Elizabeth Cochran and Melody Shaw

Elizabeth Cochran and Melody Shaw

Recorded July 11, 2023 Archived July 11, 2023 50:17 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id: ddv002592

Description

One Small Step partners Elizabeth Cochran (49) and Melody Shaw (65) witness the ways in which politicians and the media strive to keep us divided and fighting each other, which is not what they see locally. They agree that it is up to individuals to continue to be kind and have conversations. The discuss irresponsible government spending but the duty government has toward its citizenry.

Subject Log / Time Code

2:15
Elizabeth Cochran and Melody Shaw share that they both wanted to participate to try to find common ground with a neighbor as opposed to focusing on differences.
11:00
Melody considers that the media reflects a more divided world than what she witnesses locally in Wichita, which makes her hopeful for her fellow man, but less hopeful for the media and politicians.
13:00
Melody notes that politicians, the media and private businesses are overly influenced by money at the expense of serving the public. She doesn't know who to trust anymore.
15:30
Elizabeth supports The Constitution and Capitalism, but is against the current power structures and crony Capitalism. She notes that citizens are expected to work within a budget, while there is a governmental lack of fiscal responsibility.
20:00
Melody and Elizabeth come from military families and lament the lack of support for the people who serve. Melody notes that we have the resources to feed everyone, but we don't.
23:00
Elizabeth and Melody discuss the billions for Ukraine. Both feel for the citizenry of Ukraine. Elizabeth names the Military Industrial Complex and the disconnect between the people declaring war and the people affected by war. Melody considers other ways that money could help people.
28:00
Melody and Elizabeth discuss the structural system that keeps health insurance high cost.
32:00
Melody and Elizabeth discuss apathy towards voting.
33:30
Elizabeth recounts witnessing September 11th in New York and reflects that her patriotism is tied to the original idea of America.
40:00
Elizabeth and Melody discuss war crimes, NATO and accountability of nations.
43:00
Melody and Elizabeth discuss the harm in labeling people unpatriotic, judging someone for their religion, mental health and the disconnect caused by social media.
48:10
Both greatly enjoyed the conversation. They identify different politically, but want the same things, including working alongside and loving their neighbors.

Participants

  • Elizabeth Cochran
  • Melody Shaw

Venue / Recording Kit

Partnership

Partnership Type

Outreach

Initiatives