On Second Thought for Monday, June 20, 2016

The mass shooting at Pulse, the Orlando nightclub, has left many people searching for answers and worried about the next attack. Several Atlanta nightclubs were recently threatened with vague mentions of violence, but motives and intentions of terrorists can be difficult to discern. According to one psychiatrist, hate is the key to understanding what turns thoughts into actions. We talk with University of Maryland professor Arie Kruglanksi about his research into the emotion of hate and what role it can play in tragedies like the shooting at Pulse. 

In today's show, we tackle the concept of hate and how it can serve as a prime motivator for mass violence. Then, we talk about how Georgia's politics have put several major hospitals in big trouble. To end the show, we learn about America's first model and talk to a Georgia Southern professor whose life changed after a trip to a Trump rally.

Then, Georgia’s refusal to expand Medicaid has forced safety net hospitals like Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta to absorb the costs of treating the poor, uninsured, and mentally ill. A new book traces the history of the country’s urban public hospitals and how public policy has failed them. We speak with veteran journalist and author Mike King about his new book, “A Spirit of Charity: Restoring the Bond between American and Its Public Hospitals."

Afterwards, we talk about the little-known artistic muse known as Audrey Munson. She is a familiar face found all across the country in various works of art. Munson posed for iconic sculptures, including the "Triumph of Peace" found in Piedmont Park. Her career was shrouded in mystery for years until author James Bone identified Munson as the "first American model." We listen to Bone share a few tales about Munson’s whirlwind career from his book, “The Curse of Beauty: The Scandalous and Tragic Life of Audrey Munson, America’s First Supermodel.”

To wrap up the show, we revisit the fervor and controversy surrounding the political rallies of Donald Trump. Georgia Southern professor Jared Sexton visited a recent Trump rally and was stunned by what he witnessed. We speak with Sexton about his experience and what fuels the intensity behind Trump’s gatherings. Mercer professor Chris Grant also joins the conversation to give Trump's rallies some historical context.