In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the hiring of Jason Botterill as General Manager, potential head coaching candidates, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
I wanted to take a nice break to record an optimistic episode. Despite the tone of many of my episodes criticizing media members, politicians, governments, and others, I still firmly believe this is the best time to be alive in human history. Fewer people around the world go hungry or thirsty than ever before. Fewer children around have to work than ever before. The internet has made it easier than ever to gain skills and learn more about the world around you. We know more as a species than ever before. That knowledge is more readily available than ever before. We publish more books and record more music than at any point in human history. It is easier for poor people to afford modern conveniences than ever before. I can go on and on, but I think you will enjoy this episode if you’re desperate for some good news in a news environment that is pessimistic to a fault. This episode was recorded May 7, but released early in the morning on May 9.
This week, the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) by a 217-213 margin. The AHCA revises the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare. Next, it will be sent to the Senate for a vote, where it should encounter even more vociferous criticism. Despite the hysterical cries of Affordable Care Act supporters, the AHCA makes minor changes around the fringes. The fundamental idea behind the legislation is the same, though the individual and employer mandates have been removed and direct ACA taxes have been removed. Replacing the individual mandate is a 30% penalty if people enroll in an insurance program after not holding coverage continuously. From listening to much of the left over the past two days, you would think that the AHCA has already passed into law and that government’s role in health care has been completely removed. I try to bring some unemotional discussion to the table in this episode.
Thanks for supporting us through episode 50. Most podcasts fizzle out somewhere in the single digits, so I am proud to have gotten to 50 episodes. Hopefully the next 50 are just as fun to do.
In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the new developments in the general manager search for the Sabres. Pittsburgh Penguins Associate General Manager Jason Botterill has emerged as the front-runner, with Elliotte Friedman reporting that Botterill has received a second interview of sorts. Multiple other candidates have been interviewed; Josh and I discuss our favorites of the bunch and our opinions of Botterill. We also preview the important off-season decisions to be made and discuss the playoffs.