The Issues You Don't Talk About Cafe Monthly Meetup

This Meetup is about the sharing of ideas in a public and open forum where participants can come to learn and teach. In order for people to feel comfortable expressing their, what may be controversial, views we aim to create an environment that is not absent passion, but is cordial to people who may even have extreme views. It is incumbent upon all participants to contribute in fostering that environment.

The Meetup is divided into three consecutive sections:
I. One Minutes - An icebreaker. We go around the room and ask each person to state their first name and then talk about anything that is on their mind for approximately one minute.

II. Topical discussion - The heart of the Meetup where we put a topic on the table and ask those who choose to share any opinion or idea around the topic.

III. Meetup after the Meetup - This is the end of the "formal" Meetup and where the healthy debate can take place.

If there are rules to this Meetup, these are them:

• BE RESPECTFUL TO EVERYONE regardless of their views on any subject.
• Bring your voice and passion, but leave your anger and condescension at home.
• If you get angry at differing opinions, please realize that this is not the place for you and kindly do not attend.
• Eat, drink and be merry and tip well if you can.
• We don't have to leave as friends, but we can't leave as enemies.

As usual there is a lot to talk about. I will be placing current topics here as late as an hour before the event every meeting. If the issues look a bit old, then I just haven't gotten to doing this yet.

Here are some of the topics we could explore:

### 1. Is crime in mid-sized cities more like big-city crime or small-town crime?

When people think of crime, they often compare big cities like Washington, DC, or St. Louis with smaller cities like Springfield, Missouri. But what about places in the middle, like Akron, Ohio or Kansas City? Do mid-sized cities deal with the same kinds of violent crime that big cities do, or do they resemble smaller towns in their patterns? What factors—such as poverty, policing, or geography—make the biggest difference?

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### 2. Should nonprofits be treated the same as private foundations?

When someone sets up a nonprofit, the IRS decides whether it’s a “public charity” or a “private foundation.” Public charities get more flexibility and easier fundraising, while private foundations face stricter rules. Is it fair to treat small community nonprofits—like arts groups or service programs—the same way as wealthy private foundations? How should the system balance accountability with accessibility for people starting out?

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### 3. When should we “Google it” and when should we ask AI?

Most of us instinctively “Google” when we want an answer. But with AI tools like ChatGPT, there’s a new option. When is it better to use a traditional search engine, and when does AI give us a clearer or faster result? Are there risks in leaning too heavily on either one—for example, bias in AI answers or misinformation in search results?

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### 4. What do cultural songs like Negro spirituals mean for us today?

Songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” or “Wade in the Water” were more than just music—they carried messages of hope, resistance, and survival during slavery. Today, they’re often sung in choirs, concerts, or classrooms. How should we treat these songs: as history, as art, or as living culture? What role can they play in teaching younger generations about resilience and identity?

### 5) What is the National Guard for—and when should it be used in cities?

Most people know the Guard helps during disasters, but it’s also been deployed to support local law enforcement. What’s the Guard’s core mission, who decides when it’s activated, and what are the pros/cons of using it for public safety in urban areas?earches), each with just enough context to spark a good conversation:

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### 6) Are extreme heat waves changing how cities should work and keep people safe?

This summer has brought record-setting heat in many regions, straining power grids and increasing health risks—especially for outdoor and indoor workers in hot spaces. What’s the right mix of cooling centers, worker protections, and grid upgrades? NatureWorld Health Organization

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### 7) What do the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2025 decisions mean for everyday life?

This term’s rulings touched hot-button issues (state authority in health policy, education opt-outs, and more). Which decisions will most affect families, schools, or local governments where you live? Justia LawMultiState

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### 8) Are prices finally easing—or will inflation re-accelerate?

Recent data show mixed signals: consumer inflation cooled year-over-year, but economists are watching new PCE numbers and short-term nowcasts closely. How should households plan when the trend is uncertain and rate cuts are debated? Bureau of Labor StatisticsFederal Reserve Bank of ClevelandMarketWatch

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### 9) AI is powering a data-center boom—who should pay for the electricity, and what about the grid?

I look forward to talking to you all.

Glenn