Reforming Congress is an Achievable Goal

John Lawrence’s Testimony before the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress

Thank you for your invitation to appear today at this hearing, my first from this side of the dais. I want to offer four observations that, along with the advice from these distinguished congressional scholars, may help guide the work of this Select Committee. Despite the cynicism of many critics inside ...
Read More

The Fire This Time

Exiles on 12th Street, Episode Two

Violence against African American people creates pain and outrage, but policy makers offer us few solutions. In this episode, we ask: how can the fight for racial justice be accelerated, even as racism remains as persistent today as it was before the modern Civil Rights movement? In the spirit of ...
Read More

The Mueller Report, the Electoral College, and Arugula Lettuce

Past Present Episode 173

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Mueller Report, the movement to end the Electoral College, and why not many Americans eat arugula lettuce. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s long-awaited report has been released, though the public has only received ...
Read More
The Mueller Report, the Electoral College, and Arugula Lettuce

The Globalization of White Supremacy

Countering the spread of South African apartheid rhetoric

In classrooms, apartheid is often depicted as the last gasp of old-school racism, a throwback to an earlier era of European imperialism that took too long to die. Sometimes it’s compared to other racist systems, such as Jim Crow in the United States or the racial hierarchy in Nazi Germany. ...
Read More
The Globalization of White Supremacy

“Operation Varsity Blues,” the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke

Past Present Episode 172

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the college admissions scandal, the white supremacy terrorist attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke’s bid for the presidency. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: College admissions has long legally favored the wealthy, but “Operation Varsity Blues” has ...
Read More
“Operation Varsity Blues,” the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke

“Cancel Culture,” Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

Past Present Episode 171

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Air crash. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Young Adult literature is the latest arena for controversies over “cancel culture.” Neil recommended Jennifer Senior’s New York Times article on the perils ...
Read More
“Cancel Culture,” Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

“Finding Neverland,” Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians

Past Present Episode 170

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “Leaving Neverland,” a new documentary about Michael Jackson’s alleged child abuse, the legacy of late “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church’s decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Here are some links and references ...
Read More
“Finding Neverland,” Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians

Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics

Past Present Episode 169

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the scandal over Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack, Christopher Hasson’s terrorist plot, and how the internet is helping debunk mediums and psychics. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Actor Jussie Smollett is at the center of the nation’s latest high-profile racial ...
Read More
Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics

Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

Past Present Episode 168

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to ...
Read More
Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

Graphic New York

Exiles on 12th Street, Episode One

What does New York look like, feel like, sound like, smell like? In celebration of the city that Exiles on 12th Street calls home, the first episode of the podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who live here. Join us as we hit the streets to explore the ...
Read More
Graphic New York

Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts

Past Present Episode 166

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of blackface, political upheaval in Venezuela, and the demise of Valentine’s Day conversation hearts. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Two top Virginia Democrats have admitted to wearing blackface. Natalia pointed to a recent Gucci turtleneck that many have ...
Read More
Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts