Episode 129: 4-Day Work Week, & Texas Redistricting:, Communal Economic Equality

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Episode Description: This week, we dive into a listener's take on Trump's Brazil tariffs and the "BRICS threat." Then, we explore Iceland's successful 4-day work week and ponder the future of labor in a tech-driven world. We also tackle the contentious issue of mid-decade redistricting in Texas, examining its legality versus its morality. Finally, we discuss the New York Times' coverage of the Tabernacle Choir and President Nelson's guidance on the Church's name, before grappling with the "Big Question": Does scripture point to communal economic equality as the ideal system?

• The Thought Provoker:
  • Topic 1: Iceland's 4-Day Work Week: A Global Model?
    • By 2019, 90% of Iceland's workforce adopted 35-36 hour weeks without pay cuts, largely due to union agreements.
    • Key Statistics: Productivity remained stable or increased, worker well-being significantly improved (lower stress, better work-life balance), and greater gender equality was observed.
    • Robust digital infrastructure played a key role in this successful transition.
    • Discussion points: Is Iceland's model transferable globally? Do companies have a moral obligation to maintain salaries while reducing hours as technology advances? Is the "wage per hour" paradigm outdated for the 21st century?
  • Topic 2: Texas Redistricting Controversy: Legal vs. Moral
    • Former Republican Rep. Burt Solomons criticizes President Trump's pressure on Texas officials to redraw congressional districts mid-decade.
    • Solomons argues Trump's aim is to gain Republican seats and "rig" the 2026 midterms, calling it an "alarming power grab" that erodes public trust and disenfranchises minority voters.
    • Historically, redistricting, while partisan, has generally respected established rules. Mid-decade redistricting is rare and should not be driven by a president's "whim."
    • Discussion points: Is it wrong for Texas to redraw congressional districts now, even if it's technically legal in Texas (which has a history of doing so)? What is the distinction between what is legal and what is morally acceptable in political actions?
  • Topic 3: The Tabernacle Choir & The New York Times: Naming Conventions
    • The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square recently celebrated its 5,000th continuous episode of Music & the Spoken Word, prompting a New York Times article.
    • The NYT article used the official name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, acknowledged the common "Mormon" association, and used "Latter-day Saint" as an adjective for members and related concepts.
    • Discussion points: Does this usage align with what President Russell M. Nelson requested regarding the correct name of the Church? What has been the practical application among members since President Nelson's talk?
• The Big Question: Communal Economic Equality – The Ideal System?
  • D&C 82:17-19 outlines principles of communal economic equality:
    • Individuals have equal claims to resources based on "just wants and needs" to manage their "stewardships."
    • The system benefits the entire community, allowing individuals to develop and multiply "talents" (abilities/resources).
    • Gains are contributed to a common "Lord's storehouse" for collective benefit.
    • Encourages prioritizing neighbor's interests and acting with pure motives to glorify God.
  • While the context is the United Order, the question arises: Are these verses describing principles that extend beyond the United Order? Is the ideal economic system one of c