Mark introduces the episode about belief systems in the context of the fires in Southern California
Remember…Jim is a California native still living in the Bay Area and Mark has lived in Florida since 1990
Two very different perspectives and responses to natural disasters!
Jim says it's personal because he has friends and family in the fire zone
He brings in our tag line and framework. He says we'll try and find some good in all of it. He cites our 5 areas with focus on worldview
Jim share some of his preparation for the episode. He asks Mark to read the definition of "belief systems"
Then Jim goes into his 5 W's (Why,what,who,when,where)
The power of self awareness and where all this is going politically, nationally and locally
Mark suggests that he sees two things. The national presence and the local presence. Nationally we are tiring of a lack of leadership. Locally we are still flexing against our national leadership. One side is focused on resolution and prevention, the other side is focused on climate change. Mark thinks it's absurd and Jim agrees. He's confused about how different people can see different things. He's disgusted with the climate change narrative and Governor Newsome. He asks, "what is the government's role?" Jim shares how CA used to be the best in the world at innovation and irrigation. The Central Valley back to the Gold Rush
"Cal doesn't have a water problem, we have a water management problem"
He asks how this is happening? The environmentalists have positioned animals as more important than human
Mark says it's delusional. Jim says it's the whole Democrat party belief system
JIm says the spin is coming…this is a climate crisis and we need to double down. He believes the opposite is true
Mark shares how personal involvement can change how we feel about tragedy. He thinks the fact that rich celebrities are touched by this might shift people's belief systems away from climate change
Jim cites the homelessness these fires have created - how crazy it is that we give free shit to illegals and now these Americans won't get free assistance of any kind…$$millions$$
Mark brings it back to belief systems. He brings up the 3 top leaders in the discussion - they all sought blame as an initial response. Personal accountability versus blame
Jim asks…can you change your belief system? Mark says yes…if you have a story of change that makes sense
Jim shares the perspective of his childhood and how unique those belief systems were…and why. Mark agrees it's generational
Mark reflects on his childhood and accountability. Both guys agree. Jim shifts to how our professions affect us and the media as well
Mark shares his story about not watching the news. Jim challenges Mark's position and adds his two cents
Mark and Jim share dad stories…the newspaper
Today we have info overload assaulting our belief systems
Jim mentions Notre Dame and Mark sheds his light on how ND has mishandled woke