a town board position, and encountering unexpected opposition due to her political affiliation. The bullying she faced was disheartening, but it motivated her to connect with Defense of Democracy.

Brooke discusses her project involving a values-based program for children, aiming to instill universal values of acceptance and tolerance. She expresses gratitude for finding a supportive community through Defense of Democracy and touches on her involvement in a forthcoming TV show, documenting her family's experiences with open adoptions and her use of medicinal cannabis for epilepsy.

Overall, the episode highlights Brooke's inspiring journey of resilience, seeking to create a compassionate and inclusive community despite facing challenges along the way.

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In this episode Karen and Rob explore the shift in religious values in America and the desperation of religious conservatives to impose their views. It discusses the decline of religious belief in the country and the search for meaning and purpose in a secular society. The hypocrisy of religious conservatives is highlighted through the scandal involving Bridget and Christian Ziegler. The conversation also addresses the threat to liberalism and freedom posed by the Trumpist movement. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of philosophy, art, and personal exploration in finding meaning and purpose in life. The conversation explores the role of music, culture, and scientific exploration in religion and society. It emphasizes the importance of using culture and art to fight the culture war and inspire people. The possibility of unity after religion and the power of a constructive culture war are also discussed.

Key Takeaways:

There has been a significant decline in religious belief in America, leading to a shift in religious values.

Religious conservatives are becoming increasingly desperate to impose their views and control societal institutions.

The search for meaning and purpose in life is not exclusive to religious belief and can be found through philosophy, art, and personal exploration.

The hypocrisy of religious conservatives undermines their credibility and the argument for the necessity of religion in society.

The Trumpist movement poses a threat to liberalism and freedom, with the potential for the erosion of democratic institutions. Music plays a central role in religious experiences, providing spiritual and emotional connections.

The culture war should be fought through the creation of culture, such as movies, music, and literature.

Art, culture, and scientific exploration can provide meaning and purpose in life.

Religion and scientific exploration can coexist and offer different perspectives on the world.

Conversation Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Shift in Religious Values

03:02 The Decline of Religious Belief in America

08:23 The Desperation to Impose Religious Views

12:14 The Search for Meaning and Purpose

18:23 The Hypocrisy of Religious Conservatives

20:18 The Scramble for Power and Importance

25:03 The Bridget and Christian Ziegler Scandal

29:11 The Threat to Liberalism and Freedom

32:43 Providing Meaning and Purpose in Life

34:12 The Role of Music in Religion

35:10 Using Culture to Fight the Culture War

36:27 The Impact of Art and Culture

37:25 The Value of Scientific Exploration

38:52 The Spiritual Meaning of Scientific Experience

41:28 The Possibility of Unity After Religion

42:49 Fighting the Culture War Through Art and Ideas

43:23 The Power of a Constructive Culture War

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In this episode, Karen talks with Rob, an expert on fascist groups and Christian nationalism. They discuss the Seven Mountains Mandate, a movement that aims to have evangelical Christians control seven spheres of societal influence. They also explore the impact of Christian nationalism on public education and the need for unity and collaboration in defending democracy. The conversation highlights the importance of elevating faith leader voices, providing step-by-step instructions for taking action, and recognizing the global reach of Christian nationalism.

Conversation Highlights:

The Seven Mountains Mandate is a movement that seeks to have evangelical Christians control seven spheres of societal influence, including education, religion, family, business, government, media, and arts and entertainment.

Christian nationalism poses a significant threat to public education, with efforts to deconstruct and privatize the system. It is important to recognize the influence of Christian nationalists on school boards and take action to protect public education.

The impact of Christian nationalism extends beyond Colorado, with the movement growing on a national and global level. It is crucial for individuals in all states to be aware of and address the threat posed by Christian nationalism.

To defend democracy and counter Christian nationalism, it is essential to elevate the voices of faith leaders who reject Christian nationalism and provide step-by-step instructions for taking action, such as filing complaints with relevant organizations.

Unity and collaboration are key in the fight against Christian nationalism. It is important to recognize that everyone has a role to play and to support those who share the same cardinal direction in defending democracy.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Seven Mountains Mandate

08:59 Attacks on Public Education

15:40 The Impact on a National Level

23:46 Taking Action

28:34 Unity and Collaboration

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In this episode, Karen discusses with Nichole the recent school shooting in Las Vegas and the frequency of such incidents in the United States. Nichole shares her personal experiences with school shootings and the trauma they cause. Nicole emphasizes the need for responsible gun laws and criticizes the involvement of alt-right groups in shaping education policy. She calls for a national week of mourning and proposes a support group for teachers within the Defense of Democracy movement. Nicole highlights the importance of disrupting the status quo and taking action to protect students and educators.

Key Takeaways:

School shootings in the United States are alarmingly frequent and have a lasting impact on communities.

Responsible gun laws are necessary to prevent further tragedies.

Alt-right groups should not have a say in education policy.

Taking action, such as a national week of mourning and creating support groups for teachers, is crucial to address the issue.

Disrupting the status quo and advocating for change is essential to protect students and educators.

Conversation Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience

01:04 The Frequency of School Shootings

02:00 The Impact on the Community

03:03 The Role of Defense of Democracy

08:59 The Involvement of Alt-Right Groups

11:19 The Call for Responsible Gun Laws

15:37 Taking Action: National Week of Mourning

20:18 Creating a Support Group for Teachers

23:33 The Need to Disrupt and Take Action

26:01 Volunteer Shoutout: Glenda Alberti

32:25 Conclusion and Appreciation

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In this episode Karen sits down and talks with Amy, a Defense of Democracy volunteer, discussing her journey from being a volunteer to her current leadership role. Amy's passion for defending democracy, rooted in her experiences with the Beto O'Rourke campaign and concerns about the Texas GOP's impact on public education, drove her to join the cause. 

She highlights the challenges in Texas, from Christian nationalist groups influencing education policies to the ongoing struggle against initiatives like school vouchers.

The episode showcases Amy's resilience and determination to build a strong defense against threats to democracy. It touches on setbacks, such as the takeover of the Houston ISD and the continuous push for vouchers. 

The conversation reveals Amy's unwavering commitment despite facing intimidation and threats, emphasizing the importance of standing up against such adversities. It delves into the struggles faced in defending intellectual freedom, particularly in libraries, and the need to counter extremist efforts attempting to restrict access to books.

 Amy shares her team's efforts in countering extremist groups' influence in school board meetings. They devised a method called "board process requests," which includes sending letters and documentation to prioritize stakeholders' voices over outside groups during public comments. 

Despite initial pushback, their persistence garnered attention and even press coverage, prompting positive responses from unrelated attendees at subsequent meetings.

Their conversation ends on a note of gratitude, acknowledging the importance of support networks in advocacy work. Amy emphasizes the importance of persistence and community mobilization in addressing education-related issues. 

She highlights the significance of maintaining a rational demeanor and the value of taking measured actions, recognizing that change in public education won't happen overnight. Moreover, she reflects on personal milestones, celebrating her upcoming five-year wedding anniversary and the support she receives from her family, especially her husband and kids.

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In this captivating episode Karen sits down with  Julie, a key figure in Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit advocating for transgender, gender non-binary, and intersex individuals in New York State. Karen discusses the Defense of Democracy's origins, its advocacy work, and challenges faced by the transgender community, particularly the lack of civil rights protections until recent years.

Julie highlights the historical struggles, including the failure of past LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to include gender identity protections in early legislation, resulting in a delayed focus on trans rights. Their conversation delves into Julie's personal experiences, such as being fired from a job after advocating for transgender workers' rights, leading to her full-time commitment to advocacy work.

The discussion also covers the complexities of acceptance and challenges faced in Long Island, the progression of advocacy efforts within the police departments, and the metaphorical journey of gender transition represented as a train ride to Montauk, symbolizing the final stage of transition.

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In this episode Karen talks with Rob Tracinski. Their conversation delves into the shifting landscape of American conservatism, where Rob reflects on the fracturing of the Republican Party during the Trump era. He discusses the transformation of many conservatives, likening it to a shift akin to "the invasion of the body snatchers," where individuals began echoing views they would have vehemently opposed earlier.

Karen shares her own experience forming the Defense of Democracy, seeking nonpartisan platforms in response to a lack of moderate forums. Their discussion centers on Rob's critical analysis of Moms for Liberty, an organization that emerged from the anti-mask and anti-vaccine mandate sentiments during the COVID era. Rob's investigation reveals how Moms for Liberty pivoted their focus to issues like critical race theory and book censorship in schools, creating a perception of defending parental rights while, in reality, imposing censorship and ideological control.

They explore the origins of paranoid and conspiratorial mentalities within political movements, drawing parallels between historical groups like the John Birch Society and the modern-day approach of Moms for Liberty. Rob highlights the dangers of bundling diverse left-leaning ideologies under the label of critical race theory to vilify them, emphasizing the need for nuanced discussion rather than blanket opposition. The conversation touches upon the discomfort arising from politicizing school environments and the consequences it holds for parental engagement and civil discourse.

Rob concludes by underscoring the potential backlash against groups like Moms for Liberty, even within conservative strongholds, as people reject their vitriolic and divisive tactics. He also shares his concerns about the erosion of democratic principles, urging vigilance to protect the sanctity of voting and liberty.

The conversation touches upon broader themes of education, ideological clashes in society, and the challenges of maintaining civil discourse amidst political polarization.

Links mentioned in the conversation:

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert: https://www.tiktok.com/@electrobrogers/video/7195778603685170478

Paul Weyrich: https://www.c-span.org/video/?185929-1/qa-paul-weyrich

For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, Karen sits down with Erica from Oklahoma, a passionate advocate and founder of the Oklahoma chapter. Erica discusses her involvement, motivated by the politicization of public education and the growing influence of groups like Moms for Liberty in her community. They delve into Oklahoma's education system, highlighting issues of underfunding, proposed inclusion of religious elements, and challenges regarding teaching accurate history.

The conversation covers disturbing proposals like introducing the Ten Commandments in schools and the approval of religious charter schools funded by public funds, blurring the lines between church and state. They explore the role of Ryan Walters, the state superintendent, and his alignment with influential groups aiming to dismantle public education in favor of a narrative promoting specific values, hindering critical thinking.

Erica's motivation stems from concern for her two young boys' future in Oklahoma amidst laws banning certain historical teachings and the fear of educators losing their licenses for teaching accurate history. They discuss an incident involving a Tulsa school board member's prayer at a public event and the subsequent viral fallout where Defense of Democracy gained attention.

The conversation reveals the challenges faced by activists, including disruptions at meetings, violations of the Open Meetings Act, and roadblocks hindering public participation. Erica highlights the struggle against politically-backed interest groups, describing instances of biased activism and the attempts to manipulate public opinion, especially concerning issues like gender identity and inclusion.

Despite the adversities, Erica remains committed to advocating for change, aiming to contest in elections to provide more choices for Oklahoma's representation. The episode concludes with optimism for Defense of Democracy's growth, aiming to empower more parents and individuals to speak out and influence positive change in the education system and beyond.

For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org

Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "DOFD" to 44321

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