On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Harold, inspired by a recent NPR series, discuss the startling rise in the number of Americans on disability insurance. They ponder the best way to define disability, and use the parable of the “dog bone economy” to examine the position of marginal workers. How should Medicare deal with the divergence in longevity between rich and poor? Glenn offers a libertarian rebuttal to Harold’s arguments about the moral claims of less productive members of society. Finally, they examine the retirement savings mess and explain why you probably shouldn’t listen to your investment adviser.
On Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Colin discuss Latin American reactions to the death of Margaret Thatcher. Colin describes how the Malvinas/Falklands War is remembered in Argentina. Rob recalls how the war began and how Argentina was surprised at Britain’s willingness to fight it. How has the war’s role in ending Argentina’s dictatorship shaped the way Argentines remember it? How is Thatcher remembered in Chile, where she backed the dictator Augusto Pinochet? And what role did the Catholic Church, and specifically future Pope Francis, play in Latin America’s transition to democracy in the 1980s?
On The Posner Show, Sarah talks with comic, writer, and activist Maysoon Zayid about whether talking about politics and religion can be funny (and how Al Gore destroyed her life). Maysoon explains why she tries to change the language Palestinians use to describe the occupation—a word she says has lost its meaning. Maysoon describes the tour she would have given President Obama during his trip to Israel-Palestine. Plus: Maysoon’s charity, Maysoon’s Kids, which helps children with disabilities living in the occupied territories.