The World and Everything In It Episode: December 12, 2024
Title: Florida’s Solution to Homelessness, the Senate Debates Trump’s Deportation Plan, and a Boy Choir Continues Tradition
Host: Mary Reichard & Myrna Brown
Produced by: WORLD Radio

1. Rising Homelessness and Florida’s New Approach

Introduction to the Issue
The episode opens with Mary Reichard highlighting the increasing homelessness crisis across the United States. She sets the stage by noting that some states are abandoning the "Housing First" policy in favor of alternative strategies.

Critique of the Housing First Policy
Addie Offrence, WORLD’s Effective Compassion Reporter, delves into the shortcomings of the Housing First model. She explains that while the policy prioritizes moving individuals into permanent housing swiftly, it often lacks the necessary follow-up services such as mental health care and substance abuse rehabilitation. As Offrence states at [07:24], “Those services aren't always pushed, and there's a lack of accountability, leading to individuals not staying in permanent housing.”

Florida’s Legislative Shift
Florida emerges as a case study for this new approach. Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1365, which bans camping on public property and establishes sanctioned areas with strict regulations. Representative Sam Garrison, the bill’s sponsor, argues that models like those in San Francisco and New York are ineffective. At [08:28], Garrison asserts, “Doing the San Francisco and New York model is not a way to get the job done.”

Alternative Strategies and Nationwide Trends
The report highlights similar legislative changes in Georgia, Oklahoma, and Utah, where states are reallocating funds toward temporary shelters and mandatory treatment programs. Devin Kurtz from the Cicero Institute emphasizes the need for transitional housing with stricter requirements, stating at [10:36], “We need a greater array of tools to solve homelessness than what Housing First provides.”

Perspective and Motivations
Representative Garrison shares a personal and moral impetus behind the shift, saying at [13:39], “To me, it's a moral issue. It's motivated by my faith.” He underscores the necessity of addressing underlying behavioral health issues rather than solely providing housing.

2. Senate Debates on Trump’s Deportation Plan

Overview of the Debate
Shifting focus, the podcast addresses the Senate hearings on President Trump's proposed mass deportation plan. Mary Reichard introduces the topic by noting Trump’s campaign promise to “fix the border and remove large numbers of people in the US illegally.”

Witness Testimonies and Concerns
Several witnesses testify, including undocumented immigrants and affected families. For instance, at [15:55], an undocumented immigrant named Turry explains his situation: “I came here when I was 7 years old,” highlighting the human impact of potential deportations.

Republican Stance and Criticism of Current Policies
Republican Senator Tom Tillis criticizes the Biden administration's parole policies, arguing they have led to increased illegal immigration. He states at [17:09], “If you've been paroled illegally, we're not going to give you the roots to attach yourself to our country because you should not have been here in the first place.”

Democratic Concerns and Humanitarian Arguments
On the other side, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and others express concerns about the broad scope of the deportation plans and their effects on community members who contribute positively to society. Senator Maisie Hirono voices skepticism regarding Trump's willingness to implement meaningful solutions for Dreamers, as noted at [17:57].

Potential Outcomes and Legislative Challenges
The discussion also touches upon the logistical and ethical challenges of mass deportations, with Addie Offrence quoting a witness: “I think you should put American citizens first. We the people have put you in office, and you should be doing everything you can to protect us” at [20:21].

Expert Analysis
Cal Thomas provides a historical context of presidential pardon powers, comparing Trump's potential deportation strategies to past administrations. He raises concerns about constitutional violations if pardons are used improperly, emphasizing the need for congressional oversight.

3. Preservation of Musical Tradition: The Maryland State Boy Choir

Introduction to the Tradition
Transitioning to a lighter yet culturally significant topic, the podcast features the Maryland State Boy Choir’s annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This segment underscores the choir’s role in maintaining ancient musical traditions.

Behind the Scenes
Emma Frere, World’s Senior Writer, attends a rehearsal where she observes the choir’s preparation. Lucas Arzais, a 22-year-old choral scholar, shares his passion: “I love it. I think it brings joy” at [25:29].

Artistic and Personal Development
Cal Thomas discusses the benefits of participation in a boy choir, highlighting the discipline and personal responsibility it fosters. He remarks at [26:16], “There's an attention to detail, there's a discipline, there's a personal responsibility, there is a requirement of excellence.”

Cultural Significance and Community Impact
The choir's performances are depicted as spiritually and artistically enriching events. Stephen Holmes, the choir’s artistic director, emphasizes the importance of preserving this tradition, connecting it to historical practices of boys’ choirs in religious settings.

Youth Engagement and Education
The episode showcases how the choir serves as a safe and welcoming space for young men to engage in artistic endeavors, contrasting with other activities like sports. Holmes reflects at [27:37], “It was the beauty of the music, the beauty of the words and a certain aesthetic that was just different.”

4. Presidential Pardons and Constitutional Implications

Current Events and Speculations
In the latter part of the episode, Mary Reichard and Cal Thomas discuss President Joe Biden’s impending use of presidential pardons. Thomas warns of potential abuses, comparing Biden’s rumored actions to past controversial pardons.

Historical Context and Comparisons
Thomas references President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and President Bill Clinton’s pardons, pointing out their political repercussions. He states, “If Biden issues preemptive pardons, it will only add to the public's disapproval of his administration” at [29:56].

Constitutional Concerns
Colleen Shogun of the Rubenstein Center is quoted, arguing that Biden’s potential pardons could bypass constitutional limits: “If reports are true, President Biden will ignore that limitation and pardon people who have not been indicted, convicted or sentenced for any illegal acts” at [33:00].

Public and Political Reactions
Senator Adam Schiff criticizes the plausibility of such pardons, advising that they would appear “defensive and unnecessary” [33:30]. The segment underscores the tension between executive power and constitutional safeguards, suggesting that only a constitutional amendment could properly address the issue.

5. Lighthearted Local News: The Googly Eye Bandit in Bend, Oregon

Local Prankster’s Antics
Adding a whimsical note, the podcast covers a local incident in Bend, Oregon, where someone has been attaching googly eyes to city art installations. Mary Reichard describes how statues like the “flaming chicken” have been humorously altered.

Community Reactions and Costs
While some locals find the prank amusing—as Michael McCaul quips, “I think it's kind of funny”—city officials are less pleased due to the costs involved in removing the adhesive, which exceeds $1,500 per statue.

Conclusion of the Segment
The segment ends on a playful note with Mary Reichard advising the prankster to stop, while Kent Covington humorously suggests the bandit is “just rolling his eyes.”

6. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content

Final Commentary on Pardons
Cal Thomas reiterates the potential constitutional overreach of presidential pardons and reflects on historical precedents to underscore the gravity of the issue.

Teasers for Future Episodes
The episode concludes with previews of upcoming segments, including a review of Peter Jackson’s animated film War of the Rohiram and the music of Advent, promising listeners more in-depth cultural and political discussions.

Inspirational Close
Mary Reichard closes the episode with an inspirational message rooted in biblical scripture, reinforcing WORLD Radio’s mission to provide biblically grounded journalism.

Notable Quotes

• Addie Offrence [07:24]: “Those services aren't always pushed, and there's a lack of accountability, leading to individuals not staying in permanent housing.”

• Representative Sam Garrison [08:28]: “Doing the San Francisco and New York model is not a way to get the job done.”

• Devin Kurtz [10:36]: “We need a greater array of tools to solve homelessness than what Housing First provides.”

• Representative Sam Garrison [13:39]: “To me, it's a moral issue. It's motivated by my faith.”

• Lucas Arzais [25:29]: “I love it. I think it brings joy.”

• Cal Thomas [26:16]: “There's an attention to detail, there's a discipline, there's a personal responsibility, there is a requirement of excellence.”

• Senator Adam Schiff [33:30]: “I think this is frankly so implausible as not to be worthy of much consideration. I would urge the president not to do that.”

Conclusion
This episode of The World and Everything In It offers a comprehensive look at pressing social issues, political debates, and cultural traditions. From innovative approaches to homelessness in Florida and contentious immigration policies in the Senate to the enduring charm of a boy choir, WORLD Radio delivers insightful analysis bolstered by firsthand reporting and expert commentary. Notable quotes and real-time reporting ensure that listeners are well-informed and engaged with the multifaceted discussions shaping our world today.