Rule 027 | Nosy Neighbors Make The Best Home Alarm Systems

This week, Gerard violates the first rule of polite company by bringing up politics, and Jessie admits to her recent run-in with the law. The Peppers learn that living in a tight-knit neighborhood has it's pros and cons, and that it's probably time to hide a spare key. 

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QUICK BITES:

• Jessie wants to replace Sadie’s collar with something spikier OR get an alarm system to keep the house safe.
• The Peppers have an enthusiastic block-watcher who is causing over-active imaginations.
• Gerard calls Jessie out on her TV news obsession, and she realizes that’s what might be causing some of her paranoia.
• Leaving the house without your wallet means coffee and a protein box for dinner. (Thank goodness for the Starbucks app!)
• Jessie finally discovers her calling as a professional criminal, but cries in the face of a police officer in order to avoid arrest.
• When having to choose between rollerblades and an alarm system, the latter seems like a more responsible choice.
• Voting values can sometimes feel like a divisive split. The Peppers have differing political views, but they still try to treat each other with the utmost respect.
• Gerard doesn’t always agree with Jessie's electoral choices, but feels strongly about defending her right to make (and keep) a strong decision. 
• The Peppers LOVE Lester Holt because he loves his wife. Send him a tweet if you’d like to hear him on the show!
• Jessie will attack you with big hugs and a beverage to avoid letting politics prevent a friendship.
• Gerard has social media schizophrenia. From facebook to twitter to instagram, it’s all different. (But our podcast listeners get the privilege of knowing the real guy.)
• Tearing down the humans attached to any campaign is not helpful. Rob Bell says: "In political discourse, vague ominous insults are unhelpful." What is helpful is to say, “What specifically don’t you like about his or her stance on the issues?” Listen to his recent series for heartfelt thoughts on a handful of current policies.

TRIGGER QUESTIONS:

1. How often do you watch/read the news? Does it ever affect how safe you feel in your neighborhood?
    
2. Do you and your partner make voting decisions together? Have you and your spouse ever voted differently? 
    
3. When was the last time you had to bite your tongue about a hot button issue in order to preserve a social situation?

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