https://progressiveindiana.net

https://concernedclergy.org

Reverend Tony Alexander and Pastor David W. Green Sr. open with a critical discussion of Attorney General Pam Bondi's congressional testimony, highlighting the administration's disrespect toward lawmakers and Epstein victims. The hosts connect this behavior to broader themes of eroding democratic norms, from Trump's racist depiction of the Obamas to the lack of accountability for leadership misconduct. They examine the escalating foreclosure crisis (32% higher year-over-year) and its connection to rising homelessness, criticizing criminalization bills that punish poverty rather than addressing root causes. The conversation shifts to data center development across Indiana, including Meta's LEAP project announcement in Lebanon, analyzing wastewater concerns, infrastructure deals already in place, and questions about financial sustainability. The episode concludes with a discussion of IPS school board governance, opposing mayoral control and warning that appointed boards will serve developers' interests rather than children's education, potentially selling prime school properties for a dollar to build data centers.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

0:10:25 - PAM BONDI CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY
- Attorney General Bondi refuses to apologize to Epstein survivors for DOJ's release of victim information
- Disrespectful treatment of congresswoman during questioning, calling it "theatrics" and "gutter" behavior
- Sets tone from top leadership showing lack of respect for fellow elected officials

0:14:44 - EROSION OF PRESIDENTIAL DECORUM
- Trump posted image depicting Obamas as monkeys with no accountability
- Previous era expected presidents to set standards and be examples for young people
- Current administration demonstrates "any and everything goes" with no consequences
- Double standard: they demand respect but won't give it

0:18:20 - YOUNG PEOPLE WATCHING & LEARNING
- Young men watching Trump with envy, emulating disrespectful behavior
- Leadership modeling that you can say/do anything without consequences
- Generational impact of normalized disrespect and lack of accountability

0:28:40 - LACK OF PUBLIC OUTRAGE
- Expecting massive crowds demanding accountability - not materializing
- Where are calls for resignation over racist behavior toward Obama?
- Media giving casual coverage: "he probably shouldn't have done that" then moving on
- Should be broad coalition (white and Black) saying "enough is enough"

0:31:46 - EPSTEIN VICTIMS & SEX TRAFFICKING
- Indianapolis sex trafficking ring broken up this week
- Children still being victimized even if not at Epstein's level
- Republicans and others disappointingly ignoring victims at hearing
- Need to stand up for vulnerable children

0:39:27 - CRIMINALIZING HOMELESSNESS
- Trump brought National Guard to D.C. to "get rid of homeless" - just moved them elsewhere
- Indiana Senate bill criminalizing homelessness targeting Marion County/downtown
- Fines and jail time for being poor creates criminal records
- "There must be no line" - what would trigger impeachment or removal anymore?

0:42:18 - FORECLOSURE CRISIS & CONNECTING THE DOTS
- U.S. foreclosure rates up 32% year-over-year (every month increasing)
- Many homeowners have jobs but can't keep up with rising costs
- Homeowners insurance, utilities, property taxes, healthcare forcing impossible choices
- Seniors who built communities now struggling after doing everything right

0:46:36 - HOUSING CRISIS RIPPLE EFFECTS
- More foreclosures → more homeless people
- More empty homes → more crime
- Homes sold to big conglomerates not vested in community
- Then home prices go up, rents go up
- "We're trying to connect these dots for y'all"

0:49:41 - DATA CENTERS & HOUSE BILL 1333
- HB 1333 would take away local control for data center rezoning
- Bill died for now but language could pop back up before session ends
- Every corner of Indianapolis and Indiana dealing with data center development

0:50:48 - META DATA CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT
- Governor Braun announced Meta data center at LEAP project in Lebanon
- Citizens Energy Group meeting about water supply for Eli Lilly and Meta projects
- Wastewater from data centers returns to Eagle Creek with different toxics
- Data centers release different chemicals into water - community needs answers

0:51:18 - DATA CENTER PROLIFERATION
- Locations: Shelbyville, Kokomo, Pike (withdrawn but not totally), Brightwood, east side
- "Everywhere we drive we'll be hitting a data center"
- Question: Will all of them make it? What happens to failed buildings?
- Where's money coming from for land, marketing, community meetings?

0:54:27 - INFRASTRUCTURE ALREADY IN PLACE
- Deals for substations and power already negotiated months ago
- Infrastructure separate from data centers themselves - "two different fights"
- Makes it easier for data centers to take advantage of tax breaks
- Companies not rolling the dice - infrastructure investment signals confidence

0:59:30 - IPS SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE
- Opposition to mayoral control of IPS board (always position, not personal to current mayor)
- People should elect board members, not have mayor appointments
- Already lost right to elect judges, shouldn't lose school board elections too
- African Americans across sectors (board members, faith community, small business) oppose it

1:00:40 - RHETORIC ABOUT BLACK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Critics claim lack of Black opposition means "you don't care about children"
- Unfair characterization - people working jobs, can't attend daytime statehouse meetings
- City council meetings at night show strong Black attendance
- Can't sacrifice keeping roof overhead to attend daytime legislative sessions

1:02:05 - REAL CAUSES OF IPS CHALLENGES
- Wasn't elected board that created current situation
- State legislation and appointed superintendents "carrying water" for certain agendas
- Elected board provided diversity of thought and education on issues like charter schools
- Mayor-controlled board will only please one person, like Pam Bondi answering only to Trump

1:03:12 - PROPERTY SELL-OFF CONCERNS
- IPS owns significant prime real estate inside 465
- Schools need to close, property will go to developers for $1
- Could sell for millions and invest in children (school lunches, summer programs)
- Instead developers get it cheap - "maybe building a data center on it"
- "Connect the dots, people"

Progressive Indiana Network

Concerned Clergy Podcast February 11, 2026