Civics on the Rocks
A history teacher and an engineer walk into a bar…ouch! Except there isn’t a bar. But there are dad jokes. And whiskey. Two guys who know a few things, have been around a few blocks, and a few cocktails, discuss politics, science, history, technology, and the planet Earth. They also warp through rabbit holes in both the Federation and the Galactic Empire, and toast the ashes of the Twelve Colonies. And did I mention dad jokes? Yeah. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for Civics on the Rocks.
Episodes
Listen to Mack and Steve discuss checks, balances, and how it always comes back to we, the people.
REFERENCES
There’s three coequal branches:
The White House. “Our Government.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/
Take France:
Georgetown Law Library. “The Structure of the French Legal System.” https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/francelegalresearch/legalsystem
Or Britain:
Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. “Overview of the Judiciary.” ...
Steve and Mack get into the legalities of militias, and they may not be what you think. They’re definitely more complicated.
REFERENCES
A bunch of farmers that run home to get their guns to come to the common defense against the Redcoats:
American Battlefield Trust. “Lexington and Concord.” https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord
Even though we have selective service:
We’re not just chatting about the weather. I mean, we are…but there is also social commentary and a bit of moral outrage. This episode is longer than most because we left in more of the silliness. It felt called for.
REFERENCES
A warning for a tornado outbreak:
National Weather Service. “Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of March 14–15, 2025.” https://www.weather.gov/pah/Mar14-15_2025Severe
Footage of ...
Okay, so it’s not our best show title, but you get what it’s about don’t you? Yep, we’re jumping headfirst into the chaos machine. Won’t you join us?
REFERENCES
There have recently been a whole bunch of executive orders:
Federal Register. “2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.” National Archive. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025
If you didn’t get the weather map joke:
Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers.
References
Our capital is taller:
Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html
Back to the constitution of 1876:
Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical As...
Mack and Steve discuss the government worker bees who don’t serve at the pleasure of the president, and how the new administration wants to change that under the auspices of 2025. Also, there may be a UFO flap. Stay tuned!
REFERENCES
What’s the civil service?
Page, Edward C. & Bridges, Edward. “Civil Service.” Updated December 15, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-service
Let’s talk about the Pendleton ...
Just in case you were wondering, yes, Mack has tried to tell you about this twice and it has been cut twice. Cheers!
Mack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in the new year. Happy holidays. Be exce...
Because I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history.
Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywhere” button was posting everywhere bu...
Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all.
References
Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords
...Celebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!
Mack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable.
References
A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote
Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have:
Folkenflik, David. “Media Circus: Fox Struggles With Obama’s ...
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