https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radio-america-news--3101262enPoliticsCopyright Radio Americahttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/d384f6b9c2eae9e9a93836c6196149c5.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/radio-america-news--3101262Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:30:09 +0000Radio AmericaRadio Americafeeds@spreaker.comDaily News Features with Greg Corombosfalseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2024-film-television-music--63458819
We'll remember one of the greatest voices of all time that belonged to one of the greatest actors of our time and stars of comedies, dramas, and musicals.

In television, we'll remember one of America's most beloved comedians, a star from the earliest days of TV sitcoms, and actors gone far too soon.

We'll also pay tribute to numerous country music legends, pop stars, and perhaps the most accomplished producers and composers of all time.

Please be sure to find our specials on those we lost in politics and the media as well as in sports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63458819Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:30:07 +0000Radio AmericaIn our final segment remembering the famous names and faces we lost in 2024, we focus on the entertainment world and the women and women who created indelible memories in film, television, and music. We'll remember one of the greatest voices of all...
We'll remember one of the greatest voices of all time that belonged to one of the greatest actors of our time and stars of comedies, dramas, and musicals.

In television, we'll remember one of America's most beloved comedians, a star from the earliest days of TV sitcoms, and actors gone far too soon.

We'll also pay tribute to numerous country music legends, pop stars, and perhaps the most accomplished producers and composers of all time.

Please be sure to find our specials on those we lost in politics and the media as well as in sports.]]>1056falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2024-sports--63458795
We will remember some of the biggest legends in baseball history, including the man many believe is the greatest ball player of all time, another all-time great whose off the field problems got him banned from the game, and the greatest leadoff man ever.

We'll also look at the legacy of an NBA player so great that he's literally the logo of the league and excelled on the court and in the front office. We'll also pay tribute to one of the greatest college players of all time and one of the best defenders.

In football, we'll highlight the running back who was larger than life until he was charged with murder.

All those and many other greats will be remembered in this special segment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63458795Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:15:07 +0000Radio AmericaOur look back at the famous names and figures who passed away in 2024 continues. We started with politics and the media and our remembrances of legends in entertainment is still to come. But now, we turn to the world of sports. We will remember some...
We will remember some of the biggest legends in baseball history, including the man many believe is the greatest ball player of all time, another all-time great whose off the field problems got him banned from the game, and the greatest leadoff man ever.

We'll also look at the legacy of an NBA player so great that he's literally the logo of the league and excelled on the court and in the front office. We'll also pay tribute to one of the greatest college players of all time and one of the best defenders.

In football, we'll highlight the running back who was larger than life until he was charged with murder.

All those and many other greats will be remembered in this special segment.]]>921baseball,basketball,deaths,football,sportsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2024-politics-media--63458775
In this edition, we remember a senator who came within a whisker of becoming Vice President of the United States, several long-serving senators, a key Cold War ally, and a lot of bad guys who died.


We'll also look back at the lives of key figures in the media, from a talk show pioneer to a respected evening news anchor to a longtime Sunday morning host and more.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63458775Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:00:09 +0000Radio AmericaAs we near the end of 2024, we pause to remember the famous names and faces who left us this year. In this first segment, we focus on the arenas of politics and media. Please find our other remembrances of those who passed away in sports and...
In this edition, we remember a senator who came within a whisker of becoming Vice President of the United States, several long-serving senators, a key Cold War ally, and a lot of bad guys who died.


We'll also look back at the lives of key figures in the media, from a talk show pioneer to a respected evening news anchor to a longtime Sunday morning host and more.
]]>5592024,deaths,media,news,politics,senatorsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2023-film-television-music--58102425
In this podcast, we'll remember music legends from Tony Bennett to Tina Turner to Jimmy Buffett and many other singers many will remember well. We'll also look back at the work of one of television's most influential producers. Plus, we'll highlight actors and actresses from Suzanne Somers to Matthew Perry and so many more.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and media and business and our tribute to the sports figures who passed away this year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58102425Sat, 23 Dec 2023 17:10:02 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, we've bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers. From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they've departed. In this podcast, we'll remember...
In this podcast, we'll remember music legends from Tony Bennett to Tina Turner to Jimmy Buffett and many other singers many will remember well. We'll also look back at the work of one of television's most influential producers. Plus, we'll highlight actors and actresses from Suzanne Somers to Matthew Perry and so many more.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and media and business and our tribute to the sports figures who passed away this year.]]>1038falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2023-sports--58102412
This year, we remember NFL legends whom many consider the greatest defensive and offensive players of all time in Dick Butkus and Jim Brown. We'll also remember the immensely successful college basketball coaches Bob Knight and Denny Crum. We'll also reflect on one of the best defensive baseball players in history and one of hockey's greatest scorers, not to mention two Olympic champions and many others.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and media and in the world of entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58102412Sat, 23 Dec 2023 17:05:01 +0000Radio AmericaAs we get ready for 2024, we take time to remember those famous names and faces who left us from all walks of life in 2023. In this segment, we will look back at prominent figures in sports who died this year. This year, we remember NFL legends whom...
This year, we remember NFL legends whom many consider the greatest defensive and offensive players of all time in Dick Butkus and Jim Brown. We'll also remember the immensely successful college basketball coaches Bob Knight and Denny Crum. We'll also reflect on one of the best defensive baseball players in history and one of hockey's greatest scorers, not to mention two Olympic champions and many others.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and media and in the world of entertainment.]]>667falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2023-heroes-politics-media--58102386
Our list includes three Apollo astronauts who bravely helped the U.S.achieve the once impossible dream of walking on the moon. We'll also remember a First Lady, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, prominent cabinet officials, and lawmakers. And we'll remember some of the media personalities who passed away this year.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our remembrances of these and others who died this year. And do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58102386Sat, 23 Dec 2023 17:00:02 +0000Radio AmericaAs we prepare to end 2023, it is time to reflect on the famous names, faces and personalities who left over the past year but will long be remembered. In this first section of our three-part series, we will remember key figures in politics and media,...
Our list includes three Apollo astronauts who bravely helped the U.S.achieve the once impossible dream of walking on the moon. We'll also remember a First Lady, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, prominent cabinet officials, and lawmakers. And we'll remember some of the media personalities who passed away this year.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our remembrances of these and others who died this year. And do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>787astronauts,borman,buckley,carter,kissinger,media,nasa,news,o'connor,politicsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2022-film-television-music--52267810
In this podcast, we'll remember an Oscar winner who changed Hollywood and America, the son of "The Godfather," television stars from every age, and legends from country and rock and roll.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and media and business and our tribute to the sports figures who passed away this year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52267810Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:13:45 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, we've bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers. From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they've departed. In this podcast, we'll remember an...
In this podcast, we'll remember an Oscar winner who changed Hollywood and America, the son of "The Godfather," television stars from every age, and legends from country and rock and roll.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and media and business and our tribute to the sports figures who passed away this year.]]>951caan,dow,entertainment,film,hollywood,inmemoriam2022,lewis,music,poitier,televisionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2022-sports--52267735
This list includes basketball's greatest winner, the hero of the Immaculate Reception, two hockey legends, and many more.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and media and in the world of entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52267735Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:06:03 +0000Radio AmericaAs we get ready for 2023, we take time to remember those famous names and faces who left us from all walks of life in 2022. In this segment, we will look back at prominent figures in sports who died this year. This list includes basketball's greatest...
This list includes basketball's greatest winner, the hero of the Immaculate Reception, two hockey legends, and many more.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and media and in the world of entertainment.]]>807bossy,franco,golf,inmemoriam2022,russell,sportsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2022-politics-media-heroes--52267679
Our list includes a pioneer in space exploration, presidential nominees, prominent political figures, famed media personalities and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52267679Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:57:08 +0000Radio AmericaAs we prepare to end 2022, it is time to reflect on the famous names, faces and personalities who left over the past year but will long be remembered. In this first section of our three-part series, we will remember key figures in politics and media,...
Our list includes a pioneer in space exploration, presidential nominees, prominent political figures, famed media personalities and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>7492022,gorbachev,heroes,media,military,passings,politics,queenelizabeth,scully,wwiifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2021-film-television-music--48042457
In this podcast, we look remember figures from the world of entertainment. We remember Hollywood legends, TV stars, and some of our favorite musicians.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics, media, and business and in sports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48042457Thu, 23 Dec 2021 23:01:40 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, we've bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers. From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they've departed. In this podcast, we look remember...
In this podcast, we look remember figures from the world of entertainment. We remember Hollywood legends, TV stars, and some of our favorite musicians.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics, media, and business and in sports.]]>6742021,deaths,entertainments,film,music,tvfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2021-sports--48042426
This list includes the man who surpassed Babe Ruth as baseball's all-time home run king, a legendary manager, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, one of the most dominant middleweight fighters of all time, two Indy car legends and many more.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics, media, and business and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48042426Thu, 23 Dec 2021 22:56:14 +0000Radio AmericaAs we prepare to close the books on 2021, we take time to remember those famous names and faces who left us from all walks of life. In this segment, we will look back at prominent figures in sports who died this year. This list includes the man who...
This list includes the man who surpassed Babe Ruth as baseball's all-time home run king, a legendary manager, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, one of the most dominant middleweight fighters of all time, two Indy car legends and many more.

Join us as we remember these legends. And please find our segments on those we lost in politics, media, and business and in entertainment.]]>4202021,aaron,bowden,deaths,hagler,lasorda,unserfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2021-politics-media-business--48042410
Our list includes a pioneer in space exploration, presidential nominees, prominent political figures, famed media personalities and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48042410Thu, 23 Dec 2021 22:50:02 +0000Radio America2021 was been a very difficult year for many American families. It also brought us the sad news of the deaths of many famous people. In this first section of our three-part series, we will remember key figures in politics, media, and business. Our...
Our list includes a pioneer in space exploration, presidential nominees, prominent political figures, famed media personalities and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in sports and in entertainment.]]>8032021,deaths,dole,limbaugh,media,mondale,politics,powell,spacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2020-film-television-music--42621753
In this podcast, we look back legends from the world of entertainment.  We remember Hollywood legends, beloved game show hosts, TV stars, a rock and roll pioneer, and several legends from country music. 

Join us for this remembrance.  And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and business and from media and sports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42621753Wed, 23 Dec 2020 01:56:58 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, we've bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers.  From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they've departed. In this podcast, we look back...
In this podcast, we look back legends from the world of entertainment.  We remember Hollywood legends, beloved game show hosts, TV stars, a rock and roll pioneer, and several legends from country music. 

Join us for this remembrance.  And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and business and from media and sports.]]>8012020,connery,deaths,douglas,film,kenny,music,regis,trebek,tvfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2020-sports--42621660
This list includes an NBA legend lost in a tragic accident, a powerful NBA commissioner, championship-winning college basketball coaches, the winningest coach in NFL history, several of baseball's greatest stars from years gone by, and a man who was once considered the world's greatest athlete.

Join us as we remember these legends.  And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and business and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42621660Wed, 23 Dec 2020 01:51:38 +0000Radio AmericaAs we prepare to close the books on 2020, we take time to remember those famous names and faces who left us from all walks of life.  In this segment, we will look back at prominent figures in sports who died this year. This list includes an NBA...
This list includes an NBA legend lost in a tragic accident, a powerful NBA commissioner, championship-winning college basketball coaches, the winningest coach in NFL history, several of baseball's greatest stars from years gone by, and a man who was once considered the world's greatest athlete.

Join us as we remember these legends.  And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and business and in entertainment.]]>7642020,deaths,gibson,hornung,kobe,rafer,seaver,shula,sports,whiteyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2020-politics-media-business--42621626
Our list includes pioneers in flight and space exploration, a Supreme Court justice, several prominent lawmakers, news media legends and many more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in media and sports and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42621626Wed, 23 Dec 2020 01:44:50 +0000Radio America2020 has been a very difficult year for so many American families. It also brought us the sad news of the deaths of many famous people. In this first section of our three-part series, we will remember key figures in politics and business. Our list...
Our list includes pioneers in flight and space exploration, a Supreme Court justice, several prominent lawmakers, news media legends and many more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in media and sports and in entertainment.]]>6262020,business,deaths,media,politics,rbg,yeagerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-denies-chinese-claims-in-south-china-sea--39804221https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39804221Thu, 16 Jul 2020 23:52:23 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. is now directly denying illegal Chinese maritime claims in the South China Sea.44china,sea,south,usfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/celebrity-accounts-breached-in-massive-twitter-hack--39804222https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39804222Thu, 16 Jul 2020 23:51:19 +0000Radio AmericaThe accounts of several business, political, and entertainment celebrities were breached in a massive Twitter hack yesterday.57hack,twitterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/britain-bans-huawei-from-5g-network--39766619https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39766619Tue, 14 Jul 2020 22:36:45 +0000Radio AmericaBritain joins the US and Australia in banning Huawei technology from its 5G network.535g,banned,britain,england,great,huaweifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-executes-cia-spy--39766620https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39766620Tue, 14 Jul 2020 22:34:59 +0000Radio AmericaIran announced that it hanged a former Iranian defense ministry employee accused of selling rocket secrets to the CIA.46cia,executed,iran,rockets,spyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/navy-still-battling-ship-fire--39527698https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39527698Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:08:18 +0000Radio AmericaNavy and San Diego fire crews are still battling the blaze aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard59fire,navyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/body-of-seoul-mayor-found--38338409https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38338409Fri, 10 Jul 2020 14:59:55 +0000Radio AmericaThe body of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was found after he was reported missing yesterday.40found,mayor,missing,seoulfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/britain-resumes-saudi-arms-sales--38150743https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38150743Thu, 09 Jul 2020 20:04:54 +0000Radio AmericaThe UK has resumed arms sales to the Saudi government after a humanitarian investigation.38arabia,arms,deal,saudi,uk,yemenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beijing-begins-hong-kong-book-burning--38027530https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38027530Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:42:39 +0000Radio AmericaBeijing has ordered the review of all books contained in Hong Kong schools and libraries in order to remove banned materials.56falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/harvard-and-mit-sue-over-ice-order--38027529https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38027529Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:41:25 +0000Radio AmericaHarvard and MIT are suing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security over an order that would force foreign students to leave the country if they are taking classes entirely online.48foreign,harvard,ice,lawsuit,mit,students,visasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tech-firms-review-new-chinese-data-law--37210781https://api.spreaker.com/episode/37210781Tue, 07 Jul 2020 17:01:49 +0000Radio AmericaFacebook, Google, Twitter and others are pausing compliance with Chinese data requests in order to review a new Chinese data. Radio America's Nick Treglia has the details.49apple,china,facebook,google,hong,kong,law,tech,twitterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-considering-ban-on-tiktok--37210782https://api.spreaker.com/episode/37210782Tue, 07 Jul 2020 16:59:55 +0000Radio AmericaSecretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the U.S. is considering banning Chinese social media apps, such as TikTok. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.36ban,china,pompeo,tiktokfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dead-americans-receive-1-4-billion-in-stimulus-checks--33313962https://api.spreaker.com/episode/33313962Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:17:51 +0000Radio AmericaResearch from the Government Accountability Office shows that over one million deceased Americans received Coronavirus stimulus checks.40accountability,checks,coronavirus,department,government,irs,office,stimulus,treasuryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biden-charity-spending-under-scrutiny--33313961https://api.spreaker.com/episode/33313961Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:15:38 +0000Radio AmericaThe Biden Cancer Initiative is accused of giving top officials lavish salaries instead of focusing on cancer research. Radio America's Nick Treglia reports.54biden,cancer,charity,initiativefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fcc-shuts-down-chinese-propaganda-radio-station--32709711https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32709711Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:17:57 +0000Radio AmericaThe FCC ruled that a radio station must cease operation after discovering it was broadcasting Chinese propaganda into the US. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.54china,fcc,phoenix,propaganda,radio,tvfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/australia-victim-of-foreign-cyber-attack--32520021https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32520021Mon, 22 Jun 2020 21:56:02 +0000Radio AmericaThe Australian government announced that it was the victim of a major foreign cyber attack, Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.46australia,china,cyberattack,hackfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/supreme-court-saves-daca--31757495
Also known as DACA, the program was created through an executive order from President Obama in 2012 to give legal status to people in the country illegally after coming here as children.

Supporters of the Trump policy were stunned at the court rejecting the president's ability to terminate one executive order with one of his own.

So how should the court's decision be interpreted? Why did the majority rule against the administration? And is the court deliberately deferring decisions on hot-button issues?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31757495Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:27:25 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration did not give a sufficient explanation for wanting to end the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program. Also known as DACA, the program was created through an executive order from...
Also known as DACA, the program was created through an executive order from President Obama in 2012 to give legal status to people in the country illegally after coming here as children.

Supporters of the Trump policy were stunned at the court rejecting the president's ability to terminate one executive order with one of his own.

So how should the court's decision be interpreted? Why did the majority rule against the administration? And is the court deliberately deferring decisions on hot-button issues?]]>771immigration,news,obama,roberts,scotus,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/malicious-google-chrome-extensions-removed--31748013https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31748013Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:48:05 +0000Radio AmericaGoogle has removed over 70 malicious extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.40chrome,google,malware,removed,spywarefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/understanding-the-current-war-on-history--31534153
Demonstrators are once again actively trying to take down monuments to Confederate figures but it doesn't stop there. Vandals have also targeted statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and even Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.

Is this just about removing monuments to people that activists believe are unworthy of the honor or is this there a much deeper and more troubling rationale for removing these historical markers from the public square? Where else have we seen such efforts in history? And how do those wanting to defend and present the real history of the United States fight back?

We ask these questions and more to Jarrett Stepman, reporter for The Daily Signal and author of "The War on History."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31534153Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:04:18 +0000Radio AmericaProtests over the police-involved killing of George Floyd have branched into multiple efforts aimed at societal change, including the dismantling of statues, monuments, and memorials. Demonstrators are once again actively trying to take down...
Demonstrators are once again actively trying to take down monuments to Confederate figures but it doesn't stop there. Vandals have also targeted statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and even Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.

Is this just about removing monuments to people that activists believe are unworthy of the honor or is this there a much deeper and more troubling rationale for removing these historical markers from the public square? Where else have we seen such efforts in history? And how do those wanting to defend and present the real history of the United States fight back?

We ask these questions and more to Jarrett Stepman, reporter for The Daily Signal and author of "The War on History."]]>903history,monuments,news,statues,zinnfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/supreme-court-amends-civil-rights-act--31533975
In the majority opinion for the 6-3 ruling, Justice Neil Gorsuch concluded that the court was required to interpret the Civil Right Act in the broadest terms possible.  Dissenting justices argued the authors of 56-year-old legislation were clearly not referring to sexual orientation and gender identity when drafting the law.

So did the majority exercise their role properly or did they engage in overt judicial activism? What should legal conservatives make of Justice Gorsuch's role in the case?  And what impact will this ruling have on society?

We ask these questions and more to Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31533975Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:56:13 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act affords protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In the majority opinion for the 6-3 ruling, Justice Neil Gorsuch concluded that the court...
In the majority opinion for the 6-3 ruling, Justice Neil Gorsuch concluded that the court was required to interpret the Civil Right Act in the broadest terms possible.  Dissenting justices argued the authors of 56-year-old legislation were clearly not referring to sexual orientation and gender identity when drafting the law.

So did the majority exercise their role properly or did they engage in overt judicial activism? What should legal conservatives make of Justice Gorsuch's role in the case?  And what impact will this ruling have on society?

We ask these questions and more to Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver.]]>702gorsuch,lgbt,neil,news,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nypd-officers-not-intentionally-poisoned--31456891https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31456891Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:29:53 +0000Radio AmericaAn investigation concluded that Shake Shack workers did not intentionally poison three NYPD officers. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.30nypd,poison,shack,shakefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/india-china-border-dispute-turns-violent--31273171https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31273171Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:39:37 +0000Radio AmericaA standoff between Indian and Chinese forces led to a deadly altercation last night. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more50border,china,conflict,dispute,india,pla,standofffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/russians-sentence-american-to-16-years--30990581https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30990581Mon, 15 Jun 2020 22:07:21 +0000Radio AmericaThe Russian government sentenced American Paul Whelan to sixteen years in prison. Radio America's Nick Treglia has more.52american,putin,russia,sentencing,whelanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-conservative-leader-talks-floyd-violence-solutions--30055106https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30055106Tue, 09 Jun 2020 20:11:17 +0000Radio AmericaAcclaimed radio host and Project 21 Co-Chair Stacy Washington joins Greg Corombos to discuss how a nearly unified nation demanding justice for George Floyd became bitterly divided almost overnight, what role the media is playing in the divisiveness,...1029black,conservatives,floyd,news,riots,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-vows-action-if-minnesota-violence-continues--28662893https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28662893Fri, 29 May 2020 21:03:51 +0000Radio AmericaAfter another destructive night of protests in Minneapolis in response to the police-involved death of George Floyd, President Trump is promising to restore order if Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey doesn't do it first. Radio America's Nick Treglia reports.51floyd,minnesota,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-is-the-end-of-hong-kong--28000233
"This is the end of Hong Kong," said Hong Kong legislator Dennis Kwok. 

"This is the end of one country, two systems.  Make no mistake about it, that Beijing, the Central People's Government, has completely breached its promise to the Hong Kong people," added Kwok.

What exactly is China doing and why is it doing it now and what will happen to the thriving business and relative freedoms in Hong Kong if this happens? We ask China expert Gordon G. Chang.

In this podcast, we'll also ask Chang what the U.S. can do in response and why so many political and media figures keep defending China despite its repression of freedom in Hong Kong and its obvious deception about the origins of the coronavirus.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28000233Thu, 21 May 2020 22:06:31 +0000Radio AmericaChina's ceremonial parliament will soon act to pass "national security" legislation that will bypass the Hong Kong legislature impose major restrictions on protesters there. "This is the end of Hong Kong," said Hong Kong legislator Dennis Kwok. ...
"This is the end of Hong Kong," said Hong Kong legislator Dennis Kwok. 

"This is the end of one country, two systems.  Make no mistake about it, that Beijing, the Central People's Government, has completely breached its promise to the Hong Kong people," added Kwok.

What exactly is China doing and why is it doing it now and what will happen to the thriving business and relative freedoms in Hong Kong if this happens? We ask China expert Gordon G. Chang.

In this podcast, we'll also ask Chang what the U.S. can do in response and why so many political and media figures keep defending China despite its repression of freedom in Hong Kong and its obvious deception about the origins of the coronavirus.]]>628china,coronavirus,freedom,hong,kong,mediafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/torrential-rains-trigger-michigan-flooding--27910629https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27910629Wed, 20 May 2020 22:15:00 +0000Radio AmericaMore than 10,000 Michigan residents were evacuated after heavy rains and swollen rivers were too much for two dams in the Midland, Michigan, area. Radio America's Claire Alfree has the story.59flooding,michigan,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pelosi-s-relief-bill-vital-aid-or-fleecing-taxpayers--27306123
One trillion of that is designated as financial assistance for cash-strapped states and localities, but is taxpayer money the best way to deal with this challenge?

Openthebooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski joins us to explain why he thinks Pelosi has the wrong idea and he uses Illinois as just one example of the states that were in a fiscal mess even before the virus hit.

Andrzejewski also details how a number of ostensibly charitable hospitals are just sitting on many billions of dollars in endowments but instead of using that money to respond to the crisis, they are taking money from taxpayers...and so are the wealthiest colleges and universities.

Finally, Andrzejewski discusses the mushrooming debt brought on by trillions in emergency spending, what the impact of that will be, and whether fiscal discipline still has a pulse in Washington.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27306123Thu, 14 May 2020 17:00:04 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a new coronavirus relief bill with the eye-popping price tag of nearly $3 trillion. One trillion of that is designated as financial assistance for cash-strapped states and localities, but is taxpayer...
One trillion of that is designated as financial assistance for cash-strapped states and localities, but is taxpayer money the best way to deal with this challenge?

Openthebooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski joins us to explain why he thinks Pelosi has the wrong idea and he uses Illinois as just one example of the states that were in a fiscal mess even before the virus hit.

Andrzejewski also details how a number of ostensibly charitable hospitals are just sitting on many billions of dollars in endowments but instead of using that money to respond to the crisis, they are taking money from taxpayers...and so are the wealthiest colleges and universities.

Finally, Andrzejewski discusses the mushrooming debt brought on by trillions in emergency spending, what the impact of that will be, and whether fiscal discipline still has a pulse in Washington.]]>718coronavirus,debt,endowments,hospitals,news,pelosi,relief,states,stimulus,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/heavy-handed-government-mccarthy-talks-flynn-case-covid-cops--26879944
In a statement, the DOJ said the January 2017 interview was "untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn” and that the interview was “conducted without any legitimate investigative basis" and that it was dropping the case "after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information."

So how did this case move from a Flynn guilty plea to the Justice Department wanting to dump the matter?  Was Flynn the victim of a very shoddy process or are other lawyers right that the FBI used standard tactics in speaking with Flynn?

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Andrew C. McCarthy says the FBI conduct towards Flynn was highly improper and amounted to little more than an effort to get him to lie without any underlying criminal predicate.

McCarthy and Radio America's Greg Corombos also discuss whether most Americans will see this as a decision made on the facts and the law or through their partisan lenses.

In addition, McCarthy discusses Ventura County, California, officials announcing that COVID-infected patients may be forced to leave their homes if others in the residence test negative and there is only one bathroom.  Is that constitutional?  And what does it say about how governments are responding to this crisis?

Don't miss McCarthy's insights on these two critical issues.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26879944Thu, 07 May 2020 21:39:41 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, the Justice Department announced it's desire to drop the case against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, a move that does not come as much of a surprise following last week's revelation that FBI agents went to interview him...
In a statement, the DOJ said the January 2017 interview was "untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn” and that the interview was “conducted without any legitimate investigative basis" and that it was dropping the case "after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information."

So how did this case move from a Flynn guilty plea to the Justice Department wanting to dump the matter?  Was Flynn the victim of a very shoddy process or are other lawyers right that the FBI used standard tactics in speaking with Flynn?

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Andrew C. McCarthy says the FBI conduct towards Flynn was highly improper and amounted to little more than an effort to get him to lie without any underlying criminal predicate.

McCarthy and Radio America's Greg Corombos also discuss whether most Americans will see this as a decision made on the facts and the law or through their partisan lenses.

In addition, McCarthy discusses Ventura County, California, officials announcing that COVID-infected patients may be forced to leave their homes if others in the residence test negative and there is only one bathroom.  Is that constitutional?  And what does it say about how governments are responding to this crisis?

Don't miss McCarthy's insights on these two critical issues.]]>978barr,bill,covid-19,doj,fbi,flynn,news,venturafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wake-up-call-for-americans--26852298
In recent days, police in Texas brought out an MRAP and deployed a SWAT team after a bar owner defied the governor's order to stay closed and recruited some armed citizens to help her. NYPD officers were filmed tackling social distancing violators to the sidewalk. Multiple parents have been arrested for playing with their kids in closed parks.

Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead says the lockdown orders and how they are being enforced ought to be a wake-up call for all Americans that our first, fourth, and fifth amendment rights.

Whitehead explain why he thinks we're moving uncomfortably close to martial law in parts of the country and that heavy-handed police tactics are now used to stop people from doing anything the government doesn't like, regardless of whether it's constitutional.

Whitehead also details what role he believes police should be playing in our communities and what citizens can do to improve things.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26852298Wed, 06 May 2020 22:03:08 +0000Radio AmericaAs the coronavirus restriction ease faster in some places than others, stories are emerging of disturbing confrontations between police and the public. In recent days, police in Texas brought out an MRAP and deployed a SWAT team after a bar owner...
In recent days, police in Texas brought out an MRAP and deployed a SWAT team after a bar owner defied the governor's order to stay closed and recruited some armed citizens to help her. NYPD officers were filmed tackling social distancing violators to the sidewalk. Multiple parents have been arrested for playing with their kids in closed parks.

Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead says the lockdown orders and how they are being enforced ought to be a wake-up call for all Americans that our first, fourth, and fifth amendment rights.

Whitehead explain why he thinks we're moving uncomfortably close to martial law in parts of the country and that heavy-handed police tactics are now used to stop people from doing anything the government doesn't like, regardless of whether it's constitutional.

Whitehead also details what role he believes police should be playing in our communities and what citizens can do to improve things.]]>633business,constitution,coronavirus,news,police,restrictionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-deputy-national-security-adviser-they-were-trying-to-blackmail-me--26453640
The news comes as no surprise to K.T. McFarland, who served as deputy national security adviser under Flynn, who says federal agents were looking to pin a crime on Flynn and President Trump where there was none  The FBI also put the heat on McFarland to give up information it could use to incriminate Flynn or Trump.

In an interview, with Radio America's Greg Corombos, McFarland says the FBI set a perjury trap for Flynn and she knows what one looks like because they tried to set one for her too.

"They were trying to blackmail Gen. Flynn. They were trying to blackmail me to either admit guilt to crimes we did not commit or to implicate others.  In my case, it was to implicate Flynn or to implicate President Trump in crimes I didn't think they had committed," said McFarland.

She says the FBI tried to nab her in a perjury trap.  And how does a perjury trap work?

"They control all your files, all your text messages, phone logs, emails. They have them. You don't have them. They have them and they let you see a little bit here and a little bit there and then they quiz you on it.

"If you make any kind of mistake, you get the wrong date, you say, 'I think that was Tuesday night' and it was really Wednesday morning, then they can jump and say, 'Well, you should have known that. We think you're lying. Therefore, you're committing perjury," said McFarland.

Listen to the full podcast to hear the two reasons the FBI and intelligence community wanted Flynn out of the White House, what crimes the FBI wanted McFarland and others to point them too, and what needs to happen to make sure these sorts of tactics don't happen again.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26453640Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:35:42 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, handwritten notes concerning Trump National Security Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn revealed FBI agents were approaching their January 2017 interview with Flynn for the purposes of trying to prosecute him or get him fired. The news comes as...
The news comes as no surprise to K.T. McFarland, who served as deputy national security adviser under Flynn, who says federal agents were looking to pin a crime on Flynn and President Trump where there was none  The FBI also put the heat on McFarland to give up information it could use to incriminate Flynn or Trump.

In an interview, with Radio America's Greg Corombos, McFarland says the FBI set a perjury trap for Flynn and she knows what one looks like because they tried to set one for her too.

"They were trying to blackmail Gen. Flynn. They were trying to blackmail me to either admit guilt to crimes we did not commit or to implicate others.  In my case, it was to implicate Flynn or to implicate President Trump in crimes I didn't think they had committed," said McFarland.

She says the FBI tried to nab her in a perjury trap.  And how does a perjury trap work?

"They control all your files, all your text messages, phone logs, emails. They have them. You don't have them. They have them and they let you see a little bit here and a little bit there and then they quiz you on it.

"If you make any kind of mistake, you get the wrong date, you say, 'I think that was Tuesday night' and it was really Wednesday morning, then they can jump and say, 'Well, you should have known that. We think you're lying. Therefore, you're committing perjury," said McFarland.

Listen to the full podcast to hear the two reasons the FBI and intelligence community wanted Flynn out of the White House, what crimes the FBI wanted McFarland and others to point them too, and what needs to happen to make sure these sorts of tactics don't happen again.]]>1071fbi,flynn,intelligence,news,perjury,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/double-standards-comparing-media-coverage-of-biden-kavanaugh-allegations--26386106
This approach from the media looks a lot different than the feeding frenzy that took place in September 2018, when the media went rifling through Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's past after Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her in the early 1980's. 

Even with Ford unable to name the location or the year of her alleged assault and none of the supposed witnesses backing up her story, the media waged a relentless effort to find a pattern of such conduct by Kavanaugh - even giving credence to assertions that he was a gang rapist.

So what are we learning about the media and some politicians who seem to have very different standards for such accusations, depending upon the circumstances?  And what is the responsible way for the media to approach any story like this?

We get answers from Judicial Crisis Network President Carrie Severino, co-author of the #1 bestseller "Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Court."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26386106Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:45:42 +0000Radio AmericaFive weeks ago, Tara Reade, a former Senate staffer for Joe Biden, accused the likely Democratic presidential nominee of a 1993 sexual assault.  Despite the emergence of information that seems to provide some corroboration for the charge, no Biden...
This approach from the media looks a lot different than the feeding frenzy that took place in September 2018, when the media went rifling through Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's past after Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her in the early 1980's. 

Even with Ford unable to name the location or the year of her alleged assault and none of the supposed witnesses backing up her story, the media waged a relentless effort to find a pattern of such conduct by Kavanaugh - even giving credence to assertions that he was a gang rapist.

So what are we learning about the media and some politicians who seem to have very different standards for such accusations, depending upon the circumstances?  And what is the responsible way for the media to approach any story like this?

We get answers from Judicial Crisis Network President Carrie Severino, co-author of the #1 bestseller "Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Court."]]>659accusations,biden,ford,kavanaugh,media,news,readefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-coronavirus-modeling-tells-us-about-the-climate-debate--26229772
Christopher C. Horner served on President Trump's landing team at the Environmental Protection Agency during the presidential transition in late 2016 and early 2017.  Hormer also spent 20 years at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and is now an attorney and board member at Government Accountability and Oversight.

Horner says models have two areas ripe for intentional or unintentional manipulation - the assumptions built into the models and the quality of the data fed into them.

"If you want carbon dioxide to be a control knob, then you build that into your model.  That's an assumption.  And you can have other assumptions about the impact of clouds as you believe it to be or sun.

"Even the UN says, 'Well, we don't quite know the sun's impact on climate.'  So, maybe come back to me when you do.  That seems like a big one," said Horner.

Horner says the rapidly fluctuating coronavirus infection and death projections even while consistently assuming social distancing and other mitigation efforts shows climate models are anything but predictive for decades or centuries from now.

In this podcast interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Horner explains how the coronavirus response is a red flag for those considering dramatic economic action on the climate but he also explains how the two issues are different in very significant ways - and that climate models even admit their sweeping proposals wouldn't accomplish anything.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26229772Mon, 27 Apr 2020 21:49:12 +0000Radio AmericaMany different models of coronavirus infections and deaths are constantly in the news, and one promiment voice in the debate says the speed with which the models change gives us a very good look at the flaws in climate modeling and the "extreme"...
Christopher C. Horner served on President Trump's landing team at the Environmental Protection Agency during the presidential transition in late 2016 and early 2017.  Hormer also spent 20 years at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and is now an attorney and board member at Government Accountability and Oversight.

Horner says models have two areas ripe for intentional or unintentional manipulation - the assumptions built into the models and the quality of the data fed into them.

"If you want carbon dioxide to be a control knob, then you build that into your model.  That's an assumption.  And you can have other assumptions about the impact of clouds as you believe it to be or sun.

"Even the UN says, 'Well, we don't quite know the sun's impact on climate.'  So, maybe come back to me when you do.  That seems like a big one," said Horner.

Horner says the rapidly fluctuating coronavirus infection and death projections even while consistently assuming social distancing and other mitigation efforts shows climate models are anything but predictive for decades or centuries from now.

In this podcast interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Horner explains how the coronavirus response is a red flag for those considering dramatic economic action on the climate but he also explains how the two issues are different in very significant ways - and that climate models even admit their sweeping proposals wouldn't accomplish anything.]]>821assumptions,climate,coronavirus,economy,modeling,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-will-be-the-economic-toll-from-covid-19--25975945
What are the short-term and long-term economic impacts of this hemorrhaging of jobs, productivity, and revenue?  How much has the Paycheck Protection Program helped? And how aggressively can our economy re-engage when we're already hearing some schools may not be opening in the fall and the Centers for Disease Control believes the coronavirus could be worse in the coming winter than it is now?

Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Illinois, and formerly served as chief economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress.  He walks us through these difficult questions, explains the indicators for and against a rise in inflation, and sizes up the recent volatility in the oil markets.

Don't miss this critical conversation on the state of our economy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25975945Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:20:21 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, the Department of Labor reported more than 4.4 million jobs lost in the past week.  Over the past five weeks, 26.4 million people have filed first-time jobless claims.   What are the short-term and long-term economic impacts of this...
What are the short-term and long-term economic impacts of this hemorrhaging of jobs, productivity, and revenue?  How much has the Paycheck Protection Program helped? And how aggressively can our economy re-engage when we're already hearing some schools may not be opening in the fall and the Centers for Disease Control believes the coronavirus could be worse in the coming winter than it is now?

Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Illinois, and formerly served as chief economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress.  He walks us through these difficult questions, explains the indicators for and against a rise in inflation, and sizes up the recent volatility in the oil markets.

Don't miss this critical conversation on the state of our economy.]]>917coronavirus,economy,inflation,jobs,news,oil,revenuefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chang-talks-korean-kim-confusion-chinese-coronavirus-tactics--25918974
China and North Korea expert Gordon G. Chang is not so sure.  In a conversation with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Chang says Kim's absence at major events last week raises serious red flags and explains why it might take awhile before North Korea would ever confirm Kim's death or incapacitation.

China's veracity is clearly under a lot of scrutiny these days, but most foreign policy experts see no reason to doubt the South Korean denials of Kim's dire health.  Chang disagrees and tells us why South Korea's aggressive public relations efforts actually raise more doubts in his mind.

Chang and Corombos then discuss what succession looks like in North Korea, how the U.S. would approach a change at the head of a nuclear nation and more.  They also discuss ways China is seeking to exploit the worldwide concerns over the coronavirus.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25918974Wed, 22 Apr 2020 20:49:24 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this week, CNN and NBC News both reported that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un was in grave condition and possibly even brain dead.  That reporting was soon denied by China and South Korea and the world largely accepted that this was a false...
China and North Korea expert Gordon G. Chang is not so sure.  In a conversation with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Chang says Kim's absence at major events last week raises serious red flags and explains why it might take awhile before North Korea would ever confirm Kim's death or incapacitation.

China's veracity is clearly under a lot of scrutiny these days, but most foreign policy experts see no reason to doubt the South Korean denials of Kim's dire health.  Chang disagrees and tells us why South Korea's aggressive public relations efforts actually raise more doubts in his mind.

Chang and Corombos then discuss what succession looks like in North Korea, how the U.S. would approach a change at the head of a nuclear nation and more.  They also discuss ways China is seeking to exploit the worldwide concerns over the coronavirus.]]>613chang,china,coronavirus,kim,korea,nuclearfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/supremes-demand-unanimous-verdicts-for-convictions--25814360
"Wherever we might look to determine what the term 'trial by an impartial jury trial' meant at the time of the Sixth Amendment’s adoption—whether it’s the common law, state practices in the founding era, or opinions and treatises written soon afterward—the answer is unmistakable," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in an opinion. "A jury must reach a unanimous verdict in order to convict."

So how did Louisiana and Oregon wind up with laws not requiring unanimous verdicts for convictions and why did three justices rule in favor of the existing laws?

We ask Andrew C. McCarthy, former chief assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. We also discuss the push to release prisoners in many parts of the country to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and the inexplicable surprise by some local officials when the freed inmates commit more crimes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25814360Mon, 20 Apr 2020 21:19:54 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Supreme Court Monday ruled that criminal jury verdicts must be unanimous to result in convictions, a decision addressing laws in Oregon and Louisiana that allowed convictions even with two jurors voting to acquit. "Wherever we might look to...
"Wherever we might look to determine what the term 'trial by an impartial jury trial' meant at the time of the Sixth Amendment’s adoption—whether it’s the common law, state practices in the founding era, or opinions and treatises written soon afterward—the answer is unmistakable," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in an opinion. "A jury must reach a unanimous verdict in order to convict."

So how did Louisiana and Oregon wind up with laws not requiring unanimous verdicts for convictions and why did three justices rule in favor of the existing laws?

We ask Andrew C. McCarthy, former chief assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. We also discuss the push to release prisoners in many parts of the country to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and the inexplicable surprise by some local officials when the freed inmates commit more crimes.]]>915coronavirus,gorsuch,juries,news,prisoners,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-vs-who-the-beauty-of-federalism--25655387
On Thursday, President Trump laid out his three-phase plan to restart the U.S. economy.  It provides criteria for starting the three phases all the way up to a fully re-engaged society.  It also leaves the opening and closing power with governors.

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner weighs in eloquently on both subjects.  Turner explains why the WHO must be confronted now and why we cannot wait until after the crisis has largely subsided.  She also details what the WHO could do right now to prove it's more than an apologist for China.

Turner also hails the plan to restart the economy, with special praise for the federalist approach of giving states the flexibility to make their own decisions on reopening.

Although she isn't expecting any changes in the traditional health policy debates, Turner says this newfound respect for states rights ought to be applied to our health care system as a whole.

"All the things that Washington loves to control by rules and regulations, we've seen the health sector actually functions better if we get those out of the way," said Turner, who says other aspects of the coronavirus response prove her point as well.

"When we have seen good responses to needs, we have seen the private sector stepping up: coming up with tests, producing supplies, turning automobile factories over to be able to produce ventilators.  Where we have seen failures, it's been in central controlled government programs," added Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear where Turner believes the government dropped the ball and more of her analysis on both of these key issues.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25655387Fri, 17 Apr 2020 21:46:30 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, President Trump temporarily defunding the World Health Organization over its failure to confront China over its deceptions or even do any work to confirm the information China was trying to spoon feed to the rest of the world.  On...
On Thursday, President Trump laid out his three-phase plan to restart the U.S. economy.  It provides criteria for starting the three phases all the way up to a fully re-engaged society.  It also leaves the opening and closing power with governors.

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner weighs in eloquently on both subjects.  Turner explains why the WHO must be confronted now and why we cannot wait until after the crisis has largely subsided.  She also details what the WHO could do right now to prove it's more than an apologist for China.

Turner also hails the plan to restart the economy, with special praise for the federalist approach of giving states the flexibility to make their own decisions on reopening.

Although she isn't expecting any changes in the traditional health policy debates, Turner says this newfound respect for states rights ought to be applied to our health care system as a whole.

"All the things that Washington loves to control by rules and regulations, we've seen the health sector actually functions better if we get those out of the way," said Turner, who says other aspects of the coronavirus response prove her point as well.

"When we have seen good responses to needs, we have seen the private sector stepping up: coming up with tests, producing supplies, turning automobile factories over to be able to produce ventilators.  Where we have seen failures, it's been in central controlled government programs," added Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear where Turner believes the government dropped the ball and more of her analysis on both of these key issues.]]>955coronavirus,covid,economy,federalism,health,trump,whofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-real-phyllis-schlafly-hollywood-vs-reality--25579248
Wednesday night, F/X and Hulu are teaming up to present "Mrs. America," a multi-part examination of the battle over the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970's and 1980's.  Unsurprisingly, the Hollywood story line is that the amendment was a good thing and Mrs. Schlafly was wrong to oppose it.

According to Schlafly's daughter Anne Schlafly Cori, "Mrs. America" gets her mother's hair and wardrobe exactly right but fails to capture her warmth and ability to inspire thousands of women.  It also badly mischaracterizes the Schlafly marriage.

In this podcast, Schlafly Cori explains why her mother jumped in to lead the fight against the ERA, what she thinks of efforts by Democrats to claim they've ratified the amendment long after the window of opportunity expired, and why she thinks the resurgence is all about abortion.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25579248Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:56:21 +0000Radio AmericaIn the 1970's the Equal Rights Amendment was on its way to swift ratification, when a woman named Phyllis Schlafly launched a grassroots effort to torpedo the amendment by showing women why they didn't want it. Wednesday night, F/X and Hulu are...
Wednesday night, F/X and Hulu are teaming up to present "Mrs. America," a multi-part examination of the battle over the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970's and 1980's.  Unsurprisingly, the Hollywood story line is that the amendment was a good thing and Mrs. Schlafly was wrong to oppose it.

According to Schlafly's daughter Anne Schlafly Cori, "Mrs. America" gets her mother's hair and wardrobe exactly right but fails to capture her warmth and ability to inspire thousands of women.  It also badly mischaracterizes the Schlafly marriage.

In this podcast, Schlafly Cori explains why her mother jumped in to lead the fight against the ERA, what she thinks of efforts by Democrats to claim they've ratified the amendment long after the window of opportunity expired, and why she thinks the resurgence is all about abortion.]]>463abortion,era,news,schlaflyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-virginia-s-new-gun-control-laws-make-citizens-less-safe--25502867
The new legislation requires universal background checks, limits citizens to one firearm purchase per month, established "red flag" laws allowing police to take firearms away from people alleged to be a threat to themselves or others, and gives localities the freedom to establish gun-free zones.

John Crump is Virginia State Director at Gun Owners of America.  In this podcast, he explains which of the new laws bother him the most, why universal background checks give the government information he believes they have no business having, and why he fears red flag laws will be highly abused to deny people their constitutional rights.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25502867Tue, 14 Apr 2020 21:48:17 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed several gun control bills into law, and while he did not get his prized "assault weapons" ban, gun rights groups say second amendment rights in the commonwealth are greatly weakened by these new laws. The...
The new legislation requires universal background checks, limits citizens to one firearm purchase per month, established "red flag" laws allowing police to take firearms away from people alleged to be a threat to themselves or others, and gives localities the freedom to establish gun-free zones.

John Crump is Virginia State Director at Gun Owners of America.  In this podcast, he explains which of the new laws bother him the most, why universal background checks give the government information he believes they have no business having, and why he fears red flag laws will be highly abused to deny people their constitutional rights.]]>490checks,guns,news,northam,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dangers-of-rushing-to-vote-by-mail--25249361
Many voting rights activists are now pushing hard for voting by mail to be an option for every voter come November, but some experts say that idea could lead to big problems with election integrity.

President Trump and others contend voting by mail - while available in every state - is more vulnerable to fraud than in-person voting.

Hans von Spakovsky served on the Federal Election Commission, on President Trump's commission on election integrity, and manages the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.  In this podcast, von Spakovsky explains why he thinks this push is premature, why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's approach to voting by mail would be an election integrity nightmare, and why voting by mail does open up the most opportunities for mischief.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25249361Fri, 10 Apr 2020 19:29:32 +0000Radio AmericaConcerns over the coronavirus have forced the postponement of several political primaries and Wisconsin recently served as the focal point of a bitter debate over in-person voting during a health crisis.  Many voting rights activists are now pushing...
Many voting rights activists are now pushing hard for voting by mail to be an option for every voter come November, but some experts say that idea could lead to big problems with election integrity.

President Trump and others contend voting by mail - while available in every state - is more vulnerable to fraud than in-person voting.

Hans von Spakovsky served on the Federal Election Commission, on President Trump's commission on election integrity, and manages the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.  In this podcast, von Spakovsky explains why he thinks this push is premature, why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's approach to voting by mail would be an election integrity nightmare, and why voting by mail does open up the most opportunities for mischief.]]>585covid-19,elections,mail,news,pelosifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-long-can-we-afford-to-keep-the-economy-shuttered--25168568
How much longer can our economy afford to be locked down?  How fast can it get up and running once it is restarted?  And what policies will be most helpful?

Dr. Gary Wolfram teaches political economy at Hillsdale College.  He addresses these questions, explains why strong government action is needed in a crisis like this, and why suggestions by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and others that we need to ban large gatherings for 12-18 months is simply unrealistic.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25168568Thu, 09 Apr 2020 21:37:56 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, the Labor Department announced 6.6 million people filed for first-time unemployment last week.  In the past three weeks, more than 16 million Americans lost their jobs. How much longer can our economy afford to be locked down?  How fast...
How much longer can our economy afford to be locked down?  How fast can it get up and running once it is restarted?  And what policies will be most helpful?

Dr. Gary Wolfram teaches political economy at Hillsdale College.  He addresses these questions, explains why strong government action is needed in a crisis like this, and why suggestions by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and others that we need to ban large gatherings for 12-18 months is simply unrealistic.]]>662covid-19,economy,jobs,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-pelosi-wants-a-special-coronavirus-committee--25059940https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25059940Wed, 08 Apr 2020 21:05:17 +0000Radio AmericaFormer federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy explains why he thinks the creation of a special, 9/11-style commission to investigate the federal response to the coronavirus threat is a bad idea right now and why these commissions rarely live up to the...452congress,coronavirus,investigations,news,pelosifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-s-horrific-coronavirus-response--24896863
Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.  He says the response to the virus has been nothing short of appalling.

According to Jafarzadeh, the regime denied the virus existed in the country for three weeks and kept flights to and from China at a robust pace. He says the mullahs and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps are stockpiling vital medical supplies. Instead of distributing them to the medical professionals or the public, they are giving preference to proxy groups in other countries and selling other materials to the highest bidders.  

He says there is no urgency in helping the public, only on how to maximize profits from the crisis.

"This is a regime that intervenes in the most personal aspects of the life of the citizen.  You can't even have a party in your own home," said Jafarzadeh. "Yet, when there is a crisis this big, the regime is nowhere to be found."

Listen to Jafarzadeh's full discussion with Radio America's Greg Corombos as he explains why sanctions relief is not necessary to help the people of Iran and why the demand for regime change will be greater than ever once this crisis is over.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24896863Mon, 06 Apr 2020 20:58:16 +0000Radio AmericaIran was one of the first nations afflicted with Coronavirus after it moved on from China, but the Iranian regime's callous indifference and calculated cruelty towards its own people could result in much bigger consequences than the virus might...
Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.  He says the response to the virus has been nothing short of appalling.

According to Jafarzadeh, the regime denied the virus existed in the country for three weeks and kept flights to and from China at a robust pace. He says the mullahs and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps are stockpiling vital medical supplies. Instead of distributing them to the medical professionals or the public, they are giving preference to proxy groups in other countries and selling other materials to the highest bidders.  

He says there is no urgency in helping the public, only on how to maximize profits from the crisis.

"This is a regime that intervenes in the most personal aspects of the life of the citizen.  You can't even have a party in your own home," said Jafarzadeh. "Yet, when there is a crisis this big, the regime is nowhere to be found."

Listen to Jafarzadeh's full discussion with Radio America's Greg Corombos as he explains why sanctions relief is not necessary to help the people of Iran and why the demand for regime change will be greater than ever once this crisis is over.]]>950china,covid-19,iran,irgc,news,rouhanifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-economy-how-bad-will-it-get-how-do-we-turn-it-around--24756611
With the nation effectively on pause at least through April, what will the economic toll be over the next few weeks and how quickly can those losses be reversed once we're past the crisis?

Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust Advisors and is a former chief economist for the Joint Economic of Congress. He explains where he thinks our economy is headed, how strong the relief bill from Congress is and what the big economic lessons ought to be from this crisis.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24756611Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:24:02 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, the Department of Labor reported more than 6.6 million people filed new jobless claims over the past week. Combined with the nearly 3.3 million from last week, more than 10 million people since our economy largely shut down due to the...
With the nation effectively on pause at least through April, what will the economic toll be over the next few weeks and how quickly can those losses be reversed once we're past the crisis?

Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust Advisors and is a former chief economist for the Joint Economic of Congress. He explains where he thinks our economy is headed, how strong the relief bill from Congress is and what the big economic lessons ought to be from this crisis.]]>795coronavirus,economy,jobs,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-price-should-china-pay--24722530
Is there any question China is lying?  What does it gain from these deceptions when the lies are so obvious?  What does the poor Chinese response to the virus tell us abut the regime in general?  And what should be the immediate and long-term U.S. responses for China needlessly endangering so many lives around the world?

We get answers from Gordon G. Chang, a China expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24722530Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:58:02 +0000Radio AmericaTime and time again, China lied about the severity of the coronavirus, how it started, and how many people died there.  Now, by all accounts, the communist rulers are lying about there being no new cases. Is there any question China is lying?  What...
Is there any question China is lying?  What does it gain from these deceptions when the lies are so obvious?  What does the poor Chinese response to the virus tell us abut the regime in general?  And what should be the immediate and long-term U.S. responses for China needlessly endangering so many lives around the world?

We get answers from Gordon G. Chang, a China expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."]]>480china,coronavirus,lies,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/assessing-the-coronavrus-response--24687535
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner addresses these questions and more in this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24687535Tue, 31 Mar 2020 21:18:17 +0000Radio AmericaThe debate over the federal response to the coronavirus threat has been raging for weeks but what goes into a response of this scope? How do the different agencies coordinate, how do the feds collaborate with the states, and how does the private...
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner addresses these questions and more in this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos.]]>671business,covid-19,government,news,response,statesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wasteful-spending-inside-the-coronavirus-relief-bill--24399388
For example, the legislation allots $250 million for the IRS, $350 for migration and refugee assistance, $75 million for NPR and PBS, $25 million for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and many others.

So how did this happen and what was happening behind the scenes even as the Senate floor debate was under way? How does House Speaker Nancy Pelosi justify these spending demands from the GOP-led Senate? And how should a fiscally conservative member approach a bill like this when other provisions need to be approved immediately?

We discuss these and other questions with Adam Andrzejewski, founder and CEO of OpentheBooks.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24399388Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:26:48 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Senate unanimously passed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package Wednesday night and the House is expected to follow suit as soon as Friday. But in addition to the critical relief for families and businesses is a lot of spending that...
For example, the legislation allots $250 million for the IRS, $350 for migration and refugee assistance, $75 million for NPR and PBS, $25 million for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and many others.

So how did this happen and what was happening behind the scenes even as the Senate floor debate was under way? How does House Speaker Nancy Pelosi justify these spending demands from the GOP-led Senate? And how should a fiscally conservative member approach a bill like this when other provisions need to be approved immediately?

We discuss these and other questions with Adam Andrzejewski, founder and CEO of OpentheBooks.com.]]>457coronavirus,debt,news,relief,senate,spendingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-protect-our-prescription-drug-supply-chain--24335787
Former FDA Associate Commissioner Peter Pitts says there is a way to induce much more domestic production of prescription drugs. In this interview with Greg Corombos, Pitts explains what the federal government would need to do to give drug makers the incentive to move production back home and the major infrastructure investment pharmaceuticals would need to make.

But Pitts also points out that domestic production is more expensive, so how does the tension between price and availability of drugs play out?

Pitts walks us through these key issues and explains the role of the FDA during the current crisis and what it ought to be doing once it is over.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24335787Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:19:32 +0000Radio AmericaThere's no crisis of prescription drug availability right now as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, but as supply chains suffer some disruptions and China threatens to withhold medications produced there by U.S. pharmaceuticals, how can we make sure there's...
Former FDA Associate Commissioner Peter Pitts says there is a way to induce much more domestic production of prescription drugs. In this interview with Greg Corombos, Pitts explains what the federal government would need to do to give drug makers the incentive to move production back home and the major infrastructure investment pharmaceuticals would need to make.

But Pitts also points out that domestic production is more expensive, so how does the tension between price and availability of drugs play out?

Pitts walks us through these key issues and explains the role of the FDA during the current crisis and what it ought to be doing once it is over.]]>460china,covid-19,drugs,fda,news,productionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-left-is-all-about-the-pursuit-of-power--24223274
On Monday, the GOP frustrations boiled over as details of the House bill emerged. Pelosi and her allies are looking to add many policy items to the bill that do not seem to have much relevance in the present circumstances.

For example, House Democrats want to greatly expand collective bargaining power for labor unions, implement parts of the Green New Deal, bail out the U.S. Postal Service, and enact national same-day voter registration.

"The left is all about the pursuit of power. They're doing a gun grab. They're coming after the free press. Free speech on campus is under assault. Religion is under assault," said former Virginia Rep. Dave Brat, who is now dean of the Liberty University School of Business.

"You couldn't copy the cookbook any better. The left is just pursuing power for its own sake," said Brat.

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Brat also discusses whether the economic damage inflicted by the coronavirus response could do greater damage than the virus itself. A longtime college economics professor, Brat also weighs in on whether economic relief would be more effective by focusing on helping businesses or putting money directly into the pocket of the American people.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24223274Mon, 23 Mar 2020 21:27:35 +0000Radio AmericaPartisan emotions are at a fevered pitch on Capitol Hill Monday, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House Democrats would draft their own bill, effectively derailing bipartisan legislation in the Senate. On Monday, the GOP frustrations...
On Monday, the GOP frustrations boiled over as details of the House bill emerged. Pelosi and her allies are looking to add many policy items to the bill that do not seem to have much relevance in the present circumstances.

For example, House Democrats want to greatly expand collective bargaining power for labor unions, implement parts of the Green New Deal, bail out the U.S. Postal Service, and enact national same-day voter registration.

"The left is all about the pursuit of power. They're doing a gun grab. They're coming after the free press. Free speech on campus is under assault. Religion is under assault," said former Virginia Rep. Dave Brat, who is now dean of the Liberty University School of Business.

"You couldn't copy the cookbook any better. The left is just pursuing power for its own sake," said Brat.

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Brat also discusses whether the economic damage inflicted by the coronavirus response could do greater damage than the virus itself. A longtime college economics professor, Brat also weighs in on whether economic relief would be more effective by focusing on helping businesses or putting money directly into the pocket of the American people.]]>648coronavirus,covid-19,democrats,news,pelosi,relief,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-next-for-the-energy-industry--23765228
So how dire is the financial condition for U.S. energy producers and what is the Trump administration considering to help these companies?

American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers details what's on the table and why he doesn't want any federal interference in the energy market. He also explains what government action would do some good and why the energy industry is built for the long haul.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23765228Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:01:33 +0000Radio AmericaCoronavirus fears are driving the massive Wall Street sell-off, but turmoil in the oil market is also contributing to the instability. Even with demand falling due to the virus, Saudi Arabia is increasing production in order to drive prices down....
So how dire is the financial condition for U.S. energy producers and what is the Trump administration considering to help these companies?

American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers details what's on the table and why he doesn't want any federal interference in the energy market. He also explains what government action would do some good and why the energy industry is built for the long haul.]]>465coronavirus,gas,natural,news,oil,saudis,shale,tariffs,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-markets-have-panicked--23726520
Concerns over coronavirus are attracting the most attention but upheaval in the oil market and record-low yields in the bond market also have investors jittery.

Wall Street hates uncertainty but a top economist says the wild fluctuations we've seen recently are a major overreaction.

"I just believe that the markets have panicked," said Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Illinois. He is also a former chief economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress.

"Our models suggest right now that investors...are pricing in a 50-80 percent drop in corporate profits in America. I think that's a panic. That's too much.

"That doesn't mean we can't go down from here, but it does mean that once this passes, we will snap back, I think, very quickly," said Wesbury, noting that all previous outbreaks ran out of steam when the weather turned warmer.

Wesbury does think the volatility could last until May or perhaps longer and that oil prices and the bond market add to the uncertainty.

But while acknowledging that plummeting oil prices are a nightmare for debt-ridden fracking companies, Wesbury explains why he thinks this could lead to a much more stable industry in the long run.

Finally, Wesbury tells Greg Corombos whether the government ought to intervene to ease the economic pain of the coronavirus or whether the markets should sort themselves out.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23726520Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:59:06 +0000Radio AmericaFor the past couple of weeks, Wall Street has looked like a roller coaster. And while there have been days of big gains, the Dow Jones has dropped more than 4,000 points as of Tuesday's close. Monday witnessed the worst losses since the 2008...
Concerns over coronavirus are attracting the most attention but upheaval in the oil market and record-low yields in the bond market also have investors jittery.

Wall Street hates uncertainty but a top economist says the wild fluctuations we've seen recently are a major overreaction.

"I just believe that the markets have panicked," said Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Illinois. He is also a former chief economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress.

"Our models suggest right now that investors...are pricing in a 50-80 percent drop in corporate profits in America. I think that's a panic. That's too much.

"That doesn't mean we can't go down from here, but it does mean that once this passes, we will snap back, I think, very quickly," said Wesbury, noting that all previous outbreaks ran out of steam when the weather turned warmer.

Wesbury does think the volatility could last until May or perhaps longer and that oil prices and the bond market add to the uncertainty.

But while acknowledging that plummeting oil prices are a nightmare for debt-ridden fracking companies, Wesbury explains why he thinks this could lead to a much more stable industry in the long run.

Finally, Wesbury tells Greg Corombos whether the government ought to intervene to ease the economic pain of the coronavirus or whether the markets should sort themselves out.]]>643bonds,coronavirus,economy,interest,oil,recession,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-economy-another-jump-in-jobs-coronavirus-impact-looms--23576071
On Friday, the Labor Department released the February jobs report, showing 273,000 new hires, nearly 100,000 more than Wall Street analysts anticipated.  Hiring was strong across most sectors and the unemployment rate once again dipped to a roughly 50-year low of 3.5 percent.

What is driving this continued hiring and economic growth?  Supporters of President Trump or his policies point to tax cuts and regulatory reductions as spurring business owners to add personnel or expand operations, but how exactly do those policies do that?

Heritage Foundation economist Joel Griffith shares those answers with Radio America's Greg Corombos.  Griffith also explains why the markets are wildly fluctuating in response to the coronavoirus threat, which policies make the most sense in response, and why the Federal Reserve was wrong to institute an unscheduled interest rate cut this week.

Listen here for the full podcast.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23576071Fri, 06 Mar 2020 22:26:33 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. economy keeps humming along, boosted on Friday by much stronger February job growth than expected, but with the markets in turmoil over the coronavirus, what will the economic impact be in the weeks and months to come? On Friday, the Labor...
On Friday, the Labor Department released the February jobs report, showing 273,000 new hires, nearly 100,000 more than Wall Street analysts anticipated.  Hiring was strong across most sectors and the unemployment rate once again dipped to a roughly 50-year low of 3.5 percent.

What is driving this continued hiring and economic growth?  Supporters of President Trump or his policies point to tax cuts and regulatory reductions as spurring business owners to add personnel or expand operations, but how exactly do those policies do that?

Heritage Foundation economist Joel Griffith shares those answers with Radio America's Greg Corombos.  Griffith also explains why the markets are wildly fluctuating in response to the coronavoirus threat, which policies make the most sense in response, and why the Federal Reserve was wrong to institute an unscheduled interest rate cut this week.

Listen here for the full podcast.]]>616coronavirus,economy,fed,jobs,news,regulations,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-israeli-elections--23441437
Incomplete returns show Netanyahu's Likud Party winning the most seats. When factoring coalition partners, Netanyahu is within a seat or two in the Israeli Knesset of being able to forge a new government, but getting those final few seats could be a major challenge.

Why is Israeli so divided politically? Why did Netanyahu do better in this election despite having formal corruption charges lodged against him? What are the pros and cons of Netanyahu's chief rival, Gen. Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party.

We discuss all of these questions with retired Israeli Brig. General Elihu Ben-Onn, who also offers his advice on how to avoid another exhausting campaign if Netanyahu cannot form a government in the days ahead.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23441437Tue, 03 Mar 2020 21:11:33 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, Israeli voters went to the polls for the third time in less than a year to determine it's political leadership. After two election results that failed to result in a winner, voters this time seem more favorable to keeping Prime Minister...
Incomplete returns show Netanyahu's Likud Party winning the most seats. When factoring coalition partners, Netanyahu is within a seat or two in the Israeli Knesset of being able to forge a new government, but getting those final few seats could be a major challenge.

Why is Israeli so divided politically? Why did Netanyahu do better in this election despite having formal corruption charges lodged against him? What are the pros and cons of Netanyahu's chief rival, Gen. Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party.

We discuss all of these questions with retired Israeli Brig. General Elihu Ben-Onn, who also offers his advice on how to avoid another exhausting campaign if Netanyahu cannot form a government in the days ahead.]]>665corruption,elections,gantz,israel,netanyahu,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-non-bernie-dems-are-rallying-around-biden--23404649
So why are so many prominent Democrats coalescing around Biden after one win and three disappointing finishes? The immediate answer involves a huge number of delegates at stake tomorrow on Super Tuesday. But why Biden?

For answers, we turn to former Clinton administration official Larry Haas. We also ask whether Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar dropped out of the race on their own accord or were pushed out.

Haas and Radio America's Greg Corombos also discuss President Obama refusing to join the parade of endorsements, Joe Biden's regular verbal gaffes, and how Bernie is likely to respond to Democrats uniting against him.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23404649Mon, 02 Mar 2020 21:58:39 +0000Radio AmericaJoe Biden scored a dominating win in Saturday's South Carolina primary. Less than 48 hours later, three rivals have dropped out and the endorsements are flooding in. So why are so many prominent Democrats coalescing around Biden after one win and...
So why are so many prominent Democrats coalescing around Biden after one win and three disappointing finishes? The immediate answer involves a huge number of delegates at stake tomorrow on Super Tuesday. But why Biden?

For answers, we turn to former Clinton administration official Larry Haas. We also ask whether Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar dropped out of the race on their own accord or were pushed out.

Haas and Radio America's Greg Corombos also discuss President Obama refusing to join the parade of endorsements, Joe Biden's regular verbal gaffes, and how Bernie is likely to respond to Democrats uniting against him.]]>863bernie,biden,buttigieg,klobuchar,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coronavirus-we-seem-to-be-in-a-panic-phase--23300068
But is coronavirus, or COVID-19, really a menace that could kill thousands of Americans?  Is the media egregiously overhyping the threat?  Or is the truth somewhere in the middle?

Dr. Roger Klein has advised a wide variety of government agencies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Department of Health and Human Services.  Also a former medical director of molecular oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Klein is now with the Regulatory Transparency Project's FDA and Health Working Group.  

In this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Dr. Klein walks us through how well the government has prepared for this threat, whether the media reports are responsible or hyperbolic, and he explains why China's response to COVID-19 seems so inadequate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23300068Fri, 28 Feb 2020 21:41:46 +0000Radio AmericaCoronavirus is making its way around the world.  It has government officials in the U.S. warning there might be disruptions in school calendars and work schedules due to its highly contagious nature.  Markets around the world spent most of the week in...
But is coronavirus, or COVID-19, really a menace that could kill thousands of Americans?  Is the media egregiously overhyping the threat?  Or is the truth somewhere in the middle?

Dr. Roger Klein has advised a wide variety of government agencies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Department of Health and Human Services.  Also a former medical director of molecular oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Klein is now with the Regulatory Transparency Project's FDA and Health Working Group.  

In this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Dr. Klein walks us through how well the government has prepared for this threat, whether the media reports are responsible or hyperbolic, and he explains why China's response to COVID-19 seems so inadequate.]]>502china,coronavirus,covid-19,government,media,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-should-we-expect-from-our-government-on-coronavirus--23262881
But as the Trump administration prepares to deal with the issue, what can we reasonably expect our government to do in a situation like this and what is beyond its control? How aggressive should it be in pressing China for accurate data? How tough is it for the feds to keep tabs on what 50 state government are doing? And how much responsibility lies with us as citizens?

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner addresses all of these questions with Greg Corombos and she also flatly rejects media suggestions that coronavirus is proof that we need government-run health care. In fact, she says it proves just the opposite.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23262881Thu, 27 Feb 2020 21:30:26 +0000Radio AmericaCoronavirus fears have the markets badly spooked and some Americans wondering how it may impact their daily lives in the weeks to come. But as the Trump administration prepares to deal with the issue, what can we reasonably expect our government to...
But as the Trump administration prepares to deal with the issue, what can we reasonably expect our government to do in a situation like this and what is beyond its control? How aggressive should it be in pressing China for accurate data? How tough is it for the feds to keep tabs on what 50 state government are doing? And how much responsibility lies with us as citizens?

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner addresses all of these questions with Greg Corombos and she also flatly rejects media suggestions that coronavirus is proof that we need government-run health care. In fact, she says it proves just the opposite.]]>707citizens,coronavirus,government,news,protocols,statesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pro-life-dems-plead-for-party-to-change--23223550
Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg have all indicated they are not interested in finding common ground with a group that makes up about 30 percent of the Democratic Party according to a recent Gallup survey. Amy Klobuchar says she welcomes them in the party but has not said where she would be willing to compromise.

Democrats for Life Executive Director Kristen Day says the party has lurched left on abortion over the past 20-30 years, shifting from wanting abortion to be safe, legal, and rare to advocating for abortions at any stage of pregnancy for any reason and wanting taxpayers to cover the bill.

Ms. Day gained notoriety for asking Buttigieg whether pro-life Democrats belonged in the party at an Iowa town hall earlier in the campaign season.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Day explains how she hopes to change hearts and minds among Democrats on abortion, what she thinks of Senate Democrats rejecting measures to ban most late term abortions or require care for babies who are born following an attempted abortion, and how she is approaching her vote in next week's Virginia primary.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23223550Wed, 26 Feb 2020 21:35:35 +0000Radio AmericaThe Democrats running for president disagree on quite a few things but all of them support Roe v. Wade and most seem to have little regard for pro-life members of their party. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg have all indicated...
Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg have all indicated they are not interested in finding common ground with a group that makes up about 30 percent of the Democratic Party according to a recent Gallup survey. Amy Klobuchar says she welcomes them in the party but has not said where she would be willing to compromise.

Democrats for Life Executive Director Kristen Day says the party has lurched left on abortion over the past 20-30 years, shifting from wanting abortion to be safe, legal, and rare to advocating for abortions at any stage of pregnancy for any reason and wanting taxpayers to cover the bill.

Ms. Day gained notoriety for asking Buttigieg whether pro-life Democrats belonged in the party at an Iowa town hall earlier in the campaign season.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Day explains how she hopes to change hearts and minds among Democrats on abortion, what she thinks of Senate Democrats rejecting measures to ban most late term abortions or require care for babies who are born following an attempted abortion, and how she is approaching her vote in next week's Virginia primary.]]>4482020,abortion,buttigieg,democrats,klobuchar,news,sanders,senate,warrenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/k-t-mcfarland-details-fbi-harassment-trump-revolution--23186579
Steeped in that traumatic experience, McFarland explains what it's like to be in the FBI cross hairs and how she avoided criminal charges while keeping her integrity.

McFarland also says her story is a small example of the massive battle raging between an increasingly powerful administrative state and the people through their elected leaders.

She takes us inside one of her first meetings at the National Security Council as staffers simply had no interest in shifting policy from the Obama era to pursue the Trump agenda.  And McFarland responds to allegations that Trump has been soft on Russia in general and Vladimir Putin in particular.

Listen to the full podcast, as McFarland tells Greg Corombos about the scope of the problem and how the people can win.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23186579Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:48:57 +0000Radio AmericaIn her new book, "Revolution," former Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland details how the FBI and the Mueller team hounded her, tried to trap her into a perjury charge, caused mental anguish, and put her family in financial distress all in...
Steeped in that traumatic experience, McFarland explains what it's like to be in the FBI cross hairs and how she avoided criminal charges while keeping her integrity.

McFarland also says her story is a small example of the massive battle raging between an increasingly powerful administrative state and the people through their elected leaders.

She takes us inside one of her first meetings at the National Security Council as staffers simply had no interest in shifting policy from the Obama era to pursue the Trump agenda.  And McFarland responds to allegations that Trump has been soft on Russia in general and Vladimir Putin in particular.

Listen to the full podcast, as McFarland tells Greg Corombos about the scope of the problem and how the people can win.]]>975fbi,mueller,news,revolution,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alarm-bells-are-going-off-in-democratic-circles--23004148
Sanders narrowly won the popular vote in Iowa and New Hampshire and is a close second to Pete Buttigieg in the delegate race. But with several Democrats crowded in the non-Bernie lane, Sanders appears well positioned to pick up a lot of delegates over the next couple of weeks and beyond.

Democrats are very worried that a Sanders nomination would all but guarantee another four years for President Trump.

"Alarm bells are going off in Democratic circles. There's no question about it," said Larry Haas, who served as spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton and as communications director for Vice President Al Gore.

"And after last night and the view that Michael Bloomberg did not do as well as expected and that Bernie Sanders seemed to have a pretty clear field last night, other than some minor critiques of him, has only raised the alarm bells even more," said Haas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Haas and many other Democrats believe Sanders is incapable of defeating President Trump, what Democrats think of Bloomberg and his big spending in this campaign, where the party lines up on the question of capitalism vs. socialism, and whether he believes the non-Bernie vote can consolidate around a single alternative.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23004148Thu, 20 Feb 2020 21:16:03 +0000Radio AmericaAs the Democratic presidential race looks ahead to the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, the South Carolina primary a week after that, and Super Tuesday just three days later, the fight for the nomination is quickly picking up momentum and rank and file...
Sanders narrowly won the popular vote in Iowa and New Hampshire and is a close second to Pete Buttigieg in the delegate race. But with several Democrats crowded in the non-Bernie lane, Sanders appears well positioned to pick up a lot of delegates over the next couple of weeks and beyond.

Democrats are very worried that a Sanders nomination would all but guarantee another four years for President Trump.

"Alarm bells are going off in Democratic circles. There's no question about it," said Larry Haas, who served as spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton and as communications director for Vice President Al Gore.

"And after last night and the view that Michael Bloomberg did not do as well as expected and that Bernie Sanders seemed to have a pretty clear field last night, other than some minor critiques of him, has only raised the alarm bells even more," said Haas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Haas and many other Democrats believe Sanders is incapable of defeating President Trump, what Democrats think of Bloomberg and his big spending in this campaign, where the party lines up on the question of capitalism vs. socialism, and whether he believes the non-Bernie vote can consolidate around a single alternative.]]>7472020,bernie,bloomberg,michael,news,primaries,sandersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/abortion-fights-head-to-senate-supreme-court--22783145
Both bill will likely fail to attract 60 votes, which means they cannot proceed to a final vote. Even if they did, the legislation would never see the light of day in the House of Representatives.

What does it say about our culture and our politics that these bills cannot pass? Or that the media barely pay attention to a South Bend, Indiana, abortion provider who kept more than 2,000 fetal remains at his home?

We discuss these questions and much more with former Nebraska Attorney General Don Stenberg, who led the fight for a partial birth abortion ban all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stenberg also tells Greg Corombos about the critical case about to come before the Supreme Court, what he thinks of pro-life legislation like the heartbeat bills, and how he interprets presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg reacting to the fetal remains story simply by saying he hopes the news won't be politicized.

Finally, they discuss Stenberg's new book, "Eavesdropping on Lucifer."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22783145Wed, 19 Feb 2020 21:50:08 +0000Radio AmericaIn the coming days, the U.S. Senate will hold votes on two pieces of pro-life legislation. One would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The other would require doctors or abortion practitioners to provide medical care to any baby surviving an...
Both bill will likely fail to attract 60 votes, which means they cannot proceed to a final vote. Even if they did, the legislation would never see the light of day in the House of Representatives.

What does it say about our culture and our politics that these bills cannot pass? Or that the media barely pay attention to a South Bend, Indiana, abortion provider who kept more than 2,000 fetal remains at his home?

We discuss these questions and much more with former Nebraska Attorney General Don Stenberg, who led the fight for a partial birth abortion ban all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stenberg also tells Greg Corombos about the critical case about to come before the Supreme Court, what he thinks of pro-life legislation like the heartbeat bills, and how he interprets presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg reacting to the fetal remains story simply by saying he hopes the news won't be politicized.

Finally, they discuss Stenberg's new book, "Eavesdropping on Lucifer."]]>1049abortion,buttigieg,news,pain,senate,stenberg.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gun-rights-group-takes-on-bloomberg--22783143
Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the Virginia legislature in November.  In the coming weeks, legislation will likely be passed to accomplish much of the gun control agenda, including universal background checks, an "assault weapons" ban, limiting the number of rounds in a magazine, limiting firearm purchases to one per month, and "red flag" laws that allow law enforcement to remove weapons from citizens if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says Bloomberg and his gun control allies are about to get everything they want.,

"The entire gun control agenda, as advocated by the most ardent New York gun control activists has effectively been enacted n Virginia - as soon as the two houses work out minor differences. Virginia has now become New York or California," said Hammond.

Hammond has no doubt Bloomberg wants to enact the same type of laws on a national scale.  It's a risk he says the United States cannot afford.

"Gun Owners of America understands that this is pretty much Armageddon for us...If he's able to use his $55 billion in order to buy our Constitution, then I think it's game over for us," said Hammond.

With the Democratic presidential primary coming up March 3, Hammond says Gun Owners of America plans to actively campaign against Bloomberg.

In this podcast, Hammond tells Greg Corombos why he sees a Bloomberg presidency as an existential threat, how a pro-gun group will try to convince Democrats to vote against Bloomberg, and whether the second amendment sanctuary movement in Virginia is an effective firewall against the gun control agenda.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22783143Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:02:22 +0000Radio AmericaFormer New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent a lot of money in recent years to help elect a Democratic majority in the Virginia legislature with the expectation those new lawmakers would enact gun control legislation. Now that dream is coming...
Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the Virginia legislature in November.  In the coming weeks, legislation will likely be passed to accomplish much of the gun control agenda, including universal background checks, an "assault weapons" ban, limiting the number of rounds in a magazine, limiting firearm purchases to one per month, and "red flag" laws that allow law enforcement to remove weapons from citizens if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says Bloomberg and his gun control allies are about to get everything they want.,

"The entire gun control agenda, as advocated by the most ardent New York gun control activists has effectively been enacted n Virginia - as soon as the two houses work out minor differences. Virginia has now become New York or California," said Hammond.

Hammond has no doubt Bloomberg wants to enact the same type of laws on a national scale.  It's a risk he says the United States cannot afford.

"Gun Owners of America understands that this is pretty much Armageddon for us...If he's able to use his $55 billion in order to buy our Constitution, then I think it's game over for us," said Hammond.

With the Democratic presidential primary coming up March 3, Hammond says Gun Owners of America plans to actively campaign against Bloomberg.

In this podcast, Hammond tells Greg Corombos why he sees a Bloomberg presidency as an existential threat, how a pro-gun group will try to convince Democrats to vote against Bloomberg, and whether the second amendment sanctuary movement in Virginia is an effective firewall against the gun control agenda.]]>6212020,bloomberg,guns,news,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-roger-stone-sentencing-fiasco--22706991
Last year, Stone was convicted on charges of obstruction, making false statements, and witness tampering as part of the Mueller investigation into alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 campaign.

Earlier this week, prosecutors recommended Stone be sentenced seven to nine years in prison.  President Trump blasted the recommendation on Twitter as too harsh and as a "miscarriage of justice." Tuesday, the Justice Department announced it was withdrawing that sentencing recommendation and urging a shorter prison term of 37-46 months.  DOJ sources also contend prosecutors misled department officials on the recommendation.  Trump subsequently thanked Attorney General Bill Barr for taking action.

Critics of Trump and Barr contend this is evidence of the erosion of the rule of law and that Barr is simply doing Trump's bidding.  All four prosecutors on the case subsequently resigned in protest.

So why was the original recommendation seven to nine years?  Was there a sound legal basis for it or was it excessive? Was Trump way out of line to intervene in the case or is that his right as head of the executive branch? And why did the prosecutors resign?

We discuss all of this and more with former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Andrew C. McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22706991Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:33:30 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump finds himself in the center of more controversy this week, this time for weighing in on the sentencing of former political confidant Roger Stone. Last year, Stone was convicted on charges of obstruction, making false statements, and...
Last year, Stone was convicted on charges of obstruction, making false statements, and witness tampering as part of the Mueller investigation into alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 campaign.

Earlier this week, prosecutors recommended Stone be sentenced seven to nine years in prison.  President Trump blasted the recommendation on Twitter as too harsh and as a "miscarriage of justice." Tuesday, the Justice Department announced it was withdrawing that sentencing recommendation and urging a shorter prison term of 37-46 months.  DOJ sources also contend prosecutors misled department officials on the recommendation.  Trump subsequently thanked Attorney General Bill Barr for taking action.

Critics of Trump and Barr contend this is evidence of the erosion of the rule of law and that Barr is simply doing Trump's bidding.  All four prosecutors on the case subsequently resigned in protest.

So why was the original recommendation seven to nine years?  Was there a sound legal basis for it or was it excessive? Was Trump way out of line to intervene in the case or is that his right as head of the executive branch? And why did the prosecutors resign?

We discuss all of this and more with former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Andrew C. McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor.]]>831justice,news,sentencing,stone,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bernie-s-budget-busting-plans--22669732
Former Clinton administration Treasury Sec. Larry Summers says the whole agenda would cost $60 trillion over ten years - more than doubling all current government expenditures. Sanders has plans to raise $20 trillion in new taxes but has not explained how to cover the other $40 trillion.

But even if Sanders only gets a fraction of what he wants, who would pay the bill? Sanders says corporations, Wall Street, and "the rich" would pick up the tab. But how will he have to define "rich" to get to $20 trillion?

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp joins Greg Corombos to discuss what paying for the Sanders agenda would really look like, why higher taxes eventually stop producing more revenue, and what would happen to Social Security and Medicare if we pile on more entitlement programs.

Sepp also addresses claims that debt doesn't really matter and has less than sterling reviews for President Trump's latest budget proposal.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22669732Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:24:02 +0000Radio AmericaBernie Sanders wants government-run health care for all. He also wants a Green New Deal, college debt forgiveness, universal child care, universal preschool and more. Former Clinton administration Treasury Sec. Larry Summers says the whole agenda...
Former Clinton administration Treasury Sec. Larry Summers says the whole agenda would cost $60 trillion over ten years - more than doubling all current government expenditures. Sanders has plans to raise $20 trillion in new taxes but has not explained how to cover the other $40 trillion.

But even if Sanders only gets a fraction of what he wants, who would pay the bill? Sanders says corporations, Wall Street, and "the rich" would pick up the tab. But how will he have to define "rich" to get to $20 trillion?

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp joins Greg Corombos to discuss what paying for the Sanders agenda would really look like, why higher taxes eventually stop producing more revenue, and what would happen to Social Security and Medicare if we pile on more entitlement programs.

Sepp also addresses claims that debt doesn't really matter and has less than sterling reviews for President Trump's latest budget proposal.]]>861bernie,entitlements,news,spending,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-severity-is-much-greater-than-china-is-reporting--22666312
"The severity is much greater than China is officially reporting," said Chang. "There are stories that Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, is cremating hundreds of bodies a day. That doesn't fit very easily with a death toll of a thousand."

But why what does China have to gain by lying about the severity? Chang says it's all about control.

"Xi Xinping, the Chinese ruler, is much more interested in controlling the narrative than he is in ending the epidemic," said Chang.

Chang discusses the impact that the mass quarantines are having on the Chinese economy and what the U.S. posture should be as this plays out.

In addition, Chang reacts to the news that the U.S. is indicting four Chinese military officials for the massive 2017 Equifax hack that compromised the information of more than 145 million people.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22666312Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:08:50 +0000Radio AmericaThe Chinese government is reporting more than 1,000 deaths related to coronavirus but China expert Gordon Chang says it's clear from how officials are reacting with mass quarantines and other tactics that the problem is much worse than reported....
"The severity is much greater than China is officially reporting," said Chang. "There are stories that Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, is cremating hundreds of bodies a day. That doesn't fit very easily with a death toll of a thousand."

But why what does China have to gain by lying about the severity? Chang says it's all about control.

"Xi Xinping, the Chinese ruler, is much more interested in controlling the narrative than he is in ending the epidemic," said Chang.

Chang discusses the impact that the mass quarantines are having on the Chinese economy and what the U.S. posture should be as this plays out.

In addition, Chang reacts to the news that the U.S. is indicting four Chinese military officials for the massive 2017 Equifax hack that compromised the information of more than 145 million people.]]>616china,coronavirus,cyberwarfare,equifax,hacking,health,trade,xi,xinpingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dems-take-aim-at-right-to-work-laws--22528518
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, also known as the PRO Act.  Supporters claim it paves the way for employees to organize if they wish and protects them from retribution from employers.  Critics contend it forces workers to pay union dues even if they don't want anything to do with a labor union. 

Opponents also warn that the legislation would force independent contractors to be classified as employees, a designation that has led to major upheaval in the gig economy in California after similar legislation was enacted last year.

In addition to the debate in Congress, which will likely go nowhere in the U.S. Senate, the new Democratic majorities in Virginia are also taking aim at right to work laws with competing bills in the House of Delegates and the State Senate.

Further complicating the Democrats' efforts are statistics from Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.  According to his projections, repealing right to work laws in Virginia would cost the commonwealth $11 billion and 37,000 jobs.

With both sides of the debate claiming to be on the side of workers, what does the evidence show?  What protections already exist for workers wishing to organize and what would the bills in Washington and in Virginia actually accomplish?

We get answers to those questions with National Right to Work Committee President Mark Mix.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22528518Fri, 07 Feb 2020 21:27:38 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats in Congress and in Virginia are pursuing legislation they say protects the right of workers to organize but critics say it's nothing more than an effort to compel union membership for workers whether they want to belong or not. This week,...
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, also known as the PRO Act.  Supporters claim it paves the way for employees to organize if they wish and protects them from retribution from employers.  Critics contend it forces workers to pay union dues even if they don't want anything to do with a labor union. 

Opponents also warn that the legislation would force independent contractors to be classified as employees, a designation that has led to major upheaval in the gig economy in California after similar legislation was enacted last year.

In addition to the debate in Congress, which will likely go nowhere in the U.S. Senate, the new Democratic majorities in Virginia are also taking aim at right to work laws with competing bills in the House of Delegates and the State Senate.

Further complicating the Democrats' efforts are statistics from Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.  According to his projections, repealing right to work laws in Virginia would cost the commonwealth $11 billion and 37,000 jobs.

With both sides of the debate claiming to be on the side of workers, what does the evidence show?  What protections already exist for workers wishing to organize and what would the bills in Washington and in Virginia actually accomplish?

We get answers to those questions with National Right to Work Committee President Mark Mix.]]>792congress,labor,news,unions,virginia,workfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-talks-acquittal-romney-ongoing-investigations--22492336
Critics of the president contend the Senate did not allow for a fair trial with witnesses and documents. Supporters of the president say Democrats used the Constitution to abuse it. So how did the Constitution hold up to the actions of the House and Senate?

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy explains where he thinks the process was abused and where it functioned as designed. He also offers a passionate rebuttal to the arguments for conviction offered by Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney and tells us why no Democrats voted to acquit on the obstruction charge.

Finally, McCarthy tells Radio America's Greg Corombos why this verdict does not end investigations into the Trump administration and how many different ways Democrats plan to target him in the months leading up to Election Day.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22492336Thu, 06 Feb 2020 21:52:51 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Senate acquitted President Trump of allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress Wednesday. But what is the aftermath? Critics of the president contend the Senate did not allow for a fair trial with witnesses and documents....
Critics of the president contend the Senate did not allow for a fair trial with witnesses and documents. Supporters of the president say Democrats used the Constitution to abuse it. So how did the Constitution hold up to the actions of the House and Senate?

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy explains where he thinks the process was abused and where it functioned as designed. He also offers a passionate rebuttal to the arguments for conviction offered by Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney and tells us why no Democrats voted to acquit on the obstruction charge.

Finally, McCarthy tells Radio America's Greg Corombos why this verdict does not end investigations into the Trump administration and how many different ways Democrats plan to target him in the months leading up to Election Day.]]>770acquittal,impeachment,news,senate,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/strong-economy-spreading-prosperity--22456383
Near the beginning of his speech, Trump noted the unemployment rate is the lowest in 50 years. He also stated the unemployment rates for blacks, Hispanics, Asians, veterans and the disabled are at all-time lows. Unemployment for women stands at the lowest rate since the early 1950's.

So how much credit does President Trump deserve? National Review Online Contributing Editor Deroy Murdock says Trump's tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks are a big reason that employers are growing and expanding. And he also explains why Democrats refused to applaud good jobless data.

In addition, Trump says his tax cuts are spurring wealthy Americans to invest in previously neglected communities through "opportunity zones" and that is giving residents of those areas the chance to find good jobs and bring stability to their neighborhoods.

Finally, Trump made a strong push for school choice, highlighting the story of Janiyah Davis, who is trapped in a bad public school in Philadelphia. Trump awarded Davis an opportunity scholarship during his speech and challenged Congress to pass legislation that would give one million other kids the same access to better schools.

But what is the real story on opportunity zones? How do they work and what impact do they really have? And how big of an issue is school choice to parents who can't afford to move their kids out of failing schools?

In this podcast, Murdock discusses all these questions and more with Radio America's Greg Corombos.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22456383Thu, 06 Feb 2020 02:40:48 +0000Radio AmericaTuesday night President Trump touted historically low unemployment rates in a litany of categories. He also says his tax cuts are creating economic opportunities in struggling communities and that he wants to give parents the option of moving their...
Near the beginning of his speech, Trump noted the unemployment rate is the lowest in 50 years. He also stated the unemployment rates for blacks, Hispanics, Asians, veterans and the disabled are at all-time lows. Unemployment for women stands at the lowest rate since the early 1950's.

So how much credit does President Trump deserve? National Review Online Contributing Editor Deroy Murdock says Trump's tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks are a big reason that employers are growing and expanding. And he also explains why Democrats refused to applaud good jobless data.

In addition, Trump says his tax cuts are spurring wealthy Americans to invest in previously neglected communities through "opportunity zones" and that is giving residents of those areas the chance to find good jobs and bring stability to their neighborhoods.

Finally, Trump made a strong push for school choice, highlighting the story of Janiyah Davis, who is trapped in a bad public school in Philadelphia. Trump awarded Davis an opportunity scholarship during his speech and challenged Congress to pass legislation that would give one million other kids the same access to better schools.

But what is the real story on opportunity zones? How do they work and what impact do they really have? And how big of an issue is school choice to parents who can't afford to move their kids out of failing schools?

In this podcast, Murdock discusses all these questions and more with Radio America's Greg Corombos.]]>931choice,economy,jobs,news,opportunity,school,sotu,trump,zonesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coming-home-why-conservatives-believe-trump-can-surge-among-black-voters--22381786
But authors Bruce Eberle and Vernon Robinson believe Trump has the chance to make surprisingly large inroads with black voters, who have backed Republican nominees less than 10 percent of the time in recent election cycles. Their new book is entitled "Coming Home: How Black Americans Will Re-Elect Trump."

So why is Trump in position to make significant gains after intense criticism of his handling of the deadly demonstrations in Charlottesville and other accusations of racism?  What about the Trump record in his first term might cause black voters to take a closer look?  Why might polls of black voters prior to the election distort reality?  And how might the Democrats try to prevent Trump from making any significant gains?

Bruce Eberle addresses all of these questions in his conversation with Greg Corombos.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22381786Mon, 03 Feb 2020 22:01:58 +0000Radio AmericaThe 2020 presidential campaign comes at a time when Americans appear more politically divided than ever.  Many analysts contend very few minds are capable of changing.  Either you like President Trump or fear what one of the Democrats would do in...
But authors Bruce Eberle and Vernon Robinson believe Trump has the chance to make surprisingly large inroads with black voters, who have backed Republican nominees less than 10 percent of the time in recent election cycles. Their new book is entitled "Coming Home: How Black Americans Will Re-Elect Trump."

So why is Trump in position to make significant gains after intense criticism of his handling of the deadly demonstrations in Charlottesville and other accusations of racism?  What about the Trump record in his first term might cause black voters to take a closer look?  Why might polls of black voters prior to the election distort reality?  And how might the Democrats try to prevent Trump from making any significant gains?

Bruce Eberle addresses all of these questions in his conversation with Greg Corombos.]]>6392020,black,news,trump,votersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-state-of-the-media--22281275
Bias has been an issue for decades but now objectivity seems to be an endangered species. How did we get this way?

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Accuracy in Media Pres. Adam Guillette describes the drastic change in media over the past several years and how media fragmentation plays a major role in that.

Guillette also discusses what media accuracy ought to look like and whether it is fair for President Trump to call some journalists purveyors of "fake news." Finally, Guillette discusses how to fight back against false stories and which journalists he thinks get it right most of the time.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22281275Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:40:45 +0000Radio AmericaGood luck finding a cable news outlet, newspaper, or online news site that doesn't have a fairly obvious bias on issues ranging from impeachment to the strike that killed Gen. Soleimani to the state of our economy. Bias has been an issue for decades...
Bias has been an issue for decades but now objectivity seems to be an endangered species. How did we get this way?

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Accuracy in Media Pres. Adam Guillette describes the drastic change in media over the past several years and how media fragmentation plays a major role in that.

Guillette also discusses what media accuracy ought to look like and whether it is fair for President Trump to call some journalists purveyors of "fake news." Finally, Guillette discusses how to fight back against false stories and which journalists he thinks get it right most of the time.]]>522bias,impeachment,journalism,media,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-dissects-senate-impeachment-questions-bolton-revelations--22210472
In this podcast, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy tackles those questions and also dives into the controversy over former National Security Adviser John Bolton allegedly confirming Trump demanded Ukraine launch investigations in exchange for military aid from the U.S.  And McCarthy offers a way to give both sides what they want with respect to Bolton without extending the trial any longer than necessary]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22210472Wed, 29 Jan 2020 22:18:15 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump shifted to a new phase, with senators asking questions of the lawyers on both sides of the case. But did we get some insightful and pertinent questions or was it mostly political...
In this podcast, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy tackles those questions and also dives into the controversy over former National Security Adviser John Bolton allegedly confirming Trump demanded Ukraine launch investigations in exchange for military aid from the U.S.  And McCarthy offers a way to give both sides what they want with respect to Bolton without extending the trial any longer than necessary]]>1136bolton,impeachment,news,questions,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/former-commerce-secretary-barbara-franklin-talks-trade-deals--22171474
Last week, the Senate followed the House of Representatives in approving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, also known as USMCA, which President Trump signed on Wednesday. In addition, President Trump also signed phase one of a new trade framework with China.

But how good is USMCA? What are the biggest changes compared to the North American Free Trade Agreement? Why is this a big win for the auto industry? And what impact will the new environmental rules have?

Former Commerce Secretary Barbara Franklin played a key role in negotiating and advancing the North American Free Trade agreement in the 1990's. She explains why it was right to renegotiate and why she thinks the USMCA is an improvement in most cases.

Franklin also sizes up phase one of the China trade deal and what U.S. priorities ought to be in the remainder of the talks.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22171474Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:08:54 +0000Radio AmericaIt's been a busy stretch for highly touted trade deals. The Trump administration already completed new trade agreements with Japan and South Korea. Last week, the Senate followed the House of Representatives in approving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada...
Last week, the Senate followed the House of Representatives in approving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, also known as USMCA, which President Trump signed on Wednesday. In addition, President Trump also signed phase one of a new trade framework with China.

But how good is USMCA? What are the biggest changes compared to the North American Free Trade Agreement? Why is this a big win for the auto industry? And what impact will the new environmental rules have?

Former Commerce Secretary Barbara Franklin played a key role in negotiating and advancing the North American Free Trade agreement in the 1990's. She explains why it was right to renegotiate and why she thinks the USMCA is an improvement in most cases.

Franklin also sizes up phase one of the China trade deal and what U.S. priorities ought to be in the remainder of the talks.]]>989canada,china,mexico,nafta,news,trump,usmcafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toensing-bolton-s-revelation-irrelevant--22135126
But while some in the nation's capital say this amounts to a smoking gun of a quid pro quo, former Justice Department official and former federal prosecutor Victoria Toensing says the revelations doesn't matter at all.

"It matters NOT AT ALL what @realDonaldTrump told John Bolton. We do not prosecute people for thoughts or words. Only for conduct. Ukraine got aid but did not announce investigation. Nothing wrong there. #maga2020," tweeted Toensing.

In this podcast, Toensing explains why she believes threatening to withhold foreign aid is standard practice in dealing with foreign nations and she does not believe President Trump did anything out of the ordinary.

Toensing also shares why she believes this saga had nothing to do with 2020 and everything to do with 2016.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22135126Mon, 27 Jan 2020 23:12:01 +0000Radio AmericaWashington is abuzz with the news that former National Security Adviser John Bolton plans to state in his upcoming book that President Trump ordered him not to release military aid to Ukraine until it agreed to conduct the investigations he requested...
But while some in the nation's capital say this amounts to a smoking gun of a quid pro quo, former Justice Department official and former federal prosecutor Victoria Toensing says the revelations doesn't matter at all.

"It matters NOT AT ALL what @realDonaldTrump told John Bolton. We do not prosecute people for thoughts or words. Only for conduct. Ukraine got aid but did not announce investigation. Nothing wrong there. #maga2020," tweeted Toensing.

In this podcast, Toensing explains why she believes threatening to withhold foreign aid is standard practice in dealing with foreign nations and she does not believe President Trump did anything out of the ordinary.

Toensing also shares why she believes this saga had nothing to do with 2020 and everything to do with 2016.]]>4502016,2020,bolton,impeachment,john,news,president,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-greatest-threat-arising-from-the-impeachment-trial--22034442
On Wednesday, lead impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., laid out why the Senate must act to remove Trump ahead of the November elections.

"The president's misconduct cannot be decided at the ballot box, for we cannot be assured that the vote will be fairly won," said Schiff.

That has Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale College's Van Andel School of Government, very concerned.

"This is not about the technical impeachment in the Senate.  They're playing to public opinion.  They're playing for that election either way," said Spalding, who then offered how he believes Schiff and his allies are setting up the rest of this political year.

"'(They're thinking) If We remove him, that'd be great.'  That's not going to happen, but that's what the issue is. 'And if we're not, how do we set it up so we weaken him in the election, but also if he goes on to win we can still maintain the argument that was illegitimate.'  That's why this is all very dangerous for constitutional governance," said Spalding.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Spalding also walks through what the founders meant by "high crimes and misdemeanors," where the Constitution comes down on the Senate rules fight, and whether the parties would hold the exact opposite opinions if the party of the president were different.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22034442Sat, 25 Jan 2020 16:38:01 +0000Radio AmericaFriday wraps up the opening statements from the House Democrats serving as impeachment managers, and while they argue President Trump must be removed from office on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, one expert contends the...
On Wednesday, lead impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., laid out why the Senate must act to remove Trump ahead of the November elections.

"The president's misconduct cannot be decided at the ballot box, for we cannot be assured that the vote will be fairly won," said Schiff.

That has Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale College's Van Andel School of Government, very concerned.

"This is not about the technical impeachment in the Senate.  They're playing to public opinion.  They're playing for that election either way," said Spalding, who then offered how he believes Schiff and his allies are setting up the rest of this political year.

"'(They're thinking) If We remove him, that'd be great.'  That's not going to happen, but that's what the issue is. 'And if we're not, how do we set it up so we weaken him in the election, but also if he goes on to win we can still maintain the argument that was illegitimate.'  That's why this is all very dangerous for constitutional governance," said Spalding.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Spalding also walks through what the founders meant by "high crimes and misdemeanors," where the Constitution comes down on the Senate rules fight, and whether the parties would hold the exact opposite opinions if the party of the president were different.]]>793constitution,elections,impeachment,news,schiff,senate,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rep-smith-talks-march-for-life-dem-abortion-agenda--22034440
What is the significance of Trump appearing to speak at the rally?  Just how far have Democrats tacked to the extreme on abortion?  And where does the public actually stand?

New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith addressed all of these questions with Greg Corombos and fires back against the "pernicious lie" that pro-life activists only care about babies until they're born.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22034440Fri, 24 Jan 2020 22:20:26 +0000Radio AmericaPro-life activists flocked to Washington on Friday for the 47th Annual March for Life.  And those in attendance witnessed the first ever in-person appearance at the march by a sitting U.S. president. What is the significance of Trump appearing to...
What is the significance of Trump appearing to speak at the rally?  Just how far have Democrats tacked to the extreme on abortion?  And where does the public actually stand?

New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith addressed all of these questions with Greg Corombos and fires back against the "pernicious lie" that pro-life activists only care about babies until they're born.]]>848abortion,democrats,for,life,march,nes,trump.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-promises-middle-class-tax-cuts-within-months--21998320
In this podcast, National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp tells Greg Corombos what Trump can do by executive action and what would require the cooperation of Congress.  He also explains what unilateral action would do the most good for middle class families and what sort of tax relief might actually do more good than income tax cuts.

Finally, Sepp responds to arguments from Democrats that the 2017 tax cuts are largely responsible for the trillion-dollar deficits the nation now faces.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21998320Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:02:32 +0000Radio AmericaDuring an interview with Fox Business Network this week, President Trump promised a middle class tax cut within the next ninety days, but what does he have in mind and what is politically possible? In this podcast, National Taxpayers Union President...
In this podcast, National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp tells Greg Corombos what Trump can do by executive action and what would require the cooperation of Congress.  He also explains what unilateral action would do the most good for middle class families and what sort of tax relief might actually do more good than income tax cuts.

Finally, Sepp responds to arguments from Democrats that the 2017 tax cuts are largely responsible for the trillion-dollar deficits the nation now faces.]]>563congress,news,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-pro-life-woman-exploited-to-legalize-abortion--21966106
Cano passed away in 2014, but in this interview from 2013, she explains how she got entangled in the fight to legalize abortion, how she found out she was the unwitting plaintiff in the case, the reaction of the pro-abortion attorneys when they realized she knew what they did, and her pro-life advocacy ever since.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21966106Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:52:27 +0000Radio AmericaOn January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide through the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions. The plaintiff in the second case was known as "Mary Doe." Her real name was Sandra Cano. Only Sandra Cano had no idea she...
Cano passed away in 2014, but in this interview from 2013, she explains how she got entangled in the fight to legalize abortion, how she found out she was the unwitting plaintiff in the case, the reaction of the pro-abortion attorneys when they realized she knew what they did, and her pro-life advocacy ever since.]]>773abortion,cano,doe,news,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-takes-on-birth-tourism--21964772
Current U.S. law, through the 14th amendment to the Constitution, confers citizenship on anyone born in the United States.

Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian says this is not just a matter of people timing vacations in order for mothers to give birth in the U.S. He says nations like China, Russia, Turkey, Nigeria, and others have active operations to transport, house, and care for mothers until the passports arrive for their children born as U.S. citizens.

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Krikorian explains how many babies become U.S. citizens through this process, what can actually be done about it, and what the future of birthright citizenship looks like.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21964772Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:26:16 +0000Radio AmericaWhile Washington focuses on the impeachment process, President Trump is taking another step on immigration policy, this time targeting what's known as "birth tourism." Current U.S. law, through the 14th amendment to the Constitution, confers...
Current U.S. law, through the 14th amendment to the Constitution, confers citizenship on anyone born in the United States.

Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian says this is not just a matter of people timing vacations in order for mothers to give birth in the U.S. He says nations like China, Russia, Turkey, Nigeria, and others have active operations to transport, house, and care for mothers until the passports arrive for their children born as U.S. citizens.

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Krikorian explains how many babies become U.S. citizens through this process, what can actually be done about it, and what the future of birthright citizenship looks like.]]>535birth,citizenship,immigration,news,tourism,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-trump-s-religious-freedom-directives-actually-do--21794324
What is the current law concerning religious expression in government-funded schools? How closely are those laws currently being followed?  What are Trump's orders designed to do? And what leverage does the government have against schools that refuse to accommodate that expression?

Family Research Council Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Travis Weber joins Greg Corombos to address those questions and more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21794324Fri, 17 Jan 2020 22:00:00 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, President Trump issued nine rules designed to protect religious organizations from discrimination by the federal government.  He's also taking steps to protect free religious expression in the public schools. What is the current law...
What is the current law concerning religious expression in government-funded schools? How closely are those laws currently being followed?  What are Trump's orders designed to do? And what leverage does the government have against schools that refuse to accommodate that expression?

Family Research Council Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Travis Weber joins Greg Corombos to address those questions and more.]]>579freedom,news,religious,schools,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-small-businesses-could-be-big-winners-in-usmca--21794329
What regulatory changes will help business owners keep costs down? How does the agreement give small business a much bigger voice in future trade deliberations? What additional provisions are included to protect intellectual property rights?

We get answers to those questions and discuss the ongoing trade talks with China with Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21794329Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:44:51 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the USMCA, the new North American trade compact among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and a leading small business advocate says there are plenty of changes to make life easier for American businesses...
What regulatory changes will help business owners keep costs down? How does the agreement give small business a much bigger voice in future trade deliberations? What additional provisions are included to protect intellectual property rights?

We get answers to those questions and discuss the ongoing trade talks with China with Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.]]>744canada,china,mexico,news,regulations,trade,trump,usmcafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-regime-not-ten-feet-tall--21759087
Iranian opposition groups believe there is tremendous momentum towards ending the current Iranian regime.  Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI.  

He says two very important things happened last weekend.  First, images and videos of the demonstrations actually got disseminated around the world.  The Iranian government restored internet access in an attempt to benefit from coverage of the large gatherings following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Jafarzadeh says the anti-regime protests began before the mourning events were finished, making transmission of the later protests impossible to stop.

Jafarzadeh also says the supportive tweets for the demonstrators from President Trump are very significant.  In a series of tweets posted in Farsi, Trump said the United States stood with the people of Iran, warned the Iranian government not to kill its own people or cut off internet access, and call for a human rights commission to investigate Iranian crimes against their own people.

While he insists the work of changing governments rests with the Iranian people, Jafarzadeh says Trump and other world leaders provide a great service by publicly supporting the demonstrators.

"The role of the outside world and the international community is extremely important to build pressure on the Iranian regime, to make the people understand this regime is not ten feet tall," said Jafarzadeh.  "This concerted effort, both from the outside and inside will eventually lead to the fall of the Iranian regime."

Listen to the full podcast as Jafarzadeh describes the size and intensity of the demonstrations, the conditions under which the regime would actually leave, and why he thinks it is more vulnerable than ever.  He also describes the efforts of the Iranian government to attack the opposition inside and outside of Iraq - including him.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21759087Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:46:39 +0000Radio AmericaLess than a week after attracting worldwide attention with their massive protests against their own government, the Iranian people continue their demonstrations, even as the media turn to impeachment and other matters closer to home. Iranian...
Iranian opposition groups believe there is tremendous momentum towards ending the current Iranian regime.  Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI.  

He says two very important things happened last weekend.  First, images and videos of the demonstrations actually got disseminated around the world.  The Iranian government restored internet access in an attempt to benefit from coverage of the large gatherings following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Jafarzadeh says the anti-regime protests began before the mourning events were finished, making transmission of the later protests impossible to stop.

Jafarzadeh also says the supportive tweets for the demonstrators from President Trump are very significant.  In a series of tweets posted in Farsi, Trump said the United States stood with the people of Iran, warned the Iranian government not to kill its own people or cut off internet access, and call for a human rights commission to investigate Iranian crimes against their own people.

While he insists the work of changing governments rests with the Iranian people, Jafarzadeh says Trump and other world leaders provide a great service by publicly supporting the demonstrators.

"The role of the outside world and the international community is extremely important to build pressure on the Iranian regime, to make the people understand this regime is not ten feet tall," said Jafarzadeh.  "This concerted effort, both from the outside and inside will eventually lead to the fall of the Iranian regime."

Listen to the full podcast as Jafarzadeh describes the size and intensity of the demonstrations, the conditions under which the regime would actually leave, and why he thinks it is more vulnerable than ever.  He also describes the efforts of the Iranian government to attack the opposition inside and outside of Iraq - including him.]]>822iran,news,protests,regime,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tom-steyer-talks-debates-climate-national-security-more--21725194
In a conversation with Greg Corombos, Steyer explains what compelled him to run after initially deciding not to be a candidate.  They also dive into Steyer's signature issue of climate change.  What is his specific plan and is it realistic to think we can phase out fossil fuels entirely?

In Tuesday's debate, Steyer claimed his international business experience has prepared him to be commander-in-chief.  But how does that kind of experience specifically prepare him for deciding whether to commit U.S. troops to combat?

In recent weeks, Steyer has climbed to double digits in polls of voters in the early primary and caucus states of Nevada and South Carolina.  What's responsible for the surge?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21725194Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:58:56 +0000Radio AmericaBusinessman and activist Tom Steyer remains in the Democratic presidential race and on the debate stage long after other party hopefuls exited the race. But why is he there?  What does he bring to the campaign that other Democrats do not? In a...
In a conversation with Greg Corombos, Steyer explains what compelled him to run after initially deciding not to be a candidate.  They also dive into Steyer's signature issue of climate change.  What is his specific plan and is it realistic to think we can phase out fossil fuels entirely?

In Tuesday's debate, Steyer claimed his international business experience has prepared him to be commander-in-chief.  But how does that kind of experience specifically prepare him for deciding whether to commit U.S. troops to combat?

In recent weeks, Steyer has climbed to double digits in polls of voters in the early primary and caucus states of Nevada and South Carolina.  What's responsible for the surge?]]>6082020,climate,democrats,military,news,sanders,steyer,tom,war,warrenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-embraces-era-fight-far-from-over--21724298
The Democratic-led chamber voted 59-41 to approve the amendment, also known as ERA. The problem for supporters is that Congress gave the states until 1982 to reach the 38-state threshold needed for ratification.

Undeterred, activists plan to push Congress to change the deadline so the votes in Virginia and a few others states that took place well after the deadline can count towards ratification.

Independent Women's Forum Senior Political Analyst Inez Stepman says it's not that simple. She says Congress set the window for ratification as part of the amendment itself, which was approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. She argues a two-thirds majority would also be needed to change the deadline.

Listen to the full podcast as Stepman explains the political and legal wrangling to come on this issue. She also explains why she believes the amendment is wholly unnecessary.

Finally, Stepman explains how the ERA could actually erode equality for women and girls.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21724298Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:49:03 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia's House of Delegates approved the Equal Rights Amendment Wednesday, with supporters hailing the vote as the final step for ratification and critics pointing out the opportunity to enact it ended 38 years ago. The Democratic-led chamber voted...
The Democratic-led chamber voted 59-41 to approve the amendment, also known as ERA. The problem for supporters is that Congress gave the states until 1982 to reach the 38-state threshold needed for ratification.

Undeterred, activists plan to push Congress to change the deadline so the votes in Virginia and a few others states that took place well after the deadline can count towards ratification.

Independent Women's Forum Senior Political Analyst Inez Stepman says it's not that simple. She says Congress set the window for ratification as part of the amendment itself, which was approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. She argues a two-thirds majority would also be needed to change the deadline.

Listen to the full podcast as Stepman explains the political and legal wrangling to come on this issue. She also explains why she believes the amendment is wholly unnecessary.

Finally, Stepman explains how the ERA could actually erode equality for women and girls.]]>823era,ginsburg,military,news,restrooms,sports,virginia,womenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/many-in-middle-east-celebrate-demise-of-soleimani--21687844
Gabriel is the chairman of ACT for America, the largest grassroots national security organization in the U.S. and author of "Rise." A native of Lebanon and fluent in Arabic, Gabriel says many media reports in the Middle East show people joyful of Soleimani's death.

"The difference in coverage is shocking.  A lot of the Arab Street is celebrating the death of Soleimani.  They know that Soleimani was a bad man, not only in Iran but throughout the Arab Street, even in Egypt, even in Saudi Arabia. Even in those types of countries they understand. In Qatar, they understand the danger of Soleimani.

"In Iran, there are videos of people passing out candy. In the Middle East and Arabic culture, when they're celebrating a good event (such as) a wedding, a birth, an engagement, they pass out candy and bake cakes. After the death of Soleimani, they were baking cakes and passing out candies in the street.  That was not covered in American media," said Gabriel.

And why were the people in Iran and elsewhere celebrating Soleimani's death? Gabriel says they all know Soleimani was critical to Iran's territorial ambitions throughout the region.

"Iran's tentacles reach throughout the whole Middle East as Iran tries to establish hegemony over the whole Middle East, " said Gabriel. "My own country of birth, Lebanon, went from being the Paris of the Middle East to now being basically a terrorist hub controlled by Hezbollah, which is funded by Iran."

Listen to the full podcast as Gabriel tells Radio America's Greg Corombos why she believes Soleimani's decades of carnage warranted the strike that killed him. She also discusses what can be done to encourage the Iranian protesters as they try to force massive change.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21687844Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:37:52 +0000Radio AmericaWhile the American media portrays the U.S. strike killing Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani as controversial and deeply destabilizing to the region, terrorism expert Brigitte Gabriel says throughout the Middle East the news is being cheered by people and...
Gabriel is the chairman of ACT for America, the largest grassroots national security organization in the U.S. and author of "Rise." A native of Lebanon and fluent in Arabic, Gabriel says many media reports in the Middle East show people joyful of Soleimani's death.

"The difference in coverage is shocking.  A lot of the Arab Street is celebrating the death of Soleimani.  They know that Soleimani was a bad man, not only in Iran but throughout the Arab Street, even in Egypt, even in Saudi Arabia. Even in those types of countries they understand. In Qatar, they understand the danger of Soleimani.

"In Iran, there are videos of people passing out candy. In the Middle East and Arabic culture, when they're celebrating a good event (such as) a wedding, a birth, an engagement, they pass out candy and bake cakes. After the death of Soleimani, they were baking cakes and passing out candies in the street.  That was not covered in American media," said Gabriel.

And why were the people in Iran and elsewhere celebrating Soleimani's death? Gabriel says they all know Soleimani was critical to Iran's territorial ambitions throughout the region.

"Iran's tentacles reach throughout the whole Middle East as Iran tries to establish hegemony over the whole Middle East, " said Gabriel. "My own country of birth, Lebanon, went from being the Paris of the Middle East to now being basically a terrorist hub controlled by Hezbollah, which is funded by Iran."

Listen to the full podcast as Gabriel tells Radio America's Greg Corombos why she believes Soleimani's decades of carnage warranted the strike that killed him. She also discusses what can be done to encourage the Iranian protesters as they try to force massive change.]]>716iran,media,obama,soleimani,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rep-wittman-soleimani-strike-absolutely-justified--21519392
In response, the House of Representatives spent much of Thursday approving a proposed update to the War Powers Act forbidding Trump from authorizing any strike on Iranian targets unless there is a confirmed imminent threat.

Virginia Rep. Rob Wittman sits on the House Armed Services Committee and attended the briefings offered this week by Trump administration officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.

"We know from the intelligence and directly through Gen. Milley, who said that he looked at the intelligence. He saw that it was compelling and that an attack was imminent and it was very clear in its scale and scope.  Those are his words.

"He was unequivocal in saying that Qasem Soleimani was planning and coordinating and synchronizing significant combat operations against U.S. military forces in the region and that this attack was imminent," said Wittman.

In this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Rep. Wittman also details what impact the Democrats' proposed legislation would have on the president, why he's voting against it, and why the bill wouldn't make much difference even if it gets approved in the Senate as well.  Finally, Wittman reacts to the news that Iran shot down the Ukrainian airliner that crashed in Iran Tuesday night and how Democrats derailed an attempt by Republicans to commend the military and intelligence personnel responsible for carrying out the targeting and killing of Soleimani.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21519392Thu, 09 Jan 2020 21:03:01 +0000Radio AmericaMany Democrats and some Republicans are furious that administration officials did not offer more specifics on what led to President Trump ordering the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani and several high-ranking figures of Iranian...
In response, the House of Representatives spent much of Thursday approving a proposed update to the War Powers Act forbidding Trump from authorizing any strike on Iranian targets unless there is a confirmed imminent threat.

Virginia Rep. Rob Wittman sits on the House Armed Services Committee and attended the briefings offered this week by Trump administration officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.

"We know from the intelligence and directly through Gen. Milley, who said that he looked at the intelligence. He saw that it was compelling and that an attack was imminent and it was very clear in its scale and scope.  Those are his words.

"He was unequivocal in saying that Qasem Soleimani was planning and coordinating and synchronizing significant combat operations against U.S. military forces in the region and that this attack was imminent," said Wittman.

In this interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos, Rep. Wittman also details what impact the Democrats' proposed legislation would have on the president, why he's voting against it, and why the bill wouldn't make much difference even if it gets approved in the Senate as well.  Finally, Wittman reacts to the news that Iran shot down the Ukrainian airliner that crashed in Iran Tuesday night and how Democrats derailed an attempt by Republicans to commend the military and intelligence personnel responsible for carrying out the targeting and killing of Soleimani.]]>810authority,congress,iran,news,threats,trump,wittmanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/del-freitas-dem-control-in-virginia-means-less-freedom-higher-taxes--21486295
Democrats plan to pursue legislation on gun control, abortion, the environment, the Equal Rights Amendment, the minimum wage and many other issues.

In this podcast, GOP Del. Nick Freitas tells Greg Corombos about the legislative and legal battles to come, the areas where he thinks he can find common ground with Democrats.

And as Freitas pursues a congressional bid, he explains how the Democratic agenda in Virginia is a preview for what Democrats in Washington would pursue if they win the House, Senate, and White House in 2020.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21486295Wed, 08 Jan 2020 22:02:04 +0000Radio AmericaAs of Wednesday, Democrats now control the governor's office and both chambers of General Assembly in Virginia, and the new majorities are promising an aggressive progressive agenda over the next couple of months. Democrats plan to pursue legislation...
Democrats plan to pursue legislation on gun control, abortion, the environment, the Equal Rights Amendment, the minimum wage and many other issues.

In this podcast, GOP Del. Nick Freitas tells Greg Corombos about the legislative and legal battles to come, the areas where he thinks he can find common ground with Democrats.

And as Freitas pursues a congressional bid, he explains how the Democratic agenda in Virginia is a preview for what Democrats in Washington would pursue if they win the House, Senate, and White House in 2020.]]>6522020,control,democrats,gun,news,taxes,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-iran-is-reacting-to-the-soleimani-strike--21416555
But what are the short and long-term impacts on the Iranian regime of Soleimani's death? Are the Iranian people distraught at the news or celebrating his demise? Are the mass demonstrations organic or just propaganda? And what is Iran actually likely to do in response to the attack?

Listen to the podcast as Radio America's Greg Corombos gets answers to these questions and more from Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21416555Mon, 06 Jan 2020 21:58:33 +0000Radio AmericaLast week, a U.S. drone strike killed the commander of the Iranian Quds Force Gen. Kassem Soleimani and several other high-level figures connected to Iran's deadly efforts in Iraq and beyond. Iran is vowing revenge and is even putting a bounty on the...
But what are the short and long-term impacts on the Iranian regime of Soleimani's death? Are the Iranian people distraught at the news or celebrating his demise? Are the mass demonstrations organic or just propaganda? And what is Iran actually likely to do in response to the attack?

Listen to the podcast as Radio America's Greg Corombos gets answers to these questions and more from Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.]]>613iran,khameini,soleimani,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/big-questions-and-answers-following-soleimani-strike--21324261
But the killing of Qassem Soleimani is sparking fierce debate.  President Trump says he acted to stop a war while his critics claim he's on the brink of starting one.  They also argue Trump should have sought congressional approval or at least consulted with Democratic leaders before commencing the strike.  And are we on the verge of a full-scale war with Iran?

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Chuck Nash studies Iran closely.  In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Nash explains why he believes the attack on Soleimani and his associates was fully warranted, whether Trump had an obligation to inform Congress of the attack, the dilemma now facing Iranian leaders, and how a regime change inside Iran must happen from within.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21324261Fri, 03 Jan 2020 22:44:17 +0000Radio AmericaThe Iranian military figure responsible for targeting and killing thousands of people, including hundreds of U.S. troops, was killed in a drone strike in Iraq early Friday morning, along with several other key figures connected with Iranian-sponsored...
But the killing of Qassem Soleimani is sparking fierce debate.  President Trump says he acted to stop a war while his critics claim he's on the brink of starting one.  They also argue Trump should have sought congressional approval or at least consulted with Democratic leaders before commencing the strike.  And are we on the verge of a full-scale war with Iran?

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Chuck Nash studies Iran closely.  In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Nash explains why he believes the attack on Soleimani and his associates was fully warranted, whether Trump had an obligation to inform Congress of the attack, the dilemma now facing Iranian leaders, and how a regime change inside Iran must happen from within.]]>638iran,irgc,news,quds,soleimani,terrorism,trump,u.s.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-dems-plan-era-showdown--21292384
The Equal Rights Amendment, known as ERA, was approved by two-thirds majorities in the U.S. House and Senate in the 1970's but failed to reach the threshold of 38 states within the ten-year window Congress permitted to ratify it.  Democrats believe they can can revive the effort while opponents say it officially died nearly 40 years ago.

What are the legal and political facts in this dispute?  And what would the ERA actually do?

Independent Women's Forum Senior Political Analyst Inez Stepman says its states purpose of mandating equality between the sexes would be redundant since women enjoy the same rights as men.  ]

However, she says the ERA could be very dangerous by not only declaring men and women equal but essentially interchangeable.  And from separate public restrooms to men and women being eligible for the draft, Stepman says the impact could be far-reaching if supporters can overcome the political and legal hurdles.

"It could be an enormous legal change.  If their legal theories are accepted and they ratify the ERA, all kinds of laws today that Americans take for granted could be constitutionally infirm and struck down by the courts," said Stepman.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what's at stake in this debate and how the fight is likely to play out.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21292384Thu, 02 Jan 2020 22:50:54 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia Democrats will take control of the General Assembly next week.  And while their gun control agenda is receiving the vast majority of the media coverage, the Democrats are also planning to ratify the decades-old Equal Rights Amendment and...
The Equal Rights Amendment, known as ERA, was approved by two-thirds majorities in the U.S. House and Senate in the 1970's but failed to reach the threshold of 38 states within the ten-year window Congress permitted to ratify it.  Democrats believe they can can revive the effort while opponents say it officially died nearly 40 years ago.

What are the legal and political facts in this dispute?  And what would the ERA actually do?

Independent Women's Forum Senior Political Analyst Inez Stepman says its states purpose of mandating equality between the sexes would be redundant since women enjoy the same rights as men.  ]

However, she says the ERA could be very dangerous by not only declaring men and women equal but essentially interchangeable.  And from separate public restrooms to men and women being eligible for the draft, Stepman says the impact could be far-reaching if supporters can overcome the political and legal hurdles.

"It could be an enormous legal change.  If their legal theories are accepted and they ratify the ERA, all kinds of laws today that Americans take for granted could be constitutionally infirm and struck down by the courts," said Stepman.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what's at stake in this debate and how the fight is likely to play out.]]>782constitution,democrats,era,news,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/should-the-electoral-college-survive--20933388
But the Constitution says the president is selected through the Electoral College, a system that focuses on which candidates win each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

What did the founding fathers have in mind when they created the Electoral College?  Does it still serve it's purpose centuries later? And why do advocates for determining winners through the popular vote believe their approach is more fair?

Radio America's Alexandra Lavin speaks with both sides and explores the effort from some states to give the popular vote the final say without actually changing the Constitution.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20933388Mon, 30 Dec 2019 17:00:12 +0000Radio AmericaMany Democrats are demanding a new system for electing our presidents.  The effort stems from Democrats losing two presidential elections within 16 years despite winning the popular vote. But the Constitution says the president is selected through...
But the Constitution says the president is selected through the Electoral College, a system that focuses on which candidates win each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

What did the founding fathers have in mind when they created the Electoral College?  Does it still serve it's purpose centuries later? And why do advocates for determining winners through the popular vote believe their approach is more fair?

Radio America's Alexandra Lavin speaks with both sides and explores the effort from some states to give the popular vote the final say without actually changing the Constitution.]]>362college,compact,constitution,elections,electoralfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rep-yoho-details-agricultural-guest-worker-plan--20931985
Yoho represents an agriculture-heavy district.  He says it's simply a fact that guest workers are needed in the industry but the U.S. must do a much better job keeping track of who is coming in and how to find them if they overstay their visas.

In this podcast, Yoho describes how his legislation requires far greater scrutiny on who can enter the nation as a guest worker, what would and would not be required of employers who hire them, the importance of E-Verify in making sure all workers are in the country legally and much more.  He also addresses whether Republicans and Democrats can find any common ground on this issue.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20931985Thu, 26 Dec 2019 17:00:12 +0000Radio AmericaImmigration reform remains very elusive in Washington as Republicans and Democrats seemingly find less and less common ground as the debate continues.  Florida Rep. Ted Yoho believes comprehensive legislation is highly unlikely and a bad idea anyway,...
Yoho represents an agriculture-heavy district.  He says it's simply a fact that guest workers are needed in the industry but the U.S. must do a much better job keeping track of who is coming in and how to find them if they overstay their visas.

In this podcast, Yoho describes how his legislation requires far greater scrutiny on who can enter the nation as a guest worker, what would and would not be required of employers who hire them, the importance of E-Verify in making sure all workers are in the country legally and much more.  He also addresses whether Republicans and Democrats can find any common ground on this issue.]]>616agricultural,congress,guest,immigration,worker,yohofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/california-crushes-the-gig-economy--20932188
The goal was to prevent independent contractors from being exploited.  In reality, it's putting them out of work.  Instead of complying with the new mandatory bureaucracy, businesses are severing ties with their outside talent and stories of websites and other businesses announcing massive layoffs are widespread.

What exactly does the legislation require of employers?  Why are they choosing to release freelance professionals instead of making them actual employees?  And what will happen once the real impact of this law is understood?

In this podcast, we discuss those questions and others with Rachel Greszler, research fellow in economics, budget, and entitlements at the Heritage Foundation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20932188Mon, 23 Dec 2019 17:00:10 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this year, California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted legislation they promised would protect independent workers.  Passed by the Democratic-dominated legislature, the law requires businesses to treat freelance workers like formal...
The goal was to prevent independent contractors from being exploited.  In reality, it's putting them out of work.  Instead of complying with the new mandatory bureaucracy, businesses are severing ties with their outside talent and stories of websites and other businesses announcing massive layoffs are widespread.

What exactly does the legislation require of employers?  Why are they choosing to release freelance professionals instead of making them actual employees?  And what will happen once the real impact of this law is understood?

In this podcast, we discuss those questions and others with Rachel Greszler, research fellow in economics, budget, and entitlements at the Heritage Foundation.]]>476california,economy,gig,greszler,news,regulationsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2019-music-television-film--20939051
In this podcast, we look back legends from the world of entertainment.  We remember one of the iconic singers and actresses from Hollywood's golden age, groundbreaking music acts from rock and roll to pop to opera.  We'll also look back at television stars from Sesame Street to phenomenal comedic and dramatic actors in television and the movies.

Join us for this remembrance.  And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and business and from media and sports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20939051Sat, 21 Dec 2019 05:14:37 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, we've bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers.  From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they've departed. In this podcast, we look back...
In this podcast, we look back legends from the world of entertainment.  We remember one of the iconic singers and actresses from Hollywood's golden age, groundbreaking music acts from rock and roll to pop to opera.  We'll also look back at television stars from Sesame Street to phenomenal comedic and dramatic actors in television and the movies.

Join us for this remembrance.  And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and business and from media and sports.]]>600conway,day,entertainment,film,memoriam,music,norman,spinney,television,torkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2019-media-sports--20939021
This list includes a trailblazing female journalist, a legendary sports broadcaster, winners of the first two Superbowls, baseball hall of famers, and one of the winningest basketball players of all time.  

Join us as we remember these legends.  And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and business and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20939021Sat, 21 Dec 2019 05:06:11 +0000Radio AmericaAs we prepare to close the books on 2019, we take time to remember those famous names and faces who left us from all walks of life.  In this segment, we will look back at prominent figures in media and sports who died this year. This list includes a...
This list includes a trailblazing female journalist, a legendary sports broadcaster, winners of the first two Superbowls, baseball hall of famers, and one of the winningest basketball players of all time.  

Join us as we remember these legends.  And please find our segments on those we lost in politics and business and in entertainment.]]>406havlicek,media,news,roberts,robinson,sports,starr,whitakerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2019-politics-business--20938968
Our list includes a Supreme Court justice, the billionaire businessman who shook up politics in the 1990's, many long-serving lawmakers, an auto industry titan and many more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in media and sports and in entertainment.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20938968Sat, 21 Dec 2019 04:59:15 +0000Radio America2019 brought us many headlines, including the sad news of the deaths of many famous people. In this section, we will remember key figures in politics and business. Our list includes a Supreme Court justice, the billionaire businessman who shook up...
Our list includes a Supreme Court justice, the billionaire businessman who shook up politics in the 1990's, many long-serving lawmakers, an auto industry titan and many more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures in these areas and do not miss our other podcasts remembering those we lost in media and sports and in entertainment.]]>493baghdadi,business,iacocca,news,perot,politics,stevensfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/appeals-court-calls-obamacare-mandate-unconstitutional--20902921
It's the latest ruling in a case brought by the attorneys general of many states and individual plaintiffs claiming the mandate has caused great harm.

The court is now trying to decide whether it's ruling means Obamacare must come crashing down without the individual mandate or whether the rest of the law can stand without the mandate.

Rob Henneke of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation is the lead attorney for the individuals taking legal aim at the individual mandate. He explains the significance of Wednesday's decision, why he believes Obamacare cannot survive without the individual mandate, and why this fight may end up at the Supreme Court sooner than most people expect.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20902921Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:50:50 +0000Radio AmericaThe effort to strike down the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is another step closer to reality after a three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the individual mandate is unconstitutional. It's the latest...
It's the latest ruling in a case brought by the attorneys general of many states and individual plaintiffs claiming the mandate has caused great harm.

The court is now trying to decide whether it's ruling means Obamacare must come crashing down without the individual mandate or whether the rest of the law can stand without the mandate.

Rob Henneke of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation is the lead attorney for the individuals taking legal aim at the individual mandate. He explains the significance of Wednesday's decision, why he believes Obamacare cannot survive without the individual mandate, and why this fight may end up at the Supreme Court sooner than most people expect.]]>766aca,courts,henneke,mandate,news,obamacarefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/neither-side-is-interested-in-spending-restraint--20865635
The House votes on Tuesday enjoyed support from dozens of GOP members.

Openthebooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski says Democrats are open about wanting to spend more and more money and many Republicans often end up being hypocrites who run on fiscal conservatism but vote for bloated appropriations packages like this one.

Andrzejewski details how bad our deficit spending is right now, how soon the U.S. may have to pay the piper at this rate, and what can be done to address the problem.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20865635Wed, 18 Dec 2019 22:07:49 +0000Radio AmericaAs Congress prepares to pass another $1.4 trillion in government spending and President Trump prepares to sign it, why are both parties abdicating responsibility for fiscal stewardship? The House votes on Tuesday enjoyed support from dozens of GOP...
The House votes on Tuesday enjoyed support from dozens of GOP members.

Openthebooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski says Democrats are open about wanting to spend more and more money and many Republicans often end up being hypocrites who run on fiscal conservatism but vote for bloated appropriations packages like this one.

Andrzejewski details how bad our deficit spending is right now, how soon the U.S. may have to pay the piper at this rate, and what can be done to address the problem.]]>616congress,debt,entitlements,news,spending,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sen-rand-paul-talks-spending-bill-afghanistan-impeachment--20835571
"The nicest thing I can say about them would be they're an abomination," laughed Paul. "They're terrible. People who vote for this are not fiscally conservative. There's nothing conservative about this."

In the podcast, Paul also explains why a majority of Republicans are uninterested in fiscal discipline along with the vast majority of Democrats.

Sen. Paul also reacts to the Washington Post reports revealing that the Bush and Obama administrations really didn't know what to do in Afghanistan and both actively deceived the American people about progress that wasn't really happening. What policy does Paul think would make the most sense and prevent Afghanistan from breeding more terrorist attacks.

And listen as Sen. Paul offers his preview of the impeachment trial headed to the U.S. Senate come January.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20835571Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:00:59 +0000Radio AmericaSen. Rand Paul is not holding back his disgust for the bloated spending contained in the bills to fund the federal government through September 2020. "The nicest thing I can say about them would be they're an abomination," laughed Paul. "They're...
"The nicest thing I can say about them would be they're an abomination," laughed Paul. "They're terrible. People who vote for this are not fiscally conservative. There's nothing conservative about this."

In the podcast, Paul also explains why a majority of Republicans are uninterested in fiscal discipline along with the vast majority of Democrats.

Sen. Paul also reacts to the Washington Post reports revealing that the Bush and Obama administrations really didn't know what to do in Afghanistan and both actively deceived the American people about progress that wasn't really happening. What policy does Paul think would make the most sense and prevent Afghanistan from breeding more terrorist attacks.

And listen as Sen. Paul offers his preview of the impeachment trial headed to the U.S. Senate come January.]]>413afghanistan,budget,impeachment,news,paul,rand,spendingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-the-uk-elections-mean-for-the-u-s--20727262
Prime Minister Boris Johnson now has plenty of breathing room to pursue his brand of Brexit while Labor tries to figure out what went wrong.

So why did the Conservative Party far exceed all expectations? Was it simply a desire to resolve Brexit or is there something more? Why did voters soundly reject Labor and where does it go from here.

And most importantly, what do these results mean for the British relationship with the United States?

We discuss all of this and more with Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20727262Sat, 14 Dec 2019 03:29:56 +0000Radio AmericaThe Conservative Party far surpassed expectations in Thursday's parliamentary elections, winning 364 seats and crushing the Labor Party's hopes of scoring an upset. Prime Minister Boris Johnson now has plenty of breathing room to pursue his brand of...
Prime Minister Boris Johnson now has plenty of breathing room to pursue his brand of Brexit while Labor tries to figure out what went wrong.

So why did the Conservative Party far exceed all expectations? Was it simply a desire to resolve Brexit or is there something more? Why did voters soundly reject Labor and where does it go from here.

And most importantly, what do these results mean for the British relationship with the United States?

We discuss all of this and more with Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council.]]>495brexit,conservatives,corbyn,johnson,labor,news,ukfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-dissects-impeachment-articles--20637761
Why did Democrats decide on these articles? How strong is their case? And why did they not accuse Trump of bribery after weeks of suggesting he engaged in that?

We get answers from former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy, author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20637761Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:40:25 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, House Democrats unveiled two articles of impeachment against President Trump. The Judiciary Committee will soon approve charges that Trump committed abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in connection to the Ukraine controversy. Why...
Why did Democrats decide on these articles? How strong is their case? And why did they not accuse Trump of bribery after weeks of suggesting he engaged in that?

We get answers from former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy, author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."]]>647bribery,democrats,impeachment,news,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ig-report-skewers-fbi-over-fisa-warrants--20637685
Horowitz concluded that there was no provable political bias that went into some 17 major errors in filing for the warrants, including the admission of obviously false information about Page and Trump and the exclusion of exculpatory information.  He also did not refer anyone for criminal prosecution.

Democrats and former FBI officials declared this a win for their position and a death blow to the idea that the Obama administration spied on the Trump campaign in 2016.  

But former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy says there's plenty in the report which is very ugly for the FBI and everyone up the chain of command.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy tells Greg Corombos what stood out to him in the report, what's still to come in the investigation led by U.S. Attorney John Durham and whether Horowitz is right to be worried that the rights of everyday Americans are at great risk of being trampled if the FBI acted in such a shoddy manner in a case of great national significance.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20637685Tue, 10 Dec 2019 21:50:39 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released his long-awaited report on the FBI's handling of FISA warrant requests and renewals concerning one-time Trump campaign figure Carter Page. Horowitz concluded that there was no...
Horowitz concluded that there was no provable political bias that went into some 17 major errors in filing for the warrants, including the admission of obviously false information about Page and Trump and the exclusion of exculpatory information.  He also did not refer anyone for criminal prosecution.

Democrats and former FBI officials declared this a win for their position and a death blow to the idea that the Obama administration spied on the Trump campaign in 2016.  

But former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy says there's plenty in the report which is very ugly for the FBI and everyone up the chain of command.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy tells Greg Corombos what stood out to him in the report, what's still to come in the investigation led by U.S. Attorney John Durham and whether Horowitz is right to be worried that the rights of everyday Americans are at great risk of being trampled if the FBI acted in such a shoddy manner in a case of great national significance.]]>6992016,carter,doj,fbi,fisa,horowitz,ig,news,pagefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-crackdown-creates-bigger-protests--20537461
The Iranian regime is lashing out against the demonstrators with far more ferocity than in previous protests, but the repression seems to be making more people mad and the protests just keep growing.

"There's nothing that can stop it, no matter how mush pressure the regime exerts," said Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran office in Washington.

He explained why the Iranian government is acting far more viciously towards its own people in this round of protests.

"You're talking about a regime that is paranoid. It's weak. It's vulnerable, and people now feel that they have the momentum on their side," said Jafarzadeh.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Jafarzadeh explain the extent of the deadly repression and the most important thing the U.S. can do to help the demonstrators.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20537461Sat, 07 Dec 2019 00:36:43 +0000Radio AmericaSince mid-November, Iranian citizens have filled the streets in scores of cities in all 31 of the nation's provinces to denounce the mullahs and the Rouhani government. The Iranian regime is lashing out against the demonstrators with far more...
The Iranian regime is lashing out against the demonstrators with far more ferocity than in previous protests, but the repression seems to be making more people mad and the protests just keep growing.

"There's nothing that can stop it, no matter how mush pressure the regime exerts," said Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran office in Washington.

He explained why the Iranian government is acting far more viciously towards its own people in this round of protests.

"You're talking about a regime that is paranoid. It's weak. It's vulnerable, and people now feel that they have the momentum on their side," said Jafarzadeh.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Jafarzadeh explain the extent of the deadly repression and the most important thing the U.S. can do to help the demonstrators.]]>870falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mcclintock-talks-impeachment-slams-dems--20513617
California Republican Rep. Tom McClintock is member of the House Judiciary Committee. He tells Greg Corombos why he sees nothing in President Trump's conduct that warrants impeachment.

Listen to the full podcast, as McClintock also explains what he thinks of the Trump-Zelensky phone call, Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate the Bidens, Wednesday's testimony from constitutional law professors,  and much more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20513617Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:22:05 +0000Radio AmericaAfter one hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is directing committee chairman Jerry Nadler to begin drafting articles of impeachment. What's behind the timing of that decision and what articles could be coming?...
California Republican Rep. Tom McClintock is member of the House Judiciary Committee. He tells Greg Corombos why he sees nothing in President Trump's conduct that warrants impeachment.

Listen to the full podcast, as McClintock also explains what he thinks of the Trump-Zelensky phone call, Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate the Bidens, Wednesday's testimony from constitutional law professors,  and much more.]]>548impeachment,nadler,news,pelosi,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gun-control-sanctuaries-and-the-second-amendment-inside-virginia-s-big-political-battle--20488485
In addition to the usual legislative goals of universal background checks, red flag laws, and bans on semi-automatic"assault style" rifles, legislation put forth by the incoming Senate majority leader would make it illegal to possess guns that were purchased legally but subsequently banned by his bill.

In response, dozens of counties and other Virginia localities are adopting sanctuary policies, effectively announcing their sheriffs will not enforce any laws they believe to be in violation of the second amendment.

So what are the Democrats proposing exactly? Do the counties have the right to defy state laws? And will Virginia Democrats likely end up passing aggressive gun control legislation or something less severe.

Greg Corombos discusses all of this and more with Bearing Arms Editor-in-Chief Cam Edwards.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20488485Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:41:25 +0000Radio AmericaOn Nov. 5, Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. Democrats officially take control in January but party leaders are already rolling out an aggressive gun control agenda. In addition to the usual legislative...
In addition to the usual legislative goals of universal background checks, red flag laws, and bans on semi-automatic"assault style" rifles, legislation put forth by the incoming Senate majority leader would make it illegal to possess guns that were purchased legally but subsequently banned by his bill.

In response, dozens of counties and other Virginia localities are adopting sanctuary policies, effectively announcing their sheriffs will not enforce any laws they believe to be in violation of the second amendment.

So what are the Democrats proposing exactly? Do the counties have the right to defy state laws? And will Virginia Democrats likely end up passing aggressive gun control legislation or something less severe.

Greg Corombos discusses all of this and more with Bearing Arms Editor-in-Chief Cam Edwards.]]>541confiscation,control,democrats,gun,guns,news,sanctuaries,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/young-conservatives-fight-back-against-socialist-push--20462777
But why is socialism popular, particularly among young adults?  While many have difficulty articulating their views, others have embraced the idea of "democratic socialism" as espoused by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Young Americans Against Socialism CEO Morgan Zegers sees this up close on a daily basis.  After having an avowed communist as a good friend and college roommate, Zegers decided her generation needed to push back against the political tide.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Zegers details how she responds to the appeal of democratic socialism and why the facts of history are on her side.  She also stresses that conservatives need to befriend and not mock those who really don't know why they like socialism.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20462777Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:54:14 +0000Radio AmericaSocialism is getting increasingly popular.  A recent Gallup poll shows 49 percent of Millennials and Gen Z have a favorable view of socialism.  Other surveys show as many as 57 percent embrace it.  And while the numbers are far different among Gen X...
But why is socialism popular, particularly among young adults?  While many have difficulty articulating their views, others have embraced the idea of "democratic socialism" as espoused by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Young Americans Against Socialism CEO Morgan Zegers sees this up close on a daily basis.  After having an avowed communist as a good friend and college roommate, Zegers decided her generation needed to push back against the political tide.

In this conversation with Greg Corombos, Zegers details how she responds to the appeal of democratic socialism and why the facts of history are on her side.  She also stresses that conservatives need to befriend and not mock those who really don't know why they like socialism.]]>428capitalism,college,gen,millennial,news,socialism,z,zegersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fact-vs-fiction-on-trump-ukraine--20462621
But while Chairman Adam Schiff and his allies believe the evidence of impeachable offenses is overwhelming, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy sees things much differently.

Author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig An Election and Destroy a Presidency," McCarthy explains why he is underwhelmed by the impeachment report.

Democrats argue that the facts everyone agrees on - such as the details of the Trump-Zelensky phone call - ought to be enough to warrant Trump's removal from office. McCarthy explains why he disagrees with that too.

And as the rhetoric flies about why Ukraine did and did not do during the 2016 campaign, McCarthy separates which allegations about Ukrainian interference are absurd and what actually happened based on the best evidence available.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20462621Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:57:40 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released their impeachment report, arguing that President Trump deliberately and repeatedly abused the power of his office for his personal political benefit through his demands towards...
But while Chairman Adam Schiff and his allies believe the evidence of impeachable offenses is overwhelming, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy sees things much differently.

Author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig An Election and Destroy a Presidency," McCarthy explains why he is underwhelmed by the impeachment report.

Democrats argue that the facts everyone agrees on - such as the details of the Trump-Zelensky phone call - ought to be enough to warrant Trump's removal from office. McCarthy explains why he disagrees with that too.

And as the rhetoric flies about why Ukraine did and did not do during the 2016 campaign, McCarthy separates which allegations about Ukrainian interference are absurd and what actually happened based on the best evidence available.]]>10062016,impeachment,news,report.,schiff,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/freitas-runs-for-congress--20436442
Freitas is a U.S. Army veteran, a Green Beret who served two tours in Iraq.  He was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015 and about to begin his third term there after winning re-election as a write-in candidate.  In 2018, Freitas sought the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate but narrowly lost in the primary.

The seventh district is currently represented by Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who won a tight race against incumbent GOP Rep. Dave Brat in 2018.  Freitas says Spanberger ran as a moderate but votes with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nearly 90 percent of the time.  He also slammed Spanberger for enthusiastically supporting the effort to impeach President Trump.

Freitas says the district is far more conservative than Spanberger and it's time for more accurate representation.  He believes there is a fundamental difference in how Republicans and Democrats approach their jobs and he's betting the voters will be much more comfortable with his philosophy.

"Whenever I hear about Democrats solving common-sense problems, it seems like their starting point is always how do we empower the government to do more," said Freitas.

"When I look around at how we solve problems in the private sector, what I see is efficient solutions that people like, that they have a choice to engage in the marketplace with, and they're inherently peaceful," he added.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Freitas thinks of President Trump, how he will deal with a Virginia that is increasingly tilting towards the Democrats and just how far left the Virginia legislature is planning to go when Democrats take full control in January.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20436442Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:08:56 +0000Radio AmericaFresh off re-election to his state legislative office Republican Virginia Del. Nick Freitas is launching a congressional campaign in the commonwealth's seventh district. Freitas is a U.S. Army veteran, a Green Beret who served two tours in Iraq.  He...
Freitas is a U.S. Army veteran, a Green Beret who served two tours in Iraq.  He was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2015 and about to begin his third term there after winning re-election as a write-in candidate.  In 2018, Freitas sought the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate but narrowly lost in the primary.

The seventh district is currently represented by Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who won a tight race against incumbent GOP Rep. Dave Brat in 2018.  Freitas says Spanberger ran as a moderate but votes with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nearly 90 percent of the time.  He also slammed Spanberger for enthusiastically supporting the effort to impeach President Trump.

Freitas says the district is far more conservative than Spanberger and it's time for more accurate representation.  He believes there is a fundamental difference in how Republicans and Democrats approach their jobs and he's betting the voters will be much more comfortable with his philosophy.

"Whenever I hear about Democrats solving common-sense problems, it seems like their starting point is always how do we empower the government to do more," said Freitas.

"When I look around at how we solve problems in the private sector, what I see is efficient solutions that people like, that they have a choice to engage in the marketplace with, and they're inherently peaceful," he added.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Freitas thinks of President Trump, how he will deal with a Virginia that is increasingly tilting towards the Democrats and just how far left the Virginia legislature is planning to go when Democrats take full control in January.]]>9072020,congress,freitas,news,spanberger,trump,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-our-weakness-god-is-strong--20294356
But in 2014, Carmen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, even after a bone marrow transplant, the cancer has relapsed multiple times.

But even as she battles for her life yet again, Carmen's faith is an inspiration to many as she travels the halls of her Houston cancer ward encouraging and evangelizing other patients, their families, and the medical staff.

Following a 2018 relapse, Carmen turned her Facebook journal of her cancer fight and trust in God into a book entitled "In Our Weakness, God is Strong."

In this uplifting podcast, Carmen tells Greg Corombos how her faith prepared her for this grueling health challenge, how she encourages others to prepare before a crisis hits them, and why she feels called to share her faith with those she meets.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20294356Wed, 27 Nov 2019 16:35:03 +0000Radio AmericaCarmen Pate has been very active in ministry and in pro-life activism for many years. As you can hear in the podcast, she is a woman of passion and energy. But in 2014, Carmen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, even after a bone...
But in 2014, Carmen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, even after a bone marrow transplant, the cancer has relapsed multiple times.

But even as she battles for her life yet again, Carmen's faith is an inspiration to many as she travels the halls of her Houston cancer ward encouraging and evangelizing other patients, their families, and the medical staff.

Following a 2018 relapse, Carmen turned her Facebook journal of her cancer fight and trust in God into a book entitled "In Our Weakness, God is Strong."

In this uplifting podcast, Carmen tells Greg Corombos how her faith prepared her for this grueling health challenge, how she encourages others to prepare before a crisis hits them, and why she feels called to share her faith with those she meets.]]>812cancer,evangelism,faith,leukemia,news,patefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-rep-yoho-won-t-support-usmca--20294723
Florida Rep. Ted Yoho tells Greg Corombos how impeachment is gumming up the legislative works but he also details why he cannot support USMCA in it's current form...and why he doesn't think it has the votes to pass at all.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20294723Tue, 26 Nov 2019 20:49:33 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Republicans are hammering Speaker Nancy Pelosi for putting legislative business on hold while the impeachment process plays out. At the top of their grievance list is the inaction on the USMCA, the trade agreement among the U.S., Canada, and...
Florida Rep. Ted Yoho tells Greg Corombos how impeachment is gumming up the legislative works but he also details why he cannot support USMCA in it's current form...and why he doesn't think it has the votes to pass at all.]]>486impeachment,news,pelosi,trade,usmca,yohofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/congress-kicks-spending-can-down-the-road-again--20174587
But while shutdown theater was avoided for another month, Congress is yet again failing to go through an orderly appropriations process, by which congressional committees go line by line through spending bills for each department of government.

In recent years, regardless of which party controls the House and Senate, members have funded the government through continuing resolutions that temporarily keep spending levels intact or by voting on giant take-it-or-leave-it omnibus bills that give members no chance to make changes.  The omnibus bills invariably result in higher spending.

Arizona GOP Rep. Paul Gosar says too often the Speaker of the House, whether Republican or Democrat, unilaterally decides what federal spending is going to look like.

"We have put way too much power into the hands of the speakers.  We need to have a process that's generated from the members from their different committees.  The chairmen should be picked by members of the committees so they are beholden to the members, not beholden to leadership," said Gosar, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

On Thursday, before approving the continuing resolution, the U.S. Senate voted to table, or delay, Sen. Rand Paul's push for the "Penny Plan," which calls for eliminating one penny of each dollar in federal spending.  More than half of Senate Republicans voted to put off consideration of the plan.

Gosar is not surprised.

"A lot is said when your leader actually says, 'Nobody loses office by spending money,'" said Gosar, apparently referring to Senate Majority Leader Mich McConnell.  "It shows people are not serious about the process here."

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Gosar's ideas for returning to more responsible spending.  He also explains why he believed Republicans lost the majority in the House of Representatives because of their unfulfilled promises and not because of President Trump.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20174587Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:36:56 +0000Radio AmericaWhile the impeachment hearings attracted most of the news coverage on Capitol Hill this week, both the House and Senate agreed to a continuing resolution to keep the government funded until December 20. But while shutdown theater was avoided for...
But while shutdown theater was avoided for another month, Congress is yet again failing to go through an orderly appropriations process, by which congressional committees go line by line through spending bills for each department of government.

In recent years, regardless of which party controls the House and Senate, members have funded the government through continuing resolutions that temporarily keep spending levels intact or by voting on giant take-it-or-leave-it omnibus bills that give members no chance to make changes.  The omnibus bills invariably result in higher spending.

Arizona GOP Rep. Paul Gosar says too often the Speaker of the House, whether Republican or Democrat, unilaterally decides what federal spending is going to look like.

"We have put way too much power into the hands of the speakers.  We need to have a process that's generated from the members from their different committees.  The chairmen should be picked by members of the committees so they are beholden to the members, not beholden to leadership," said Gosar, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

On Thursday, before approving the continuing resolution, the U.S. Senate voted to table, or delay, Sen. Rand Paul's push for the "Penny Plan," which calls for eliminating one penny of each dollar in federal spending.  More than half of Senate Republicans voted to put off consideration of the plan.

Gosar is not surprised.

"A lot is said when your leader actually says, 'Nobody loses office by spending money,'" said Gosar, apparently referring to Senate Majority Leader Mich McConnell.  "It shows people are not serious about the process here."

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Gosar's ideas for returning to more responsible spending.  He also explains why he believed Republicans lost the majority in the House of Representatives because of their unfulfilled promises and not because of President Trump.]]>640congress,deficits,house,news,senate,spendingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/netanyahu-charged-what-s-next-in-israel--20173297
On Thursday, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.  Bribery carries a maximum sentence of ten years while the other charges could bring an additional three years.  The allegations stem from allegations Netanyahu accepted gifts in exchange for political favors and also provided regulatory relief to two major media outlets in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu says the indictments are politically motivated and contends it may be time to "investigate the investigators."

All of this comes as Netanyahu serves as a caretaker prime minister in Israel.  Parliamentary elections were held in Israel in September.  Netanyahu and chief rival Benny Gantz finished in a virtual dead heat, but neither party was anywhere close to holding a majority in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

Netanyahu was given the first chance to form a coalition government with smaller parties but he failed.  Gantz was then given the opportunity to forge a majority government and also failed.  Right now, the Knesset is tasked with choosing a prime minister or another election will have to be scheduled.

Is the evidence against Netanyahu compelling or a political smear as he alleges?  Do these charges change the political dynamics in Israel or are loyalties largely entrenched as they are in the U.S.?  And would new elections actually lead to a decisive winner or just result in another stalemate?

We address these questions and more as Greg Corombos interviews American Foreign Policy Council Vice President Ilan Berman.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20173297Thu, 21 Nov 2019 22:00:18 +0000Radio AmericaIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is already in the midst of a political drama and now he's facing a legal one too. On Thursday, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of...
On Thursday, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.  Bribery carries a maximum sentence of ten years while the other charges could bring an additional three years.  The allegations stem from allegations Netanyahu accepted gifts in exchange for political favors and also provided regulatory relief to two major media outlets in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu says the indictments are politically motivated and contends it may be time to "investigate the investigators."

All of this comes as Netanyahu serves as a caretaker prime minister in Israel.  Parliamentary elections were held in Israel in September.  Netanyahu and chief rival Benny Gantz finished in a virtual dead heat, but neither party was anywhere close to holding a majority in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

Netanyahu was given the first chance to form a coalition government with smaller parties but he failed.  Gantz was then given the opportunity to forge a majority government and also failed.  Right now, the Knesset is tasked with choosing a prime minister or another election will have to be scheduled.

Is the evidence against Netanyahu compelling or a political smear as he alleges?  Do these charges change the political dynamics in Israel or are loyalties largely entrenched as they are in the U.S.?  And would new elections actually lead to a decisive winner or just result in another stalemate?

We address these questions and more as Greg Corombos interviews American Foreign Policy Council Vice President Ilan Berman.]]>486elections,gantz,indictment,israel,netanyahu,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/andy-mccarthy-sondland-testimony-hurts-gop-defense-still-doesn-t-rise-to-impeachment--20150487
McCarthy, who served as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is the author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."  He is also a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor.

On Wednesday, Sondland says President Trump directed him to work with presidential attorney Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine policy.  Sondland says Giuliani insisted on Ukraine publicly announcing an investigation into the 2016 elections and the energy company Burisma in exchange for an Oval Office meeting for Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelensky.

Burisma is the energy company that paid Hunter Biden huge sums of money to sit on its board of directors during the latter years of the Obama administration while Joe Biden was vice president. Sondland says he never considered that the effort to probe Burisma was really an effort to investigate the Bidens.

Sondland also says he never got an answer as to why $400 million in military aid to Ukraine was held up but he "presumes" it was also in an effort to compel the investigations.

McCarthy says the most significant impact of Wednesday's testimony is that it proved the Republicans mounted the wrong defense by insisting there was no quid pro quo.

"I think it was a real mistake to fight the idea that there was a quid pro quo since there's virtually always a quid pro quo in foreign relations.  If you're going to do an effective defense in any kind of an adversarial proceeding, you don't want to be fighting a pitched battle on something you can't win.

"I've thought it was a mistake all along for the Republicans and the president to base their defense on the idea there was no quid pro quo when there's a lot of evidence that there was," said McCarthy.

McCarthy says the best defense from the beginning would have been to explain how the allegations simply do not rise to the level of impeachment.  He refers to this controversy as the "Seinfeld" impeachment, because it's a high crime and misdemeanor about nothing.

He also says the founders did not intend impeachment to be used in a scenario like this.

"They were worried that the powerful presidency they had just created could be co-opted by a foreign power, so the might of the United States was being used for the foreign power rather than the American people. 

So what they put bribery in there for was to fill this gap to address the possibility that a president essentially gets purchased by a foreign power, that is the foreign power bribes the president so that the president does the foreign power's bidding rather than the American people's bidding. We don't have anything close to that here," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of McCarthy's assessment of Sondland's testimony, his response to the assertion Ukraine only got the military aid after the whistleblower's complaint surfaced, and where he thinks the likelihood impeachment currently stands.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20150487Wed, 20 Nov 2019 22:45:33 +0000Radio AmericaU.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland says there was a quid pro quo pushed by the Trump administration, an assertion that damages the defense put foerward by President Trump and his Republican allies, but former federal prosecutor...
McCarthy, who served as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is the author of "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."  He is also a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor.

On Wednesday, Sondland says President Trump directed him to work with presidential attorney Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine policy.  Sondland says Giuliani insisted on Ukraine publicly announcing an investigation into the 2016 elections and the energy company Burisma in exchange for an Oval Office meeting for Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelensky.

Burisma is the energy company that paid Hunter Biden huge sums of money to sit on its board of directors during the latter years of the Obama administration while Joe Biden was vice president. Sondland says he never considered that the effort to probe Burisma was really an effort to investigate the Bidens.

Sondland also says he never got an answer as to why $400 million in military aid to Ukraine was held up but he "presumes" it was also in an effort to compel the investigations.

McCarthy says the most significant impact of Wednesday's testimony is that it proved the Republicans mounted the wrong defense by insisting there was no quid pro quo.

"I think it was a real mistake to fight the idea that there was a quid pro quo since there's virtually always a quid pro quo in foreign relations.  If you're going to do an effective defense in any kind of an adversarial proceeding, you don't want to be fighting a pitched battle on something you can't win.

"I've thought it was a mistake all along for the Republicans and the president to base their defense on the idea there was no quid pro quo when there's a lot of evidence that there was," said McCarthy.

McCarthy says the best defense from the beginning would have been to explain how the allegations simply do not rise to the level of impeachment.  He refers to this controversy as the "Seinfeld" impeachment, because it's a high crime and misdemeanor about nothing.

He also says the founders did not intend impeachment to be used in a scenario like this.

"They were worried that the powerful presidency they had just created could be co-opted by a foreign power, so the might of the United States was being used for the foreign power rather than the American people. 

So what they put bribery in there for was to fill this gap to address the possibility that a president essentially gets purchased by a foreign power, that is the foreign power bribes the president so that the president does the foreign power's bidding rather than the American people's bidding. We don't have anything close to that here," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of McCarthy's assessment of Sondland's testimony, his response to the assertion Ukraine only got the military aid after the whistleblower's complaint surfaced, and where he thinks the likelihood impeachment currently stands.]]>975giuliani,impeachment,news,sondland,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dems-other-target-alaska-governor-addresses-recall-effort--20126332
Gov. Mike Dunleavy won the Alaska governor's race in 2018, promising to restore fiscal order in the state. Upon entering office in December of last year, he immediately began cutting spending. The cuts included reductions to the University of Alaska system and Medicaid payments among many other areas. By the end of February, a recall effort was already underway.

"We put in some pretty stiff reductions. And, really, there were reductions across the board and they hit a lot of programs.

"They hit programs that touched upon debt reimbursement for municipalities, university, and hit some of our vulnerable populations - homelessness and some of our seniors," said Dunleavy.

But he says aggressive action had to be taken. Without it, Alaska would be in difficult financial straits.

"We would have gone through our savings this year. We'd have no savings left and we'd be staring at some pretty stiff, draconian taxes," said Dunleavy.

Recall supporters gathered more than 49,000 signatures but state officials rejected the premise for it. That ruling is now being challenged in court.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gov. Dunleavy's reaction to the recall and his analysis of why cutting spending draws such fierce opposition in both parties - whether in Alaska or in Washington.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20126332Tue, 19 Nov 2019 23:12:50 +0000Radio AmericaWhile virtually all of the political oxygen is being consumed by the impeachment hearings in Washington, Democrats are looking to remove another Republican executive as well. Gov. Mike Dunleavy won the Alaska governor's race in 2018, promising to...
Gov. Mike Dunleavy won the Alaska governor's race in 2018, promising to restore fiscal order in the state. Upon entering office in December of last year, he immediately began cutting spending. The cuts included reductions to the University of Alaska system and Medicaid payments among many other areas. By the end of February, a recall effort was already underway.

"We put in some pretty stiff reductions. And, really, there were reductions across the board and they hit a lot of programs.

"They hit programs that touched upon debt reimbursement for municipalities, university, and hit some of our vulnerable populations - homelessness and some of our seniors," said Dunleavy.

But he says aggressive action had to be taken. Without it, Alaska would be in difficult financial straits.

"We would have gone through our savings this year. We'd have no savings left and we'd be staring at some pretty stiff, draconian taxes," said Dunleavy.

Recall supporters gathered more than 49,000 signatures but state officials rejected the premise for it. That ruling is now being challenged in court.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gov. Dunleavy's reaction to the recall and his analysis of why cutting spending draws such fierce opposition in both parties - whether in Alaska or in Washington.]]>728alaska,dunleavy,news,recall,spending,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/attorney-judge-forced-jury-to-side-with-planned-parenthood--20103873
However, it's the Center for Medical Progress facing civil and criminal charges for exposing Planned Parenthood's activities.  The jury ordered CMP to pay Planned Parenthood more than $2 million in compensation and punitive damages.  The verdict is being appealed at the same time both sides are preparing for the criminal trial of Daleiden and Merritt.

Merritt is represented by Liberty Counsel.  Chairman Mathew Staver says he is not at all surprised by Friday's verdict one he saw the jury instructions from Judge William Orrick.

Listen to the podcast to hear why Staver believes the judge left no other option for the jury but to punish CMP and why he is appalled that Orrick did not recuse himself from the case.  Staver also explains the legal road ahead and what he believes the consequences will be for free speech and a free press if Planned Parenthood ultimately wins these cases.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20103873Mon, 18 Nov 2019 21:56:47 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, a federal jury in California ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood and against David Daleiden, Sandra Merritt and the Center for Medical Progress (CMP) in a civil case stemming from the group's 2015 undercover videos depicting Planned...
However, it's the Center for Medical Progress facing civil and criminal charges for exposing Planned Parenthood's activities.  The jury ordered CMP to pay Planned Parenthood more than $2 million in compensation and punitive damages.  The verdict is being appealed at the same time both sides are preparing for the criminal trial of Daleiden and Merritt.

Merritt is represented by Liberty Counsel.  Chairman Mathew Staver says he is not at all surprised by Friday's verdict one he saw the jury instructions from Judge William Orrick.

Listen to the podcast to hear why Staver believes the judge left no other option for the jury but to punish CMP and why he is appalled that Orrick did not recuse himself from the case.  Staver also explains the legal road ahead and what he believes the consequences will be for free speech and a free press if Planned Parenthood ultimately wins these cases.]]>595abortion,daleiden,merritt,news,orrick,parenthood,plannedfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gas-price-hikes-fuel-massive-protests-against-iranian-regime--20102063
Iran is already cracking down violently on the protests.  At least 200 are dead and the government admits to arresting 1,000 others.  On Saturday, the government also cut off internet access for the Iranian people.

Massive protests in Iran are not new.  We saw the Green Revolution a decade ago in response to fraudulent elections.  Huge demonstrations also erupted nearly two years ago, spurred by the public's increasing frustration with a government increasingly seen as corrupt and using the money it does have for priorities that have nothing to do with the good of the people.

But will these protests have a different outcome?  What is needed to force the ayatollahs and the political leaders to make significant change or relinquish power?  What role do the United States and the United Nations need to play?  And can Iranian demonstrators count on the UN to put pressure on Iranian leaders?

We discuss this and much more with Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20102063Mon, 18 Nov 2019 20:20:44 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, the Iranian regime announced gasoline prices would jump 50 percent, and in some cases 300 percent, a decree that immediately sent protesters flooding the streets in more than 100 cities across the country. Iran is already cracking down...
Iran is already cracking down violently on the protests.  At least 200 are dead and the government admits to arresting 1,000 others.  On Saturday, the government also cut off internet access for the Iranian people.

Massive protests in Iran are not new.  We saw the Green Revolution a decade ago in response to fraudulent elections.  Huge demonstrations also erupted nearly two years ago, spurred by the public's increasing frustration with a government increasingly seen as corrupt and using the money it does have for priorities that have nothing to do with the good of the people.

But will these protests have a different outcome?  What is needed to force the ayatollahs and the political leaders to make significant change or relinquish power?  What role do the United States and the United Nations need to play?  And can Iranian demonstrators count on the UN to put pressure on Iranian leaders?

We discuss this and much more with Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.]]>915gasoline,iran,khameinei,mek,news,protests,rouhanifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sanford-ends-campaign-fight-for-fiscal-sanity-continues--20055608
Sanford challenged President Trump in the GOP presidential primary knowing full well his odds of winning were very low.  But he launched the bid anyway, seeing it as an opportunity to highlight the fiscal cliff our nation seems determined to fly off of. 

So why is Sanford ending the campaign?  

"All the oxygen was being sucked out of the room by impeachment, said Sanford, in an interview Radio America's Greg Corombos.  "I'm not into wasting my time or anybody else's.  It was a long shot."

But Sanford still plans to play a leading role in getting America to pay attention to the nation's debt and spending problems.  It comes at a time when the U.S. is running deficits nearing a trillion dollars under a Republican president.  Most Democrats running for president would greatly expand the role of government and the amount of money to be spent.

And don't even get him started on plans for government-run health care.

"It's financial insanity.  This is why I thought it was so important to try to raise my hand and say, 'I can't do this. I know I'm not going to become president but can we at least have a conversation about the fact that we're literally walking off the plank financially?'" said Sanford.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sanford explain what awaits younger generations if Washington doesn't chart a different course, what approach is doable and would actually work, and what it will take for lawmakers to take the tough votes to rein in spending.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20055608Fri, 15 Nov 2019 22:28:43 +0000Radio AmericaFormer South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford ended his Republican presidential bid this week but he is more determined than ever to warn the nation of impending financial disaster. Sanford challenged President Trump in the GOP presidential primary knowing...
Sanford challenged President Trump in the GOP presidential primary knowing full well his odds of winning were very low.  But he launched the bid anyway, seeing it as an opportunity to highlight the fiscal cliff our nation seems determined to fly off of. 

So why is Sanford ending the campaign?  

"All the oxygen was being sucked out of the room by impeachment, said Sanford, in an interview Radio America's Greg Corombos.  "I'm not into wasting my time or anybody else's.  It was a long shot."

But Sanford still plans to play a leading role in getting America to pay attention to the nation's debt and spending problems.  It comes at a time when the U.S. is running deficits nearing a trillion dollars under a Republican president.  Most Democrats running for president would greatly expand the role of government and the amount of money to be spent.

And don't even get him started on plans for government-run health care.

"It's financial insanity.  This is why I thought it was so important to try to raise my hand and say, 'I can't do this. I know I'm not going to become president but can we at least have a conversation about the fact that we're literally walking off the plank financially?'" said Sanford.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sanford explain what awaits younger generations if Washington doesn't chart a different course, what approach is doable and would actually work, and what it will take for lawmakers to take the tough votes to rein in spending.]]>932debt,deficits,democrats,news,sanford,spending,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/china-vs-hong-kong-this-could-go-on-for-a-very-long-time--20054728
Just this week, a police officer shot an unarmed demonstrator at close range.  There is also much greater tension at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as students fortify the campus and prepare to defend their positions. 

Protesters insist they aren't going anywhere until their five demands for freedom are met.  China says it will not allow it's control over Hong Kong to be weakened.

Why are things continuing to escalate?  How will this impasse ever be resolved?  And what should the U.S. be doing to side with freedom?

We cover those questions and much more as Greg Corombos visits with East Asia expert Gordon Chang, author of "The Coming Collapse of China."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20054728Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:44:41 +0000Radio AmericaWhile impeachment politics and other headlines often overshadow it, the pro-freedom demonstrations and the increasingly violent crackdowns by the Hong Kong police continue.  Just this week, a police officer shot an unarmed demonstrator at close...
Just this week, a police officer shot an unarmed demonstrator at close range.  There is also much greater tension at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as students fortify the campus and prepare to defend their positions. 

Protesters insist they aren't going anywhere until their five demands for freedom are met.  China says it will not allow it's control over Hong Kong to be weakened.

Why are things continuing to escalate?  How will this impasse ever be resolved?  And what should the U.S. be doing to side with freedom?

We cover those questions and much more as Greg Corombos visits with East Asia expert Gordon Chang, author of "The Coming Collapse of China."]]>526china,cuhk,hong,kong,news,protesters,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immigration-daca-in-court-dems-getting-more-radical--19996547
Immigration was also front and center at the Supreme Court Tuesday, as justices heard arguments concerning President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA.

DACA was created by the Obama administration in 2012 to grant legal status and work permits to people brought to the U.S. illegally when they were small children.  Roughly 700,000 people enrolled in the program.

But Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian says Americans need to understand what the court is actually deciding here.

"This case is not about whether DACA is a good idea or not or whether it will cause people hardship to have their work permits not be renewed," said Krikorian.  "This is purely about whether a president has the authority to end a program that a previous president made up."

Krikorian says that question is a constitutional no-brainer in Trump's favor and he is appalled that the matter even reached the Supreme Court.

Krikorian, who is firmly in favor of lowering the number of legal immigrants, believes keeping DACA could be useful if the accompanying legislation limits practices such as chain migration.

However, he places the odds at any significant immigration reform in the next year at zero.  Krikorian says election year politics and the leftward lurch of many Democrats in this debate make common ground hard to find.

Recently, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said if elected he would move to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.  He would also decriminalize illegal immigration, making it a civil offense.  In addition, Sanders would suspend deportations and allow 50,000 climate migrants into the U.S. in his first year in office.

Krikorian says those are quickly becoming the standard positions inside the Democratic Party.

"It has become truly radicalized on immigration and I don't use that word lightly," said Krikorian.  "That fringe perspective on immigration, that immigration control of any kind is illegitimate, that borders are illegitimate, that's not fringe anymore in the Democratic Party.  That is the basic mainstream position of Democratic elected officials."

Listen to the full podcast to hear Krikorian's full breakdown of the Supreme Court arguments and the dwindling prospects for any constructive immigration reform.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19996547Tue, 12 Nov 2019 21:42:10 +0000Radio AmericaImmigration remains a highly volatile issue and the odds of finding common ground on any meaningful reform seems less and less likely as the nation heads into a presidential election year. Immigration was also front and center at the Supreme Court...
Immigration was also front and center at the Supreme Court Tuesday, as justices heard arguments concerning President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA.

DACA was created by the Obama administration in 2012 to grant legal status and work permits to people brought to the U.S. illegally when they were small children.  Roughly 700,000 people enrolled in the program.

But Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian says Americans need to understand what the court is actually deciding here.

"This case is not about whether DACA is a good idea or not or whether it will cause people hardship to have their work permits not be renewed," said Krikorian.  "This is purely about whether a president has the authority to end a program that a previous president made up."

Krikorian says that question is a constitutional no-brainer in Trump's favor and he is appalled that the matter even reached the Supreme Court.

Krikorian, who is firmly in favor of lowering the number of legal immigrants, believes keeping DACA could be useful if the accompanying legislation limits practices such as chain migration.

However, he places the odds at any significant immigration reform in the next year at zero.  Krikorian says election year politics and the leftward lurch of many Democrats in this debate make common ground hard to find.

Recently, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said if elected he would move to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.  He would also decriminalize illegal immigration, making it a civil offense.  In addition, Sanders would suspend deportations and allow 50,000 climate migrants into the U.S. in his first year in office.

Krikorian says those are quickly becoming the standard positions inside the Democratic Party.

"It has become truly radicalized on immigration and I don't use that word lightly," said Krikorian.  "That fringe perspective on immigration, that immigration control of any kind is illegitimate, that borders are illegitimate, that's not fringe anymore in the Democratic Party.  That is the basic mainstream position of Democratic elected officials."

Listen to the full podcast to hear Krikorian's full breakdown of the Supreme Court arguments and the dwindling prospects for any constructive immigration reform.]]>6682020,daca,democrats,immigration,sanders,scotus,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cost-of-prescription-drugs-price-vs-progress--19978291
Pharmaceutical companies are pushing back, stressing that researching and developing successful new medicines costs billions of dollars, and the unsuccessful efforts cost a lot of money too.  They say prescription drug prices cannot be artificially lowered or else efforts to bring new and better treatments to market will be derailed.

How exactly would the legislation from Democrats work?  Why are prescription drug prices so much lower in other countries than they are in the U.S.?  What can be done to help patients afford the drugs they need right now without stalling progress on future treatments?

We tackle all of these questions and more with Chris Jacobs, CEO of the Juniper Research Group and author of "The Case Against Single-Payer."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19978291Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:25:01 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats in Congress are pushing legislation to force pharmaceuticals to lower the cost of prescription drugs.  The goal is to ensure that all Americans can afford the medicines they need to preserve their health. Pharmaceutical companies are...
Pharmaceutical companies are pushing back, stressing that researching and developing successful new medicines costs billions of dollars, and the unsuccessful efforts cost a lot of money too.  They say prescription drug prices cannot be artificially lowered or else efforts to bring new and better treatments to market will be derailed.

How exactly would the legislation from Democrats work?  Why are prescription drug prices so much lower in other countries than they are in the U.S.?  What can be done to help patients afford the drugs they need right now without stalling progress on future treatments?

We tackle all of these questions and more with Chris Jacobs, CEO of the Juniper Research Group and author of "The Case Against Single-Payer."]]>366costs,development,drugs,news,prescription,treatmentsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-dems-ready-major-gun-control-effort--19933603
This past summer, Northam called a special session to address gun legislation.  The Republican majority promptly adjourned the session.  Now with control of both the State Senate and the House of Delegates, Northam is making his agenda known.

According to the Washington Post, Northam held a cabinet meeting Wednesday and publicly laid out his gun control agenda.  He “mentioned universal background checks, banning the sale of [semi-automatic firearms] and high-capacity magazines, restoring the law that limits purchases to one gun a month, and a red flag law that would empower a court to temporarily remove a gun from a person deemed to be a risk to himself or others.”

Northam also admitted he was seriously examining how to confiscate firearms already legally owned by Virginians but would be banned under his proposed legislation.

But what exactly does Northam mean by an "assault weapon."  Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says Northam appears to have a broad swath of weapons in mind for his ban.

"As far as I can tell, it's basically all semi-automatics that have one or no features that make them look like actual automatic firearms. The term assault weapon is sort of a fraudulent term invented by the left in order to make regular rifles and handguns more dangerous or more exceptional than they in fact are," said Hammond.

And what does Hammond think about Northam's confiscation plans?

"Oh, I hope he goes that route because, as (former Democratic presidential candidate) Beto O'Rourke found out, when you talk about raiding someone's house in the middle of the night through these red flag gun confiscation laws and seizing their semi-automatic rifles, then at that point I think firearms owners in Virginia will finally wake up and there will be a red wave during the next gubernatorial election," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast as Hammond explains why any component of Northam's agenda would be an unacceptable infringement on the Second Amendment and why he thinks it's possible to defeat the gun control agenda in the Virginia legislature even with Democrats in charge.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19933603Fri, 08 Nov 2019 22:35:22 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, Democrats won the majority in both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly.  Come January, gun control will be at the top of the agenda for Gov. Ralph Northam and his allies in the legislature. This past summer, Northam called a special...
This past summer, Northam called a special session to address gun legislation.  The Republican majority promptly adjourned the session.  Now with control of both the State Senate and the House of Delegates, Northam is making his agenda known.

According to the Washington Post, Northam held a cabinet meeting Wednesday and publicly laid out his gun control agenda.  He “mentioned universal background checks, banning the sale of [semi-automatic firearms] and high-capacity magazines, restoring the law that limits purchases to one gun a month, and a red flag law that would empower a court to temporarily remove a gun from a person deemed to be a risk to himself or others.”

Northam also admitted he was seriously examining how to confiscate firearms already legally owned by Virginians but would be banned under his proposed legislation.

But what exactly does Northam mean by an "assault weapon."  Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says Northam appears to have a broad swath of weapons in mind for his ban.

"As far as I can tell, it's basically all semi-automatics that have one or no features that make them look like actual automatic firearms. The term assault weapon is sort of a fraudulent term invented by the left in order to make regular rifles and handguns more dangerous or more exceptional than they in fact are," said Hammond.

And what does Hammond think about Northam's confiscation plans?

"Oh, I hope he goes that route because, as (former Democratic presidential candidate) Beto O'Rourke found out, when you talk about raiding someone's house in the middle of the night through these red flag gun confiscation laws and seizing their semi-automatic rifles, then at that point I think firearms owners in Virginia will finally wake up and there will be a red wave during the next gubernatorial election," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast as Hammond explains why any component of Northam's agenda would be an unacceptable infringement on the Second Amendment and why he thinks it's possible to defeat the gun control agenda in the Virginia legislature even with Democrats in charge.]]>474assault,confiscation,guns,news,northam,virginia,weaponsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judge-strikes-down-conscience-protections-for-health-providers--19913760
“Health care is a basic right that should never be subject to political games," said New York Attorney General Tish James, who brought the case, according to Politico. "Once again, the courts have blocked the Trump Administration from implementing a discriminatory rule that would only hurt Americans."

The rule administered through the Department of Health and Human Services threatened to curtail federal funding for institutions that refused to allow providers to opt out of such procedures on grounds of their conscience.  Judge Paul Engelmayer agreed with state and local officials and groups like Planned Parenthood.

But defenders of free religious expression are furious.

"This particular ruling is absolutely outrageous," said Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver.  "They're not going to lose any federal funding as long as they simply do what they're supposed to and that is to honor the constitutional protection to free exercise of religion."

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver explain that the Trump administration's rule is not some radical departure from precedent but is actually restoring a long-held precedent reversed during the Obama administration.  He also shares how he thinks this issue will be resolved on appeal.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19913760Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:09:45 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, a federal district court judge in New York struck down conscience protections for health care providers whose sincere religious beliefs convict them not to participate in abortion, gender reassignment procedures, or dispense birth control....
“Health care is a basic right that should never be subject to political games," said New York Attorney General Tish James, who brought the case, according to Politico. "Once again, the courts have blocked the Trump Administration from implementing a discriminatory rule that would only hurt Americans."

The rule administered through the Department of Health and Human Services threatened to curtail federal funding for institutions that refused to allow providers to opt out of such procedures on grounds of their conscience.  Judge Paul Engelmayer agreed with state and local officials and groups like Planned Parenthood.

But defenders of free religious expression are furious.

"This particular ruling is absolutely outrageous," said Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver.  "They're not going to lose any federal funding as long as they simply do what they're supposed to and that is to honor the constitutional protection to free exercise of religion."

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver explain that the Trump administration's rule is not some radical departure from precedent but is actually restoring a long-held precedent reversed during the Obama administration.  He also shares how he thinks this issue will be resolved on appeal.]]>563abortion,conscience,hhs,lgbt,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-warren-s-math-won-t-work--19895876
Warren says the price tag is roughly $52 trillion over ten years, yet insists she can pay for it by taxing billionaires, cracking down on tax cheats, and streamlining administrative costs of the program.

Chris Jacobs is CEO of the Juniper Research Group and author of "The Case Against Single Payer." He tells me why all three of Warren's ideas fall far short of meeting the expected costs, why two of her three ideas are contradictions of one another, and why the math is laughably wrong on the tax enforcement plan. He will also explain what kind of tax increases will really be needed to pay for Warren's health plans and why he suspects she won't admit that she'll have to tax everyone.

Listen to the full podcast with Chris Jacobs.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19895876Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:22:10 +0000Radio AmericaAfter taking heat from her Democratic rivals for months, Sen. Elizabeth Warren released her plan for covering the cost of government-sponsored health care for all Americans.  Warren says the price tag is roughly $52 trillion over ten years, yet...
Warren says the price tag is roughly $52 trillion over ten years, yet insists she can pay for it by taxing billionaires, cracking down on tax cheats, and streamlining administrative costs of the program.

Chris Jacobs is CEO of the Juniper Research Group and author of "The Case Against Single Payer." He tells me why all three of Warren's ideas fall far short of meeting the expected costs, why two of her three ideas are contradictions of one another, and why the math is laughably wrong on the tax enforcement plan. He will also explain what kind of tax increases will really be needed to pay for Warren's health plans and why he suspects she won't admit that she'll have to tax everyone.

Listen to the full podcast with Chris Jacobs.]]>630costs,health,medicare,news,revenue,taxes,warrenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/captivity-brutality-and-freedom-iran-hostage-crisis-part-3--19793501
In the final installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening details the anguish inflicted upon the Americans by their Iranian captors, the surprise visitor he received while held captive, and how freedom felt after losing it for more than a year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19793501Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:11:22 +0000Radio AmericaThis coming Monday marks the start of a very dark chapter in American history.  On November 4, 1979, Iranians took over the U.S. embassy in Iran.  Then a 20-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at the embassy, Kevin Hermening became the youngest American...
In the final installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening details the anguish inflicted upon the Americans by their Iranian captors, the surprise visitor he received while held captive, and how freedom felt after losing it for more than a year.]]>981crisis,hostage,iran,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-embassy-is-seized-iran-hostage-crisis-part-2--19793473
In the second installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening walks us moment by moment as the Americans lost control of the embassy and were taken captive.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19793473Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:06:59 +0000Radio AmericaThis coming Monday marks the start of a very dark chapter in American history.  On November 4, 1979, Iranians took over the U.S. embassy in Iran.  Then a 20-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at the embassy, Kevin Hermening became the youngest American...
In the second installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening walks us moment by moment as the Americans lost control of the embassy and were taken captive.]]>416crisis,hostage,iran,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trouble-is-coming-iran-hostage-crisis-part-1--19793346
In the first installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening details his military journey to Iran and how things there were obviously deteriorating in the days leading up to the attack on the embassy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19793346Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:02:59 +0000Radio AmericaThis coming Monday marks the start of a very dark chapter in American history.  On November 4, 1979, Iranians took over the U.S. embassy in Iran.  Then a 20-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at the embassy, Kevin Hermening became the youngest American...
In the first installment of his three-part interview with Greg Corombos, Hermening details his military journey to Iran and how things there were obviously deteriorating in the days leading up to the attack on the embassy.]]>486crisis,embassy,hostage,iran,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-medicare-for-all-will-really-cost-you--19774071
Projections suggest such a plan would cost $32 trillion over the first ten years. Warren plans to pay for that with a two percent wealth tax on the super rich.  Sanders admits he would raise taxes on the upper class and the middle class, but both insist their plans will be a net positive financially for American families.

But is that true?  Would the tax plans raise even close to enough revenue to pay for this new entitlement?  National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says they won't and so does the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Budget.

The CFRB says to make ends meet, lawmakers would need to enact a 42 value-added tax on consumers, a 32 percent payroll tax split between employers and employees, a 25 percent income tax surcharge on all Americans, or require everyone to pay roughly $7,500 to buy into the federal health care program.

In this podcast, Sepp details the devastating effect such tax increases would have on American families and the U.S. economy.  He also addresses the possibility that the government will just let our debt pile up even higher and faster.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19774071Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:33:38 +0000Radio AmericaPresidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are vowing to abolish private health insurance if elected president and have all Americans get their coverage through the federal government. Projections suggest such a plan would cost...
Projections suggest such a plan would cost $32 trillion over the first ten years. Warren plans to pay for that with a two percent wealth tax on the super rich.  Sanders admits he would raise taxes on the upper class and the middle class, but both insist their plans will be a net positive financially for American families.

But is that true?  Would the tax plans raise even close to enough revenue to pay for this new entitlement?  National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says they won't and so does the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Budget.

The CFRB says to make ends meet, lawmakers would need to enact a 42 value-added tax on consumers, a 32 percent payroll tax split between employers and employees, a 25 percent income tax surcharge on all Americans, or require everyone to pay roughly $7,500 to buy into the federal health care program.

In this podcast, Sepp details the devastating effect such tax increases would have on American families and the U.S. economy.  He also addresses the possibility that the government will just let our debt pile up even higher and faster.]]>723news,sanders,single-payer,taxes,vat,warrenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-special-forces-prepare-and-execute-missions--19754317
But how do special forces prepare for missions like this and how are they trained to respond to the enemy's actions to successfully execute the mission?

Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Jerry Boykin served 36 years in uniform, much of it in special forces. He was an original member of Delta Force and at one time commanded all Green Berets.

Gen. Boykin walks us through the planning, rehearsing, and executing of missions like the one that took out Baghdadi. He also cuts through the political bluster to explain when presidents are required to inform key members of Congress about a mission and when they are not.

Listen here for the full podcast.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19754317Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:55:58 +0000Radio AmericaThis past weekend, U.S. forces successfully killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the terrorist figure responsible for inspiring some of the most grisly murders and rapes in recent times. The surgical strike resulted in no U.S. deaths or injuries...
But how do special forces prepare for missions like this and how are they trained to respond to the enemy's actions to successfully execute the mission?

Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Jerry Boykin served 36 years in uniform, much of it in special forces. He was an original member of Delta Force and at one time commanded all Green Berets.

Gen. Boykin walks us through the planning, rehearsing, and executing of missions like the one that took out Baghdadi. He also cuts through the political bluster to explain when presidents are required to inform key members of Congress about a mission and when they are not.

Listen here for the full podcast.]]>724baghdadi,forces,isis,military,news,special,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-americans-don-t-know-about-medicare-for-all--19655472
After all these years, why is there such a disconnect between what Americans think they support and what they actually support once they know the facts?

In this podcast, we ask Galen Institute Pres. Grace-Marie Turner about this discrepancy and what she thinks about new reform ideas from the House Republican Study Committee.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19655472Wed, 23 Oct 2019 20:36:42 +0000Radio AmericaA new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows 51 percent of American adults favor a Medicare for All approach to health care. But 58 percent also oppose abolishing private insurance and even more oppose paying more in taxes to pay for...
After all these years, why is there such a disconnect between what Americans think they support and what they actually support once they know the facts?

In this podcast, we ask Galen Institute Pres. Grace-Marie Turner about this discrepancy and what she thinks about new reform ideas from the House Republican Study Committee.]]>529democrats,health,medicare,news,polling,republicans,single-payerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-health-care-is-broken-and-how-to-fix-it--19618150
In his new book, "The Price We Pay," Johns Hopkins University surgeon and Prof. Marty Makary details the epidemic of overtreating and overcharging patients.

In this podcast, Makary tells Greg Corombos why doctors often order treatment when none is actually needed. He also burrows down into why patients are stuck with astronomical medical bills without ever knowing the costs before treatment.

Makary explains why ideas like pointing patients towards healthier lifestyles, showing doctors how often they order treatment compared to their peers, and price transparency are among the keys to bringing competition and results back to the health care sector.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19618150Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:06:19 +0000Radio AmericaPoliticians keep fighting over how to help Americans pay for their health care. But why is health care so expensive in the first place? In his new book, "The Price We Pay," Johns Hopkins University surgeon and Prof. Marty Makary details the epidemic...
In his new book, "The Price We Pay," Johns Hopkins University surgeon and Prof. Marty Makary details the epidemic of overtreating and overcharging patients.

In this podcast, Makary tells Greg Corombos why doctors often order treatment when none is actually needed. He also burrows down into why patients are stuck with astronomical medical bills without ever knowing the costs before treatment.

Makary explains why ideas like pointing patients towards healthier lifestyles, showing doctors how often they order treatment compared to their peers, and price transparency are among the keys to bringing competition and results back to the health care sector.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>1098billing,doctors,health,hospital,makary,medicine,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-s-turkey-deal-success-or-capitulation--19558887
But while Trump heaps praise on the deal and Turkish President Recep Erdogan, what does the deal actually accomplish? Does it bring at least a brief stretch of stability to the region or or is it a flimsy deal that really sells out the Kurds?

In this podcast, we discuss all these questions with American Foreign Policy Council Senior Vice President Ilan Berman. And we'll also ask why Trump is so effusive in his admiration for Erdogan and what impact this whole episode will have on U.S. relations with other allies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19558887Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:05:53 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence announced a cease-fire agreement that will end Turkish aggression against the Kurds in northern Syria for at least five days as a stepping stone to long-term stability. But while Trump heaps praise on the deal...
But while Trump heaps praise on the deal and Turkish President Recep Erdogan, what does the deal actually accomplish? Does it bring at least a brief stretch of stability to the region or or is it a flimsy deal that really sells out the Kurds?

In this podcast, we discuss all these questions with American Foreign Policy Council Senior Vice President Ilan Berman. And we'll also ask why Trump is so effusive in his admiration for Erdogan and what impact this whole episode will have on U.S. relations with other allies.]]>499erdogan,kurds,pence,trump,turkeyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/demint-offers-conservative-ideas-to-improve-america--19464892
He also walks us through a number of conservative policy ideas and innovations to improve our nation, including Education Savings Accounts and converting vehicles to run on natural gas.

Listen to the full podcast as DeMint also tells Greg Corombos why there isn't much appetite for policy innovation in Congress these days and how people can come together around possible policy solutions in an era when the partisan divide seems wider than ever.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19464892Fri, 11 Oct 2019 21:28:53 +0000Radio AmericaIn the second half of our interview with Conservative Partnership Institute Chairman Jim DeMint, the former U.S. senator and co-author of "Conservative: What to Keep," DeMint explains how conservatives want to help people who are struggling without...
He also walks us through a number of conservative policy ideas and innovations to improve our nation, including Education Savings Accounts and converting vehicles to run on natural gas.

Listen to the full podcast as DeMint also tells Greg Corombos why there isn't much appetite for policy innovation in Congress these days and how people can come together around possible policy solutions in an era when the partisan divide seems wider than ever.]]>532conservative,demint,dependence,education,energy,gas,government,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-conservatives-want-to-keep--19427725
In an interview with Greg Corombos, DeMint explains that conservative means keeping what works best for people.

"It's keeping our covenants, keeping our faith. It's keeping our differences, keeping our republic, which is the decentralized idea that our founders. (It also means) keeping our traditions and keeping our land of opportunities which is all about free market economics," said DeMint.

Listen to the first part of the conversation in the this podcast as DeMint also discusses why progressives see religion as a threat to their political agenda, how politics is becoming a religion to many, and how to defend capitalism at a time when it is constantly labeled a system of greed and selfishness.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19427725Wed, 09 Oct 2019 20:54:00 +0000Radio AmericaWhether a member of the House or Senate, Jim DeMint was known as one of the most conservative lawmakers on Capitol Hill. But what does it mean to be conservative? That's what DeMint and colleague Rachel Bovard address in their new book...
In an interview with Greg Corombos, DeMint explains that conservative means keeping what works best for people.

"It's keeping our covenants, keeping our faith. It's keeping our differences, keeping our republic, which is the decentralized idea that our founders. (It also means) keeping our traditions and keeping our land of opportunities which is all about free market economics," said DeMint.

Listen to the first part of the conversation in the this podcast as DeMint also discusses why progressives see religion as a threat to their political agenda, how politics is becoming a religion to many, and how to defend capitalism at a time when it is constantly labeled a system of greed and selfishness.]]>612capitalism,conservative,faith,news,politics,religionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sex-and-the-civil-rights-act-supremes-to-decide-definition--19413365
On Tuesday, the justices heard arguments over whether the 1964 Civil Right Act forbidding employer discrimination on the basis of sex simply affords legal protection to women or whether it also ought to extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The case before the court centers on three individuals, one of whom is deceased: two men who were allegedly fired for being gay and a biological male who now identifies as a female who was let go from a Michigan funeral home.

Solicitor General Noel Francisco said the Civil Right Act was clearly drafted 55 years ago with the term "sex" clearly intended to mean the difference between male and female, not gay vs. straight.

While advocates for a broader definition of "sex" say an adverse ruling will let them back decades, Family Research Council Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg says it would actually just preserve the status quo.  He says the real cultural shift would occur if the court changes what he believes the authors of the Civil Rights Act intended 55 years ago.

"It would be very serious.  There would be a significant threat to the freedom of employers to decide what they believe are the appropriate qualifications for their employees.  And there would be a particular threat to religious liberty for Christian employers who may be concerned about not wanting to hire people whose lifestyle is not consistent with the teachings of their faith," said Sprigg.

Listen to the full podcast as Sprigg explains why there's a big difference in sexual orientation vs. gender identity in the Civil Rights Act and why conservative groups like the Family Research Council find themselves in common cause with feminists and lesbian groups worried about equating biological men with women.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19413365Wed, 09 Oct 2019 14:34:13 +0000Radio AmericaThe Supreme Court is getting back to business this week and right away the justices are diving into a legal question that could have significant cultural impact. On Tuesday, the justices heard arguments over whether the 1964 Civil Right Act...
On Tuesday, the justices heard arguments over whether the 1964 Civil Right Act forbidding employer discrimination on the basis of sex simply affords legal protection to women or whether it also ought to extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The case before the court centers on three individuals, one of whom is deceased: two men who were allegedly fired for being gay and a biological male who now identifies as a female who was let go from a Michigan funeral home.

Solicitor General Noel Francisco said the Civil Right Act was clearly drafted 55 years ago with the term "sex" clearly intended to mean the difference between male and female, not gay vs. straight.

While advocates for a broader definition of "sex" say an adverse ruling will let them back decades, Family Research Council Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg says it would actually just preserve the status quo.  He says the real cultural shift would occur if the court changes what he believes the authors of the Civil Rights Act intended 55 years ago.

"It would be very serious.  There would be a significant threat to the freedom of employers to decide what they believe are the appropriate qualifications for their employees.  And there would be a particular threat to religious liberty for Christian employers who may be concerned about not wanting to hire people whose lifestyle is not consistent with the teachings of their faith," said Sprigg.

Listen to the full podcast as Sprigg explains why there's a big difference in sexual orientation vs. gender identity in the Civil Rights Act and why conservative groups like the Family Research Council find themselves in common cause with feminists and lesbian groups worried about equating biological men with women.]]>685civil,court,lgbt,news,rights,supremefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gop-congressional-hopeful-slams-house-dems-these-people-are-crazy--19391942
Former Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives is seeking the Republican nomination in her state's sixth congressional district.  The seat is currently held up Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, who defeated longtime GOP incumbent Peter Roskam in 2018.

Ives says Casten needs to go because instead to going to Washington to seek solutions to problems impacting his constituents, he's become a cheerleader for impeachment.  She also says Casten has practically become a member of "The Squad," the name given to progressive lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar.

"People need to understand: this is the most unreasonable, unserious Congress we've ever elected.  Look, if they're not trying to ban your red meat, they want to take away your red hat.  I mean that's where they are," said Ives, in an interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos.

Ives points to the push for a Green New Deal as another example of House Democrats, including Casten, losing touch with reality.

"Really?  You think the world is coming to an end in ten or maybe it's twelve years?  And now you want to rearrange the entire economic engine of not only the State of Illinois but the entire United States because you don't believe in fossil fuels?  These people are crazy," said Ives.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what issues matter most to Ives and how she would chart a different course in Washington.  She also explains how her ability to get things done while vastly outnumbered by Democrats in the Illinois legislature proves she can get things done in Congress as well.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19391942Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:01:44 +0000Radio AmericaThe presidential race promises to take up much of the political oxygen in 2020 but a Republican congressional candidate says electing her and a GOP House majority will help restore some sanity to the nation's capital. Former Illinois State Rep....
Former Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives is seeking the Republican nomination in her state's sixth congressional district.  The seat is currently held up Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, who defeated longtime GOP incumbent Peter Roskam in 2018.

Ives says Casten needs to go because instead to going to Washington to seek solutions to problems impacting his constituents, he's become a cheerleader for impeachment.  She also says Casten has practically become a member of "The Squad," the name given to progressive lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar.

"People need to understand: this is the most unreasonable, unserious Congress we've ever elected.  Look, if they're not trying to ban your red meat, they want to take away your red hat.  I mean that's where they are," said Ives, in an interview with Radio America's Greg Corombos.

Ives points to the push for a Green New Deal as another example of House Democrats, including Casten, losing touch with reality.

"Really?  You think the world is coming to an end in ten or maybe it's twelve years?  And now you want to rearrange the entire economic engine of not only the State of Illinois but the entire United States because you don't believe in fossil fuels?  These people are crazy," said Ives.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what issues matter most to Ives and how she would chart a different course in Washington.  She also explains how her ability to get things done while vastly outnumbered by Democrats in the Illinois legislature proves she can get things done in Congress as well.]]>6092020,casten,congress,illinois,ives,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/activism-to-the-point-of-absurdity-war-on-history-part-2--19357580
Stepman also explains how progressives went from tearing down Confederate monuments and statues to trying to remove Abraham Lincoln statues within a matter of months. And he reveals how people interested in preserving accurate history and the world-changing ideas of great Americans can fight back against the effort to erase our past.

Listen here for Part 2 of Stepman's conversation with Greg Corombos.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19357580Fri, 04 Oct 2019 20:15:03 +0000Radio AmericaIn the second half of our interview with "War on History" author Jarrett Stepman, we address how much an historical figure ought to be judged within the context of when they lived and how much ought to be considered by today's standards. Stepman also...
Stepman also explains how progressives went from tearing down Confederate monuments and statues to trying to remove Abraham Lincoln statues within a matter of months. And he reveals how people interested in preserving accurate history and the world-changing ideas of great Americans can fight back against the effort to erase our past.

Listen here for Part 2 of Stepman's conversation with Greg Corombos.]]>663context,history,lee,lincoln,news,progressives,stepmanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/erasing-ideas-war-on-history-part-1--19313743
In his new book, "War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America's Past," Daily Signal columnist Jarrett Stepman walks readers through every era of American history from Columbus up to modern times and how liberal activists and academics are trying to re-imagine American society by convincing us there's no good reason to remain moored to the people and ideals that got us here.

Listen to the first of our two-part interview with Stepman to hear how this effort to erase American history began, how it went from the radical fringe to conventional wisdom, and what we lose by failing to set the record straight.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19313743Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:08:14 +0000Radio AmericaFor more than a generation now, Americans are increasingly told by some of our own citizens that America really isn't all that great and never was.  George Washington and Thomas Jefferson can't be heroes for their roles in founding the freest society...
In his new book, "War on History: The Conspiracy to Rewrite America's Past," Daily Signal columnist Jarrett Stepman walks readers through every era of American history from Columbus up to modern times and how liberal activists and academics are trying to re-imagine American society by convincing us there's no good reason to remain moored to the people and ideals that got us here.

Listen to the first of our two-part interview with Stepman to hear how this effort to erase American history began, how it went from the radical fringe to conventional wisdom, and what we lose by failing to set the record straight.]]>766columbus,history,liberals,news,pilgrims,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/would-a-gop-house-actually-repeal-obamacare--19297745
Should they be believed this time?

Republicans made Obamacare repeal the centerpiece of their campaign messaging from 2010-2016.  After winning the House, the Senate, and the White House, Republicans tried to move on Obamacare.  Ultimately, GOP leaders did not push a straight repeal.  Instead they looked to repeal key mandates and make other reforms.  The legislation passed the House but died in the Senate.

The individual mandate was ultimately neutered in tax cut legislation, when the Republicans voted to fine people zero dollars for refusing to purchase health insurance.

However, costs are still rising and Americans are deeply frustrated with their coverage.  So would Republicans actually move to repeal Obamacare?  What other provisions ought to be part of any plan to remove Obamacare but still cover pre-existing conditions, bring down costs, and address other major concerns?

Greg Corombos asks Chris Jacobs, a longtime health policy expert and the author of "The Case Against Single-Payer." 

As Democratic presidential hopefuls argue about whether to pursue single-payer or keep private insurance but add a government-run public option, Jacobs explains why he believes those candidates are debating distinctions without a difference.  He reveals why a pubic option would also eventually lead us to government-run care.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19297745Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:56:39 +0000Radio AmericaCongress is currently engulfed in impeachment hearings, subpoenas, and talking points. But House Republicans say if they regain the majority in 2020, they will reduce the debt and repeal Obamacare. Should they be believed this time? Republicans made...
Should they be believed this time?

Republicans made Obamacare repeal the centerpiece of their campaign messaging from 2010-2016.  After winning the House, the Senate, and the White House, Republicans tried to move on Obamacare.  Ultimately, GOP leaders did not push a straight repeal.  Instead they looked to repeal key mandates and make other reforms.  The legislation passed the House but died in the Senate.

The individual mandate was ultimately neutered in tax cut legislation, when the Republicans voted to fine people zero dollars for refusing to purchase health insurance.

However, costs are still rising and Americans are deeply frustrated with their coverage.  So would Republicans actually move to repeal Obamacare?  What other provisions ought to be part of any plan to remove Obamacare but still cover pre-existing conditions, bring down costs, and address other major concerns?

Greg Corombos asks Chris Jacobs, a longtime health policy expert and the author of "The Case Against Single-Payer." 

As Democratic presidential hopefuls argue about whether to pursue single-payer or keep private insurance but add a government-run public option, Jacobs explains why he believes those candidates are debating distinctions without a difference.  He reveals why a pubic option would also eventually lead us to government-run care.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>4912020,congress,debt,deficits,health,news,republicansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-on-impeachment-the-law-here-is-almost-irrelevant--19218896
Trump says he will release the unredacted transcript of his call with President Volodymyr Zelensky.  Trump says he never threatened to cut or stop aid to Ukraine if his request was denied.  Zelensky says he did not feel undue pressure to investigate Biden.  Democrats say impeachment is warranted even if there was no quid pro quo involved.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy tells us why the exact details of the call don't really matter when it comes to impeachment and why it doesn't matter whether Trump broke the law.  He also explains why Democrats may pay a heavy political price for going down this road when there's virtually no chance the U.S. Senate would ever remove Trump from office.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19218896Tue, 24 Sep 2019 21:03:33 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Democrats are moving forward on an impeachment inquiry against President Trump.  The latest fuel for this effort are allegations that Trump asked the president of Ukraine to re-open an investigation into Hunter Biden, son of Democratic...
Trump says he will release the unredacted transcript of his call with President Volodymyr Zelensky.  Trump says he never threatened to cut or stop aid to Ukraine if his request was denied.  Zelensky says he did not feel undue pressure to investigate Biden.  Democrats say impeachment is warranted even if there was no quid pro quo involved.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy tells us why the exact details of the call don't really matter when it comes to impeachment and why it doesn't matter whether Trump broke the law.  He also explains why Democrats may pay a heavy political price for going down this road when there's virtually no chance the U.S. Senate would ever remove Trump from office.]]>279democrats,house,impeachment,news,pelosi,trump,ukrainefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gridlock-and-greta-the-politics-of-climate-change--19204094
Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher C. Horner reacts to the Shut Down D.C. movement and what it actually accomplished - not greater awareness of their cause but fierce anger from motorists and the demonstrators admitting their goal is to crush capitalism.  

Horner explains this is nothing new for climate activists.  They've actually been open about it for a long time, but the mainstream media stubbornly refuse to take the demonstrators at their word.

Also on Monday, progressive teen sensation Greta Thunberg delivered an angry rebuke to political leaders for not acting on climate change a long time ago.  Thunberg accused the leaders of destroying her childhood and her future.

In response, Horner passionately criticizes the adults in the green movement for exploiting Thunberg and explains how the climate movement was planning years ago to use children to build emotional support for their cause.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Horner address these issues and where he thinks this fight is headed next.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19204094Mon, 23 Sep 2019 21:08:08 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, the morning commute in Washington, D.C., was snarled by climate demonstrators taking over high profile streets and intersections to demand residents focus on the allegedly urgent need need to confront and reverse climate change.  But what...
Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher C. Horner reacts to the Shut Down D.C. movement and what it actually accomplished - not greater awareness of their cause but fierce anger from motorists and the demonstrators admitting their goal is to crush capitalism.  

Horner explains this is nothing new for climate activists.  They've actually been open about it for a long time, but the mainstream media stubbornly refuse to take the demonstrators at their word.

Also on Monday, progressive teen sensation Greta Thunberg delivered an angry rebuke to political leaders for not acting on climate change a long time ago.  Thunberg accused the leaders of destroying her childhood and her future.

In response, Horner passionately criticizes the adults in the green movement for exploiting Thunberg and explains how the climate movement was planning years ago to use children to build emotional support for their cause.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Horner address these issues and where he thinks this fight is headed next.]]>741climate,commute,greta,protests,thunberg,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-next-in-israel--19173605
Blue and White shows a very slight lead in the election returns, but neither party is anywhere close to having a majority of seats in the Israeli parliament.  Both sides say they are willing to forge a unity government but both Netanyahu and Gantz insist on being prime minister.

So what happens now?  How will a majority coalition get assembled?  What happens if there can be no majority?  And how much will things change in Israel if Gantz becomes prime minister?

This podcast addresses all these questions and more as Greg Corombos interview American Foreign Policy Council Senior Vice President Ilan Berman.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19173605Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:49:24 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, voters in Israel voted in another round of parliamentary elections.  As expected, the results show a virtual dead heat between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party and the Blue and White Party led by retired Israeli Gen. Benny...
Blue and White shows a very slight lead in the election returns, but neither party is anywhere close to having a majority of seats in the Israeli parliament.  Both sides say they are willing to forge a unity government but both Netanyahu and Gantz insist on being prime minister.

So what happens now?  How will a majority coalition get assembled?  What happens if there can be no majority?  And how much will things change in Israel if Gantz becomes prime minister?

This podcast addresses all these questions and more as Greg Corombos interview American Foreign Policy Council Senior Vice President Ilan Berman.]]>590elections,gantz,israel,netanyahu,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/epa-repeals-sword-of-damocles--19131994
Implemented during the Obama administration, WOTUS gave the federal government the power to regulate much more land in the U.S. be redefining a "navigable" waterway. The rule also forced farmers, ranchers, fruit growers, and other rural land owners to seek federal permission to make any changes to their property.

Digging a drainage ditch or filling in a ditch where water no longer collected without EPA approval could bring heavy fines or even jail time.

The rule paralyzed rural land owners. National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Dr. Bonner Cohen says the threat of government reprisal turned the rule into the "Sword of Damocles" for land owners.

In this podcast. Dr. Cohen explains the drastic changes made by the Obama administration and the impact of the Trump administration's forthcoming repeal.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19131994Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:10:32 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was repealing a controversial federal rule known as Waters of the United States. or WOTUS. Implemented during the Obama administration, WOTUS gave the federal government the power...
Implemented during the Obama administration, WOTUS gave the federal government the power to regulate much more land in the U.S. be redefining a "navigable" waterway. The rule also forced farmers, ranchers, fruit growers, and other rural land owners to seek federal permission to make any changes to their property.

Digging a drainage ditch or filling in a ditch where water no longer collected without EPA approval could bring heavy fines or even jail time.

The rule paralyzed rural land owners. National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Dr. Bonner Cohen says the threat of government reprisal turned the rule into the "Sword of Damocles" for land owners.

In this podcast. Dr. Cohen explains the drastic changes made by the Obama administration and the impact of the Trump administration's forthcoming repeal.]]>634epa,news,obama,regulation,rule,trump,wotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hemingway-severino-dissect-latest-anti-kavanaugh-smear--19119751
First, the person alleging a different lewd incident involving Kavanaugh did not speak to the New York Times. The reporters in the story, who are also set to release a book on Kavanaugh, only spoke to people who say they are familiar with the accusation.

Even more shocking, the Times initially failed to report that the alleged victim in this story has no recollection of the incident in question. The Times finally added that piece of information after being called out by Mollie Hemingway, a senior editor at The Federalist.

Hemingway and Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino are the authors of the #1 bestseller "Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court."

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Hemingway and Severino discuss this latest attempt to accuse Justice Kavanaugh and why they are not at all surprised at this new effort to sully his reputation.

They also discuss the long-term goals of Democrats with respect to the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary, and they reveal the immense political pressure applied to one of Christine Blasey Ford's high school friends last year to verify Ford's initial accusation against Kavanaugh - even though she knew nothing about it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19119751Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:13:34 +0000Radio AmericaOver the weekend, the New York Times mentioned a previously unreported allegation about Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's conduct while a student at Yale University. But there were some big problems with the accusation. First, the person...
First, the person alleging a different lewd incident involving Kavanaugh did not speak to the New York Times. The reporters in the story, who are also set to release a book on Kavanaugh, only spoke to people who say they are familiar with the accusation.

Even more shocking, the Times initially failed to report that the alleged victim in this story has no recollection of the incident in question. The Times finally added that piece of information after being called out by Mollie Hemingway, a senior editor at The Federalist.

Hemingway and Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino are the authors of the #1 bestseller "Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court."

In this interview with Greg Corombos, Hemingway and Severino discuss this latest attempt to accuse Justice Kavanaugh and why they are not at all surprised at this new effort to sully his reputation.

They also discuss the long-term goals of Democrats with respect to the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary, and they reveal the immense political pressure applied to one of Christine Blasey Ford's high school friends last year to verify Ford's initial accusation against Kavanaugh - even though she knew nothing about it.]]>705accusation,democrats,ford,kavanaugh,news,nyt,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-you-re-not-hearing-about-vaping--19083539
But Consumer Choice Center Senior Fellow Jeff Stier says Trump and the media are missing huge chunks of the real story.  As a result, he says the government is about to take sweeping action that will do nothing to solve the problem and will actually make it much worse.

While Stier admits he tends to let adults make their own decisions on products like vaping, his frustration over Trump's decision is that it's not supported by the facts.

According to Stier, e-cigarettes are 95 percent less harmful than traditional cigarettes and millions of ex-smokers are now healthier because they switched to vaping.

Furthermore, Stier says nicotine vaping is not related to the health scares and deaths seen in recent weeks.  It's actually street versions of vapes with very different ingredients.

"Every bit of scientific evidence that we have (of the damaging vapes) points to vaping of THC butane hash oil contaminated with Vitamin E acetate, which should never be heated and inhaled into the lungs," said Stier.

Stier says banning nicotine vapes for problems they don't cause would be like banning hypodermic needles because some use them to inject damaging drugs into their systems.

Listen to the full podcast as Stier explains what will happen to the number of medical emergencies linked to vaping if the FDA follows through on this ban.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19083539Thu, 12 Sep 2019 22:27:36 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, President Trump announced the Food and Drug Administration will be finalizing the details to ban all non-tobacco flavored vaping products.  The action comes after a number of recent deaths and hospitalizations were blamed on vaping. But...
But Consumer Choice Center Senior Fellow Jeff Stier says Trump and the media are missing huge chunks of the real story.  As a result, he says the government is about to take sweeping action that will do nothing to solve the problem and will actually make it much worse.

While Stier admits he tends to let adults make their own decisions on products like vaping, his frustration over Trump's decision is that it's not supported by the facts.

According to Stier, e-cigarettes are 95 percent less harmful than traditional cigarettes and millions of ex-smokers are now healthier because they switched to vaping.

Furthermore, Stier says nicotine vaping is not related to the health scares and deaths seen in recent weeks.  It's actually street versions of vapes with very different ingredients.

"Every bit of scientific evidence that we have (of the damaging vapes) points to vaping of THC butane hash oil contaminated with Vitamin E acetate, which should never be heated and inhaled into the lungs," said Stier.

Stier says banning nicotine vapes for problems they don't cause would be like banning hypodermic needles because some use them to inject damaging drugs into their systems.

Listen to the full podcast as Stier explains what will happen to the number of medical emergencies linked to vaping if the FDA follows through on this ban.]]>589health,news,trump,vapingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/these-babies-are-being-butchered-alive--19072265
David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center for Medical Progress went undercover to interview Planned Parenthood officials and executives from various labs. Those officials openly described how the system worked in a series of 2015 videos.

After initially expressing revulsion at what was discussed on the videos, Planned Parenthood went on offense to bring the legal fight to Daleiden and Merritt for allegedly recording people without their consent - something that is usually illegal in California.

But in recent testimony, the CEO of of the research lab Stem Express confirmed what the videos show.

Known only as Doe 12 to the court, the CEO admitted to wanting fetuses delivered "intact" before various organs or tissue are procured for the labs.  And the defense says that description means exactly what it sounds like.

"In their words, the better the body part that's intact and whole, the more they can get for the sale of that body part.  That's what they sell to Stem Express and other entities, such as Stanford University," said Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver, whose organization is providing legal counsel to Sandra Merritt.

Staver gave specific examples.

"Doe 12 has now admitted on the stand that she sold some of these intact body parts to Stanford University, including intact brains.  In order to have an intact brain, you have to have it attached to the body and then remove it after the baby is outside of the womb.  So these babies are being butchered alive," said Staver.

"We will also have information about beating hearts, that the hearts once they're removed have to remain beating, which means that they're beating at the time that they're removed and they continue to remain in a beating state through artificial electrical stimulation until they get to the research and other specimen labs.

"What we're talking about is killing, butchering live babies for profit," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to learn why Staver believes the law is strongly on the side of Daleiden and Merritt concerning the secret recordings.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19072265Wed, 11 Sep 2019 21:28:06 +0000Radio AmericaThe criminal case against two pro-life activists who exposed Planned Parenthood's sale of aborted baby body parts is unfolding in California, but the biggest revelations to date concern how babies are treated in the desire to turn a profit. David...
David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center for Medical Progress went undercover to interview Planned Parenthood officials and executives from various labs. Those officials openly described how the system worked in a series of 2015 videos.

After initially expressing revulsion at what was discussed on the videos, Planned Parenthood went on offense to bring the legal fight to Daleiden and Merritt for allegedly recording people without their consent - something that is usually illegal in California.

But in recent testimony, the CEO of of the research lab Stem Express confirmed what the videos show.

Known only as Doe 12 to the court, the CEO admitted to wanting fetuses delivered "intact" before various organs or tissue are procured for the labs.  And the defense says that description means exactly what it sounds like.

"In their words, the better the body part that's intact and whole, the more they can get for the sale of that body part.  That's what they sell to Stem Express and other entities, such as Stanford University," said Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver, whose organization is providing legal counsel to Sandra Merritt.

Staver gave specific examples.

"Doe 12 has now admitted on the stand that she sold some of these intact body parts to Stanford University, including intact brains.  In order to have an intact brain, you have to have it attached to the body and then remove it after the baby is outside of the womb.  So these babies are being butchered alive," said Staver.

"We will also have information about beating hearts, that the hearts once they're removed have to remain beating, which means that they're beating at the time that they're removed and they continue to remain in a beating state through artificial electrical stimulation until they get to the research and other specimen labs.

"What we're talking about is killing, butchering live babies for profit," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to learn why Staver believes the law is strongly on the side of Daleiden and Merritt concerning the secret recordings.]]>545abortion,daleiden,merritt,news,parenthood,plannedfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-pentagon-on-9-11--19071915
At 9:37 a.m., those fears were proven true.

In this interview from the one-year anniversary of 9/11, Joyce walks us through what happened that morning, and how he and his colleagues responded after American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. He also recounts the immediate resolve of everyone in the building and how his Christian faith sustained him during those difficult days.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19071915Wed, 11 Sep 2019 20:26:56 +0000Radio AmericaOn September 11, 2001, U.S. Navy Captain Tom Joyce was at his post in the Pentagon. After learning of the attacks in New York City, he knew America was under attack and that the Pentagon could be a target. At 9:37 a.m., those fears were proven true....
At 9:37 a.m., those fears were proven true.

In this interview from the one-year anniversary of 9/11, Joyce walks us through what happened that morning, and how he and his colleagues responded after American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. He also recounts the immediate resolve of everyone in the building and how his Christian faith sustained him during those difficult days.]]>3999/11,al,military,navy,news,pentagon,qaeda,terrorismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bolton-out-as-national-security-adviser--19061805
The debate continues as to whether Bolton resigned (as he claims) or whether he was fired, as Trump insists.  More importantly, what impact did Bolton have on the Trump administration?  Why was the proposed meeting with the Taliban at Camp David the final straw?

Former Pentagon official Jed Babbin believes Bolton was trying to influence Trump in the right direction.

"He was a hard liner and trying to restrain Mr. Trump's straying off of America's best interests," said Babbin, who served as a deputy undersecretary of defense in the George H.W. Bush administration.
"I would think that a lot of the things you saw, in respect to Iran in particular, with Mr. Trump going ahead with a very hard line against Iran is certainly due to Bolton," added Babbin.

As mentioned in Trump's tweets announcing Bolton's departure, the president and Bolton disagreed about many policies, most recently whether to hold a summit with the Taliban at Camp David.  Trump scuttled the meeting after a terrorist attack killed an American service member, but seemed very much in favor of the idea while reports show Bolton adamantly opposed it.

Babbin says the meeting was a "horrid" idea.

"First off, we did not have an agreement.  You don't bring the president in to sign the outline of an agreement, which was apparently Mr. Trump's idea that he would get together with the Taliban to do," said Babbin, who also blasted the negotiations with the Taliban to this point.

"Number two, you have to have preconditions to any negotiation really.  When (lead U.S. negotiator) Zalmay Khalilzad went in there without first demanding a cease-fire in Afghanistan that lasted more than ten minutes, that was a huge mistake," said Babbin.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Babbin's assessment of Trump's approach to North Korea and what kind of successor to Bolton is likely to emerge.  Babbin also explains why it "beats the snot out of me" what the Trump approach to foreign policy actually is.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19061805Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:11:47 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is looking for his fourth National Security Adviser in less than three years following the departure of John Bolton on Tuesday, just 18 months after taking the job. The debate continues as to whether Bolton resigned (as he claims) or...
The debate continues as to whether Bolton resigned (as he claims) or whether he was fired, as Trump insists.  More importantly, what impact did Bolton have on the Trump administration?  Why was the proposed meeting with the Taliban at Camp David the final straw?

Former Pentagon official Jed Babbin believes Bolton was trying to influence Trump in the right direction.

"He was a hard liner and trying to restrain Mr. Trump's straying off of America's best interests," said Babbin, who served as a deputy undersecretary of defense in the George H.W. Bush administration.
"I would think that a lot of the things you saw, in respect to Iran in particular, with Mr. Trump going ahead with a very hard line against Iran is certainly due to Bolton," added Babbin.

As mentioned in Trump's tweets announcing Bolton's departure, the president and Bolton disagreed about many policies, most recently whether to hold a summit with the Taliban at Camp David.  Trump scuttled the meeting after a terrorist attack killed an American service member, but seemed very much in favor of the idea while reports show Bolton adamantly opposed it.

Babbin says the meeting was a "horrid" idea.

"First off, we did not have an agreement.  You don't bring the president in to sign the outline of an agreement, which was apparently Mr. Trump's idea that he would get together with the Taliban to do," said Babbin, who also blasted the negotiations with the Taliban to this point.

"Number two, you have to have preconditions to any negotiation really.  When (lead U.S. negotiator) Zalmay Khalilzad went in there without first demanding a cease-fire in Afghanistan that lasted more than ten minutes, that was a huge mistake," said Babbin.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Babbin's assessment of Trump's approach to North Korea and what kind of successor to Bolton is likely to emerge.  Babbin also explains why it "beats the snot out of me" what the Trump approach to foreign policy actually is.]]>402bolton,iran,korea,news,taliban,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cost-of-telling-climate-truths--19051418
In addition to interviews, Dr. Ball also makes presentations confronting the conventional wisdom among scientists.  But instead of responding with a robust debate, the climate change advocates instead ridicule Dr. Ball and they sue him - a lot.

Dr. Ball, who taught climatology at the University of Winnipeg, was the target of multiple lawsuits known as SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) suits.  Every contested case against him has been dismissed, with one still pending.  And they get dismissed because the plaintiffs refuse to engage Dr. Ball on the scientific merits.  But standing up for himself in court has cost Dr. Ball $800,000.

In this podcast, Ball explains the real reason is is sued for defamation.  He says it's because he has the gall to confront a movement that refuses to tolerate any dissension.

"What people should be worried about is the increasing use of the law to silence people," said Dr. Ball.

Listen to the full podcast, as Dr. Ball explains why the "scientific consensus" is bogus, why climate scientists often stay silent out fear of reprisal, and the ones who do look at the evidence are appalled at what has been allowed to pass for concrete science.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19051418Mon, 09 Sep 2019 21:11:50 +0000Radio AmericaFor many years, Dr. Tim Ball has joined us to explain climate science, how the climate is changing, and how those changes differ drastically from with the United Nations, politicians and the media insist are the facts about climate change. In...
In addition to interviews, Dr. Ball also makes presentations confronting the conventional wisdom among scientists.  But instead of responding with a robust debate, the climate change advocates instead ridicule Dr. Ball and they sue him - a lot.

Dr. Ball, who taught climatology at the University of Winnipeg, was the target of multiple lawsuits known as SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) suits.  Every contested case against him has been dismissed, with one still pending.  And they get dismissed because the plaintiffs refuse to engage Dr. Ball on the scientific merits.  But standing up for himself in court has cost Dr. Ball $800,000.

In this podcast, Ball explains the real reason is is sued for defamation.  He says it's because he has the gall to confront a movement that refuses to tolerate any dissension.

"What people should be worried about is the increasing use of the law to silence people," said Dr. Ball.

Listen to the full podcast, as Dr. Ball explains why the "scientific consensus" is bogus, why climate scientists often stay silent out fear of reprisal, and the ones who do look at the evidence are appalled at what has been allowed to pass for concrete science.]]>1014ball,change,climate,defamation,lawsuits,news,science,slappfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-behind-the-dems-climate-hysteria--19028419
Over the course of several hours, former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed shutting down all coal-fired power plants.  Sen. Kamala Harris said she would ban fracking.  Sen. Bernie Sanders vowed to expand abortion to control the population.  And former Rep. Beto O'Rourke claimed he told his son their hometown of El Paso, Texas, would soon be uninhabitable.

"This is pure alarmism based on absolute ignorance," said Dr. Tim Ball, former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also the author of :The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."  

"These people haven't got a clue what they're talking about.  They don't even know the difference between weather and climate," said Ball.

Ball says candidates like Harris and Biden - and the others - are attacking coal and fracking because their entire climate agenda consists of the assumption that carbon dioxide is the problem and we have to stop burning it to fuel our society.

Listen to the entire podcast as Dr. Ball explains where the Democrats base their argument that we have only eleven years to do anything about the "climate crisis" and why the science behind that conclusion is bogus.  He also reveals which direction the earth's temperature is quickly heading, and it's not what the activists would have you believe.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19028419Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:29:04 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, many Democrats running for president appeared in a marathon CNN town hall to demand sweeping, urgent action on climate change, but a leading climate scientist says it's little more than hot air. Over the course of several hours, former...
Over the course of several hours, former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed shutting down all coal-fired power plants.  Sen. Kamala Harris said she would ban fracking.  Sen. Bernie Sanders vowed to expand abortion to control the population.  And former Rep. Beto O'Rourke claimed he told his son their hometown of El Paso, Texas, would soon be uninhabitable.

"This is pure alarmism based on absolute ignorance," said Dr. Tim Ball, former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also the author of :The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."  

"These people haven't got a clue what they're talking about.  They don't even know the difference between weather and climate," said Ball.

Ball says candidates like Harris and Biden - and the others - are attacking coal and fracking because their entire climate agenda consists of the assumption that carbon dioxide is the problem and we have to stop burning it to fuel our society.

Listen to the entire podcast as Dr. Ball explains where the Democrats base their argument that we have only eleven years to do anything about the "climate crisis" and why the science behind that conclusion is bogus.  He also reveals which direction the earth's temperature is quickly heading, and it's not what the activists would have you believe.]]>9082020,carbon,climate,coal,democrats,fracking,news,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-a-baffling-week-in-british-politics--19028361
Why did Prime Minister Boris Johnson ask Queen Elizabeth II to suspend parliament? Why did this common tactic cause such a stir that Johnson lost his working majority in parliament? Why does Johnson want new elections? Why does parliament oppose them?

Listen to the full podcast as we address all of these questions and discuss the impact of all of this on Brexit and why there's such a sharp divide between what the public wants and what parliament wants.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19028361Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:11:57 +0000Radio AmericaLuke Coffey, direction of the Allison Center for Foreign Policy at the Heritage Foundation, explains what happened in the UK this week and why. Why did Prime Minister Boris Johnson ask Queen Elizabeth II to suspend parliament? Why did this common...
Why did Prime Minister Boris Johnson ask Queen Elizabeth II to suspend parliament? Why did this common tactic cause such a stir that Johnson lost his working majority in parliament? Why does Johnson want new elections? Why does parliament oppose them?

Listen to the full podcast as we address all of these questions and discuss the impact of all of this on Brexit and why there's such a sharp divide between what the public wants and what parliament wants.]]>907brexit,britain,johnson,news,parliamentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-hong-kong-protests--19003130
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she is officially withdrawing legislation that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China.  Had she done that in April, it may have been enough to satisfy critics, but months of intransigence and increased police crackdowns on protesters soured relations exponentially.

Demonstrators now want a full investigation into the actions of police.  They want all incarcerated protesters released and they want to have universal suffrage to elect their own chief executive and lawmakers.

Asia policy expert Gordon Chang is author of "The Coming Collapse of China."  He is in Hong Kong and took to the streets with demonstrators after Lam's announcement.

Listen to the podcast to hear how Hong Kong residents reacted to the withdrawal of the extradition legislation and how they view this battle for their freedom.  Chang also explains why China may have relented on the extradition issue now and why the ongoing protests present a more difficult challenge for Beijing than many realize.  He also reveals why the protesters are not going anywhere anytime soon.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19003130Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:09:00 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, the China-backed leader of Hong Kong announced she is withdrawing the legislation that sparked massive ongoing protests, but a leading Asia expert says that will do nothing to quell other demands of the millions of people taking to the...
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she is officially withdrawing legislation that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China.  Had she done that in April, it may have been enough to satisfy critics, but months of intransigence and increased police crackdowns on protesters soured relations exponentially.

Demonstrators now want a full investigation into the actions of police.  They want all incarcerated protesters released and they want to have universal suffrage to elect their own chief executive and lawmakers.

Asia policy expert Gordon Chang is author of "The Coming Collapse of China."  He is in Hong Kong and took to the streets with demonstrators after Lam's announcement.

Listen to the podcast to hear how Hong Kong residents reacted to the withdrawal of the extradition legislation and how they view this battle for their freedom.  Chang also explains why China may have relented on the extradition issue now and why the ongoing protests present a more difficult challenge for Beijing than many realize.  He also reveals why the protesters are not going anywhere anytime soon.]]>523beijing,china,extradition,freedom,hongkong,protestsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-state-of-american-labor-on-labor-day--18961231
Last year, right to work advocates also scored a major win at the U.S. Supreme Court. Justices struck down a precedent dating back to the 1970's to rule that government sector workers cannot be required to join government sector unions or pay dues.

So where does the debate over compulsory union membership stand now? What right to work states are witnessing major efforts to reverse those laws? And what will labor policy look like if a Democrat wins the White House next year.

Listen to the podcast as Greg Corombos discusses all of this and more with Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18961231Fri, 30 Aug 2019 20:28:07 +0000Radio AmericaAs America pauses for Labor Day, the battle between organized labor and the right to work movement remains intense. Right now, 27 states have right to work laws, which do not compel union membership or dues payments as a prerequisite for holding any...
Last year, right to work advocates also scored a major win at the U.S. Supreme Court. Justices struck down a precedent dating back to the 1970's to rule that government sector workers cannot be required to join government sector unions or pay dues.

So where does the debate over compulsory union membership stand now? What right to work states are witnessing major efforts to reverse those laws? And what will labor policy look like if a Democrat wins the White House next year.

Listen to the podcast as Greg Corombos discusses all of this and more with Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.]]>7452020,labor,news,right,to,workfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ig-report-blasts-comey-more-scrutiny-coming--18951873
The report blasts Comey for keeping personal memos after meeting with President Trump in his capacity as FBI director and then leaking memos to the media after Trump fired him as part of Comey's effort to trigger a special counsel probe.  Then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein tapped former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III for the job just days after Trump fired Comey.

Former Justice Department official Victoria Toensing, a longtime Comey critic, says this condemnation in the IG report comes as no surprise.

"We knew that there was a recommendation for prosecution, so it wasn't going to be wine and roses from the IG," said Toensing.

The Justice Department ultimately decided not to prosecute Comey.

However, Thursday's report is far from the end for Comey and ongoing review of how the Trump-Russia probe began.  In particular, Toensing is looking forward to the next offering from Inspector General Horowitz.

"I'm look for the IG report on the FISA abuse, and certainly Comey was part of that," said Toensing.  "James Comey signed an application to the FISA court that said 'all the material in here has been verified.'  

"We know from (The Hill columnist) John Solomon's reporting that the FBI had a diagram of a chart of all the accusations and 90 percent was not verifiable," said Toensing.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Toensing explain why she thinks the Justice Department was absolutely right not to prosecute Comey for mishandling documents and leaking them to the media and why she believes the government must prosecute former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. 

She also reacts to Comey's contention that the IG report exonerates him.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18951873Thu, 29 Aug 2019 21:00:28 +0000Radio AmericaJustice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz blasted former FBI Director James Comey Thursday, accusing him of violating FBI policies and his own employment agreement in an effort to launch a special counsel investigation of President Trump....
The report blasts Comey for keeping personal memos after meeting with President Trump in his capacity as FBI director and then leaking memos to the media after Trump fired him as part of Comey's effort to trigger a special counsel probe.  Then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein tapped former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III for the job just days after Trump fired Comey.

Former Justice Department official Victoria Toensing, a longtime Comey critic, says this condemnation in the IG report comes as no surprise.

"We knew that there was a recommendation for prosecution, so it wasn't going to be wine and roses from the IG," said Toensing.

The Justice Department ultimately decided not to prosecute Comey.

However, Thursday's report is far from the end for Comey and ongoing review of how the Trump-Russia probe began.  In particular, Toensing is looking forward to the next offering from Inspector General Horowitz.

"I'm look for the IG report on the FISA abuse, and certainly Comey was part of that," said Toensing.  "James Comey signed an application to the FISA court that said 'all the material in here has been verified.'  

"We know from (The Hill columnist) John Solomon's reporting that the FBI had a diagram of a chart of all the accusations and 90 percent was not verifiable," said Toensing.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Toensing explain why she thinks the Justice Department was absolutely right not to prosecute Comey for mishandling documents and leaking them to the media and why she believes the government must prosecute former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. 

She also reacts to Comey's contention that the IG report exonerates him.]]>267comey,doj,fbi,general,horowitz,inspector,michael,news,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/now-what-ball-of-collusion-part-4--18951872
What answers can we realistically expect from the Justice Department's inspector general and from Attorney General Bill Barr's investigation? Beyond that, how badly damaged is the credibility of the Justice Department and the FBI as a result of all this and how can that reputation be repaired.

Listen to the podcast as McCarthy explains that repairing the credibility of the DOJ and FBI is directly related to whether anyone is held responsible for what those institutions did to lose so much trust in the first place.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18951872Thu, 29 Aug 2019 19:56:59 +0000Radio AmericaIn the final part of our conversation, "Ball of Collusion" author Andrew C. McCarthy pivots from how the Trump-Russia unfolded to where we go from here. What answers can we realistically expect from the Justice Department's inspector general and...
What answers can we realistically expect from the Justice Department's inspector general and from Attorney General Bill Barr's investigation? Beyond that, how badly damaged is the credibility of the Justice Department and the FBI as a result of all this and how can that reputation be repaired.

Listen to the podcast as McCarthy explains that repairing the credibility of the DOJ and FBI is directly related to whether anyone is held responsible for what those institutions did to lose so much trust in the first place.]]>531collusion,doj,fbi,mccarthy,news,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-dnc-emails-trump-himself-fueled-collusion-narrative-ball-of-collusion-part-3--18941411
In our new podcast, McCarthy details the meandering path of the supposed genesis of the investigation, including the various human sources used to incriminate Carter Page and George Papadopoulos.  The operatives were later identified as figures such as Alexander Downer, Stefan Halper, and Joseph Mifsud.

"Papadopoulos meets this shady, Maltese professor  known as Joseph Mifsud, who I think is probably the most interesting figure in this whole narrative.  And that's saying something, because there's some real winners in this narrative," said McCarthy.

Also in this podcast, McCarthy explains how the collusion narrative was falling apart from a lack of evidence before it really even got started in the summer of 2016.  But it was surprisingly revived by the hacking of DNC emails and Donald Trump's own behavior.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18941411Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:50:08 +0000Radio AmericaIn the first two portions of our interview with "Ball of Collusion" author and former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy, he and Greg Corombos discuss the origins of the probe and why Special Counsel Robert Mueller waited two years to...
In our new podcast, McCarthy details the meandering path of the supposed genesis of the investigation, including the various human sources used to incriminate Carter Page and George Papadopoulos.  The operatives were later identified as figures such as Alexander Downer, Stefan Halper, and Joseph Mifsud.

"Papadopoulos meets this shady, Maltese professor  known as Joseph Mifsud, who I think is probably the most interesting figure in this whole narrative.  And that's saying something, because there's some real winners in this narrative," said McCarthy.

Also in this podcast, McCarthy explains how the collusion narrative was falling apart from a lack of evidence before it really even got started in the summer of 2016.  But it was surprisingly revived by the hacking of DNC emails and Donald Trump's own behavior.]]>7562016,andrew,collusion,conspiracy,dnc,donald,emails,mccarthy,news,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-took-so-long-ball-of-collusion-part-2--18932318
Now a contributing editor and columnist with National Review, McCarthy has tracked every step of of the Trump-Russia investigations. His new book is "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."

In the first part of our conversation, McCarthy explained to Greg Corombos how the investigation really started, the role of then-CIA Director John Brennan, and how President Obama must have known and quite likely approved the investigation.

In the book, McCarthy says there is no evidence whatsoever of conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. If that's true, then why did the Mueller investigation take almost two years to complete?

"When you look at the indictments Mueller filed, it's quite clear not only that there wasn't a Trump-Russia conspiracy but that they affirmatively knew there wasn't a Trump-Russia conspiracy," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy also offers a compelling case that Mueller and his team knew there was no conspiracy more than 18 months before releasing their report earlier this year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18932318Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:30:08 +0000Radio AmericaAndrew C. McCarthy served as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He led the successful prosecution of the "Blind Sheikh," Omar Abdel Rahman, and his accomplices in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing...
Now a contributing editor and columnist with National Review, McCarthy has tracked every step of of the Trump-Russia investigations. His new book is "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency."

In the first part of our conversation, McCarthy explained to Greg Corombos how the investigation really started, the role of then-CIA Director John Brennan, and how President Obama must have known and quite likely approved the investigation.

In the book, McCarthy says there is no evidence whatsoever of conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. If that's true, then why did the Mueller investigation take almost two years to complete?

"When you look at the indictments Mueller filed, it's quite clear not only that there wasn't a Trump-Russia conspiracy but that they affirmatively knew there wasn't a Trump-Russia conspiracy," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy also offers a compelling case that Mueller and his team knew there was no conspiracy more than 18 months before releasing their report earlier this year.]]>506collusion,conspiracy,mccarthy,mueller,news,obstruction,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-the-trump-russia-investigation-began-ball-of-collusion-part-1--18921751
In this first installment, they discuss whether the initial investigation into allegations of a Trump-Russian conspiracy were based on concrete evidence or the desire to find something. They also examine the role of then-CIA Director John Brennan in the early stages of the probe.

Finally, McCarthy responds to critics who insist he is wrong to conclude President Obama knew about the investigation during the 2016 campaign, pointing out it would be far worse for the president NOT to know that a major party nominee was allegedly conspiring with a foreign adversary.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18921751Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:00:17 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy joins Greg Corombos for an indepth conversation about McCarthy's new book, "Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency." In this first installment, they discuss...
In this first installment, they discuss whether the initial investigation into allegations of a Trump-Russian conspiracy were based on concrete evidence or the desire to find something. They also examine the role of then-CIA Director John Brennan in the early stages of the probe.

Finally, McCarthy responds to critics who insist he is wrong to conclude President Obama knew about the investigation during the 2016 campaign, pointing out it would be far worse for the president NOT to know that a major party nominee was allegedly conspiring with a foreign adversary.]]>6192016,brennan,campaign,mccarthy,news,obama,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/debt-crisis-gonna-happen-in-the-next-couple-years--18901624
There was virtually no reaction from the White House, Congress, or political figures of any stripe.  The media also largely ignored the news.

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is trying to sound the alarm about the debt crisis and is seriously considering a GOP presidential campaign to stress the issue since no other candidates are.

Sanford also spent separate three-term stints in the House of Representatives.  He was defeated in the 2018 Republican primary after running afoul of President Trump and GOP leaders over government spending.

In discussing the latest CBO forecasts, Sanford began saying the mounting debt is simply a deferred tax on future generations who will have to pay the bills.  Then he stopped himself and warned that the current generation could well face it too.

"This is not just a next generation problem.  There is a proverbial straw that breaks a camel's back.  We are growing ever closer to that moment.

"I believe we're walking toward the most predictable financial crisis in the history of man.  It is not something that will happen to the next generation, but it's going to happen in the next couple of years," said Sanford.

"Think about this: we will spend more on interest (on the national debt) than we do on national defense in 36 months.  That's not a kid or grandkid problem.  That is our problem," said Sanford.

Sanford says he cannot pinpoint what will "light the match that lights the fire" or when exactly that might happen.  However, current government estimates suggest Medicare will go insolvent in seven years and Social Security will follow suit in 15 years.

For his part, Sanford worries that increased tariffs will be a recipe for economic trouble.  He says trillion dollar deficits are always alarming, particularly so in during a good economy.

"The deficits that we're running are being run in peacetime and relatively calm economic waters.  You reverse the economic waters and the deficits explode," he said.

If the CBO projections are correct, the official national debt will stand at $34-35 trillion a decade from now.  Sanford says the real numbers are far worse.

"The Congressional Budget Office numbers are not real.  Those are fairly conservative numbers.  This is why a variety of different organizations, like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Government have said those numbers could actually stretch closer to $2 trillion a year in operating deficits," said Sanford.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sanford discuss why neither party is serious about reining in federal spending, what action he thinks needs to be taken to return to fiscal stability, and how he is deciding whether to run for president.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18901624Fri, 23 Aug 2019 22:38:58 +0000Radio AmericaThis past week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected annual deficits in this and the next fiscal year will near $1 trillion and that the U.S. will rack up more than $12 trillion in debt over the next decade. There was virtually no reaction...
There was virtually no reaction from the White House, Congress, or political figures of any stripe.  The media also largely ignored the news.

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is trying to sound the alarm about the debt crisis and is seriously considering a GOP presidential campaign to stress the issue since no other candidates are.

Sanford also spent separate three-term stints in the House of Representatives.  He was defeated in the 2018 Republican primary after running afoul of President Trump and GOP leaders over government spending.

In discussing the latest CBO forecasts, Sanford began saying the mounting debt is simply a deferred tax on future generations who will have to pay the bills.  Then he stopped himself and warned that the current generation could well face it too.

"This is not just a next generation problem.  There is a proverbial straw that breaks a camel's back.  We are growing ever closer to that moment.

"I believe we're walking toward the most predictable financial crisis in the history of man.  It is not something that will happen to the next generation, but it's going to happen in the next couple of years," said Sanford.

"Think about this: we will spend more on interest (on the national debt) than we do on national defense in 36 months.  That's not a kid or grandkid problem.  That is our problem," said Sanford.

Sanford says he cannot pinpoint what will "light the match that lights the fire" or when exactly that might happen.  However, current government estimates suggest Medicare will go insolvent in seven years and Social Security will follow suit in 15 years.

For his part, Sanford worries that increased tariffs will be a recipe for economic trouble.  He says trillion dollar deficits are always alarming, particularly so in during a good economy.

"The deficits that we're running are being run in peacetime and relatively calm economic waters.  You reverse the economic waters and the deficits explode," he said.

If the CBO projections are correct, the official national debt will stand at $34-35 trillion a decade from now.  Sanford says the real numbers are far worse.

"The Congressional Budget Office numbers are not real.  Those are fairly conservative numbers.  This is why a variety of different organizations, like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Government have said those numbers could actually stretch closer to $2 trillion a year in operating deficits," said Sanford.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sanford discuss why neither party is serious about reining in federal spending, what action he thinks needs to be taken to return to fiscal stability, and how he is deciding whether to run for president.]]>8012020,crisis,debt,deficit,entitlements,news,sanford,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-immigration-judge-new-policy-most-humanitarian-decision-that-could-be-made--18892366
Critics plan to challenge the new policy, with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley calling it "large-scale imprisonment" and likening the approach to the internment camps for Americans of Japanese descent during World War II.

Since 1997, the U.S. has held to a policy established in a court settlement that children cannot be detained for more than 20 days, even while their parents wait to have their cases decided.  That policy has been revised over the years. 

The policy was challenged in 2014, when accompanied and unaccompanied minors came to the U.S. in large numbers.  Then-Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson ordered the construction of the temporary shelters that are now a flashpoint.  When challenged in court, a federal judge ruled that minors - whether with their parents or not - could only be held for 20 days.

In June 2018, President Trump signed an executive order ending family separation, meaning adults were only held for 20 days as well.

In recent months, the number of migrants flooding the U.S.-Mexico border has swelled to more than 100,000 late in the spring of this year.

Former Clinton Justice Department official and former immigration judge Andrew Arthur says this new policy  is not only the best approach for the sake of national security but for the well-being of the migrants themselves.

"This is the most humanitarian decision that could be made.  The number of people who attempt to undertake this journey is going to fall if they simply can't be released into the United States.  In fact, they'll go back to the historical numbers we used to see of a few hundred of these families showing up at the border every month," said Arthur.

Arthur cites a bipartisan report showing that two-thirds of people smuggled into the U.S. suffer physical harm and one-third of women are sexually assaulted.  He says once potential migrants know they won't be released, they'll avoid the horrors of the trip to the border.

"It's going to remove the incentive for parents to use their children as pawns and for smugglers to use children as pawns in order to get individuals seeking economic advancement into the United States, where they can work illegally," said Arthur.

Listen to the full podcast as Arthur explains the full background of the child detention policy, why immigration cases are usually resolved in a couple months rather than years, what the few alternatives to the revisions actually are, and why detention centers are actually the safest place for migrants to be while their cases are dealt with.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18892366Thu, 22 Aug 2019 21:40:23 +0000Radio AmericaThe Trump administration is planning to implement a new rule that keeps migrant families together but keeps them in custody until their immigration status is decided.   Critics plan to challenge the new policy, with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley calling...
Critics plan to challenge the new policy, with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley calling it "large-scale imprisonment" and likening the approach to the internment camps for Americans of Japanese descent during World War II.

Since 1997, the U.S. has held to a policy established in a court settlement that children cannot be detained for more than 20 days, even while their parents wait to have their cases decided.  That policy has been revised over the years. 

The policy was challenged in 2014, when accompanied and unaccompanied minors came to the U.S. in large numbers.  Then-Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson ordered the construction of the temporary shelters that are now a flashpoint.  When challenged in court, a federal judge ruled that minors - whether with their parents or not - could only be held for 20 days.

In June 2018, President Trump signed an executive order ending family separation, meaning adults were only held for 20 days as well.

In recent months, the number of migrants flooding the U.S.-Mexico border has swelled to more than 100,000 late in the spring of this year.

Former Clinton Justice Department official and former immigration judge Andrew Arthur says this new policy  is not only the best approach for the sake of national security but for the well-being of the migrants themselves.

"This is the most humanitarian decision that could be made.  The number of people who attempt to undertake this journey is going to fall if they simply can't be released into the United States.  In fact, they'll go back to the historical numbers we used to see of a few hundred of these families showing up at the border every month," said Arthur.

Arthur cites a bipartisan report showing that two-thirds of people smuggled into the U.S. suffer physical harm and one-third of women are sexually assaulted.  He says once potential migrants know they won't be released, they'll avoid the horrors of the trip to the border.

"It's going to remove the incentive for parents to use their children as pawns and for smugglers to use children as pawns in order to get individuals seeking economic advancement into the United States, where they can work illegally," said Arthur.

Listen to the full podcast as Arthur explains the full background of the child detention policy, why immigration cases are usually resolved in a couple months rather than years, what the few alternatives to the revisions actually are, and why detention centers are actually the safest place for migrants to be while their cases are dealt with.]]>788asylum,detention,immigration,news,smugglers,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-trump-is-changing-in-the-endangered-species-act--18881061
But a leading conservative environmental policy analyst says the changes amount to nothing more than common sense, and in some instances return the law to its 1973 origins.

So what actually changed?  National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Dr. Bonner Cohen says the revisions change nothing where endangered species live. 

"The Endangered Species Act mandates that critical habitat be set aside for the species' recovery  The Trump administration reforms say, 'Yes, you can designate critical habitat, but that must be habitat where a species really exists, not potential habitat.

"That distinction is very important, because it limits the amount of land that the Department of the Interior's Fish & Wildlife Service can regulate.  And these regulations can be very strict.  The ESA has sadly become a land use restriction mechanism," said Cohen.

In one instance, the government ordered more than 1,500 acres declared critical habitat for the Dusky Gopher Frog in St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana.  However, Cohen says there are no known Dusky Gopher Frogs in Louisiana, yet the land was off limits for development.  He says the ESA is often used to stifle rural development, particularly in the western United States.

Another change would revert the Endangered Species Act to have a distinct difference between "endangered" and "threatened" species.  Cohen says the government has blurred the line over the past two decades and "threatened" species get the same amount of protection despite being in a better position to survive without federal intervention.

Nonetheless, activists are slamming the president for the revisions to the Endangered Species Act.  

"There has never been a presidential administration more willfully, more purposefully negligent when it comes to the stewardship of our natural resources than the Trump administration,"
 said conservationist Jeff Corwin on MSNBC.
Cohen is neither surprised nor fazed by the blowback.

"Their reaction is completely predictable because these are the people who have been working hand in glove with federal officials over decades to get species added to the list, not for the purpose of saving those species but for the purpose of shutting down as much activity on rural land across America as possible," said Cohen.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cohen explain why the Endangered Species Act is a colossal failure even by government standards, noting that only 40 of 1,661 species have ever been taken off the endangered list and 20 of those were already extinct or didn't belong on the list to begin with.  He also explains why Americans who care for their land end up the biggest losers under the ESA.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18881061Wed, 21 Aug 2019 21:03:15 +0000Radio AmericaEnvironmental activists and political opponents are furious with President Trump for revising the Endangered Species Act (ESA), accusing him of being "purposefully" and "willfully negligent" with our natural resources. But a leading conservative...
But a leading conservative environmental policy analyst says the changes amount to nothing more than common sense, and in some instances return the law to its 1973 origins.

So what actually changed?  National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Dr. Bonner Cohen says the revisions change nothing where endangered species live. 

"The Endangered Species Act mandates that critical habitat be set aside for the species' recovery  The Trump administration reforms say, 'Yes, you can designate critical habitat, but that must be habitat where a species really exists, not potential habitat.

"That distinction is very important, because it limits the amount of land that the Department of the Interior's Fish & Wildlife Service can regulate.  And these regulations can be very strict.  The ESA has sadly become a land use restriction mechanism," said Cohen.

In one instance, the government ordered more than 1,500 acres declared critical habitat for the Dusky Gopher Frog in St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana.  However, Cohen says there are no known Dusky Gopher Frogs in Louisiana, yet the land was off limits for development.  He says the ESA is often used to stifle rural development, particularly in the western United States.

Another change would revert the Endangered Species Act to have a distinct difference between "endangered" and "threatened" species.  Cohen says the government has blurred the line over the past two decades and "threatened" species get the same amount of protection despite being in a better position to survive without federal intervention.

Nonetheless, activists are slamming the president for the revisions to the Endangered Species Act.  

"There has never been a presidential administration more willfully, more purposefully negligent when it comes to the stewardship of our natural resources than the Trump administration,"
 said conservationist Jeff Corwin on MSNBC.
Cohen is neither surprised nor fazed by the blowback.

"Their reaction is completely predictable because these are the people who have been working hand in glove with federal officials over decades to get species added to the list, not for the purpose of saving those species but for the purpose of shutting down as much activity on rural land across America as possible," said Cohen.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cohen explain why the Endangered Species Act is a colossal failure even by government standards, noting that only 40 of 1,661 species have ever been taken off the endangered list and 20 of those were already extinct or didn't belong on the list to begin with.  He also explains why Americans who care for their land end up the biggest losers under the ESA.]]>751act,endangered,environmentalists,president,revisions,species,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/planned-parenthood-has-really-shown-its-true-colors--18868662
Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley says this is a big win for the pro-life cause.

"Planned Parenthood is choosing to not comply with the rule, which is really intended to draw a bright line of separation between the idea of family planning and separation versus abortion," said Quigley.

She also says Planned Parenthood may not have spent previous Title X funds directly on abortion but did use it to buy pro-abortion advertising in addition to paying bills that helped keep the nation's largest abortion provider open.

Planned Parenthood is losing about $60 million in taxpayer funds as a result, although it is still getting the bulk of the roughly $500 million in total federal funding it gets every year. 

Acting Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson says the lack of funding will make it harder for women to seek health care and some may forego it altogether.

Quigley wonders why an organization so flush with other money that it spends lavishly on political campaigns won't make women's health care a priority.

"Planned Parenthood has really shown its true colors by prioritizing abortion over family planning and refusing to comply with this rule," said Quigley.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Quigley explain why the new rule does not constitute an infringement on the freedom of speech for Planned Parenthood personnel, where the abortion fight goes from here, and how this news shows just how big of a difference elections make.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18868662Tue, 20 Aug 2019 21:07:01 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, Planned Parenthood withdrew its application to be a recipient of Title X federal health care funding, following a Trump administration rule change barring recipients from encouraging patients to pursue abortions. Susan B. Anthony List Vice...
Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley says this is a big win for the pro-life cause.

"Planned Parenthood is choosing to not comply with the rule, which is really intended to draw a bright line of separation between the idea of family planning and separation versus abortion," said Quigley.

She also says Planned Parenthood may not have spent previous Title X funds directly on abortion but did use it to buy pro-abortion advertising in addition to paying bills that helped keep the nation's largest abortion provider open.

Planned Parenthood is losing about $60 million in taxpayer funds as a result, although it is still getting the bulk of the roughly $500 million in total federal funding it gets every year. 

Acting Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson says the lack of funding will make it harder for women to seek health care and some may forego it altogether.

Quigley wonders why an organization so flush with other money that it spends lavishly on political campaigns won't make women's health care a priority.

"Planned Parenthood has really shown its true colors by prioritizing abortion over family planning and refusing to comply with this rule," said Quigley.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Quigley explain why the new rule does not constitute an infringement on the freedom of speech for Planned Parenthood personnel, where the abortion fight goes from here, and how this news shows just how big of a difference elections make.]]>873abortion,courts,elections,hhs,speech,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hong-kong-protests-this-is-their-last-stand-for-autonomy--18819860
A leading expert on China policy says the showdown is critically important and that President Trump must do much more to support those demanding their freedom.

The demonstrations began in June in fierce opposition to a proposed law in the Hong Kong legislature that would make extradition to mainland China much easier.  With more than a million people in the streets, officials shelved the legislation.  But protesters want it permanently withdrawn and more power in determining their government among other demands.

"People in Hong Kong, and not just the pro-democracy kids on the streets but also a very large segment of the Hong Kong population, just believe this is their last stand for autonomy," said Gordon Chang, a China expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

Peaceful protests have turned more confrontational lately, both in the streets and this week at an airport sit-in.  Chang admits some of the demonstrators have gotten more rowdy but he sees something out of place with the Hong Kong police as well.

"I don't think they're answering to the Hong Kong commissioner of police.  I think that essentially we're seeing Beijing dictate what's going on," said Chang.

Chang says YouTube videos show supposed Hong Kong police officers unable to speak the native Cantonese language or present their police identification.  Another shows an officer oddly addressing fellow officers as "comrades" and another showing an officer alternately speaking Cantonese and Mandarin, which is highly unusual he says.

And as China appears to be taking a hard line on the protesters, President Trump appears to be going very soft on China, at least for now.

"The Hong Kong thing is a very tough situation, very tough. We'll what see what happens. But I'm sure it'll work out. I hope it works out for everybody, including China, by the way," said Trump on Tuesday.

"He's also said things like, 'This is a matter between Hong Kong and China.' That is uninspiring and completely inadequate," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang discuss how China is likely to act as the protests continue, why he believes this crisis matters a lot to the United States, and what the proper U.S. position should be right now.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18819860Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:24:15 +0000Radio AmericaTensions in Hong Kong remain very high as huge numbers of residents there continue pro-democracy protests aimed at keeping the communist Chinese regime at arm's length and forces loyal to the Chinese government take stronger action to put down the...
A leading expert on China policy says the showdown is critically important and that President Trump must do much more to support those demanding their freedom.

The demonstrations began in June in fierce opposition to a proposed law in the Hong Kong legislature that would make extradition to mainland China much easier.  With more than a million people in the streets, officials shelved the legislation.  But protesters want it permanently withdrawn and more power in determining their government among other demands.

"People in Hong Kong, and not just the pro-democracy kids on the streets but also a very large segment of the Hong Kong population, just believe this is their last stand for autonomy," said Gordon Chang, a China expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

Peaceful protests have turned more confrontational lately, both in the streets and this week at an airport sit-in.  Chang admits some of the demonstrators have gotten more rowdy but he sees something out of place with the Hong Kong police as well.

"I don't think they're answering to the Hong Kong commissioner of police.  I think that essentially we're seeing Beijing dictate what's going on," said Chang.

Chang says YouTube videos show supposed Hong Kong police officers unable to speak the native Cantonese language or present their police identification.  Another shows an officer oddly addressing fellow officers as "comrades" and another showing an officer alternately speaking Cantonese and Mandarin, which is highly unusual he says.

And as China appears to be taking a hard line on the protesters, President Trump appears to be going very soft on China, at least for now.

"The Hong Kong thing is a very tough situation, very tough. We'll what see what happens. But I'm sure it'll work out. I hope it works out for everybody, including China, by the way," said Trump on Tuesday.

"He's also said things like, 'This is a matter between Hong Kong and China.' That is uninspiring and completely inadequate," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang discuss how China is likely to act as the protests continue, why he believes this crisis matters a lot to the United States, and what the proper U.S. position should be right now.]]>684china,freedom,hongkong,news,protests,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tracking-your-tax-dollars--18810971
OpentheBooks.com recently studied where nearly $170 billion from the Small Business Administration went over a five-year span.

In this podcast, OpentheBooks CEO Adam Andrzejewski details the questionable recipients of much of this money and how little of it went to mom and pop business owners struggling to survive.  But he also discusses one way in which the federal government is starting to crack down on spending.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18810971Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:39:19 +0000Radio AmericaOver the first ten months of Fiscal Year 2019, the United States is running it's largest deficit in history. Fiscal restraint was laughed out of Washington by both parties a long time ago, but what exactly is happening with your tax dollars?...
OpentheBooks.com recently studied where nearly $170 billion from the Small Business Administration went over a five-year span.

In this podcast, OpentheBooks CEO Adam Andrzejewski details the questionable recipients of much of this money and how little of it went to mom and pop business owners struggling to survive.  But he also discusses one way in which the federal government is starting to crack down on spending.]]>554businesses,deficits,government,news,sba,spendingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ag-barr-vows-epstein-investigation-will-continue--18810145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18810145Tue, 13 Aug 2019 21:39:43 +0000Radio AmericaJeffrey Epstein's suicide on Saturday continues to spark questions and conspiracies. Attorney General Bill Barr will continue the probe into his death and crimes. Julie Mitchell reports.194news,podcasts,politicsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-flag-laws-reasonable-safeguards-or-infringing-rights--18779491
Red flag laws would allow a court to assess whether a person is a threat to themselves or others, remove the guns if the person is deemed a threat, and then re-evaluate their case at various intervals.

Supporters say red flag laws are the best way to preserve second amendment rights while taking steps to prevent mass shootings or other violence.

Detractors see the idea as a a slippery slope that would allow Americans to be harassed by such laws due to their political beliefs or simply because someone doesn't like them. They also fear due process would be comprised for those accused.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy responds to those objections and much more.  He describes the kind of laws he would like to see, why he thinks it would clearly be constitutional, and what kind of poison pills conservatives would need to avoid in getting the legislation over the finish line.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18779491Fri, 09 Aug 2019 21:47:14 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Chief Asst. U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy says second amendment defenders ought to get behind so-called red flag laws so long as the legislation is written responsibly. Red flag laws would allow a court to assess whether a person is a...
Red flag laws would allow a court to assess whether a person is a threat to themselves or others, remove the guns if the person is deemed a threat, and then re-evaluate their case at various intervals.

Supporters say red flag laws are the best way to preserve second amendment rights while taking steps to prevent mass shootings or other violence.

Detractors see the idea as a a slippery slope that would allow Americans to be harassed by such laws due to their political beliefs or simply because someone doesn't like them. They also fear due process would be comprised for those accused.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy responds to those objections and much more.  He describes the kind of laws he would like to see, why he thinks it would clearly be constitutional, and what kind of poison pills conservatives would need to avoid in getting the legislation over the finish line.]]>1085falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gun-owners-explain-opposition-to-gun-control-agenda--18767415
But while you might not know it from watching and reading mainstream media sources, there is another side of this debate.  Second amendment groups like Gun Owners of America are pushing back vigorously across the board, starting with the push for the Senate to take up the House bill on universal background checks.

Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says the House bill infringes far more on personal liberties than its supporters would have Americans believe.

"The legislation which the House passed is completely screwy.  It's a trap which could basically enmesh any gun owner," said Hammond.

He says the most innocuous activity could make you a hardened criminal under the House bill.

"If you show your gun to your neighbor in your dining room and then go into the next room to go to the bathroom, you're a felon.  If you sell your gun to your kid for one dollar, you're a felon.  If you take someone shooting and the person doesn't have a hunting license, you're a felon.

"The bill has a whole lot of deliberate provisions in it to make if very, very difficult to own a firearm in America," said Hammond.

President Trump has not indicated support for that particular bill but he has said in recent days that he is open to expanded background checks.  Hammond says it's hard to read Trump's commitment to the second amendment moment to moment, but hopes the president will not go down that road.

"Depending on who's in the room, he's either pro or anti-second amendment.  I hope that he holds firm because if he basically kisses off the second amendment community, I think he's going to be a one-term president," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what Hammond think about requiring a background check for every firearm purchase or proposed red flag laws which would allow guns to be removed from Americans reported as a danger to themselves or others.  And we ask whether the Senate is likely to take up any of these issues.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18767415Thu, 08 Aug 2019 21:44:06 +0000Radio AmericaIn wake of three horrific mass shootings, demands for gun control legislation are intensifying. Supporters of the movement insist universal background checks, assault weapons ban, red flag laws, and other measures will reduce the odds for more...
But while you might not know it from watching and reading mainstream media sources, there is another side of this debate.  Second amendment groups like Gun Owners of America are pushing back vigorously across the board, starting with the push for the Senate to take up the House bill on universal background checks.

Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says the House bill infringes far more on personal liberties than its supporters would have Americans believe.

"The legislation which the House passed is completely screwy.  It's a trap which could basically enmesh any gun owner," said Hammond.

He says the most innocuous activity could make you a hardened criminal under the House bill.

"If you show your gun to your neighbor in your dining room and then go into the next room to go to the bathroom, you're a felon.  If you sell your gun to your kid for one dollar, you're a felon.  If you take someone shooting and the person doesn't have a hunting license, you're a felon.

"The bill has a whole lot of deliberate provisions in it to make if very, very difficult to own a firearm in America," said Hammond.

President Trump has not indicated support for that particular bill but he has said in recent days that he is open to expanded background checks.  Hammond says it's hard to read Trump's commitment to the second amendment moment to moment, but hopes the president will not go down that road.

"Depending on who's in the room, he's either pro or anti-second amendment.  I hope that he holds firm because if he basically kisses off the second amendment community, I think he's going to be a one-term president," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what Hammond think about requiring a background check for every firearm purchase or proposed red flag laws which would allow guns to be removed from Americans reported as a danger to themselves or others.  And we ask whether the Senate is likely to take up any of these issues.]]>786background,control,flags,gun,guns,news,red,shootings,solutionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-sizes-up-mueller-testimony--18633838
Democrats clearly tried to assert that Mueller would have indicted President Trump for obstruction of justice of Justice Department policy did not forbid the indictment of a sitting president.  Republicans were determined to point out that the scope of the Mueller investigation was too narrow and ought to include an examination how how the surveillance of Trump campaign officials began in the first place.

What no one expected was the Mueller performance.  The former FBI director appeared to lack a strong command of his investigation and even admitted he did not oversee it on a day-to-day basis.  He often searched for answers in a manner that shocked analysts on both sides of the aisle.

But what is the impact of Mueller's testimony?  Did Democrats make the case that Trump only avoided prosecution because of a loophole?  Did Republicans succeed in showing that a much broader investigation is warranted?  Why is Mueller's shaky performance a big deal?  What is the next big step in this saga?  And is either side worried about ongoing Russian efforts to meddle in elections?

We discuss all of these questions and more in our conversation with former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy, now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a contributor for the Fox New Channel.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18633838Wed, 24 Jul 2019 22:26:07 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III offered his highly anticipated testimony on Wednesday, but the day turned out differently than Democrats or Republicans anticipated. Democrats clearly tried to assert that Mueller would have indicted...
Democrats clearly tried to assert that Mueller would have indicted President Trump for obstruction of justice of Justice Department policy did not forbid the indictment of a sitting president.  Republicans were determined to point out that the scope of the Mueller investigation was too narrow and ought to include an examination how how the surveillance of Trump campaign officials began in the first place.

What no one expected was the Mueller performance.  The former FBI director appeared to lack a strong command of his investigation and even admitted he did not oversee it on a day-to-day basis.  He often searched for answers in a manner that shocked analysts on both sides of the aisle.

But what is the impact of Mueller's testimony?  Did Democrats make the case that Trump only avoided prosecution because of a loophole?  Did Republicans succeed in showing that a much broader investigation is warranted?  Why is Mueller's shaky performance a big deal?  What is the next big step in this saga?  And is either side worried about ongoing Russian efforts to meddle in elections?

We discuss all of these questions and more in our conversation with former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy, now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a contributor for the Fox New Channel.]]>10022016,collusion,elections,mccarthy,mueller,news,obstruction,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-budget-deal-means-even-more-debt--18615385
According to reports, the agreement runs through July 31, 2021.  It would effectively end all remaining elements of the 2011 Budget Control Act known as sequester, while adding $350 billion in new spending in exchange for about $75 billion in offsets.

If that seems lopsided in favor of more spending, that's because it is.  But National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says it's even worse than it looks.

"The things is there are ripple effects past two years.  If you do a decade-long total, you're talking about something closer to $2 trillion of additional spending permitted by this deal," said Sepp.

Sepp also points out that a lot of new spending never goes away.

"Many of the spending increases called for will be baked into future budgets going down the line even if they try to re-establish the debt ceiling a couple of years from now.  So this is a real problem for taxpayers and, unfortunately, it represents the final retreat from the Budget Control Act of 2011, which established that sequester process," said Sepp.

National Taxpayers Union research shows the sequester process saved the average American household roughly $7,400 by 2017.  Sepp says removing those restraints is nothing more than a massive tax hike on future generations and the future is coming sooner than wee realize.

"Deficit spending is really just tax increases on a future type of taxpayer: unborn taxpayers, or young taxpayers, even taxpayers who are currently filing their taxes down the line would face higher taxes to service all of these debts," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp respond to suggestions that sequestration cuts were "mindless and irresponsible."  He also explains why spending "offsets" are often a mirage, why the Trump administration isn't demanding more fiscal restraint, and why so few people seem to care about the mounting debt.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18615385Mon, 22 Jul 2019 21:06:23 +0000Radio AmericaEager to avoid a debt ceiling showdown, the Treasury Department and congressional Democrats appear to be on the brink of a budget agreement that could saddle taxpayers with an additional $2 trillion in debt over the next decade. According to reports,...
According to reports, the agreement runs through July 31, 2021.  It would effectively end all remaining elements of the 2011 Budget Control Act known as sequester, while adding $350 billion in new spending in exchange for about $75 billion in offsets.

If that seems lopsided in favor of more spending, that's because it is.  But National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says it's even worse than it looks.

"The things is there are ripple effects past two years.  If you do a decade-long total, you're talking about something closer to $2 trillion of additional spending permitted by this deal," said Sepp.

Sepp also points out that a lot of new spending never goes away.

"Many of the spending increases called for will be baked into future budgets going down the line even if they try to re-establish the debt ceiling a couple of years from now.  So this is a real problem for taxpayers and, unfortunately, it represents the final retreat from the Budget Control Act of 2011, which established that sequester process," said Sepp.

National Taxpayers Union research shows the sequester process saved the average American household roughly $7,400 by 2017.  Sepp says removing those restraints is nothing more than a massive tax hike on future generations and the future is coming sooner than wee realize.

"Deficit spending is really just tax increases on a future type of taxpayer: unborn taxpayers, or young taxpayers, even taxpayers who are currently filing their taxes down the line would face higher taxes to service all of these debts," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp respond to suggestions that sequestration cuts were "mindless and irresponsible."  He also explains why spending "offsets" are often a mirage, why the Trump administration isn't demanding more fiscal restraint, and why so few people seem to care about the mounting debt.]]>563budget,debt,democrats,news,offsets,sequestration,spending,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lesson-from-hong-kong-the-link-between-christianity-and-freedom--18593851
The latest round of unrest was triggered by a proposed law allowing the extradition of people in Hong Kong to mainland China.  Millions of people poured into the streets and into the legislature to denounce the bill and the firm belief that China is hand-picking politicians in Hong Kong to do its bidding.

The people of Hong Kong are determined to protect religious freedom (and their other freedoms).  The Chinese government makes no secret that it wants to stamp out Christianity in China and in Hong Kong.

When the United Kingdom handed control of Hong Kong to China in 1997, a deal was struck to allow Hong Kong to effectively govern itself and maintain freedoms of religion, speech, and the press that it enjoyed under British rule.

That means Hong Kong residents are fully aware of how the Chinese are putting Muslims into concentration camps, persecuting Christians and churches, and reportedly harvesting the organs of Buddhist prisoners.  Thus, Hong Kong is fiercely protective of the rights its people ought to have in full for another 28 years.

Colson Center for Christian Worldview President John Stonestreet says Hong Kong knows what the rest of the world needs to understand - that a vibrant Christianity is almost always accompanied by much freer societies than we see from atheist regimes and others.

Stonestreet says there are two main reasons for this, starting with the now almost universal understanding that each life has value.

"Every single person has inherent dignity from the moment of birth to the moment of natural death.  That is a Christian idea that has now infected the world.  Now everyone talks about human dignity as if it's a thing, even though we disagree on what wee mean by that," said Stonestreet.

He says that inherent dignity fuels the demand for freedom.

"We believe God created us.  Not only did he give us dignity but he gave us freedom, that ultimately  our conscience answers to him.  My mentor, Chuck Colson, said it very well in the Manhattan Declaration. 'We can ungrudgingly render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but we can never render unto Caesar what belongs to God," said Stonestreet.

He says that is what compels China and other authoritarian regimes to try to stamp out the church.  It simply cannot tolerate any challenge to its claim of absolute power.  He says President Xi Xinping is trying to recreate himself in the mold of perhaps the worst mass murderer in world history.

"This is Mao-like stuff.  The Christian gospel runs completely counter to that.  When the early Christians said 'Jesus Christ is Lord,' there is an implicit 'and Caesar is not.'  Well, when Hong Kong Christians say 'Jesus is Lord,' there is an implicit, 'and the Chinese government - specifically Xi Xinping -  is not,'" said Stonestreet.

"That very idea spawns all kinds of other freedoms, like freedom of speech and freedom of association, the freedom to order our public lives and how we set up our business around our deeply-held beliefs.

"So you can really see how the unique Christian idea of who we are as humans spawned freedom of conscience and how freedom of conscience and how freedom of conscience is really the foundation for all the other freedoms we have," said Stonestreet.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more on the background of the Hong Kong-China tensions and China's attempt to meddle in Hong Kong affairs.  Stonestreet also explains how Chinese persecution is leading to a refugee crisis and how that crisis is putting the U.S. in a difficult position.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18593851Sat, 20 Jul 2019 15:05:15 +0000Radio AmericaIn recent weeks, massive protests in Hong Kong drew the world's attention, but while the media focused on the political issues at hand, little was made over the fierce battle over Christianity between Hong Kong and the communist Chinese regime. The...
The latest round of unrest was triggered by a proposed law allowing the extradition of people in Hong Kong to mainland China.  Millions of people poured into the streets and into the legislature to denounce the bill and the firm belief that China is hand-picking politicians in Hong Kong to do its bidding.

The people of Hong Kong are determined to protect religious freedom (and their other freedoms).  The Chinese government makes no secret that it wants to stamp out Christianity in China and in Hong Kong.

When the United Kingdom handed control of Hong Kong to China in 1997, a deal was struck to allow Hong Kong to effectively govern itself and maintain freedoms of religion, speech, and the press that it enjoyed under British rule.

That means Hong Kong residents are fully aware of how the Chinese are putting Muslims into concentration camps, persecuting Christians and churches, and reportedly harvesting the organs of Buddhist prisoners.  Thus, Hong Kong is fiercely protective of the rights its people ought to have in full for another 28 years.

Colson Center for Christian Worldview President John Stonestreet says Hong Kong knows what the rest of the world needs to understand - that a vibrant Christianity is almost always accompanied by much freer societies than we see from atheist regimes and others.

Stonestreet says there are two main reasons for this, starting with the now almost universal understanding that each life has value.

"Every single person has inherent dignity from the moment of birth to the moment of natural death.  That is a Christian idea that has now infected the world.  Now everyone talks about human dignity as if it's a thing, even though we disagree on what wee mean by that," said Stonestreet.

He says that inherent dignity fuels the demand for freedom.

"We believe God created us.  Not only did he give us dignity but he gave us freedom, that ultimately  our conscience answers to him.  My mentor, Chuck Colson, said it very well in the Manhattan Declaration. 'We can ungrudgingly render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but we can never render unto Caesar what belongs to God," said Stonestreet.

He says that is what compels China and other authoritarian regimes to try to stamp out the church.  It simply cannot tolerate any challenge to its claim of absolute power.  He says President Xi Xinping is trying to recreate himself in the mold of perhaps the worst mass murderer in world history.

"This is Mao-like stuff.  The Christian gospel runs completely counter to that.  When the early Christians said 'Jesus Christ is Lord,' there is an implicit 'and Caesar is not.'  Well, when Hong Kong Christians say 'Jesus is Lord,' there is an implicit, 'and the Chinese government - specifically Xi Xinping -  is not,'" said Stonestreet.

"That very idea spawns all kinds of other freedoms, like freedom of speech and freedom of association, the freedom to order our public lives and how we set up our business around our deeply-held beliefs.

"So you can really see how the unique Christian idea of who we are as humans spawned freedom of conscience and how freedom of conscience and how freedom of conscience is really the foundation for all the other freedoms we have," said Stonestreet.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more on the background of the Hong Kong-China tensions and China's attempt to meddle in Hong Kong affairs.  Stonestreet also explains how Chinese persecution is leading to a refugee crisis and how that crisis is putting the U.S. in a difficult position.]]>733china,christian,freedom,hongkong,news,persecutionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/high-tech-help-for-veterans-health--18584907
Of particular concern are veterans who live hundreds of miles or more away from VA facilities and have a difficult time ever seeing a physician.

Now the VA, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars are teaming up with Philips North America for a pilot program to allow veterans to engage doctors through telehealth technologies and also benefit from artificial intelligence in the medical community.

In this podcast, Philips North America CEO Vitor Rocha explains how this partnership began and how it will work. He also explains the benefits of telehealth and what data will be reviewed from the pilot program to see if it will be expanded.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18584907Thu, 18 Jul 2019 21:08:30 +0000Radio AmericaVeterans are still facing long wait times to see doctors at some VA facilities. Those long wait times can mean worse illnesses and injuries. Of particular concern are veterans who live hundreds of miles or more away from VA facilities and have a...
Of particular concern are veterans who live hundreds of miles or more away from VA facilities and have a difficult time ever seeing a physician.

Now the VA, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars are teaming up with Philips North America for a pilot program to allow veterans to engage doctors through telehealth technologies and also benefit from artificial intelligence in the medical community.

In this podcast, Philips North America CEO Vitor Rocha explains how this partnership began and how it will work. He also explains the benefits of telehealth and what data will be reviewed from the pilot program to see if it will be expanded.]]>529american,healthcare,legion,news,phillips,va,veteransfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/public-option-government-run-health-care--18575036
The Obama-Biden administration repeated that promise over and over as part of the debate over the Affordable Care Act.  Due to the regulatory changes of the law, plans could not stay the same.  Americans were forced into more comprehensive plans and some carriers dropped their customers altogether.

As a result, Politifact named "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan" the Lie of the Year in 2013.

Biden is now positioning himself as a moderate in the Democratic field for 2020.  He says a Medicare for All approach that would abolish private insurance and leave the government in complete control is a bridge too far.  Instead he is pushing a public option - a government-run plan that would compete with private coverage.

"If you like your plan, your employer-based plan, you can keep it.  If in fact, you have private insurance, you can keep it," said Biden on Monday.

But what Biden labels a moderate approach Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner sees as a mere stepping stone to government-run health care that kills private sector health coverage.

"The federal government has unlimited calls on taxpayer dollars.  It can write the rules that everybody has to comply with.  Private plans will not be able to compete, so people will inevitably lose their private plans simply because they will go under," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain in greater detail how a public option would ultimately force private insurers out of business, what approach she believes is far better than a public option or Medicare for All, and how Americans are approaching this critical debate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18575036Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:07:28 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Vice President Joe Biden is once again staying very close to President Obama, this time billing his health care plan as Obamacare 2.0 and even promising once again that Americans who like their private health coverage can keep it. The...
The Obama-Biden administration repeated that promise over and over as part of the debate over the Affordable Care Act.  Due to the regulatory changes of the law, plans could not stay the same.  Americans were forced into more comprehensive plans and some carriers dropped their customers altogether.

As a result, Politifact named "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan" the Lie of the Year in 2013.

Biden is now positioning himself as a moderate in the Democratic field for 2020.  He says a Medicare for All approach that would abolish private insurance and leave the government in complete control is a bridge too far.  Instead he is pushing a public option - a government-run plan that would compete with private coverage.

"If you like your plan, your employer-based plan, you can keep it.  If in fact, you have private insurance, you can keep it," said Biden on Monday.

But what Biden labels a moderate approach Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner sees as a mere stepping stone to government-run health care that kills private sector health coverage.

"The federal government has unlimited calls on taxpayer dollars.  It can write the rules that everybody has to comply with.  Private plans will not be able to compete, so people will inevitably lose their private plans simply because they will go under," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain in greater detail how a public option would ultimately force private insurers out of business, what approach she believes is far better than a public option or Medicare for All, and how Americans are approaching this critical debate.]]>9272020,biden,government,insurance,news,obama,option,publicfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-ussr-resident-socialism-so-fundamentally-wrong-it-cannot-work--18535618
But people who have lived through socialism are warning that the promised utopia is nothing more than a mirage, including Foundation for Economic Education President Zilvanis Silenas.  

"It's so fundamentally wrong it cannot work," said Silenas, a native of Lithuania, which was part of the USSR until Silenas was ten years old.

Silenas remembers families commonly living in one-room apartments and is quick to point out he doesn't mean a one bedroom apartment.  He says multiple families sometimes shared the equivalent of a college dormitory room.

Silenas says quality food was also unavailable to the general public and consumer goods such as a regular coat gobbled up half or even all of a monthly salary.  Yet, Soviet citizens had no idea how poor they were because the government lied to them.

"People did not know they were in  bad conditions.  Soviet propaganda pretty much used to tell everyone everyone in the Soviet Union lived great, that the United States was suffering from a lot of problems," said Silenas.

So what does Silenas think about major presidential candidates looking to the government to run health care or pay for college educations?  He calls their ideas "wrong" and "insincere."  He also says the middle class will be the ones who suffer the most from more and more government control.

"Their tax bill would go up by a factor of two or even three.  Even then, even those countries that supposedly have free education or free health care, it's not actually free.  You have to pay a lot in the form of your taxes.  Then when you you go to get these services, you find out they're not free," said Silenas.

"All of a sudden you find out that the medicine you get is only the cheapest one.  If you want to get more expensive medicine, you have to pay it yourself.  If you want to go to the hospital right now, you have to wait in line or you have to go to a private hospital.  They're selling some of the European policies as a utopia, but they're not utopia and they're very expensive," said Silenas.

Silenas is also firing back at Yale University Law School Professor Emily Jane O'Dell who recently tweeted favorable about the USSR compared to the U.S.

“Every single person I have I [sic] asked in Central Asia (and Eastern Europe) over the past decade and a half has said life was better under the Soviets -- 100 percent,” O’Dell tweeted.

One of the reasons O'Dell sees the Soviets as superior is because "capitalism is devoid of all humanity."

That set off Silenas on the appalling record of Soviet repression and persecution.

"Entire portions of countries inside the Soviet Union were repressed or deported.  A large part of the population was simply shot.  So whenever someone who should know better starts saying how great life was in the Soviet Union, that is simply an offense to literally tens of millions of people who lost their lives from that regime," said Silenas.

"Where does she see humanity in actually removing people from the economy, removing people from democracy, removing people from having any say in how they live.  Where does she see humanity in that?" asked Silenas. 

"I can't even imagine how anyone sane would actually say something like that.  There was zero humanity in the Soviet Union.  Zero," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of the Silenas rant against the supposed humanity of the USSR, why government cannot care about the people, and what similarities he sees between the Soviet Union and the current Russian government.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18535618Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:27:38 +0000Radio AmericaNearly 30 years ago, the United States and millions of others in the West cheered the collapse of the Eastern Bloc and, eventually, the Soviet Union.  Now, just a few decades later, one prominent U.S. presidential candidate openly declares himself a...
But people who have lived through socialism are warning that the promised utopia is nothing more than a mirage, including Foundation for Economic Education President Zilvanis Silenas.  

"It's so fundamentally wrong it cannot work," said Silenas, a native of Lithuania, which was part of the USSR until Silenas was ten years old.

Silenas remembers families commonly living in one-room apartments and is quick to point out he doesn't mean a one bedroom apartment.  He says multiple families sometimes shared the equivalent of a college dormitory room.

Silenas says quality food was also unavailable to the general public and consumer goods such as a regular coat gobbled up half or even all of a monthly salary.  Yet, Soviet citizens had no idea how poor they were because the government lied to them.

"People did not know they were in  bad conditions.  Soviet propaganda pretty much used to tell everyone everyone in the Soviet Union lived great, that the United States was suffering from a lot of problems," said Silenas.

So what does Silenas think about major presidential candidates looking to the government to run health care or pay for college educations?  He calls their ideas "wrong" and "insincere."  He also says the middle class will be the ones who suffer the most from more and more government control.

"Their tax bill would go up by a factor of two or even three.  Even then, even those countries that supposedly have free education or free health care, it's not actually free.  You have to pay a lot in the form of your taxes.  Then when you you go to get these services, you find out they're not free," said Silenas.

"All of a sudden you find out that the medicine you get is only the cheapest one.  If you want to get more expensive medicine, you have to pay it yourself.  If you want to go to the hospital right now, you have to wait in line or you have to go to a private hospital.  They're selling some of the European policies as a utopia, but they're not utopia and they're very expensive," said Silenas.

Silenas is also firing back at Yale University Law School Professor Emily Jane O'Dell who recently tweeted favorable about the USSR compared to the U.S.

“Every single person I have I [sic] asked in Central Asia (and Eastern Europe) over the past decade and a half has said life was better under the Soviets -- 100 percent,” O’Dell tweeted.

One of the reasons O'Dell sees the Soviets as superior is because "capitalism is devoid of all humanity."

That set off Silenas on the appalling record of Soviet repression and persecution.

"Entire portions of countries inside the Soviet Union were repressed or deported.  A large part of the population was simply shot.  So whenever someone who should know better starts saying how great life was in the Soviet Union, that is simply an offense to literally tens of millions of people who lost their lives from that regime," said Silenas.

"Where does she see humanity in actually removing people from the economy, removing people from democracy, removing people from having any say in how they live.  Where does she see humanity in that?" asked Silenas. 

"I can't even imagine how anyone sane would actually say something like that.  There was zero humanity in the Soviet Union.  Zero," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of the Silenas rant against the supposed...]]>7092020,democrats,economy,freedom,humanity,news,ussrfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/record-spending-spending-again-in-washington--18536951
According to Treasury, expenditures from October through June totaled nearly $3.356 trillion.  Revenues came in at just over $2.6 trillion, leaving the nation with a deficit of more than $747 billion with three more months to go.

One of the nation's top financial watchdogs says this is a bipartisan problem, noting the deficit was $5.4 trillion when George W. Bush left office.  That number jumped to $19.9 trillion when Barack Obama's presidency ended.  Our debt is now headed towards $23 trillion just two-and-a-half years into the Trump administration.

OpentheBooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski says the current budget deficit is particularly bad considering the strength of our economy.

"Right now, we're in a period of great economic expansion.  We shouldn't be running one trillion dollar budget deficits.  You run budget deficits during an economic cycle when you slip into recession.  You don't want to run them when you're in economic growth and expansion," said Andrzejewski.

Andrzejewski warns Republicans that running against the big government agenda of Democrats is going to be a tougher sell because of their own lack of fiscal discipline.

But with neither party wanting to remove funding for their friends and priorities, is there any room for common ground.  Andrzejewski says some ways to trim the fat ought to be obvious.

"The 20 largest federal agencies since 2003, they admit to $1.4 trillion going out the door in improper payments.  Just last year, our auditors at OpentheBooks.com found a billion dollars went out the door from these federal agencies to dead people," said Andrzejewski.

It gets worse.  Andrzejewski says another six billion dollars went out in overpayments in student loans and grants and Medicare and Medicaid combined for $80-85 billion in improper payments.

Listen to the full podcast as Andrzejewski lists more wasteful spending projects that are wasting taxpayer dollars and how he encourages citizens to make their representatives pay attention to our soaring deficits and debt.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18536951Fri, 12 Jul 2019 21:10:11 +0000Radio AmericaThe latest report from the Treasury Department shows a record level of spending for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, and the U.S. is on it's way to a one trillion dollar deficit by the time the year is through. According to Treasury,...
According to Treasury, expenditures from October through June totaled nearly $3.356 trillion.  Revenues came in at just over $2.6 trillion, leaving the nation with a deficit of more than $747 billion with three more months to go.

One of the nation's top financial watchdogs says this is a bipartisan problem, noting the deficit was $5.4 trillion when George W. Bush left office.  That number jumped to $19.9 trillion when Barack Obama's presidency ended.  Our debt is now headed towards $23 trillion just two-and-a-half years into the Trump administration.

OpentheBooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski says the current budget deficit is particularly bad considering the strength of our economy.

"Right now, we're in a period of great economic expansion.  We shouldn't be running one trillion dollar budget deficits.  You run budget deficits during an economic cycle when you slip into recession.  You don't want to run them when you're in economic growth and expansion," said Andrzejewski.

Andrzejewski warns Republicans that running against the big government agenda of Democrats is going to be a tougher sell because of their own lack of fiscal discipline.

But with neither party wanting to remove funding for their friends and priorities, is there any room for common ground.  Andrzejewski says some ways to trim the fat ought to be obvious.

"The 20 largest federal agencies since 2003, they admit to $1.4 trillion going out the door in improper payments.  Just last year, our auditors at OpentheBooks.com found a billion dollars went out the door from these federal agencies to dead people," said Andrzejewski.

It gets worse.  Andrzejewski says another six billion dollars went out in overpayments in student loans and grants and Medicare and Medicaid combined for $80-85 billion in improper payments.

Listen to the full podcast as Andrzejewski lists more wasteful spending projects that are wasting taxpayer dollars and how he encourages citizens to make their representatives pay attention to our soaring deficits and debt.]]>545bush,congress,debt,deficit,news,obama,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/florida-sheriff-s-deputy-accused-of-framing-innocent-people--18526407
According to the charges and released body cam footage, Zach Wester allegedly framed a minimum of 10 people, some of whom were involved in court-ordered recovery programs. One victim even lost custody of his daughter because of Wester's corrupt actions.

How did Wester plant drugs in people's cars? How was he caught? How did authorities respond to the allegations? What constitutional protections did most of the victims forget to invoke?

Reason.com reporter C.J. Ciaramella chronicled this horrible case on Wednesday. He joins Greg Corombos for a closer look at the details and whether there is evidence of this becoming a bigger problem.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18526407Fri, 12 Jul 2019 14:45:27 +0000Radio AmericaA former Jackson County, Florida, sheriff's deputy is facing 52 felony charges in connection with allegedly planting drugs on motorists he pulled over. According to the charges and released body cam footage, Zach Wester allegedly framed a minimum of...
According to the charges and released body cam footage, Zach Wester allegedly framed a minimum of 10 people, some of whom were involved in court-ordered recovery programs. One victim even lost custody of his daughter because of Wester's corrupt actions.

How did Wester plant drugs in people's cars? How was he caught? How did authorities respond to the allegations? What constitutional protections did most of the victims forget to invoke?

Reason.com reporter C.J. Ciaramella chronicled this horrible case on Wednesday. He joins Greg Corombos for a closer look at the details and whether there is evidence of this becoming a bigger problem.]]>608deputy,drugs,florida,news,plantingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-5th-circuit-obamacare-fight--18515126
Texas is leading a coalition of states trying to get the law declared unconstitutional. Rob Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation is arguing for the law to be struck down on behalf of individual Americans. In December, a federal district judge in Texas agreed that the end of the tax penalty meant that all of Obamacare ought to be struck down. Liberal states then appealed to the Fifth Circuit.

What happened in the oral arguments before the appellate judges? Where did the judges focus most of their questions? How did they respond to the argument that only Congress, and not courts, can do away with the law?

We discuss all of this with Rob Henneke and ask whether he thinks he can win over Chief Justice John Roberts if and when the case reaches the Supreme Court.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18515126Wed, 10 Jul 2019 19:05:19 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, a three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments over whether the repeal of the tax penalty for refusing to buy health insurance makes the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Texas is leading a...
Texas is leading a coalition of states trying to get the law declared unconstitutional. Rob Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation is arguing for the law to be struck down on behalf of individual Americans. In December, a federal district judge in Texas agreed that the end of the tax penalty meant that all of Obamacare ought to be struck down. Liberal states then appealed to the Fifth Circuit.

What happened in the oral arguments before the appellate judges? Where did the judges focus most of their questions? How did they respond to the argument that only Congress, and not courts, can do away with the law?

We discuss all of this with Rob Henneke and ask whether he thinks he can win over Chief Justice John Roberts if and when the case reaches the Supreme Court.]]>639aca,appeals,news,obamacare,repeal,unconstitutionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-didn-t-republicans-get-health-care-reform-done--18506457
Kerpen explains how close Republicans came on multiple occasions and why they landed on the best approach when it was too late.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18506457Tue, 09 Jul 2019 21:08:25 +0000Radio AmericaIn the second part of our interview with American Commitment President Phil Kerpen, we examine why Republicans failed to coalesce around a health care reform bill despite controlling the House, Senate, and White House and having seven years to...
Kerpen explains how close Republicans came on multiple occasions and why they landed on the best approach when it was too late.]]>350health,news,reform,republicans,statesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-public-option-charade--18506456
And while supporters of the public option approach say their plan would allow Americans to stay with their private coverage, is that really true?

Phil Kerpen of American Commitment says the public option guarantees that we will end up with a single payer system - and probably sooner rather than later. In fact, that's what it was designed to do.

Listen to the full podcast as Kerpen explains why a public option would inevitably lead to single payer, how the insurance companies played both sides in the Obamacare debate, and whether Republicans are ready to defend a competing plan.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18506456Tue, 09 Jul 2019 21:03:45 +0000Radio AmericaSome Democratic presidential candidates want to enact a single-payer, Medicare for All health care system operated by the federal government. Others want to pursue a public option that Americans can enroll in that would compete with private...
And while supporters of the public option approach say their plan would allow Americans to stay with their private coverage, is that really true?

Phil Kerpen of American Commitment says the public option guarantees that we will end up with a single payer system - and probably sooner rather than later. In fact, that's what it was designed to do.

Listen to the full podcast as Kerpen explains why a public option would inevitably lead to single payer, how the insurance companies played both sides in the Obamacare debate, and whether Republicans are ready to defend a competing plan.]]>4972020,democrats,news,publicoption,singlepayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-gun-battle-begins--18493259
Northam is specifically asking the Republican-led legislature to enact universal background checks, a ban on "assault weapons," reinstating Virginia's one gun per month law and more.

But Republicans are planning a much different approach. Del. Nick Freitas is a member of the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, which will review every piece of legislation in this special session.

Listen to the podcast to hear Freitas explain why he believes public safety and civil liberties ought to be the top priorities for lawmakers, why he thinks Northam's proposals are more about politics than saving lives, why he expects the narrow GOP majorities to hold together on the Second Amendment, and what he makes of poll numbers showing strong support for some of the Northam agenda.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18493259Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:05:26 +0000Radio AmericaOn July 9, the Virginia General Assembly will enter into a special session ordered by Gov. Ralph Northam to address gun violence. Northam is specifically asking the Republican-led legislature to enact universal background checks, a ban on "assault...
Northam is specifically asking the Republican-led legislature to enact universal background checks, a ban on "assault weapons," reinstating Virginia's one gun per month law and more.

But Republicans are planning a much different approach. Del. Nick Freitas is a member of the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, which will review every piece of legislation in this special session.

Listen to the podcast to hear Freitas explain why he believes public safety and civil liberties ought to be the top priorities for lawmakers, why he thinks Northam's proposals are more about politics than saving lives, why he expects the narrow GOP majorities to hold together on the Second Amendment, and what he makes of poll numbers showing strong support for some of the Northam agenda.]]>971amendment,guns,news,northam,second,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-epstein-internet-is-front-lines-of-child-sex-trafficking-nightmare--18492046
But how do predators and traffickers find children to target? How do adults find kids to abuse sexually and pay more than two billion dollars a year to do it? And what can parents do to protect their kids?

The common ingredient is the internet. While often a wonderful tool for learning and entertainment, the web can also be dangerous for kids.

In this podcast, we discuss the threats and the best preventive measures with Donna Rice Hughes of Enough is Enough.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18492046Mon, 08 Jul 2019 19:01:01 +0000Radio AmericaThe indictment of Jeffrey Epstein on child sex trafficking charges is drawing a lot of attention. It should draw attention to the fact that child sex trafficking is a booming business in the United States. But how do predators and traffickers find...
But how do predators and traffickers find children to target? How do adults find kids to abuse sexually and pay more than two billion dollars a year to do it? And what can parents do to protect their kids?

The common ingredient is the internet. While often a wonderful tool for learning and entertainment, the web can also be dangerous for kids.

In this podcast, we discuss the threats and the best preventive measures with Donna Rice Hughes of Enough is Enough.]]>1193child,jeffreyepsteinarrest,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/behind-the-headlines-the-scourge-of-child-sex-trafficking--18491972
But while partisans wait to see which famous figures might be tarred by the Epstein scandal, the horrific case is a sobering reminder that child sex trafficking is much bigger than Jeffery Epstein. In fact, American adults spend more than two billion dollars a year to sexually abuse children.

How did the problem get so big? How are the kids lured into this nightmare? How is there a demand for this? And what can parents do to protect their kids? We discuss all these questions with Angela Aufmuth of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18491972Mon, 08 Jul 2019 18:52:18 +0000Radio AmericaThe media and political junkies are closely following the horrific allegations of child sex trafficking filed against longtime political operative and fundraiser Jeffrey Epstein. But while partisans wait to see which famous figures might be tarred...
But while partisans wait to see which famous figures might be tarred by the Epstein scandal, the horrific case is a sobering reminder that child sex trafficking is much bigger than Jeffery Epstein. In fact, American adults spend more than two billion dollars a year to sexually abuse children.

How did the problem get so big? How are the kids lured into this nightmare? How is there a demand for this? And what can parents do to protect their kids? We discuss all these questions with Angela Aufmuth of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.]]>1394child,jeffreyepsteinarrest,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-3--18491948https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18491948Mon, 08 Jul 2019 18:44:42 +0000Radio AmericaIn the final installment of our series, we examine what law enforcement and lawmakers are doing to confront the horrific big business of child sex trafficking, what individual citizens can do to root out the problems in their own communities, and how...597child,jeffreyepsteinarrest,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-2--18491937
Here in part two of our series, we examine how children - mostly girls - are lured by predators and traffickers, how they are groomed for life as a victim, and why there are so many people in the U.S. willing to pay to have sex with kids.

Listener discretion is advised.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18491937Mon, 08 Jul 2019 18:42:54 +0000Radio AmericaSex-trafficked children are the third largest criminal commodity in the United States.  Only illegal drugs and guns are more prolific.  In the first installment of our Essence of Evil series, we examined the scope of the child sex trafficking, the...
Here in part two of our series, we examine how children - mostly girls - are lured by predators and traffickers, how they are groomed for life as a victim, and why there are so many people in the U.S. willing to pay to have sex with kids.

Listener discretion is advised.]]>541child,jeffreyepsteinarrest,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-1--18491773
In April, Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead wrote a column that once again alerted the nation to a horrifying fact: that adults purchasing children for sex is a booming business in America. He cited stomach-wrenching statistics like adults paying to rape kids 2.5 million times each year. And while the statistics vary, there is no question that tens of thousands of American children are trapped in the sex trafficking trade and many more are at risk.

Whitehead’s column was entitled “The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America.” We are borrowing that title for this series.

In the first of three installments on “Essence of Evil,”, we examine just how big the problem of child sex trafficking is, what these victims tragically endure, and how this has become big business.

Also, be sure to heart Part 2 of this series, in which we learn how children are lured by predators and traffickers. We also tackle the disturbing question of why there such a huge demand among American adults for sex with children.

Finally, in Part 3 of “Essence of Evil,” we look at solutions to this crisis in our society and explore what lawmakers, law enforcement, communities, and families can do to protect children.

Listener discretion is advised, particularly if children are present.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18491773Mon, 08 Jul 2019 18:41:00 +0000Radio AmericaMany Americans are rightly appalled by the child sex trafficking allegations against longtime political operative and fundraiser Jeffrey Epstein. But the scourge of child sex trafficking is much bigger than one case. Sadly, it's a multi-billion...
In April, Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead wrote a column that once again alerted the nation to a horrifying fact: that adults purchasing children for sex is a booming business in America. He cited stomach-wrenching statistics like adults paying to rape kids 2.5 million times each year. And while the statistics vary, there is no question that tens of thousands of American children are trapped in the sex trafficking trade and many more are at risk.

Whitehead’s column was entitled “The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America.” We are borrowing that title for this series.

In the first of three installments on “Essence of Evil,”, we examine just how big the problem of child sex trafficking is, what these victims tragically endure, and how this has become big business.

Also, be sure to heart Part 2 of this series, in which we learn how children are lured by predators and traffickers. We also tackle the disturbing question of why there such a huge demand among American adults for sex with children.

Finally, in Part 3 of “Essence of Evil,” we look at solutions to this crisis in our society and explore what lawmakers, law enforcement, communities, and families can do to protect children.

Listener discretion is advised, particularly if children are present.]]>384child,jeffreyepsteinarrest,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/signing-their-lives-away-how-well-do-you-know-the-founders--18413269
Who was the signer who completed a Paul Revere-like ride to arrive in time to vote for independence and possibly save the entire effort? Which signers didn't actually support independence? And which ones suffered greatly as a result of the revolution?

Listen to the podcast for a fascinating discussion with Joseph D'Agnese, co-author of "Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18413269Wed, 03 Jul 2019 16:00:04 +0000Radio AmericaMost Americans know about Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Many are also familiar with Sam Adams and John Hancock. But how much do you known about the other 51 men who risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to declare...
Who was the signer who completed a Paul Revere-like ride to arrive in time to vote for independence and possibly save the entire effort? Which signers didn't actually support independence? And which ones suffered greatly as a result of the revolution?

Listen to the podcast for a fascinating discussion with Joseph D'Agnese, co-author of "Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence."]]>9384th,declaration,independence,july,news,signersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-impact-of-the-democrats-immigration-agenda--18413191
With both parties now acknowledging a humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border, what would be the impact of removing criminal penalties for coming into the country illegally and what would be the financial toll on taxpayers to fund health care for millions of people who failed to enter the country properly?

We discuss all these questions and more with Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18413191Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:00:08 +0000Radio AmericaIn the first round of Democratic presidential debates in the 2020 campaign, multiple Democrats announced their goal to decriminalize illegal immigration, end deportations of people who commit no other offense than entering the country illegally, and...
With both parties now acknowledging a humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border, what would be the impact of removing criminal penalties for coming into the country illegally and what would be the financial toll on taxpayers to fund health care for millions of people who failed to enter the country properly?

We discuss all these questions and more with Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies.]]>5322020,decriminalize,democraticdebate,deportation,health,immigration,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/democrats-health-care-and-your-freedom--18413146
Seems like a compromise, right? A decade ago, a public option was dropped from the Affordable Care Act because even some Democrats thought it was putting too much power in the government.

In this podcast, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner explains why adding a public option wouldn't bring more competition to the health care market but simply grease the skids for single payer. She also discusses the looming cost to taxpayers if the U.S. goes down this road. Finally, she lays out the financial of Democrats wanting to extend taxpayer-funded health care to people in the U.S. illegally.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18413146Fri, 28 Jun 2019 20:38:53 +0000Radio AmericaSome Democratic presidential candidates want to pursue a single-payer, government-run health care system. Virtually all who don't want to go that far endorse adding a public option to the existing structure. Seems like a compromise, right? A decade...
Seems like a compromise, right? A decade ago, a public option was dropped from the Affordable Care Act because even some Democrats thought it was putting too much power in the government.

In this podcast, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner explains why adding a public option wouldn't bring more competition to the health care market but simply grease the skids for single payer. She also discusses the looming cost to taxpayers if the U.S. goes down this road. Finally, she lays out the financial of Democrats wanting to extend taxpayer-funded health care to people in the U.S. illegally.]]>551democraticdebate,health,immigration,publicoption,singlepayerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-to-expect-from-the-new-sanctions-on-iran--18403477
The new sanctions are aimed at key individuals inside the regime, including Supreme Leader Ali Khameini as well as military officials and even Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.  

"This is an attempt by the administration to hit back at Iran for its escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf but do so in a non-military fashion.  There's been a lot of ink spilled in the media about how President Trump is rushing to war, but it's very clear that he doesn't prefer military confrontation," said American Foreign Policy Council Vice President Ilan Berman.

"He wants Iran to pay but he wants Iran to pay in a way that doesn't escalate actual physical hostilities," added Berman.

But while Iran avoided military strikes, Berman believes the sanctions could do even greater damage for the long-term health of the regime.

"This is a very shrewd move by the administration because it plays on a fault line that is very visible within Iran but much less so outside.  Ordinary Iranians understand very well that the supreme leader and the unelected clergy that run Iran have enriched themselves tremendously at the expense of ordinary people," said Berman.

"The administration is trying to widen that rift that exists between the Iranian people and the Iranian leadership by highlighting just how corrupt that leadership is," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Berman explain why he thinks the sanctions will force Iran back to the bargaining table and why he believes Trump's decision to pull back military strikes sent the wrong message.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18403477Thu, 27 Jun 2019 21:10:55 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump opted for additional sanctions against Iran in response to the shooting down of a U.S. drone last week, and one expert says the new economic penalties will make Iran leaders even less popular among its own people. The new sanctions...
The new sanctions are aimed at key individuals inside the regime, including Supreme Leader Ali Khameini as well as military officials and even Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.  

"This is an attempt by the administration to hit back at Iran for its escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf but do so in a non-military fashion.  There's been a lot of ink spilled in the media about how President Trump is rushing to war, but it's very clear that he doesn't prefer military confrontation," said American Foreign Policy Council Vice President Ilan Berman.

"He wants Iran to pay but he wants Iran to pay in a way that doesn't escalate actual physical hostilities," added Berman.

But while Iran avoided military strikes, Berman believes the sanctions could do even greater damage for the long-term health of the regime.

"This is a very shrewd move by the administration because it plays on a fault line that is very visible within Iran but much less so outside.  Ordinary Iranians understand very well that the supreme leader and the unelected clergy that run Iran have enriched themselves tremendously at the expense of ordinary people," said Berman.

"The administration is trying to widen that rift that exists between the Iranian people and the Iranian leadership by highlighting just how corrupt that leadership is," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Berman explain why he thinks the sanctions will force Iran back to the bargaining table and why he believes Trump's decision to pull back military strikes sent the wrong message.]]>343iran,news,sanctions,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scotus-rules-on-gerrymandering--18403351https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18403351Thu, 27 Jun 2019 20:47:16 +0000Radio AmericaThe Supreme Court ruled Thursday that federal courts do not have the constitutional right to interfere in partisan gerrymandering claims. Julie Mitchell reports for Radio America.792020,gerrymandering,redistricting,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mueller-to-testify-publicly-before-congress--18401307https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18401307Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:15:05 +0000Radio AmericaFormer special counsel Robert Mueller will testify before congress on July 17th. Matt Fisher reports.68congress,doj,mueller,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/congressional-border-battles--18390793
On Wednesday, The Senate rejected legislation passed by House Democrats and approved its own $4.6 billion measure.  House Democrats say the Senate bill is a non-starter.

While the two chambers head to the reconciliation process, Florida Rep. Ted Yoho says lawmakers cannot embrace what he considers an abandonment of law enforcement personnel along the border.

"It limits the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to surge employees at the border.  [The House bill] cuts overtime hours cuts overtime for the exhausted officers that we have working overtime.  They want to cut this.  These are the very people doing what we hired them to do," said Yoho.

Yoho says Democrats also want to cut funding for the National Guard at the border and voted down funding for enhanced border technology that could not only detect illegal entry into the country but also protect migrants from sexual assault and trafficking by drug cartels.

He says the partisan bickering on this issue needs to stop.

"The border crisis is not a political crisis.  Well, it is a political crisis because Congress has failed to act.  But we should not be Republicans or Democrats.  We should come together to have a border security bill that solves this problem," said Yoho.

"If we were doing what we were supposed to with border security and enforced the laws on the books, we wouldn't have a crisis down there," said Yoho.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Yoho discuss whether the House and Senate can find common ground in the border funding bill.  He also details why he believes the Freedom Caucus deserves credit for forcing a fight on this issue and how his forthcoming bill to reform policy for immigrant workers in the agriculture, hospitality, and construction sectors can help address the larger need for immigration reform.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18390793Thu, 27 Jun 2019 02:35:45 +0000Radio AmericaThe House and Senate will need to reconcile vastly different bills designed to provide billions of dollars in emergency aid for the humanitarian crisis building on our southern border. On Wednesday, The Senate rejected legislation passed by House...
On Wednesday, The Senate rejected legislation passed by House Democrats and approved its own $4.6 billion measure.  House Democrats say the Senate bill is a non-starter.

While the two chambers head to the reconciliation process, Florida Rep. Ted Yoho says lawmakers cannot embrace what he considers an abandonment of law enforcement personnel along the border.

"It limits the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to surge employees at the border.  [The House bill] cuts overtime hours cuts overtime for the exhausted officers that we have working overtime.  They want to cut this.  These are the very people doing what we hired them to do," said Yoho.

Yoho says Democrats also want to cut funding for the National Guard at the border and voted down funding for enhanced border technology that could not only detect illegal entry into the country but also protect migrants from sexual assault and trafficking by drug cartels.

He says the partisan bickering on this issue needs to stop.

"The border crisis is not a political crisis.  Well, it is a political crisis because Congress has failed to act.  But we should not be Republicans or Democrats.  We should come together to have a border security bill that solves this problem," said Yoho.

"If we were doing what we were supposed to with border security and enforced the laws on the books, we wouldn't have a crisis down there," said Yoho.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Yoho discuss whether the House and Senate can find common ground in the border funding bill.  He also details why he believes the Freedom Caucus deserves credit for forcing a fight on this issue and how his forthcoming bill to reform policy for immigrant workers in the agriculture, hospitality, and construction sectors can help address the larger need for immigration reform.]]>651border,congress,immigration,legislation,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/colorado-baker-in-lgbt-cross-hairs-again--18321790
Alliance Defending Freedom is defending Phillips again.  Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs says a single attorney is bound and determined to make Phillips suffer the legal consequences of not accommodating the LGBT agenda. 

This time a transgendered person identifying as a woman named Autumn Scardina wanted Phillips to make a cake celebrating Scardina's decision to go public with a change in gender identity.  Scruggs says it's just the latest attempt by Scardina and others to sue Phillips.

"It really has been a story of harassment.  Jack has received all these different kinds of requests, particularly from this one lawyer but from other people too that are really meant to harass him - things like celebrating Satan's birthday or other obscene requests that no person would want to create," said Scruggs.

The Colorado Civil Right Commission was chastened by the Supreme Court for not treating Phillips in a neutral fashion based on his faith.  The commission initially joined this latest lawsuit but backed away when the Alliance Defending Freedom presented additional evidence of the state officials treating Phillips in a biased fashion.

While Scruggs believes Phillips is on very strong legal ground, it's still an extremely stressful time for him.

"The government didn't want to touch this in the State of Colorado but now that attorney (Scardina), who didn't like the result of that case, has filed suit against Jack and is seeking attorneys fees and damages that really could put Jack in a very difficult financial situation.  Really, his livelihood is on the line," said Scruggs.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how ADF forced the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to back away from the case, how Phillips approaches his job in the midst of this debate, and what Scruggs thinks of the Equality Act, which would remove the legal underpinning for people like Phillips to live out their faith.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18321790Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:00:19 +0000Radio AmericaLast year, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker who was punished by the government for refusing to design a wedding cake for a same-sex couple based on his sincerely-held Christian beliefs.  But Jack Phillips is headed back to court yet...
Alliance Defending Freedom is defending Phillips again.  Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs says a single attorney is bound and determined to make Phillips suffer the legal consequences of not accommodating the LGBT agenda. 

This time a transgendered person identifying as a woman named Autumn Scardina wanted Phillips to make a cake celebrating Scardina's decision to go public with a change in gender identity.  Scruggs says it's just the latest attempt by Scardina and others to sue Phillips.

"It really has been a story of harassment.  Jack has received all these different kinds of requests, particularly from this one lawyer but from other people too that are really meant to harass him - things like celebrating Satan's birthday or other obscene requests that no person would want to create," said Scruggs.

The Colorado Civil Right Commission was chastened by the Supreme Court for not treating Phillips in a neutral fashion based on his faith.  The commission initially joined this latest lawsuit but backed away when the Alliance Defending Freedom presented additional evidence of the state officials treating Phillips in a biased fashion.

While Scruggs believes Phillips is on very strong legal ground, it's still an extremely stressful time for him.

"The government didn't want to touch this in the State of Colorado but now that attorney (Scardina), who didn't like the result of that case, has filed suit against Jack and is seeking attorneys fees and damages that really could put Jack in a very difficult financial situation.  Really, his livelihood is on the line," said Scruggs.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how ADF forced the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to back away from the case, how Phillips approaches his job in the midst of this debate, and what Scruggs thinks of the Equality Act, which would remove the legal underpinning for people like Phillips to live out their faith.]]>545adf,colorado,news,phillips,scardinafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-provoking-u-s-to-distract-from-domestic-crisis--18341256
Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is the Iranian parliament in exile.  He urges Trump to keep the pressure on Tehran.

"The last thing you want to show is indecisiveness, to give them concessions, to give the ayatollahs what they want," said Jafarzadeh, who says he is not suggesting Trump's decision to call off an attack qualifies as indecisive.

Critics of a hawkish policy towards Iran suggest it could spark a brutal war in the region.  Jafarzadeh says those people are too late because Iran has been waging war for the past four decades.

"The rest of the world looks at 40 years of the regime's terror and hostage-taking and creating proxies in the whole Middle East," said Jafarzadeh, pointing to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran sponsoring deadly aggression in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

He says Iran's unrelenting aggression in the region is now seen as "part and parcel" of the reality in the Middle East but it doesn't have to be that way.

So why is Iran continuing to provoke the United States by attacking tankers, flouting uranium enrichment limits and even shooting down an American drone?  Jafarzadeh says the mullahs in Iran are desperate to change the subject with their own people.

"The Iranian regime is facing a lot of domestic problems, first in terms of the uprisings that began a year-and-a-half ago that has continued.  There is a huge amount of corruption going on that has translated to political unrest because the people of Iran hold the people responsible for their misery and hardship for the mismanagement and how the resources of the country are being plundered," said Jafarzadeh.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Jafarzadeh detail the depth of the frustration by the Iranian people toward their own government and what the U.S. can do to best facilitate the people taking back the power in Tehran.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18341256Sat, 22 Jun 2019 06:03:44 +0000Radio AmericaA leading Iranian resistance group urges President Trump to demonstrate strength and resolve in confronting Iran over its provocative actions against the U.S. and others in the region, insisting that such pressure will assist the Iranian people in...
Alireza Jafarzadeh is deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is the Iranian parliament in exile.  He urges Trump to keep the pressure on Tehran.

"The last thing you want to show is indecisiveness, to give them concessions, to give the ayatollahs what they want," said Jafarzadeh, who says he is not suggesting Trump's decision to call off an attack qualifies as indecisive.

Critics of a hawkish policy towards Iran suggest it could spark a brutal war in the region.  Jafarzadeh says those people are too late because Iran has been waging war for the past four decades.

"The rest of the world looks at 40 years of the regime's terror and hostage-taking and creating proxies in the whole Middle East," said Jafarzadeh, pointing to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran sponsoring deadly aggression in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

He says Iran's unrelenting aggression in the region is now seen as "part and parcel" of the reality in the Middle East but it doesn't have to be that way.

So why is Iran continuing to provoke the United States by attacking tankers, flouting uranium enrichment limits and even shooting down an American drone?  Jafarzadeh says the mullahs in Iran are desperate to change the subject with their own people.

"The Iranian regime is facing a lot of domestic problems, first in terms of the uprisings that began a year-and-a-half ago that has continued.  There is a huge amount of corruption going on that has translated to political unrest because the people of Iran hold the people responsible for their misery and hardship for the mismanagement and how the resources of the country are being plundered," said Jafarzadeh.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Jafarzadeh detail the depth of the frustration by the Iranian people toward their own government and what the U.S. can do to best facilitate the people taking back the power in Tehran.]]>637corruption,economy,iran,news,protests,resistance,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nash-trump-put-gun-to-iran-s-head--18341243
"I think this was putting a gun to their head, cocking the hammer, and then pulling it off and uncocking it and saying next time I may pull the trigger," said Nash, who is a longtime expert on the Iranian regime.

Trump says he called off the attack after learning approximately 150 people in Iran were likely to die, a toll he considers disproportionate to shooting down an unmanned U.S. drone.  

Nash believes there will be no kinetic response to the drone attack but Trump is leaving no ambiguity as to what will happen if Iran's provocations result in any loss of life.

"If anything else happens, it's all on the ayatollahs.  It is now.  But clearly, for the world, [Trump] pulled back.  He got the message across.  If they do anything else, Trump has free rein," warned Nash.

He says Iran is left with a tough dilemma.

"If they do anything that causes the loss of life, this president will literally explode on them.  If that happens, they are facing the end of their regime.  So they have to weigh in the balance of trying to hold on to the regime over severe public discontent over the economy and the way the country's being governed - and balance that against losing the regime catastrophically," said Nash.

Nash says Iran was hoping to prompt Trump to overreact or not react at all in order to distract its people from their domestic disaster.  U.S.-led sanctions and Iranian government corruption have Iran in major economic trouble.

"Here's what's going on inside Iran: there are demonstrations against the regime weekly.  They don't get any press.  They've got crushing unemployment," said Nash, who also detailed the soaring Iranian inflation.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Nash explain more of Iran's domestic woes, why Europe has no choice but to side with the U.S. now, what we may have learned about Iranian defenses by starting to launch an attack, and how he was once poised to carry out airstrikes as a naval aviator before getting orders to stand down just before takeoff.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18341243Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:38:34 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump authorized military strikes against Iran but cancelled the attack just minutes before the missiles would have launched, a move that retired U.S. Navy Capt. Chuck Nash says sent an unmistakable message to the mullahs in Iran. "I think...
"I think this was putting a gun to their head, cocking the hammer, and then pulling it off and uncocking it and saying next time I may pull the trigger," said Nash, who is a longtime expert on the Iranian regime.

Trump says he called off the attack after learning approximately 150 people in Iran were likely to die, a toll he considers disproportionate to shooting down an unmanned U.S. drone.  

Nash believes there will be no kinetic response to the drone attack but Trump is leaving no ambiguity as to what will happen if Iran's provocations result in any loss of life.

"If anything else happens, it's all on the ayatollahs.  It is now.  But clearly, for the world, [Trump] pulled back.  He got the message across.  If they do anything else, Trump has free rein," warned Nash.

He says Iran is left with a tough dilemma.

"If they do anything that causes the loss of life, this president will literally explode on them.  If that happens, they are facing the end of their regime.  So they have to weigh in the balance of trying to hold on to the regime over severe public discontent over the economy and the way the country's being governed - and balance that against losing the regime catastrophically," said Nash.

Nash says Iran was hoping to prompt Trump to overreact or not react at all in order to distract its people from their domestic disaster.  U.S.-led sanctions and Iranian government corruption have Iran in major economic trouble.

"Here's what's going on inside Iran: there are demonstrations against the regime weekly.  They don't get any press.  They've got crushing unemployment," said Nash, who also detailed the soaring Iranian inflation.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Nash explain more of Iran's domestic woes, why Europe has no choice but to side with the U.S. now, what we may have learned about Iranian defenses by starting to launch an attack, and how he was once poised to carry out airstrikes as a naval aviator before getting orders to stand down just before takeoff.]]>596drone,economy,iran,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/high-court-says-cross-stays--18330737
In his majority opinion in American Legion v. American Humanist Association, Justice Samuel Alito says the "Peace Cross" in Bladensburg, Maryland, is clearly a Christian symbol but there is also historical and community significance to the 93-year-old memorial constructed to honor local soldiers who died in World War I.

The vote was 7-2, with multiple concurring opinions and a dissent from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that was joined by Sonia Sotomayor.  Justice Clarence Thomas said the cross was "clearly constitutional."  Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the memorial should stand on "history, tradition, and precedent."  Justice Neil Gorsuch said the American Humanist Association did not even have standing to argue the case.

In her dissent, Ginsburg says it would be inappropriate to honor Christian soldiers with a Star of David so it is wrong to pay tribute to people of varying faiths under a cross.  Justice Stephen Breyer sided with the majority but strongly suggested he would not support new monuments or displays in the form of a cross.

The Family Research Council submitted a friend of the court brief in defense of the "Peace Cross."  FRC Vice President for Policy Travis Weber says this is a good day for religious freedom.

"The court today said this memorial can stand.  It's perfectly consistent with the Establishment Clause of the first amendment.  It's not an establishment of religion.  It's good to see a majority of the court agreeing with this result," said Weber, who also directs the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council.

Weber says those on the other side of the debate have a deeply flawed understanding of what the framers of the Constitution meant when they forbade Congress from establishing religion.

"It's very clear that they were getting at the state setting up formally a system of religious belief and forcing people to abide by that specific system of religious belief.  They were not getting at any religious expression in the public square," said Weber.

While Weber is grateful for Thursday's ruling, he wishes the court would be even more decisive.

"The court could have gone further to clarify the tangled confusion of the Establishment Clause case law that's currently on the books.  The heartening thing is this moves us in the right direction," said Weber.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Thursday's ruling could spell the end of the "Lemon test," which is often used by lower courts to remove religious symbols from the public square.  He also responds to Justice Ginsburg's argument that a cross should not be used for a memorial to soldiers of multiple faiths.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18330737Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:56:47 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Supreme Court Thursday ruled that a Maryland war memorial in the shape of a giant cross does not constitute government endorsement of a particular faith and can stay in place, a ruling hailed by religious freedom advocates and slammed by...
In his majority opinion in American Legion v. American Humanist Association, Justice Samuel Alito says the "Peace Cross" in Bladensburg, Maryland, is clearly a Christian symbol but there is also historical and community significance to the 93-year-old memorial constructed to honor local soldiers who died in World War I.

The vote was 7-2, with multiple concurring opinions and a dissent from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that was joined by Sonia Sotomayor.  Justice Clarence Thomas said the cross was "clearly constitutional."  Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the memorial should stand on "history, tradition, and precedent."  Justice Neil Gorsuch said the American Humanist Association did not even have standing to argue the case.

In her dissent, Ginsburg says it would be inappropriate to honor Christian soldiers with a Star of David so it is wrong to pay tribute to people of varying faiths under a cross.  Justice Stephen Breyer sided with the majority but strongly suggested he would not support new monuments or displays in the form of a cross.

The Family Research Council submitted a friend of the court brief in defense of the "Peace Cross."  FRC Vice President for Policy Travis Weber says this is a good day for religious freedom.

"The court today said this memorial can stand.  It's perfectly consistent with the Establishment Clause of the first amendment.  It's not an establishment of religion.  It's good to see a majority of the court agreeing with this result," said Weber, who also directs the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council.

Weber says those on the other side of the debate have a deeply flawed understanding of what the framers of the Constitution meant when they forbade Congress from establishing religion.

"It's very clear that they were getting at the state setting up formally a system of religious belief and forcing people to abide by that specific system of religious belief.  They were not getting at any religious expression in the public square," said Weber.

While Weber is grateful for Thursday's ruling, he wishes the court would be even more decisive.

"The court could have gone further to clarify the tangled confusion of the Establishment Clause case law that's currently on the books.  The heartening thing is this moves us in the right direction," said Weber.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Thursday's ruling could spell the end of the "Lemon test," which is often used by lower courts to remove religious symbols from the public square.  He also responds to Justice Ginsburg's argument that a cross should not be used for a memorial to soldiers of multiple faiths.]]>620clause,constitution,cross,establishment,freedom,news,religious,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-deportations-what-s-going-to-happen--18311130
Why would Trump announce this publicly? How does the timing of this intersect with his recent immigration deal with Mexico? How active has the Trump administration been in deporting illegal immigrants to this point? And how is ICE likely to prioritize deportations as part of this new effort?

Listen to the full podcast to learn the answers and much more as Greg Corombos interviews Center for Immigration Studies Resident Fellow in Law and Policy Andrew Arthur.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18311130Tue, 18 Jun 2019 21:04:06 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump announced via Twitter that he is ordering Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport millions of people illegally in the United States. Why would Trump announce this publicly? How does the timing of this intersect with his recent...
Why would Trump announce this publicly? How does the timing of this intersect with his recent immigration deal with Mexico? How active has the Trump administration been in deporting illegal immigrants to this point? And how is ICE likely to prioritize deportations as part of this new effort?

Listen to the full podcast to learn the answers and much more as Greg Corombos interviews Center for Immigration Studies Resident Fellow in Law and Policy Andrew Arthur.]]>646criminals,deportations,guatemala,ice,immigration,mexico,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shanahan-withdraws-defense-secretary-nomination--18311081https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18311081Tue, 18 Jun 2019 20:44:58 +0000Radio AmericaActing Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan withdrew his nomination for Defense Secretary Tuesday after allegations of domestic abuse surfaced. Montie Montgomery has more.74defense,dod,shanahan,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-the-trade-war-hurts-china-more--18254161
"China has a trade-dependent economy and we do not," said Gordon Chang, an East Asia policy expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."  "Last year, China's trade surplus with the U.S. accounted for 199.3 percent of it's overall merchandise surplus.  That's incredible dependence on access to the U.S. market."

According to Chang, the U.S. needs to hammer China for anywhere between $150-600 billion to counter China's prolific theft of U.S. intellectual property, or IP.

Many free trade advocates, including those in President Trump's own party, agree that China is running roughshod over intellectual property rights but they contend Trump's approach will only result in higher costs for American consumers.

Chang agrees that Americans will feel some pain, but he believes it will be mild compared to the impact on China.

"Yes, these tariffs will hurt us but China, up to now, has been absorbing probably more of the cost of these tariffs than we have.  So President Trump has been correct," said Chang, who warns the financial impact on American consumers will get more severe the longer the trade impasse continues.

"As he extends tariffs to all Chinese good, which could happen in the not-too-distant future, then the percentage borne by the United States will be higher for sure.  But at some point, we have got to recognize that we cannot sustain the loss of all of this IP and that this is a critical threat to our economy and our society," said Chang.

But Chang insists if we're going to stop China's predatory practices, the U.S. must pursue this course.

"We've just got to realize that we cannot get out of decades of misguided trade policy with China and expect there will be no cost.  There is a cost already and we're going to have to bear it in ways which are more obvious than in the past," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear whether no deal is better than a good deal with China for the foreseeable future and why Chang thinks Trump is making a big mistake in how he is dealing with China when it comes to the North Korean nuclear threat.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18254161Mon, 17 Jun 2019 20:52:58 +0000Radio AmericaThe United States and China are engaged in high-level trade talks punctuated by tariffs inflicted in both directions, and while U.S. consumers may soon feel the pinch of higher prices, a leading China expert says the communist regime in Beijing is...
"China has a trade-dependent economy and we do not," said Gordon Chang, an East Asia policy expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."  "Last year, China's trade surplus with the U.S. accounted for 199.3 percent of it's overall merchandise surplus.  That's incredible dependence on access to the U.S. market."

According to Chang, the U.S. needs to hammer China for anywhere between $150-600 billion to counter China's prolific theft of U.S. intellectual property, or IP.

Many free trade advocates, including those in President Trump's own party, agree that China is running roughshod over intellectual property rights but they contend Trump's approach will only result in higher costs for American consumers.

Chang agrees that Americans will feel some pain, but he believes it will be mild compared to the impact on China.

"Yes, these tariffs will hurt us but China, up to now, has been absorbing probably more of the cost of these tariffs than we have.  So President Trump has been correct," said Chang, who warns the financial impact on American consumers will get more severe the longer the trade impasse continues.

"As he extends tariffs to all Chinese good, which could happen in the not-too-distant future, then the percentage borne by the United States will be higher for sure.  But at some point, we have got to recognize that we cannot sustain the loss of all of this IP and that this is a critical threat to our economy and our society," said Chang.

But Chang insists if we're going to stop China's predatory practices, the U.S. must pursue this course.

"We've just got to realize that we cannot get out of decades of misguided trade policy with China and expect there will be no cost.  There is a cost already and we're going to have to bear it in ways which are more obvious than in the past," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear whether no deal is better than a good deal with China for the foreseeable future and why Chang thinks Trump is making a big mistake in how he is dealing with China when it comes to the North Korean nuclear threat.]]>311china,news,tariffs,trade,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/harvard-rescinds-kyle-kashuv-s-admission--18300336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18300336Mon, 17 Jun 2019 20:26:54 +0000Radio AmericaHarvard University revoked the acceptance of Parkland survivor Kyle Kashuv over controversial remarks he made with friends, Henry Erlandson reports.75harvard,kashuv,parkland,politicsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/illinois-abortion-now-legal-for-any-reason-or-no-reason-at-all--18275274
Democrats billed the proposal as shoring up existing law over concern that the U.S. Supreme Court could soon reverse Roe v. Wade, but Republican State Rep. Tom Morrison says the legislation was far more sweeping than that, starting with how lawmakers view abortion.

"The most important thing it does is that it says that abortion is a fundamental right of women - actually not just women.  The sponsor of the bill said anyone with a uterus and ovaries, so I guess that's not just women today as they would define it," said Morrison.

When it comes to specifics, Morrison says the expansion of abortion access is obvious.

"This bill was 126 pages long and expanded [permissiveness of abortion].  It removed clinic regulations.  It removed provisions to have two doctors involved in a late-term abortion.  There's a provision for non-physicians to do abortions up to a certain point," said Morrison.

According to Morrison, the bill also changes the definition of a viable unborn baby.

"It's now left up to what the doctor determines at the moment, rather than having two doctors agree on a case by case basis," said Morrison, who adds that the lone doctor can be the abortion provider and a late-term pregnancy can be considered non-viable simply because the baby would need to be flown to another facility for care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.

In addition, Morrison fears the legislation will be very dangerous for mothers who suffer complications from an abortion.  He says the new law does not require a coroner to investigate the deaths of women who were patients at abortion clinics, essentially allowing those deaths to vanish into the wind.

Among the most controversial provisions is the provision to allow abortions at any stage of pregnancy, even when the child could survive outside of the mother.  While supporters frequently refer to parents making the decision after discovering their child is severely deformed, Morrison says there's no mention of that issue in the bill.

In fact, Morrison says reasons like "familial health" are cited as reasons for an abortion at any stage.  

"It could mean anything.  It could mean financial health.  It could mean mental health.  It could mean a mother doesn't like stretch marks and that would impact her perception of her body image.

"It's totally up to interpretation.  Maybe it it's that a family already has a boy and they want a girl, so they abort the child because the child isn't the sex that the couple wants.  Maybe it's that sleep would be interrupted for someone in the family," said Morrison.

Morrison does believe the recent string of pro-life legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected played a role in the pro-abortion legislation advancing in Illinois.  He says momentum for aborting viable babies was pretty tepid before that.

"Even some of of the pro-choice legislators were reluctant to support those bills.  Those southern states, as they moved forward on their bills and signed them into law, then the proponents in Illinois figured they had the green light to offer a counter to what was happening in those other states," said Morrison.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Morrison also explain how the new Illinois law could soon lead to the overturning of parental notification and consent laws for minors seeking abortions, how Illinois abortion providers are circumventing the ban on partial birth abortions and much more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18275274Sat, 15 Jun 2019 01:02:39 +0000Radio AmericaIllinois now has perhaps the most permissive abortion laws in the nation after Democrats pushed an expansive new bill through the legislature and Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed it into law on Wednesday. Democrats billed the proposal as shoring...
Democrats billed the proposal as shoring up existing law over concern that the U.S. Supreme Court could soon reverse Roe v. Wade, but Republican State Rep. Tom Morrison says the legislation was far more sweeping than that, starting with how lawmakers view abortion.

"The most important thing it does is that it says that abortion is a fundamental right of women - actually not just women.  The sponsor of the bill said anyone with a uterus and ovaries, so I guess that's not just women today as they would define it," said Morrison.

When it comes to specifics, Morrison says the expansion of abortion access is obvious.

"This bill was 126 pages long and expanded [permissiveness of abortion].  It removed clinic regulations.  It removed provisions to have two doctors involved in a late-term abortion.  There's a provision for non-physicians to do abortions up to a certain point," said Morrison.

According to Morrison, the bill also changes the definition of a viable unborn baby.

"It's now left up to what the doctor determines at the moment, rather than having two doctors agree on a case by case basis," said Morrison, who adds that the lone doctor can be the abortion provider and a late-term pregnancy can be considered non-viable simply because the baby would need to be flown to another facility for care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.

In addition, Morrison fears the legislation will be very dangerous for mothers who suffer complications from an abortion.  He says the new law does not require a coroner to investigate the deaths of women who were patients at abortion clinics, essentially allowing those deaths to vanish into the wind.

Among the most controversial provisions is the provision to allow abortions at any stage of pregnancy, even when the child could survive outside of the mother.  While supporters frequently refer to parents making the decision after discovering their child is severely deformed, Morrison says there's no mention of that issue in the bill.

In fact, Morrison says reasons like "familial health" are cited as reasons for an abortion at any stage.  

"It could mean anything.  It could mean financial health.  It could mean mental health.  It could mean a mother doesn't like stretch marks and that would impact her perception of her body image.

"It's totally up to interpretation.  Maybe it it's that a family already has a boy and they want a girl, so they abort the child because the child isn't the sex that the couple wants.  Maybe it's that sleep would be interrupted for someone in the family," said Morrison.

Morrison does believe the recent string of pro-life legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected played a role in the pro-abortion legislation advancing in Illinois.  He says momentum for aborting viable babies was pretty tepid before that.

"Even some of of the pro-choice legislators were reluctant to support those bills.  Those southern states, as they moved forward on their bills and signed them into law, then the proponents in Illinois figured they had the green light to offer a counter to what was happening in those other states," said Morrison.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Morrison also explain how the new Illinois law could soon lead to the overturning of parental notification and consent laws for minors seeking abortions, how Illinois abortion providers are circumventing the ban on partial birth abortions and much more.]]>652abortion,health,illinois,news,viabilityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/president-trump-stands-by-conway--18275289https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18275289Fri, 14 Jun 2019 21:07:54 +0000Radio AmericaThe US Office of Special Council released a statement saying Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway should be fired for violating the Hatch Act. Donald Trump in an appearance on Fox and Friends disagrees. Montie Montgomery reports.67act,conway,hatch,news,politics,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/big-tech-targets-conservatives--18264628
A whistleblower reached out to Project Veritas to report that Live Action was inaccessible on Pinterest because it was included in the site's "porn domain," which blocks access to pornographic sites.  When confronted with this obvious error, Pinterest removed Live Action from the porn domain.

But a short time later, Pinterest banned Live action altogether.  That's because the whistleblower provided more information that Project Veritas promptly made public about how the site openly discriminated against Live Action.

"There was a conversation internally on a Slack thread, which is a text-messaging internal thread and the employee at Pinterest actually said that in the private messaging board [a Pinterest official] said, 'I've seen Live Action on there.'

"She basically said it shouldn't be on there but we're going to keep it on there.  That proved that the executives at Pinterest knew that Live Action wasn't pornography but was putting it on the list anyway," said O'Keefe.  

But the crackdown wasn't done.  Project Veritas published a video highlighting that Pinterest was intentionally classifying Live Action incorrectly.  Not only did Pinterest boot Live Action off the platform, but YouTube banned the video and Twitter suspended the Project Veritas account for publishing private information.

Right-leaning sites like PJ Media and Zero Hedge were also lumped in the porn domain.

O'Keefe calls this a watershed moment in which the major social media sites and "big tech" are no longer presenting themselves as champions of free speech but of a political and ideological agenda.

"The big tech companies have drawn a line in the sand.  They're choosing to have an editorial agenda.  they're no longer just big tech companies that have platforms.  They're publishers.  Now they're trying to stop and censor and prohibit the American people from having the information that'll wake them up, that'll shake them awake," said O'Keefe.

Listen to the full podcast to hear O'Keefe explain why he believes the big tech companies are actually more powerful than the three branches of government and far more powerful than the traditional media outlets of network and cable news and the major newspapers.  He also details what he wants the tech companies to admit and why he finds it Orwellian that the tech crackdown on conservatives coincides with liberal politicians declaring that certain - including being pro-life - are no longer acceptable in public discourse.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18264628Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:56:23 +0000Radio AmericaThe nation's largest technology giants are abandoning their positions as free speech advocates and actively taking sides to silence and punish conservatives, and Project Veritas President James O'Keefe says Pinterest's treatment of his group and the...
A whistleblower reached out to Project Veritas to report that Live Action was inaccessible on Pinterest because it was included in the site's "porn domain," which blocks access to pornographic sites.  When confronted with this obvious error, Pinterest removed Live Action from the porn domain.

But a short time later, Pinterest banned Live action altogether.  That's because the whistleblower provided more information that Project Veritas promptly made public about how the site openly discriminated against Live Action.

"There was a conversation internally on a Slack thread, which is a text-messaging internal thread and the employee at Pinterest actually said that in the private messaging board [a Pinterest official] said, 'I've seen Live Action on there.'

"She basically said it shouldn't be on there but we're going to keep it on there.  That proved that the executives at Pinterest knew that Live Action wasn't pornography but was putting it on the list anyway," said O'Keefe.  

But the crackdown wasn't done.  Project Veritas published a video highlighting that Pinterest was intentionally classifying Live Action incorrectly.  Not only did Pinterest boot Live Action off the platform, but YouTube banned the video and Twitter suspended the Project Veritas account for publishing private information.

Right-leaning sites like PJ Media and Zero Hedge were also lumped in the porn domain.

O'Keefe calls this a watershed moment in which the major social media sites and "big tech" are no longer presenting themselves as champions of free speech but of a political and ideological agenda.

"The big tech companies have drawn a line in the sand.  They're choosing to have an editorial agenda.  they're no longer just big tech companies that have platforms.  They're publishers.  Now they're trying to stop and censor and prohibit the American people from having the information that'll wake them up, that'll shake them awake," said O'Keefe.

Listen to the full podcast to hear O'Keefe explain why he believes the big tech companies are actually more powerful than the three branches of government and far more powerful than the traditional media outlets of network and cable news and the major newspapers.  He also details what he wants the tech companies to admit and why he finds it Orwellian that the tech crackdown on conservatives coincides with liberal politicians declaring that certain - including being pro-life - are no longer acceptable in public discourse.]]>734action,free,live,news,o'keefe,pinterest,speech,twitter,youtubefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/republicans-rebuke-trump-campaign-comments--18264794https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18264794Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:15:21 +0000Radio AmericaRepublicans denounce remarks from President Trump about foreign meddling, Henry Erlandson reports.69elections,politics,republicans,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/us-accuses-iran-of-oil-tanker-attacks--18264722https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18264722Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:06:16 +0000Radio AmericaThe United States is accusing Iran of attacking two oil tankers Thursday. Montie Montgomery reports.65iran,news,oil,politicsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/high-tension-in-hong-kong--18254160
Wednesday's protests turned violent as local authorities lashed out at the demonstrators who succeeded in delaying a vote on extradition legislation.

"The Hong Kong government, at the prodding of Beijing, has proposed an extradition bill which would allow China to take people off the streets of Hong Kong in effect," said Gordon Chang, an East Asia policy expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

"Hong Kong right now has extradition agreements with twenty nations, not including China.  The extradition bill would broaden that and that would give Beijing the ability really to bring Hong Kong to heel.  As Hong Kong democrats say, this is the last stand of the city," added Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang explain what Hong Kong will look like in the coming years if the extradition bill becomes law and which very powerful ally protesters have on their side.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18254160Wed, 12 Jun 2019 21:10:11 +0000Radio AmericaMore than a million people flooded the streets of Hong Kong on multiple occasions this week in an effort to derail legislation that opponents believe is the last chance to save the business hub from the clutches of the communist Chinese regime in...
Wednesday's protests turned violent as local authorities lashed out at the demonstrators who succeeded in delaying a vote on extradition legislation.

"The Hong Kong government, at the prodding of Beijing, has proposed an extradition bill which would allow China to take people off the streets of Hong Kong in effect," said Gordon Chang, an East Asia policy expert and author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

"Hong Kong right now has extradition agreements with twenty nations, not including China.  The extradition bill would broaden that and that would give Beijing the ability really to bring Hong Kong to heel.  As Hong Kong democrats say, this is the last stand of the city," added Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang explain what Hong Kong will look like in the coming years if the extradition bill becomes law and which very powerful ally protesters have on their side.]]>450business,china,communism,hongkong,news,repressionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/congress-keeps-hogging-the-money--18253290https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18253290Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:51:38 +0000Radio AmericaGovernment waste is on the rise. The 2019 Congressional Pig Book reveals hundreds of earmarks costing taxpayers billions, Henry Erlandson reports.81budget,congress,debt,earmarks,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brat-breaks-down-congress--18242769
What is the role of the Freedom Caucus in the new Congress? How does he respond to accusations that the Freedom Caucus is now more devoted to defending President Trump than promoting limited government?

In the podcast, Brat addresses all of these questions and also tells House Republicans what they need to start doing right now to improve their chances of being back in the majority after the 2020 elections.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18242769Tue, 11 Jun 2019 21:13:41 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Virginia Rep. Dave Brat is now thoroughly enjoying the private sector as dean of the business school at Liberty University. However, the prominent conservative and former member of the House Freedom Caucus has plenty to say about the first few...
What is the role of the Freedom Caucus in the new Congress? How does he respond to accusations that the Freedom Caucus is now more devoted to defending President Trump than promoting limited government?

In the podcast, Brat addresses all of these questions and also tells House Republicans what they need to start doing right now to improve their chances of being back in the majority after the 2020 elections.]]>768caucus,freedom,news,republicansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-threatens-china-with-new-tariffs--18231178https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18231178Mon, 10 Jun 2019 21:14:08 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump promised to impose an extra $300 billion in tariffs against China should President Xi Jinping not attend, Henry Erlandson reports.76china,tariffs,trade,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/liddy-explains-dean-s-full-role-in-watergate--18231134
Dean became a hero on the political left for testifying against Nixon and his White House colleagues.

But what many Americans do not know, however, is how the plot started, what the plumbers were looking for in the DNC headquarter, why they got caught, and how the man lionized by liberals for breaking the scandal wide open actually deserves much of the blame.

The leader of the plumbers was G. Gordon Liddy, a former FBI special agent and official in the office of the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP). In 2012, while a talk show host and colleague of mine at the Radio America network, Liddy detailed how the road to the Watergate break-in began.

“I was down in the office of what came to be known as the plumbers. I was called by Egil Krogh, who was an assistant to John Ehrlichman, and he said, ‘(White House Counsel) John Dean wants to pitch you on something and I think I ought to be there.’ That’s because nobody trusted John Dean. So I went up to Dean’s office. He said that he wanted an intelligence operation to operate against the Democratic Party in the 1972 election,” said Liddy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Liddy's explanation of Watergate and why he holds Dean in such low regard.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18231134Mon, 10 Jun 2019 21:08:55 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, former Nixon White House counsel John Dean testified before Congress about what he sees as troubling information in the Mueller Report and the parallels he sees between Watergate and Trump's actions concerning the Russian attempts to meddle...
Dean became a hero on the political left for testifying against Nixon and his White House colleagues.

But what many Americans do not know, however, is how the plot started, what the plumbers were looking for in the DNC headquarter, why they got caught, and how the man lionized by liberals for breaking the scandal wide open actually deserves much of the blame.

The leader of the plumbers was G. Gordon Liddy, a former FBI special agent and official in the office of the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP). In 2012, while a talk show host and colleague of mine at the Radio America network, Liddy detailed how the road to the Watergate break-in began.

“I was down in the office of what came to be known as the plumbers. I was called by Egil Krogh, who was an assistant to John Ehrlichman, and he said, ‘(White House Counsel) John Dean wants to pitch you on something and I think I ought to be there.’ That’s because nobody trusted John Dean. So I went up to Dean’s office. He said that he wanted an intelligence operation to operate against the Democratic Party in the 1972 election,” said Liddy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Liddy's explanation of Watergate and why he holds Dean in such low regard.]]>436dean,news,nixon,trump,watergatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mcconnell-chao-hit-with-corruption-allegations--18231056https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18231056Mon, 10 Jun 2019 20:58:13 +0000Radio AmericaSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, are facing scrutiny over charges of corruption concerning infrastructure grants and the 2020 election. Matt Fisher reports.88corruption,mcconnell,mitch,politicofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nadler-doj-strike-deal-for-mueller-documents-john-dean-testifies--18230994https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18230994Mon, 10 Jun 2019 20:51:47 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler reached an agreement with the Department of Justice regarding key documents in the Mueller report. Meanwhile, former Nixon White House Counsel John Dean testifies before Congress. Matt Fisher reports.77falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dems-many-gop-reject-spending-cut-plan--18208248
Early in the week, the Senate defeated a procedural motion on the so-called Pennies Plan, 69-22.  All 43 Democrats present in the chamber opposed the plan.  Among Republicans, 26 voted against the bill while 22 supported it.  The plan would make an exception for Social Security expenditures.  It also calls for making the Trump tax cuts permanent and expanding access to Health Savings Accounts. 

OpentheBooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski is dismayed that a Republican-controlled Senate could not advance the Paul legislation, noting that cutting two cents on the dollar is far more modest than the five cents per dollar that President Trump advocates.

Andrzejewski says every penny that the government spends has a constituency and supportive lawmakers who will fight vigorously to save it.  But with the nation now more than $22 trillion in debt, the current pace of deficit spending cannot be sustained, especially with the bankruptcy of Medicare and Social Security inching ever closer.

So where could we actually start to cut costs?

"Grant making in the federal agencies amounts to over $600 billion and it's a target-rich environment.  To put that amount of money in perspective, that's nearly as much money at the Department of Defense on our military budget every single year," said Andrzejewski.

And while some grants are vital, Andrzejewski says millions are wasted on frivolous projects like one million dollars to Cornell University to find out where it hurts most to get stung by a bee or another million for NASA to address religious concerns if we discover extra-terrestrial life.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Andrzejewski's ideas for addressing bloated spending, including how much can be saved in Medicare and Social Security just by keeping track of who is dead.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18208248Fri, 07 Jun 2019 21:08:30 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. Senate overwhelmingly rejected Sen. Rand Paul's plan to cut spending by two percent per year over five years, with all Democrats present opposing the plan and a majority of Republicans in the chamber voting against it. Early in the week, the...
Early in the week, the Senate defeated a procedural motion on the so-called Pennies Plan, 69-22.  All 43 Democrats present in the chamber opposed the plan.  Among Republicans, 26 voted against the bill while 22 supported it.  The plan would make an exception for Social Security expenditures.  It also calls for making the Trump tax cuts permanent and expanding access to Health Savings Accounts. 

OpentheBooks.com CEO Adam Andrzejewski is dismayed that a Republican-controlled Senate could not advance the Paul legislation, noting that cutting two cents on the dollar is far more modest than the five cents per dollar that President Trump advocates.

Andrzejewski says every penny that the government spends has a constituency and supportive lawmakers who will fight vigorously to save it.  But with the nation now more than $22 trillion in debt, the current pace of deficit spending cannot be sustained, especially with the bankruptcy of Medicare and Social Security inching ever closer.

So where could we actually start to cut costs?

"Grant making in the federal agencies amounts to over $600 billion and it's a target-rich environment.  To put that amount of money in perspective, that's nearly as much money at the Department of Defense on our military budget every single year," said Andrzejewski.

And while some grants are vital, Andrzejewski says millions are wasted on frivolous projects like one million dollars to Cornell University to find out where it hurts most to get stung by a bee or another million for NASA to address religious concerns if we discover extra-terrestrial life.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Andrzejewski's ideas for addressing bloated spending, including how much can be saved in Medicare and Social Security just by keeping track of who is dead.]]>640debt,news,paul,spendingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/near-collision-in-the-pacific--18208442Montie Montgomery reports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18208442Fri, 07 Jun 2019 20:54:50 +0000Radio AmericaRussia and the United States are both disputing what happened when a their ships almost collided. Montie Montgomery reports.Montie Montgomery reports.]]>62navy,news,politics,russiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/northam-guns-sound-policy-or-political-posturing--18197710
Earlier in the week, Northam called for seven specific items to be enacted, including universal background checks; a ban on assault weapons, bump stocks, and suppressors; an extreme risk protective order; re-instating of the on-gun-a-month law; requiring people to report lost or stolen firearms; and expanding local authority to regulate firearms - including in government buildings.

Northam's call comes just days after a disgruntled former municipal employee in Virginia Beach killed 12 people and wounded at least six others before being killed by police.

But GOP Delegate Nick Freitas does not believe Northam is approaching the issue with sincerity.  Instead, Freitas thinks the governor is trying to improve his standing among voters following his notorious medical school yearbook scandal, in which a photo of one person in blackface and other in KKK garb appeared on Northam's personal page.

"Ever since his blackface and KKK robe scandal, everything he has done has been about trying to rejuvenate his political career.  When it interferes in sound public policy, that's a real problem," said Freitas.

The Virginia Beach murderer legally purchased the handguns he used to shoot people in a government building, leading Freitas and other Northam critics wonder how Northam's policy demands would have made any difference in that horrific attack.

To the contrary, Freitas says Northam's agenda would Virginia citizens less safe.

"The whole reason why, in the United States, we value the individual's right to be able to protect themselves and if necessary to have a firearm to do so.  It's because it actually makes a weaker person able to defend themselves from a stronger attacker.

"Every single one of these provisions they're now pushing out creates an environment where a law-abiding citizen is going to be put at a disadvantage to somebody that is not obeying the law," said Freitas.

Freitas says the narrow Republican majorities in the General Assembly will examine ways to make Virginians safer but that will not include the Northam agenda.

"We're going to use this as an opportunity to actually look at all of the data points - all of the information coming in surrounding this shooting - and figure out a way that we can actually make people safer.  But we're certainly not going to succumb to this knee-jerk reaction by the governor to politicize a tragic event in order to rehabilitate his political career," said Freitas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Freitas discuss whether there can ever be common ground on this issue and where Virginia Republicans can take action to increase safety for people in the commonwealth.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18197710Fri, 07 Jun 2019 02:11:07 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam is calling a special session to push new gun laws in the wake of last week's deadly mass shooting in Virginia Beach, but a pro-second amendment lawmaker sees Northam's move more as an attempt to burnish his own image than...
Earlier in the week, Northam called for seven specific items to be enacted, including universal background checks; a ban on assault weapons, bump stocks, and suppressors; an extreme risk protective order; re-instating of the on-gun-a-month law; requiring people to report lost or stolen firearms; and expanding local authority to regulate firearms - including in government buildings.

Northam's call comes just days after a disgruntled former municipal employee in Virginia Beach killed 12 people and wounded at least six others before being killed by police.

But GOP Delegate Nick Freitas does not believe Northam is approaching the issue with sincerity.  Instead, Freitas thinks the governor is trying to improve his standing among voters following his notorious medical school yearbook scandal, in which a photo of one person in blackface and other in KKK garb appeared on Northam's personal page.

"Ever since his blackface and KKK robe scandal, everything he has done has been about trying to rejuvenate his political career.  When it interferes in sound public policy, that's a real problem," said Freitas.

The Virginia Beach murderer legally purchased the handguns he used to shoot people in a government building, leading Freitas and other Northam critics wonder how Northam's policy demands would have made any difference in that horrific attack.

To the contrary, Freitas says Northam's agenda would Virginia citizens less safe.

"The whole reason why, in the United States, we value the individual's right to be able to protect themselves and if necessary to have a firearm to do so.  It's because it actually makes a weaker person able to defend themselves from a stronger attacker.

"Every single one of these provisions they're now pushing out creates an environment where a law-abiding citizen is going to be put at a disadvantage to somebody that is not obeying the law," said Freitas.

Freitas says the narrow Republican majorities in the General Assembly will examine ways to make Virginians safer but that will not include the Northam agenda.

"We're going to use this as an opportunity to actually look at all of the data points - all of the information coming in surrounding this shooting - and figure out a way that we can actually make people safer.  But we're certainly not going to succumb to this knee-jerk reaction by the governor to politicize a tragic event in order to rehabilitate his political career," said Freitas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Freitas discuss whether there can ever be common ground on this issue and where Virginia Republicans can take action to increase safety for people in the commonwealth.]]>553constitution,guns,news,northam,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pelosi-wants-trump-in-jail-not-impeached--18197668Montie Montgomery reports.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18197668Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:56:30 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi told fellow Democrats that she'd rather see Trump behind bars-not Impeached. Montie Montgomery reports.Montie Montgomery reports.]]>892020,impeachment,mueller,news,pelosi,politics,report,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/border-apprehensions-reach-record-highs--18197450https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18197450Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:41:27 +0000Radio AmericaIllegal immigration numbers are soaring: the number of border enforcement actions more than doubled in the past year. In May alone, more than 132,000 migrants were apprehended at the Southwest border. Julie Mitchell reports.116apprehensions,border,immigration,migrantsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/homelessness-skyrockets-in-los-angeles--18197381https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18197381Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:30:21 +0000Radio AmericaThe homeless rate in the city of Los Angeles skyrocketed over the last year, leaving state and local officials frustrated at the precipitous rise. Matt Fisher reports.73homeless,housing,la,newsomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-killed-over-twenty-injured-in-west-point-accident--18197116https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18197116Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:58:40 +0000Radio AmericaOne cadet was killed and more than twenty others were wounded after a military transport vehicle overturned near a U.S. Army training site Thursday morning, Henry Erlandson reports.69accident,army,cadet,military,usmafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-magnitude-of-d-day--18183210
On June 6, the U.S. and our allies launched the allied invasion of Normandy known as D-Day. On that date, some 150,000 personnel attacked Nazi-occupied France from the skies, from the sea, and rushed ashore on five strategic beaches and neighboring cliffs to help free a continent from tyranny.

Today, only a tiny fraction of those veterans remain, but the magnitude of what they and their brothers in arms accomplished that day will forever reverberate through history.

So as Americans and our allies commemorate D-Day, what should we remember?  Dr Thomas Conner teaches military history at Hillsdale College in Michigan and is author of "War and Remembrance: The Story of the American Battle Monuments Commission."  He says it's hard to overstate the importance of taking the beaches and establishing another front in the European theater.

"It had to be successful for the Allies to get a foothold on the continent of Europe and begin driving the Germans back in on their own borders.  The war ended in literally the ashes of Berlin, only eleven months after D-Day," said Conner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Conner explain how the Allies pulled off such a massive mission while keeping the Nazis completely unprepared for it, how close U.S. commanders were to declaring the mission a failure, how American soldiers adapted to parachuting into the wrong places and facing much stiffer German defenses than expected on bloody Omaha Beach and elsewhere along the coast.

He also describes the powerful experience of visiting the U.S. cemetery above Omaha Beach.

"I've seen more grown men cry in Normandy than anyplace else I've ever been and the cemetery evokes that kind of response," said Conner.  "The combination of the memorial but also the awareness that it is right in the center of the Omaha Beach battlefield is quite moving."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18183210Wed, 05 Jun 2019 21:08:04 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, millions of people will direct their eyes to ceremonies honoring the military operation that radically changed and greatly hastened the end of World War II - 75 years after it happened. On June 6, the U.S. and our allies launched the...
On June 6, the U.S. and our allies launched the allied invasion of Normandy known as D-Day. On that date, some 150,000 personnel attacked Nazi-occupied France from the skies, from the sea, and rushed ashore on five strategic beaches and neighboring cliffs to help free a continent from tyranny.

Today, only a tiny fraction of those veterans remain, but the magnitude of what they and their brothers in arms accomplished that day will forever reverberate through history.

So as Americans and our allies commemorate D-Day, what should we remember?  Dr Thomas Conner teaches military history at Hillsdale College in Michigan and is author of "War and Remembrance: The Story of the American Battle Monuments Commission."  He says it's hard to overstate the importance of taking the beaches and establishing another front in the European theater.

"It had to be successful for the Allies to get a foothold on the continent of Europe and begin driving the Germans back in on their own borders.  The war ended in literally the ashes of Berlin, only eleven months after D-Day," said Conner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Conner explain how the Allies pulled off such a massive mission while keeping the Nazis completely unprepared for it, how close U.S. commanders were to declaring the mission a failure, how American soldiers adapted to parachuting into the wrong places and facing much stiffer German defenses than expected on bloody Omaha Beach and elsewhere along the coast.

He also describes the powerful experience of visiting the U.S. cemetery above Omaha Beach.

"I've seen more grown men cry in Normandy than anyplace else I've ever been and the cemetery evokes that kind of response," said Conner.  "The combination of the memorial but also the awareness that it is right in the center of the Omaha Beach battlefield is quite moving."]]>748allies,d-day,france,nazis,normandy,wwiifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-inequality-of-the-equality-act--18172854
Emilie Kao directs the Devos Center for Religion and Civil Society at the Heritage Foundation.  She says the Equality Act actually leads to more inequality.

"We don't think anybody should be discriminated against simply because they are gay or transgender.  Everyone should be treated with respect.  But the problem with the Equality Act is that it doesn't treat everyone with respect.  It basically codifies ideologies about sexual orientation and sex differences into civil rights law.  That will lead to the punishment of people who don't agree with those viewpoints," said Kao.

Kao says the bill would lead to an erosion of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and parental rights.

To begin, the Equality Act would trump the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, meaning wedding vendors such as bakers and florists who feel servicing a same-sex wedding would violate their consciences would not be able to cite their sincerely-held religious beliefs when sued under this law.

Kao says it would also strip legal protections for people who simply disagree with same-sex marriage or the transgender agenda.  She says teachers have been fired for refusing to use the preferred pronouns of a student identifying as a different gender and hospitals have been targeted for refusing to perform gender reassignment surgery.

According to Kao, the Equality Act would also gut parental rights.  And she cited a transgender case in Ohio as a preview for what the Equality Act would do nationwide.

"A Catholic family lost custody of their daughter when the Cincinnati Children's Hospital said that she should be taking testosterone for gender dysphoria.  When the parents disagreed, the state charged the parents with child abuse and a judge terminated their custody," said Kao.

Parents would also find themselves powerless in confronting an increasingly activist curriculum on these matters.

"In many cases, the parents are not even informed that children as young as kindergarten are being read stories in which they are told something that is a fallacy, which is that a person can transition from one sex to the other sex," said Kao.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Kao explain how the Equality Act would lead to greater inequality and why the promoters of the legislation are determined to criminalize those who disagree with their agenda. 

She says there is a lot more at stake here than most Americans realize.

"I think what people should be aware of is the endangerment of religious freedom - it's already happening at the state level - the endangerment of parental rights, and the endangerment of women and girls' safety and privacy, not to mention fairness in sports," she said.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18172854Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:29:29 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act.  Supporters say they want to add anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity similar to the existing provisions for people based on sex, race,...
Emilie Kao directs the Devos Center for Religion and Civil Society at the Heritage Foundation.  She says the Equality Act actually leads to more inequality.

"We don't think anybody should be discriminated against simply because they are gay or transgender.  Everyone should be treated with respect.  But the problem with the Equality Act is that it doesn't treat everyone with respect.  It basically codifies ideologies about sexual orientation and sex differences into civil rights law.  That will lead to the punishment of people who don't agree with those viewpoints," said Kao.

Kao says the bill would lead to an erosion of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and parental rights.

To begin, the Equality Act would trump the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, meaning wedding vendors such as bakers and florists who feel servicing a same-sex wedding would violate their consciences would not be able to cite their sincerely-held religious beliefs when sued under this law.

Kao says it would also strip legal protections for people who simply disagree with same-sex marriage or the transgender agenda.  She says teachers have been fired for refusing to use the preferred pronouns of a student identifying as a different gender and hospitals have been targeted for refusing to perform gender reassignment surgery.

According to Kao, the Equality Act would also gut parental rights.  And she cited a transgender case in Ohio as a preview for what the Equality Act would do nationwide.

"A Catholic family lost custody of their daughter when the Cincinnati Children's Hospital said that she should be taking testosterone for gender dysphoria.  When the parents disagreed, the state charged the parents with child abuse and a judge terminated their custody," said Kao.

Parents would also find themselves powerless in confronting an increasingly activist curriculum on these matters.

"In many cases, the parents are not even informed that children as young as kindergarten are being read stories in which they are told something that is a fallacy, which is that a person can transition from one sex to the other sex," said Kao.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Kao explain how the Equality Act would lead to greater inequality and why the promoters of the legislation are determined to criminalize those who disagree with their agenda. 

She says there is a lot more at stake here than most Americans realize.

"I think what people should be aware of is the endangerment of religious freedom - it's already happening at the state level - the endangerment of parental rights, and the endangerment of women and girls' safety and privacy, not to mention fairness in sports," she said.]]>722act,congress,equality,freedom,lgbt,news,religionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/manafort-heading-to-rikers--18172709https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18172709Tue, 04 Jun 2019 20:46:21 +0000Radio AmericaA New York State judge has ordered former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort to be transferred to New York Cities Rikers Island. Monite Montgomery has more.43manafort,news,nyc,politics,rikersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-and-mayor-of-london-feud--18162832https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18162832Mon, 03 Jun 2019 21:53:12 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Donald Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are engaged in a war of words. Montie Montgomery has more.55london,mayor,politics,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-the-right-plans-to-reverse-roe--18162685
Last week, the justices upheld an Indiana law requiring the burial or cremation of fetal remains but refused to hear arguments on whether abortions based on sex, race, or disability ought to be legal. Indiana banned such abortions but a federal appeals court struck down the ban.

In this podcast, Roger Gannam of Liberty Counsel joins me to react to those decisions and to explain the delicate legal approach pro-life forces are charting - as they try to reverse Roe v. Wade without getting too aggressive and risking another legal precedent against their efforts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18162685Mon, 03 Jun 2019 21:12:45 +0000Radio AmericaLiberals are convinced that the Supreme Court is on the brink of striking down Roe v. Wade and many pro-life figures hope that's the case. However, recent rulings from the court have surprised both sides. Last week, the justices upheld an Indiana...
Last week, the justices upheld an Indiana law requiring the burial or cremation of fetal remains but refused to hear arguments on whether abortions based on sex, race, or disability ought to be legal. Indiana banned such abortions but a federal appeals court struck down the ban.

In this podcast, Roger Gannam of Liberty Counsel joins me to react to those decisions and to explain the delicate legal approach pro-life forces are charting - as they try to reverse Roe v. Wade without getting too aggressive and risking another legal precedent against their efforts.]]>456abortion,court,news,roe,supremefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-documents-raise-questions-over-fbi-s-handling-of-clinton-investigation--18162603https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18162603Mon, 03 Jun 2019 20:53:40 +0000Radio AmericaNew documents obtained by Judicial Watch reveal new information regarding the FBI's investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's private email server and raise questions regarding the agency's handling of the matter. Matt Fisher...86clinton,fbi,hillary,justicefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-protect-our-elections--18126624
This influence is nothing new but in the digital age the depth and breadth of this meddling takes on even greater scope.

"Mueller's warning is spot on, not just for America, (but) for all democratic elections around the globe," said Theresa Payton, who served as White House Chief Information Officer for President George W. Bush. 

In the podcast, Payton explains how these bad actors not only hack and disseminate private information but also target impressionable voters through social media campaigns.  Payton also tells us what's being done to prevent those efforts from succeeding in 2020, how to spot suspicious activity, and what to do about it.  And she explains how U.S. foreign policy ought to address the problem.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126624Thu, 30 May 2019 21:25:12 +0000Radio AmericaWhile the political uproar continues following former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's statement on Wednesday, little attention is being paid to his most important point: that other nations and other adversaries are trying to impact our voters and our...
This influence is nothing new but in the digital age the depth and breadth of this meddling takes on even greater scope.

"Mueller's warning is spot on, not just for America, (but) for all democratic elections around the globe," said Theresa Payton, who served as White House Chief Information Officer for President George W. Bush. 

In the podcast, Payton explains how these bad actors not only hack and disseminate private information but also target impressionable voters through social media campaigns.  Payton also tells us what's being done to prevent those efforts from succeeding in 2020, how to spot suspicious activity, and what to do about it.  And she explains how U.S. foreign policy ought to address the problem.]]>9492016,2020,elections,mueller,news,protecting,russiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/former-senator-thad-cochran-dies--18127104https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18127104Thu, 30 May 2019 21:04:14 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran died at the age of 81 Thursday. Montie Montgomery has more.61cochran,news,politics,senate,thadfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-fires-back-at-mueller--18126985https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126985Thu, 30 May 2019 20:50:59 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump ripped former special prosecutor Robert Mueller for his handling of the Russia investigation and called into question his qualifications to lead such an investigation. Meanwhile, Democrats made clear all options are on the table after...872020,mueller,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hear-mueller-s-full-statement--18116754
The media is spending a lot of time analyzing Mueller's comments. Now you can hear everything Mueller said. Here is the entirety of his public statement Wednesday.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18116754Thu, 30 May 2019 01:00:50 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced his job was done and insisted the report he submitted last month serves as his testimony on Russian efforts to interfere with the 2016 campaign. He reiterated his conclusion that there was no...
The media is spending a lot of time analyzing Mueller's comments. Now you can hear everything Mueller said. Here is the entirety of his public statement Wednesday.]]>567falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-breaks-down-mueller-statement--18116450
President Trump and his allies exulted that Mueller repeatedly insisted the report he issued in April serves as his full testimony and that he didn't want to distract from that.  But Democrats are seizing on two parts of the statement as fuel for impeachment - both related to Mueller's refusal to exonerate or indict Trump for obstruction of justice.

"If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so," said Mueller.

Mueller further stated that he was constitutionally barred from indicting Trump due to a long-established policy from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, or OLC .

"It explains that under longstanding department policy , a president cannot be charged with a federal crime while he is in office.  That is unconstitutional," said Mueller.

Mueller's pronouncement that OLC policy precludes him from charging Trump flies in the face of testimony from Attorney General William Barr, who stated that Mueller told him and then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that he was not relying on the OLC precedent in refusing to make a decision on obstruction charges.

McCarthy, who served as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, says both men may be telling the truth.  He says Barr is referring to a March meeting with Mueller that took place weeks before the Mueller report was submitted to the Justice Department.

"It was at that meeting that Mueller first alerted the attorney general, the deputy attorney general and others that he was not going to make a decision on obstruction.  I think it was at that point that Barr asked him - and he said that Mueller was emphatic on this - whether the OLC guidance was the rationale for not making a decision and Mueller evidently said no, that that was not the reason," said McCarthy, who suspects Mueller changed his mind on the basis for the rationale during the intervening weeks.

Nonetheless, McCarthy says House Democrats now have more ammunition to push further down the road to impeachment, even though key leaders are not calling for that yet.

"He doesn't want to testify, but he did give Democrats as much as they could hope for from his testimony, I think, by saying, 'If I thought there was no crime here, I would've said so,' and it's up to you Democrats who run Congress to decide what to do about it," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear McCarthy's fascinating dissection of how Mueller and Barr appear to differ on what is required for a president to obstruct justice, whether Trump's worst impulses are criminal even if his subordinates did not obey him, and much more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18116450Wed, 29 May 2019 21:08:18 +0000Radio AmericaSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller stepped down Wednesday saying the work of his team is done.  And while partisans on all sides latched on to different comments from Mueller's statement, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Democrats got...
President Trump and his allies exulted that Mueller repeatedly insisted the report he issued in April serves as his full testimony and that he didn't want to distract from that.  But Democrats are seizing on two parts of the statement as fuel for impeachment - both related to Mueller's refusal to exonerate or indict Trump for obstruction of justice.

"If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so," said Mueller.

Mueller further stated that he was constitutionally barred from indicting Trump due to a long-established policy from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, or OLC .

"It explains that under longstanding department policy , a president cannot be charged with a federal crime while he is in office.  That is unconstitutional," said Mueller.

Mueller's pronouncement that OLC policy precludes him from charging Trump flies in the face of testimony from Attorney General William Barr, who stated that Mueller told him and then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that he was not relying on the OLC precedent in refusing to make a decision on obstruction charges.

McCarthy, who served as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, says both men may be telling the truth.  He says Barr is referring to a March meeting with Mueller that took place weeks before the Mueller report was submitted to the Justice Department.

"It was at that meeting that Mueller first alerted the attorney general, the deputy attorney general and others that he was not going to make a decision on obstruction.  I think it was at that point that Barr asked him - and he said that Mueller was emphatic on this - whether the OLC guidance was the rationale for not making a decision and Mueller evidently said no, that that was not the reason," said McCarthy, who suspects Mueller changed his mind on the basis for the rationale during the intervening weeks.

Nonetheless, McCarthy says House Democrats now have more ammunition to push further down the road to impeachment, even though key leaders are not calling for that yet.

"He doesn't want to testify, but he did give Democrats as much as they could hope for from his testimony, I think, by saying, 'If I thought there was no crime here, I would've said so,' and it's up to you Democrats who run Congress to decide what to do about it," said McCarthy.

Listen to the full podcast to hear McCarthy's fascinating dissection of how Mueller and Barr appear to differ on what is required for a president to obstruct justice, whether Trump's worst impulses are criminal even if his subordinates did not obey him, and much more.]]>915falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dem-2020-hopefuls-respond-to-mueller--18116358https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18116358Wed, 29 May 2019 20:33:32 +0000Radio AmericaDemocratic presidential candidates are responding to Robert Mueller's press conference on Wednesday. Montie Montgomery has more.642020,mueller,muellerreportfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-god-called-the-shot-caller--18105255
That's the bleak beginning to Casey's life but it also sets the stage for his dramatic transformation, which he recounts in the new book "The Shot CallerCasey's life appeared hopeless.  He was staring at a long prison sentence that he had no qualms about serving because it was expected of gang members.  He was thoroughly unrepentant.  

Then Frances Proctor walked in his prison.  Proctor was a tiny lady from a nearby Baptist church who faithfully came to pray for and evangelize the prisoners.  Corrections officers told her she would be wasting her time on Casey Diaz.  

Proctor didn't listen to them. 

At first, Casey politely told Proctor he wasn't interested in her message.

"She had the boldness of a lion.  I remember her telling me, 'I'm going to pray for you and Jesus is going to use you,'" said Diaz, who is author of "The Shot Caller," which tells the story of his dramatic conversion.

For the next 18 months, Proctor visited Diaz once a month and assured him each time she was praying for him.

"I would spend maybe two to four minutes with her and she was just giving me the love of Christ and talking to me," said Diaz, who says Proctor's intercessory prayers led to him surrendering his life to Jesus one night in his cell.

"There was something so authentic about her concern for inmates in there and for some reason she just zeroed in on my life," said Diaz.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how Casey's life changed after that, how he soon became a target in prison, how he connected with Proctor after getting out of prison, and what he thinks are the best ways to reduce gang violence.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18105255Tue, 28 May 2019 20:57:55 +0000Radio AmericaFrom the time he was a young boy, Casey Diaz watched his father assault his mother on a regular basis.  He witnessed a triple homicide by the time he was eight.  By age eleven he was in a Los Angeles-area gang and five years later he was a gang leader...
That's the bleak beginning to Casey's life but it also sets the stage for his dramatic transformation, which he recounts in the new book "The Shot CallerCasey's life appeared hopeless.  He was staring at a long prison sentence that he had no qualms about serving because it was expected of gang members.  He was thoroughly unrepentant.  

Then Frances Proctor walked in his prison.  Proctor was a tiny lady from a nearby Baptist church who faithfully came to pray for and evangelize the prisoners.  Corrections officers told her she would be wasting her time on Casey Diaz.  

Proctor didn't listen to them. 

At first, Casey politely told Proctor he wasn't interested in her message.

"She had the boldness of a lion.  I remember her telling me, 'I'm going to pray for you and Jesus is going to use you,'" said Diaz, who is author of "The Shot Caller," which tells the story of his dramatic conversion.

For the next 18 months, Proctor visited Diaz once a month and assured him each time she was praying for him.

"I would spend maybe two to four minutes with her and she was just giving me the love of Christ and talking to me," said Diaz, who says Proctor's intercessory prayers led to him surrendering his life to Jesus one night in his cell.

"There was something so authentic about her concern for inmates in there and for some reason she just zeroed in on my life," said Diaz.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how Casey's life changed after that, how he soon became a target in prison, how he connected with Proctor after getting out of prison, and what he thinks are the best ways to reduce gang violence.]]>912casey,christianity,diaz,gangs,news,violencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gold-star-widow-s-story-of-sacrifice--18069055
On Sunday at the National Memorial Day Concert, viewers will see and hear the story of Ursula Palmer.  Palmer's husband, U.S. Army National Guard SFC Collin J. Bowen, was severely injured by an IED in Afghanistan in January 2008.  He died from his injuries two months later. 

Listen to Ursula describe the kind of man her husband was, what it was like to get the news of his injuries, and how she views his service today.

The National Memorial Day Concert airs live Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on PBS.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18069055Fri, 24 May 2019 22:53:44 +0000Radio AmericaMemorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and our freedoms and it's also a time to honor the family members still feeling the pain of those losses. On Sunday at the National Memorial Day Concert, viewers...
On Sunday at the National Memorial Day Concert, viewers will see and hear the story of Ursula Palmer.  Palmer's husband, U.S. Army National Guard SFC Collin J. Bowen, was severely injured by an IED in Afghanistan in January 2008.  He died from his injuries two months later. 

Listen to Ursula describe the kind of man her husband was, what it was like to get the news of his injuries, and how she views his service today.

The National Memorial Day Concert airs live Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on PBS.]]>384day,gold,memorial,news,starfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brexit-failure-buries-may--18068223
May took office in 2016 in the wake of British voters approving Brexit.  Prime Minister David Cameron immediately stepped down after vigorously leading the effort to defeat Brexit.  Cameron said a supporter should lead the effort to leave the EU, but May's approach led to one failure after another.

"Theresa May has failed to deliver on Brexit.  She has also been seen within the conservative party as incredibly weak in her dealings with the European Union," said Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation and a former assistant to Thatcher after she left office.

May spearheaded two failed attempts for a Brexit deal to clear the House of Commons.  It was clear her third attempt would fare no better.   Gardiner says the prime minister suffered loss after loss because she kept pursuing the wrong priorities.

"The agreement between the British government and the European Union is in many ways a very bad deal.  It doesn't guarantee that Britain is able to exit the EU Customs Union.  What that means is that Britain would not be able to sign its own free trade agreements.  It would be subject to EU tariffs   It would be, in essence, still a part of the European Union," said Gardiner.

"In many ways, Theresa Mayu is the antithesis of Margaret Thatcher.  She displayed no real courage in the negotiations with the European Union.  She did not stand up to the EU.  She caved in to all of their demands.  It was a disastrous handling of Brexit and it's time now for a new prime minister who actually fully believes in Brexit and is going to deliver on it," added Gardiner.

Conservative Party members already raised two no-confidence votes against May, but she survived both challenges.  Gardiner believes efforts to change the party rules to remove May, coupled with a looming disaster in EU parliamentary elections, played a significant role in May's decision to resign now.

"I think she jumped before she was really pushed out," said Gardiner.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson is seen as the front-runner to become party leader but Gardiner expects 10-15 people to run for the position.  And he's confident that whoever emerges will be serious about implementing the Brexit that voters approved three years ago.

"The majority of leading contenders to replace Theresa May are Brexiteers.  They're people who voted for Brexit and believe in Brexit and who are prepared to implement a no-deal Brexit as well," said Gardiner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gardiner explain the specific Brexit idea that sealed May's doom within her own party and how the leadership change will likely impact U.S.-British relations for the better.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18068223Fri, 24 May 2019 22:28:54 +0000Radio AmericaBritish Prime Minister Theresa May says she will resign next month over her inability to get a Brexit deal approved by parliament, and a former aide to the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher says new leadership will likely mean a clean exit for the...
May took office in 2016 in the wake of British voters approving Brexit.  Prime Minister David Cameron immediately stepped down after vigorously leading the effort to defeat Brexit.  Cameron said a supporter should lead the effort to leave the EU, but May's approach led to one failure after another.

"Theresa May has failed to deliver on Brexit.  She has also been seen within the conservative party as incredibly weak in her dealings with the European Union," said Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation and a former assistant to Thatcher after she left office.

May spearheaded two failed attempts for a Brexit deal to clear the House of Commons.  It was clear her third attempt would fare no better.   Gardiner says the prime minister suffered loss after loss because she kept pursuing the wrong priorities.

"The agreement between the British government and the European Union is in many ways a very bad deal.  It doesn't guarantee that Britain is able to exit the EU Customs Union.  What that means is that Britain would not be able to sign its own free trade agreements.  It would be subject to EU tariffs   It would be, in essence, still a part of the European Union," said Gardiner.

"In many ways, Theresa Mayu is the antithesis of Margaret Thatcher.  She displayed no real courage in the negotiations with the European Union.  She did not stand up to the EU.  She caved in to all of their demands.  It was a disastrous handling of Brexit and it's time now for a new prime minister who actually fully believes in Brexit and is going to deliver on it," added Gardiner.

Conservative Party members already raised two no-confidence votes against May, but she survived both challenges.  Gardiner believes efforts to change the party rules to remove May, coupled with a looming disaster in EU parliamentary elections, played a significant role in May's decision to resign now.

"I think she jumped before she was really pushed out," said Gardiner.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson is seen as the front-runner to become party leader but Gardiner expects 10-15 people to run for the position.  And he's confident that whoever emerges will be serious about implementing the Brexit that voters approved three years ago.

"The majority of leading contenders to replace Theresa May are Brexiteers.  They're people who voted for Brexit and believe in Brexit and who are prepared to implement a no-deal Brexit as well," said Gardiner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gardiner explain the specific Brexit idea that sealed May's doom within her own party and how the leadership change will likely impact U.S.-British relations for the better.]]>510boris,brexit,johnson,may,news,theresa,tories,ukfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/disaster-aid-bill-stalled--18068154https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18068154Fri, 24 May 2019 21:07:10 +0000Radio AmericaTexas Representative Chip Roy blocked an attempt to pass a 19.1 billion dollar disaster relief bill via unanimous consent. Montie Montgomery has more.95bill,disaster,relief,texasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/joe-mantegna-memorial-day-concert-the-most-important-thing-i-do--18057775
The National Memorial Day Concert will take place Sunday at 8 p.m. ET live from the U.S. Capitol.  Mantegna first hosted in 2002 and says the experience becomes more meaningful for him each year.

"It's really the most important thing I do.  It's my way of hopefully being able to educate this nation.  People who watch the concert understand why I say Memorial Day is our most important holiday.  It's the holiday that allows us to have all the other holidays.

"When you think about it, the sacrifices that men and women have made since the formation of this country in the 1700's to today is reason we're able to live the life we live and we're able to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, and also Labor Day Weekend, and also Presidents Day weekend, and also Fourth of July and all the other holidays," said Mantegna.

Mantegna normally hosts the concert alongside fellow actor and well-known military advocate Gary Sinise.  However, a family issue required Sinise to step aside this year.  Actress Mary McCormack will take his place.

"She did the concert with us last year as an artist.  After the concert, she came up to me and she said, 'I'll come back and I'll serve coffee to the people.  I'll do wardrobe.  I'll do anything you ask me to do to be part of this again.'  She was so taken, as I was 18 years ago, by the whole 90-minute program and what it was about," said Mantegna.

The concert will feature top military officials, musical artists and performers such as Sam Elliott and Dennis Haysbert dramatically telling stories about our nation's heroes.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about Mantegna's passion for honoring our heroes and what to expect in this year's concert.  Mantegna strongly encourages everyone to enjoy their weekend but to watch the concert.  He wants to see Memorial Day bring the nation together.

"It's got nothing to do with politics.  It's just all about honoring the men and women who have made this sacrifice," said Mantegna.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18057775Thu, 23 May 2019 21:25:43 +0000Radio AmericaTony-winning actor Joe Mantegna is preparing to host the National Memorial Day Concert for the eighteenth time and says taking part on the national salute to Americans who have given their lives for our country is "the most important thing" he does...
The National Memorial Day Concert will take place Sunday at 8 p.m. ET live from the U.S. Capitol.  Mantegna first hosted in 2002 and says the experience becomes more meaningful for him each year.

"It's really the most important thing I do.  It's my way of hopefully being able to educate this nation.  People who watch the concert understand why I say Memorial Day is our most important holiday.  It's the holiday that allows us to have all the other holidays.

"When you think about it, the sacrifices that men and women have made since the formation of this country in the 1700's to today is reason we're able to live the life we live and we're able to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, and also Labor Day Weekend, and also Presidents Day weekend, and also Fourth of July and all the other holidays," said Mantegna.

Mantegna normally hosts the concert alongside fellow actor and well-known military advocate Gary Sinise.  However, a family issue required Sinise to step aside this year.  Actress Mary McCormack will take his place.

"She did the concert with us last year as an artist.  After the concert, she came up to me and she said, 'I'll come back and I'll serve coffee to the people.  I'll do wardrobe.  I'll do anything you ask me to do to be part of this again.'  She was so taken, as I was 18 years ago, by the whole 90-minute program and what it was about," said Mantegna.

The concert will feature top military officials, musical artists and performers such as Sam Elliott and Dennis Haysbert dramatically telling stories about our nation's heroes.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about Mantegna's passion for honoring our heroes and what to expect in this year's concert.  Mantegna strongly encourages everyone to enjoy their weekend but to watch the concert.  He wants to see Memorial Day bring the nation together.

"It's got nothing to do with politics.  It's just all about honoring the men and women who have made this sacrifice," said Mantegna.]]>321concert,day,freedom,heroes,mantegna,memorial,military,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-3--18037976https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18037976Tue, 21 May 2019 22:09:21 +0000Radio AmericaIn the final installment of our series, we examine what law enforcement and lawmakers are doing to confront the horrific big business of child sex trafficking, what individual citizens can do to root out the problems in their own communities, and how...597child,internet,news,prevention,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/devos-under-fire-over-funds-to-arm-teachers--18037519https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18037519Tue, 21 May 2019 21:12:50 +0000Radio AmericaSecretary of Education Betsy DeVos is facing new pressure from special interest groups over her handing of state proposals to arm teachers. Montie Montgomery reports.71betsy,devos,education,gunsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mueller-hesitant-to-testify-before-congress--18037301https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18037301Tue, 21 May 2019 20:44:54 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team are reportedly hesitant for Mueller to appear before the House Judiciary Committee. Concerns over political posturing from committee members may lead Mueller to decline the committee’s invitation. But...68barr,justice,mueller,nadler,russia,subpoena,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biden-swings-hard-left-on-immigration-border-security--18037210https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18037210Tue, 21 May 2019 20:34:24 +0000Radio AmericaJoe Biden recently announced his support for free healthcare and tuition to public universities for illegal immigrants. He also strongly opposes President Trump’s proposed border wall. However, these positions stand in stark contrast to Biden’s past...1212020,biden,borders,democrats,fence,immigration,politics,security,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ford-slashing-jobs--18027493https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18027493Mon, 20 May 2019 20:49:43 +0000Radio AmericaFord Motor Company has announced plans for a worldwide corporate restructuring, and thousands of employees will soon be out of work. Montie Montgomery reports.59economy,ford,jobs,layoffsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-adversity-scores-the-answer--18004805
The adversity score takes 15 different factors into account, including the crime rate and poverty level in a students neighborhood and high school.

“There are a number of amazing students who may have scored less (on the SAT) but have accomplished more,” David Coleman, chief executive of the College Board, said, said according to the Wall Street Journal. “We can’t sit on our hands and ignore the disparities of wealth reflected in the SAT.”

The College Board insists this change does not take race into account.  However, Horace Cooper of the Project 21 National Advisory Board isn't buying it.

"There's an attempt being made by the SAT testing centers to hide better the utilization of race as a technique for making it easier for some people to be admitted while making it harder for others," said Cooper, who says students from stable families and communities end up suffering.

"The so-called adversity scale - if it were even race-neutral - appears to say that the parents who work together and stay together in a relationship and it benefits their children are going to now be disadvantaged," said Cooper.

Cooper believes the extra score for growing up in difficult circumstances provides lousy parents with an incentive to stay that way.

"Children that grow up in households where moms and dads stay together do better financially.  They do better academically.  They do better in terms of criminal interaction and law enforcement than those who do not.  We don't want to create a situation, where we start at the end and work our way back, and then we end up incentivizing people not to (be concerned about these things," said Cooper.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cooper address concerns that disadvantaged students suffer because a chaotic home life causes their studies to suffer through no fault of their own.  He also reveals how he believes the college admissions system ought to work.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18004805Fri, 17 May 2019 22:16:50 +0000Radio AmericaThe College Board announced it is calculating an "adversity score" for the SAT in order to boost the chances for students living in the midst of great hardship to get accepted into college. The adversity score takes 15 different factors into account,...
The adversity score takes 15 different factors into account, including the crime rate and poverty level in a students neighborhood and high school.

“There are a number of amazing students who may have scored less (on the SAT) but have accomplished more,” David Coleman, chief executive of the College Board, said, said according to the Wall Street Journal. “We can’t sit on our hands and ignore the disparities of wealth reflected in the SAT.”

The College Board insists this change does not take race into account.  However, Horace Cooper of the Project 21 National Advisory Board isn't buying it.

"There's an attempt being made by the SAT testing centers to hide better the utilization of race as a technique for making it easier for some people to be admitted while making it harder for others," said Cooper, who says students from stable families and communities end up suffering.

"The so-called adversity scale - if it were even race-neutral - appears to say that the parents who work together and stay together in a relationship and it benefits their children are going to now be disadvantaged," said Cooper.

Cooper believes the extra score for growing up in difficult circumstances provides lousy parents with an incentive to stay that way.

"Children that grow up in households where moms and dads stay together do better financially.  They do better academically.  They do better in terms of criminal interaction and law enforcement than those who do not.  We don't want to create a situation, where we start at the end and work our way back, and then we end up incentivizing people not to (be concerned about these things," said Cooper.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cooper address concerns that disadvantaged students suffer because a chaotic home life causes their studies to suffer through no fault of their own.  He also reveals how he believes the college admissions system ought to work.]]>647admissions,adversity,college,new,satfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/florida-to-be-flooded-with-immigrants--18004668https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18004668Fri, 17 May 2019 21:41:38 +0000Radio AmericaAccording to Broward County officials, Florida is set to receive many illegal immigrants but has no plan on how to care for them. Montie Montgomery reports.44florida,immigration,mexicofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/us-mexico-canada-agree-to-lift-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs--18004559https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18004559Fri, 17 May 2019 21:27:15 +0000Radio AmericaThe United States reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico to lift the Trump administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The news comes as a breath of fresh air to investors and President Trump in the midst of deteriorating trade...76aluminum,canada,economy,mexico,steel,trade,tradewars,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-g-barr-details-internal-probe-into-launch-russian-investigation--18004220https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18004220Fri, 17 May 2019 20:42:09 +0000Radio AmericaDuring an interview with Fox News’ Bill Hemmer on Friday morning, United States Attorney General William Barr offered more insight into his order for an internal probe into the Justice Department's handling of the Russian investigation. Barr selected...81barr,comey,doj,fbi,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-2--17952282
Here in part two of our series, we examine how children - mostly girls - are lured by predators and traffickers, how they are groomed for life as a victim, and why there are so many people in the U.S. willing to pay to have sex with kids.

Listener discretion is advised.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17952282Thu, 16 May 2019 21:32:53 +0000Radio AmericaSex-trafficked children are the third largest criminal commodity in the United States.  Only illegal drugs and guns are more prolific.  In the first installment of our Essence of Evil series, we examined the scope of the child sex trafficking, the...
Here in part two of our series, we examine how children - mostly girls - are lured by predators and traffickers, how they are groomed for life as a victim, and why there are so many people in the U.S. willing to pay to have sex with kids.

Listener discretion is advised.]]>541children,demand,exploitation,internet,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/adversity-score-added-to-sat--17952173https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17952173Thu, 16 May 2019 21:14:33 +0000Radio AmericaThe College Board announced it will be instituting an adversity test for the SATs in 150 schools to measure the level of difficult faced by each student. The new system will take into consideration the socio-economic upbringing of each student. The...86admissions,adversity,board,college,poverty,satfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alabama-gov-ivey-throws-down-gauntlet-in-abortion-debate--17952122https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17952122Thu, 16 May 2019 21:07:41 +0000Radio AmericaAlabama Governor Kay Ivey, who until recently was silent on the debate sweeping the nation over her state's anti-abortion bill, certainly had something to say when it came to signing the bill into law. Montie Montgomery has more.50abortion,alabama,iveyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nyc-mayor-de-blasio-announces-2020-bid--17951655https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17951655Thu, 16 May 2019 20:03:51 +0000Radio AmericaNew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. De Blasio’s bid appears to be a longshot as he would be the first president to ever rise directly from city hall to White House. New...832020,bill,blasio,de,new,yorkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/essence-of-evil-part-1--17940479
Whitehead's column was entitled "The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America."  We are borrowing that title for this series.  In the first of three installments on "Essence of Evil,", we examine just how big the problem of child sex trafficking is, what these victims tragically endure, and how this has become big business.
Listener discretion is advised, particularly if children are present.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17940479Wed, 15 May 2019 21:57:49 +0000Radio AmericaLast month, Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead wrote a column that once again alerted the nation to a horrifying fact: that adults purchasing children for sex is a booming business in America.  He cited stomach-wrenching statistics like...
Whitehead's column was entitled "The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America."  We are borrowing that title for this series.  In the first of three installments on "Essence of Evil,", we examine just how big the problem of child sex trafficking is, what these victims tragically endure, and how this has become big business.
Listener discretion is advised, particularly if children are present.]]>384business,child,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-the-tariffs-impact-your-wallet--17916137
The trade partnership estimates that tariffs implemented in 2018 costs families an average of $767 per year. Another estimate suggests an additional $500 per year in costs from the new tariffs.

"I think it's pretty safe to say that a household could face several hundred dollars if not a thousand dollars worth of increased prices for goods or services over a year, depending on what they buy," said National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp.

Sepp also points to research from the Tax Foundation suggesting that if the U.S. implemented all of the tariffs Trump has threatened to impose, the U.S. economy would lose a quarter of one percent in gross domestic product and lose half of the long-term impact of the 2017 tax cuts.

"Unfortunately, U.S. taxpayers are the ones who are immediately feeling the pain here. If the president successfully negotiates a better deal with China, in the long run we may all be better off, but right now it's almost unquestionable that citizens here in the United States are the ones feeling the most economic pain," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp explain what other approaches could protect taxpayers while forging a more balanced trade deal with China.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17916137Mon, 13 May 2019 15:14:38 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, President Trump announced tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, a move he says will help push China to a freer, fairer trade relationship but which a leading taxpayer advocate says will make life more expensive for all...
The trade partnership estimates that tariffs implemented in 2018 costs families an average of $767 per year. Another estimate suggests an additional $500 per year in costs from the new tariffs.

"I think it's pretty safe to say that a household could face several hundred dollars if not a thousand dollars worth of increased prices for goods or services over a year, depending on what they buy," said National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp.

Sepp also points to research from the Tax Foundation suggesting that if the U.S. implemented all of the tariffs Trump has threatened to impose, the U.S. economy would lose a quarter of one percent in gross domestic product and lose half of the long-term impact of the 2017 tax cuts.

"Unfortunately, U.S. taxpayers are the ones who are immediately feeling the pain here. If the president successfully negotiates a better deal with China, in the long run we may all be better off, but right now it's almost unquestionable that citizens here in the United States are the ones feeling the most economic pain," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp explain what other approaches could protect taxpayers while forging a more balanced trade deal with China.]]>506china,news,prices,tariffs,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/absolute-rubbish-that-climate-threatens-one-million-species--17883818
The report on biodiversity says a half-million land species "have insufficient habitat for long-term survival" and will likely go extinct in a matter of decades until human activity radically changes.  The report also says our actions are putting human survival in long-term jeopardy.

"It's more of the current hysteria.  Absolute rubbish.  There's not one bit of evidence to support anything they're saying," said Dr. Tim Ball, a former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg and author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science." 

George Mason University Professor Thomas Lovejoy told the Associated Press "the biological diversity of this planet has really been hammered, and this is really our last chance to address all that."  UC Santa Barbara ecologist Lee Hannah is quoted as saying we are "in the middle of the sixth great extinction crisis."

Ball has a challenge for the experts.

"Get them to name the species that have gone extinct in the last ten years.  Get them to give you some names.  Don't just say that there's this number.  Give me the actual names.  You can't find it," said Ball.

According to Ball, most scientists believe only about 35 percent of the earth's species are even identified and the concrete data we do have shows species numbers moving in the opposite direction.

"Every single week we're finding far more species than they're claiming are going extinct," said Ball.  "Just a few years ago they were saying there were something like 20,000 species.  Now the estimates are 20 million."

Ball says numbers like this are hard to rebut in detail because they're not based on any detail.

"It's purely a number that they've come up with that, because it's put out by a scientist suddenly is treated like it's an actual measurement.  It isn't" said Ball.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Ball explains the logic used by climate scientists to conclude that species are vanishing or endangered at an alarming rate and what the real goal of these sorts of reports is.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17883818Thu, 09 May 2019 21:06:35 +0000Radio AmericaThe United Nations reports that human-caused climate change now threatens one million plant and animal species in the coming years if urgent global action is not taken, but a scientist who frequently butts heads with the UN says that conclusion is...
The report on biodiversity says a half-million land species "have insufficient habitat for long-term survival" and will likely go extinct in a matter of decades until human activity radically changes.  The report also says our actions are putting human survival in long-term jeopardy.

"It's more of the current hysteria.  Absolute rubbish.  There's not one bit of evidence to support anything they're saying," said Dr. Tim Ball, a former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg and author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science." 

George Mason University Professor Thomas Lovejoy told the Associated Press "the biological diversity of this planet has really been hammered, and this is really our last chance to address all that."  UC Santa Barbara ecologist Lee Hannah is quoted as saying we are "in the middle of the sixth great extinction crisis."

Ball has a challenge for the experts.

"Get them to name the species that have gone extinct in the last ten years.  Get them to give you some names.  Don't just say that there's this number.  Give me the actual names.  You can't find it," said Ball.

According to Ball, most scientists believe only about 35 percent of the earth's species are even identified and the concrete data we do have shows species numbers moving in the opposite direction.

"Every single week we're finding far more species than they're claiming are going extinct," said Ball.  "Just a few years ago they were saying there were something like 20,000 species.  Now the estimates are 20 million."

Ball says numbers like this are hard to rebut in detail because they're not based on any detail.

"It's purely a number that they've come up with that, because it's put out by a scientist suddenly is treated like it's an actual measurement.  It isn't" said Ball.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Ball explains the logic used by climate scientists to conclude that species are vanishing or endangered at an alarming rate and what the real goal of these sorts of reports is.]]>625climate,extinction,news,species,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-comey-should-be-worried--17873462
Kevin Brock served 24 years in the FBI, including a stint as deputy director for intelligence.  He was also principal deputy director at the National Counterterrorism Center.  Brock is now head of NewStreet Global Solutions.  He says Comey's first problem is providing evidence that an investigation was warranted in the first place and Mueller's report makes the case harder to make.

"If there no findings of any type of collusion as they say between the Russians and the Trump campaign, what was the FBI going on in the first place to initiate the case?" asked Brock.

During last week's Senate testimony, Attorney General William Barr also wondered aloud why the FBI didn't just contact the Trump campaign about any figures feared to be conspiring with Russia - or the suspicious campaign officials themselves.

Brock says launching a surveillance effort on American citizens without first going to them is highly unusual.  According to Brock, under a preliminary investigation, the standard protocol is to warn Americans about who their foreign contacts really are and to encourage cooperation with the FBI.

And he says there are specific things you cannot do during a "PI."

"You may not cast existing sources or start new sources and target that U.S. person.  You may not appeal to the FISA court to get a warrant to intercept the communications  of that person.  You may not pull their financial records.  It's very limited in scope," said Brock.

Brock says probing the the basis for a FISA warrant will also put the heat on Comey.

"Electronic surveillance of a U.S person is an incredibly invasive, investigative technique.  I've referred to it as the nuclear option of intelligence collection.  There is nothing that is more invasive of privacy than a FISA court-ordered warrant to monitor all of your communications," said Brock.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe testified to Congress that the Steele dossier was a major component of the request for a FISA warrant.  Brock says that premise was very flimsy.

"They relied heavily on this dossier that is clearly a political document.  It should not have been the foundation of any warrant for intercepting an American citizen.  That appears to be clear," said Brock.

Listen to the full podcast as Brock also explains the evidence suggesting Comey knew full well he was part of a political operation rather than one focused on criminal justice and what he expects to learn in the forthcoming report from Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17873462Wed, 08 May 2019 21:05:58 +0000Radio AmericaFormer FBI Director James Comey is busy writing opinion columns and appearing on cable news town halls about the Mueller report, but a former top official at the bureau says Comey has three very good reasons to be worried as the Department of Justice...
Kevin Brock served 24 years in the FBI, including a stint as deputy director for intelligence.  He was also principal deputy director at the National Counterterrorism Center.  Brock is now head of NewStreet Global Solutions.  He says Comey's first problem is providing evidence that an investigation was warranted in the first place and Mueller's report makes the case harder to make.

"If there no findings of any type of collusion as they say between the Russians and the Trump campaign, what was the FBI going on in the first place to initiate the case?" asked Brock.

During last week's Senate testimony, Attorney General William Barr also wondered aloud why the FBI didn't just contact the Trump campaign about any figures feared to be conspiring with Russia - or the suspicious campaign officials themselves.

Brock says launching a surveillance effort on American citizens without first going to them is highly unusual.  According to Brock, under a preliminary investigation, the standard protocol is to warn Americans about who their foreign contacts really are and to encourage cooperation with the FBI.

And he says there are specific things you cannot do during a "PI."

"You may not cast existing sources or start new sources and target that U.S. person.  You may not appeal to the FISA court to get a warrant to intercept the communications  of that person.  You may not pull their financial records.  It's very limited in scope," said Brock.

Brock says probing the the basis for a FISA warrant will also put the heat on Comey.

"Electronic surveillance of a U.S person is an incredibly invasive, investigative technique.  I've referred to it as the nuclear option of intelligence collection.  There is nothing that is more invasive of privacy than a FISA court-ordered warrant to monitor all of your communications," said Brock.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe testified to Congress that the Steele dossier was a major component of the request for a FISA warrant.  Brock says that premise was very flimsy.

"They relied heavily on this dossier that is clearly a political document.  It should not have been the foundation of any warrant for intercepting an American citizen.  That appears to be clear," said Brock.

Listen to the full podcast as Brock also explains the evidence suggesting Comey knew full well he was part of a political operation rather than one focused on criminal justice and what he expects to learn in the forthcoming report from Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.]]>8772016,barr,comey,fbi,fisa,news,predicate,steele,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/abortion-battles-intensify--17862978
On Tuesday, Georgia became the latest in a string of states to outlaw abortion once the baby's heartbeat can be detected.  Americans United for Life Chief Engagement Officer Tom Shakely says these debates highlight those who understand the science of pregnancy and those who don't.

"This Georgia bill illustrates the divide that exists between folks who, on the one hand, increasingly want to deny scientific and medical reality and other folks who want to recognize it," said Shakely.

Shakely admits that the state laws do not actually change anything in the U.S. - at least not yet.  He says the federal abortion law framework established in Roe v. Wade still supersedes state laws, but he's hopeful that they set a precedent that will be embraced by the courts.

In Pennsylvania, State Rep. Brian Sims is under fire from pro-life groups after livestreaming himself harassing a senior citizen and three teenage girls who were praying outside a Planned Parenthood facility.  Sims berated the women for several minutes, told them they ought to be ashamed, and even offered his viewers $100 to identify the pro-life activists so he could lead protests at their homes.

"He didn't engage any of these folks to understand why they were out there, where they were coming from, whether they may have had abortions themselves, which could have led them to that place of offering alternatives.  It's just an unfortunate case of egregious political ideology trumping a human concern for a neighbor," said Shakely.

Listen to the full podcast as Shakely responds to Sims and explains why demonstrating outside of abortion clinics is laudable.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17862978Tue, 07 May 2019 21:06:46 +0000Radio AmericaThe abortion debate is intensifying on multiple fronts, as pro-life lawmakers make Georgia the latest state to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected and a Pennsylvania lawmaker comes under fire for harassing pro-life activists outside a...
On Tuesday, Georgia became the latest in a string of states to outlaw abortion once the baby's heartbeat can be detected.  Americans United for Life Chief Engagement Officer Tom Shakely says these debates highlight those who understand the science of pregnancy and those who don't.

"This Georgia bill illustrates the divide that exists between folks who, on the one hand, increasingly want to deny scientific and medical reality and other folks who want to recognize it," said Shakely.

Shakely admits that the state laws do not actually change anything in the U.S. - at least not yet.  He says the federal abortion law framework established in Roe v. Wade still supersedes state laws, but he's hopeful that they set a precedent that will be embraced by the courts.

In Pennsylvania, State Rep. Brian Sims is under fire from pro-life groups after livestreaming himself harassing a senior citizen and three teenage girls who were praying outside a Planned Parenthood facility.  Sims berated the women for several minutes, told them they ought to be ashamed, and even offered his viewers $100 to identify the pro-life activists so he could lead protests at their homes.

"He didn't engage any of these folks to understand why they were out there, where they were coming from, whether they may have had abortions themselves, which could have led them to that place of offering alternatives.  It's just an unfortunate case of egregious political ideology trumping a human concern for a neighbor," said Shakely.

Listen to the full podcast as Shakely responds to Sims and explains why demonstrating outside of abortion clinics is laudable.]]>663abortion,georgia,news,parenthood,planned,simsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-stopped-iran-in-nick-of-time--17852550
National Security Adviser John Bolton announced the move Sunday due to "troubling and escalatory indications and warnings."  He further stated the deployment decision is designed "to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force."

"The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces," continued Bolton.

Nash calls Bolton's language about troubling and escalatory indications and warnings is"pretty unambiguous."

"That is language that means we have verifiable evidence.  Verifiable evidence could be signals intelligence backed by movements on the ground, where you see not just a plan being discussed where it could be a fake but you actually see forces or people moving into positions that would follow along to where it's just chatter," said Nash.

Nash also translated into more plain language.

"I think what he is laying out to the Iranian regime is, 'We gotcha.  OK?  We gotcha.  We know what's going on.'  That will get them to back down because their plan is obviously blown," said Nash.

"Whatever it was, we found out about it and now they know that we know and if they go through with it, not only is the plan likely to fail but they're likely to reap severe repercussions," he added.

Nash also elaborated on what the USS Abraham Lincoln and the bomber group would do once in position, assuming Iran doesn't lash out.  He says Navy and Air Force leaders have constantly updated plans to counter any Iranian attempts to close the Straits of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually the Indian Ocean.

"They could try to close it with surface-to-surface missiles and mines or their submarines or surface units and small boat swarms," said Nash.

He also says the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which swears allegiance to Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khameini rather than the nation of Iran, is most likely to cause any mischief in the Persian Gulf.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Nash's analysis on message Bolton is sending Iran, why Iran is looking to attack us, and how Iran is likely reacting to its plot being exposed.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17852550Mon, 06 May 2019 21:04:04 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. likely stopped an Iranian attack on American personnel or other interests with little time to spare by announcing an aircraft carrier and bomber group are headed to the Middle East, and retired U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Nash says the statement...
National Security Adviser John Bolton announced the move Sunday due to "troubling and escalatory indications and warnings."  He further stated the deployment decision is designed "to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force."

"The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces," continued Bolton.

Nash calls Bolton's language about troubling and escalatory indications and warnings is"pretty unambiguous."

"That is language that means we have verifiable evidence.  Verifiable evidence could be signals intelligence backed by movements on the ground, where you see not just a plan being discussed where it could be a fake but you actually see forces or people moving into positions that would follow along to where it's just chatter," said Nash.

Nash also translated into more plain language.

"I think what he is laying out to the Iranian regime is, 'We gotcha.  OK?  We gotcha.  We know what's going on.'  That will get them to back down because their plan is obviously blown," said Nash.

"Whatever it was, we found out about it and now they know that we know and if they go through with it, not only is the plan likely to fail but they're likely to reap severe repercussions," he added.

Nash also elaborated on what the USS Abraham Lincoln and the bomber group would do once in position, assuming Iran doesn't lash out.  He says Navy and Air Force leaders have constantly updated plans to counter any Iranian attempts to close the Straits of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually the Indian Ocean.

"They could try to close it with surface-to-surface missiles and mines or their submarines or surface units and small boat swarms," said Nash.

He also says the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which swears allegiance to Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khameini rather than the nation of Iran, is most likely to cause any mischief in the Persian Gulf.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Nash's analysis on message Bolton is sending Iran, why Iran is looking to attack us, and how Iran is likely reacting to its plot being exposed.]]>555bolton,iran,irgc,news,terrorim,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-steve-moore-will-not-be-on-the-fed--17829174
The last straw for the Moore nomination seems to be a column he wrote in the early 2000's that many deemed disparaging to women.  But long before that writing was unearthed, the effort was well underway to sink the nomination.  

But why?

"Steve's got a long history of needling the left.  Steve's got a long history of talking up tax cuts and things like that that members of the media didn't like.  Part of it was that and part of it was, 'Hey, wait a second.  This is a guy who sat next to us forever.  What's he doing on the Fed now?" said John Tamny, director of the Center for Economic Freedom at FreedomWorks.

Tamny says Moore was looked down upon for not have the educational pedigree we usually see in such nominations.

"There was a little bit of snobbery going on, that you have to have a certain degree to be at the Fed, when in fact a lot of people there aren't economists.  Not to mention, if you are an economist (at the Fed) your track record for predictions is one of being spectacularly wrong for decades.  What were they so afraid of of having Steve on the Fed board?  I don't get it," said Tamny.

Tamny also dismisses suggestions that Moore was too political for the post, noting that every figure who passes through the Federal Reserve has a political agenda of one kind or another.

But another reason for Moore's rough reception is his very different approach to the Fed compared to how the board usually operates.

"People at the Fed, almost to a man and woman, believe that economic growth causes inflation.  There's no evidence supporting that.  History is very clear that economic growth is driven by investment and investment is all about falling prices.

"But that's the consensus view inside the Fed and suddenly you'd have this combative person coming in there and questioning what is accepted wisdom.  I don't think they like that very much," said Tamny.

While Tamny strongly supported Moore's nomination, he does not share Moore's view that Fed tried to - or even could - stunt economic growth through interest rate hikes.

"I think this notion that the Fed fiddling around with interest rates could have some sort of major economic impact thoroughly insults the U.S. economy.  The idea that we're reliant on what a bunch of drones do in a globalized world of credit just isn't a serious one," said Tamny.

While Tamny believes the Fed has a minimal impact on the economy, he still wants the bureaucrats to just leave the economy alone.

"What the Fed can do best is to do its studies that no one reads and intervene as little as possible because it cannot help the economy.  At best it can hurt," said Tamny.

Listen to the full podcast for more discussion on Moore withdrawing his nomination, including why Senate Republicans were not willing stand up for him.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17829174Fri, 03 May 2019 21:56:46 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, supply-side economist Stephen Moore withdrew his nomination for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors after weeks of scathing criticism from Democrats, the media, and even several GOP senators. The last straw for the Moore nomination...
The last straw for the Moore nomination seems to be a column he wrote in the early 2000's that many deemed disparaging to women.  But long before that writing was unearthed, the effort was well underway to sink the nomination.  

But why?

"Steve's got a long history of needling the left.  Steve's got a long history of talking up tax cuts and things like that that members of the media didn't like.  Part of it was that and part of it was, 'Hey, wait a second.  This is a guy who sat next to us forever.  What's he doing on the Fed now?" said John Tamny, director of the Center for Economic Freedom at FreedomWorks.

Tamny says Moore was looked down upon for not have the educational pedigree we usually see in such nominations.

"There was a little bit of snobbery going on, that you have to have a certain degree to be at the Fed, when in fact a lot of people there aren't economists.  Not to mention, if you are an economist (at the Fed) your track record for predictions is one of being spectacularly wrong for decades.  What were they so afraid of of having Steve on the Fed board?  I don't get it," said Tamny.

Tamny also dismisses suggestions that Moore was too political for the post, noting that every figure who passes through the Federal Reserve has a political agenda of one kind or another.

But another reason for Moore's rough reception is his very different approach to the Fed compared to how the board usually operates.

"People at the Fed, almost to a man and woman, believe that economic growth causes inflation.  There's no evidence supporting that.  History is very clear that economic growth is driven by investment and investment is all about falling prices.

"But that's the consensus view inside the Fed and suddenly you'd have this combative person coming in there and questioning what is accepted wisdom.  I don't think they like that very much," said Tamny.

While Tamny strongly supported Moore's nomination, he does not share Moore's view that Fed tried to - or even could - stunt economic growth through interest rate hikes.

"I think this notion that the Fed fiddling around with interest rates could have some sort of major economic impact thoroughly insults the U.S. economy.  The idea that we're reliant on what a bunch of drones do in a globalized world of credit just isn't a serious one," said Tamny.

While Tamny believes the Fed has a minimal impact on the economy, he still wants the bureaucrats to just leave the economy alone.

"What the Fed can do best is to do its studies that no one reads and intervene as little as possible because it cannot help the economy.  At best it can hurt," said Tamny.

Listen to the full podcast for more discussion on Moore withdrawing his nomination, including why Senate Republicans were not willing stand up for him.]]>430federal,moore,news,reserve,stevefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-grim-reality-in-venezuela--17829173
On Tuesday, Guaido called for the nation to rise up against Maduro.  Standing alongside some troops who switched their loyalty from Maduro, Guaido urged the military in particular to join his effort.  Most did not, and Maduro remains in power.

"Obviously Guaido's Operation Liberty did fizzle.  The reality is that he doesn't have the forces with the guns to go against the like of Maduro, who obviously has a very large army, a very well-armed and obedient armed forces," said retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a frequent writer and commentator on national security affairs.

If the military doesn't turn on Maduro, Guaido would appear to be  in limbo.  And Maginnis says the U.S. is unlikely to come to his rescue militarily.

"Our national interests have not been articulated by the president and so I would be hesitant to endorse sending U.S. troops and U.S. forces into that vicinity to do what?  Topple a government?  Land in Caracas and take down the presidential palace?" asked Maginnis.

Maginnis says our best options remain economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, but with the likes of China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran all boosting Maduro, he's not optimistic the misery in Venezuela will end anytime soon.

"Nobody has really articulated (a plan) and until such time as they do, and I know John Bolton is working feverishly with the National Security Council to figure out what they ought to do, I don't know that we're going to do much more than talk," said Maginnis.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Maginnis assess reports that Russia already has nuclear weapons in Venezuela and identify which neighboring countries are more logical choices to intervene militarily in Venezuela.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17829173Fri, 03 May 2019 21:29:33 +0000Radio AmericaThe Trump administration badly wants Nicholas Maduro out of power in Venezuela for for Juan Guaido to assume the presidency on an interim basis, but the failure of this week's effort to turn the military against Maduro demonstrates why this effort...
On Tuesday, Guaido called for the nation to rise up against Maduro.  Standing alongside some troops who switched their loyalty from Maduro, Guaido urged the military in particular to join his effort.  Most did not, and Maduro remains in power.

"Obviously Guaido's Operation Liberty did fizzle.  The reality is that he doesn't have the forces with the guns to go against the like of Maduro, who obviously has a very large army, a very well-armed and obedient armed forces," said retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a frequent writer and commentator on national security affairs.

If the military doesn't turn on Maduro, Guaido would appear to be  in limbo.  And Maginnis says the U.S. is unlikely to come to his rescue militarily.

"Our national interests have not been articulated by the president and so I would be hesitant to endorse sending U.S. troops and U.S. forces into that vicinity to do what?  Topple a government?  Land in Caracas and take down the presidential palace?" asked Maginnis.

Maginnis says our best options remain economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, but with the likes of China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran all boosting Maduro, he's not optimistic the misery in Venezuela will end anytime soon.

"Nobody has really articulated (a plan) and until such time as they do, and I know John Bolton is working feverishly with the National Security Council to figure out what they ought to do, I don't know that we're going to do much more than talk," said Maginnis.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Maginnis assess reports that Russia already has nuclear weapons in Venezuela and identify which neighboring countries are more logical choices to intervene militarily in Venezuela.]]>323guaido,maduro,news,russia,trump,venezuelafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dems-launch-medicare-for-all-push--17818685
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner joined experts from multiple perspectives testifying Tuesday before the House Rules Committee.  Chairman James McGovern is an enthusiastic supporter of eliminating private health insurance and tasking the federal government with running health care on the U.S.

"People aren't going to lose their healthcare with Medicare for All.  You would actually get to keep your doctors and go to the hospitals you currently have.  The only difference is you wouldn't have to deal with insurance companies," said McGovern.

Turner told McGovern we've heard promises before about keeping doctors that were not true.

But while three House committees are pushing forward on Medicare for All, Turner says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seems less convinced it is a good idea.

"Even Speaker Pelosi has been reluctant to get behind Medicare for All, I think because she sees how incredibly disruptive this would be to our health sector.  Everybody, except people in the VA and Indian Health Service, everybody else would lose their coverage.

"That means 173 million Americans with coverage through the workplace would lose their coverage.  People on Medicare would lose Medicare because this will be a new program replacing it.  People on Obamacare, people on the Children's Health Insurance Plan; all of that would be wiped out," said Turner.

In addition to imploring lawmakers to have less government involvement in the health care sector, Turner says a single payer program is impossible, with estimates suggesting a $32-38 trillion price tag over ten years.  She says Democrats are promising excellent care, quick access, and low costs and Medicare for All simply won't achieve those goals.

"That's not the way the world works.  Resources are limited.  Doctors will leave.  We can't afford the Medicare program we have now.  In other countries, we see the vulnerable, people who are the sickest are the ones who are put at the back of the list for care.  That's not the kind of system we want," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Turner detail what life is like for patients in single payer systems and what approach she thinks would bring us quality, affordable, accessible care.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17818685Thu, 02 May 2019 21:06:20 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Democrats are launching a serious effort to create a single-payer health care system branded as 'Medicare for All,' but a leading health care policy expert says the idea is a Utopian fantasy that is unaffordable and will lead to far worse care....
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner joined experts from multiple perspectives testifying Tuesday before the House Rules Committee.  Chairman James McGovern is an enthusiastic supporter of eliminating private health insurance and tasking the federal government with running health care on the U.S.

"People aren't going to lose their healthcare with Medicare for All.  You would actually get to keep your doctors and go to the hospitals you currently have.  The only difference is you wouldn't have to deal with insurance companies," said McGovern.

Turner told McGovern we've heard promises before about keeping doctors that were not true.

But while three House committees are pushing forward on Medicare for All, Turner says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seems less convinced it is a good idea.

"Even Speaker Pelosi has been reluctant to get behind Medicare for All, I think because she sees how incredibly disruptive this would be to our health sector.  Everybody, except people in the VA and Indian Health Service, everybody else would lose their coverage.

"That means 173 million Americans with coverage through the workplace would lose their coverage.  People on Medicare would lose Medicare because this will be a new program replacing it.  People on Obamacare, people on the Children's Health Insurance Plan; all of that would be wiped out," said Turner.

In addition to imploring lawmakers to have less government involvement in the health care sector, Turner says a single payer program is impossible, with estimates suggesting a $32-38 trillion price tag over ten years.  She says Democrats are promising excellent care, quick access, and low costs and Medicare for All simply won't achieve those goals.

"That's not the way the world works.  Resources are limited.  Doctors will leave.  We can't afford the Medicare program we have now.  In other countries, we see the vulnerable, people who are the sickest are the ones who are put at the back of the list for care.  That's not the kind of system we want," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Turner detail what life is like for patients in single payer systems and what approach she thinks would bring us quality, affordable, accessible care.]]>894congress,healthcare,medicare,news,single-payerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-real-news-from-barr-s-testimony--17807992
According to McCarthy, the first interesting revelation deals with the infamous Steele dossier, which was a key premise for launching the FBI investigation into possible conspiring between Russia and the Trump campaign.

"They're looking into not only the origination of the investigation and the origination of the FISA warrants, but, specifically with respect to the Steele dossier, whether we've been the victims of Russian disinformation," said McCarthy, a contributing editor at National Review Online who previously served as a Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney.

He also says Barr revealed another curious fact on Wednesday.

"The attorney general said that he thought it was astonishing that the Obama administration had not given a defensive briefing to the Trump campaign," said McCarthy.

According to McCarthy, Obama administration officials could have briefed legal experts (like former U.S. Attorneys Rudy Giuliani, Jeff Sessions, and Chris Christie) in the Trump campaign about concerns of Russian infiltration but decided to launch a full espionage probe instead.  That suggests to McCarthy that Trump himself, and not associates, was the target of the probe.

As for the fireworks on Wednesday, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee hammered Barr for declaring no evidence of Trump-Russia collaboration when the Mueller report documents numerous different points of contact.

McCarthy says those contacts might be worth discussing but don't amount to criminal charges, and that's the only thing the Justice Department is concerned with.

"It doesn't mean that other stuff is irrelevant.  It could be highly relevant for political reasons, for intelligence reasons, for a variety of reasons.  But a prosecutor's job is not to delve into everything that might be interesting.  A prosecutor's job is to determine whether crimes happened," said McCarthy.

In addition to accusing Barr of downplaying the conclusions of the report, Democrats also took a different course than they've been tacking on other issues.  Today, Barr was accused of not challenging Mueller's decision not to prosecute Trump.  They also turned very negative on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, whom most on the left have vigorously defended for the past two years.

"I think there might be politics going on, I'm not sure.  Like every other prosecutor, I don't want to get out over my skis on this one," mused McCarthy.  "I have to decide is it Monday-Wednesday-Friday or is it Tuesday-Thursday because I have to decide.  Is it a 'We like Rod' day or a 'We want to run Rod out of Washington' day."

Listen to the full podcast to hear McCarthy explain why all the posturing by senators is largely irrelevant at this point and why the next few weeks will likely bring a whole lot more drama to this debate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17807992Wed, 01 May 2019 21:05:16 +0000Radio AmericaThere were plenty of fireworks in Wednesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring Attorney General William Barr, but former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says the biggest pieces of news concern the investigation still to come about...
According to McCarthy, the first interesting revelation deals with the infamous Steele dossier, which was a key premise for launching the FBI investigation into possible conspiring between Russia and the Trump campaign.

"They're looking into not only the origination of the investigation and the origination of the FISA warrants, but, specifically with respect to the Steele dossier, whether we've been the victims of Russian disinformation," said McCarthy, a contributing editor at National Review Online who previously served as a Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney.

He also says Barr revealed another curious fact on Wednesday.

"The attorney general said that he thought it was astonishing that the Obama administration had not given a defensive briefing to the Trump campaign," said McCarthy.

According to McCarthy, Obama administration officials could have briefed legal experts (like former U.S. Attorneys Rudy Giuliani, Jeff Sessions, and Chris Christie) in the Trump campaign about concerns of Russian infiltration but decided to launch a full espionage probe instead.  That suggests to McCarthy that Trump himself, and not associates, was the target of the probe.

As for the fireworks on Wednesday, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee hammered Barr for declaring no evidence of Trump-Russia collaboration when the Mueller report documents numerous different points of contact.

McCarthy says those contacts might be worth discussing but don't amount to criminal charges, and that's the only thing the Justice Department is concerned with.

"It doesn't mean that other stuff is irrelevant.  It could be highly relevant for political reasons, for intelligence reasons, for a variety of reasons.  But a prosecutor's job is not to delve into everything that might be interesting.  A prosecutor's job is to determine whether crimes happened," said McCarthy.

In addition to accusing Barr of downplaying the conclusions of the report, Democrats also took a different course than they've been tacking on other issues.  Today, Barr was accused of not challenging Mueller's decision not to prosecute Trump.  They also turned very negative on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, whom most on the left have vigorously defended for the past two years.

"I think there might be politics going on, I'm not sure.  Like every other prosecutor, I don't want to get out over my skis on this one," mused McCarthy.  "I have to decide is it Monday-Wednesday-Friday or is it Tuesday-Thursday because I have to decide.  Is it a 'We like Rod' day or a 'We want to run Rod out of Washington' day."

Listen to the full podcast to hear McCarthy explain why all the posturing by senators is largely irrelevant at this point and why the next few weeks will likely bring a whole lot more drama to this debate.]]>726barr,mueller,news,russia,senate,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/free-college-the-obamacare-of-higher-education--17757038
Many candidates are advocating for free tuition at public universities and community colleges.  Recently, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren put forward a plan to forgive student loan debt as an even greater appeal to young voters.

But some experts see some big problems with that.

"First of all, I want my reparations for the tuition that I paid for my kids," said Gary Wolfram, a professor of economics and public policy at Hillsdale College in Michigan.  "If you're going to forgive everybody else's debt, then you've got to forgive mine too, right?"

Wolfram says the basic economics of debt forgiveness show the idea to be absurd.

"Why would anyone give someone a loan now.  If you were a business firm, why would you loan somebody money for higher education because they're never going to pay it back.  It makes no sense at all.  It can't possibly work," said Wolfram.

But Wolfram is not just picking apart the proposals of Warren and other Democrats.  He says there is a problem with the cost of higher education, but government is the cause of this vicious cycle rather than the solution to it.

"It was the government going out and lending lots of money to people without looking to see if they're going to be able to pay it off," said Wolfram, noting Uncle Sam does far less due diligence before handing out money than a bank will do before approving a mortgage application.

"The reason you've got skyrocketing tuitions, and therefore more and more loans being taken out, it's because there's this cycle of the government providing loans to get people to go to college.  Then more people are going to college, and it's driving up the price of college, which [results in] more loans," explained Wolfram.

Advocates of greater federal intervention in higher education say "free" tuition will take the soaring costs out of the equation.  Wolfram says it will be just the opposite.  He says sending virtually every high school graduate to college on the taxpayers' dime will lead to the government intruding even more.

"Why wouldn't you charge $200,000 a year for tuition because the government's paying for it?  Then the government's going to say, 'Oh my gosh.  This is incredibly expensive.'  Then they'll say tuition's got to be $10,000 a year. 

"That won't be enough to fund  all the increase in teachers, etc, that you're going to need to have all these kids come in.  Then the government's also going to say, 'Gee, when we're doing that, we're going to tell you what has to be in higher education.  Here are the classes that you have to offer.

"So you're going to end up with the Obamacare of higher education," said Wolfram.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Wolfram explain how the universal push for four-year colleges is leaving massive labor shortages in skilled trades and steering students away from good careers that might fit them far better than another four years in school.  He also reveals his approach to making college more affordable - and it looks a lot like the recruiting of college athletes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17757038Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:11:50 +0000Radio AmericaFree college.  Free tuition.  Student loan forgiveness.  All of these ideas are being pushed by Democratic presidential candidates, but is what looks like a compassionate effort to help college students escape years or decades of crippling debt really...
Many candidates are advocating for free tuition at public universities and community colleges.  Recently, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren put forward a plan to forgive student loan debt as an even greater appeal to young voters.

But some experts see some big problems with that.

"First of all, I want my reparations for the tuition that I paid for my kids," said Gary Wolfram, a professor of economics and public policy at Hillsdale College in Michigan.  "If you're going to forgive everybody else's debt, then you've got to forgive mine too, right?"

Wolfram says the basic economics of debt forgiveness show the idea to be absurd.

"Why would anyone give someone a loan now.  If you were a business firm, why would you loan somebody money for higher education because they're never going to pay it back.  It makes no sense at all.  It can't possibly work," said Wolfram.

But Wolfram is not just picking apart the proposals of Warren and other Democrats.  He says there is a problem with the cost of higher education, but government is the cause of this vicious cycle rather than the solution to it.

"It was the government going out and lending lots of money to people without looking to see if they're going to be able to pay it off," said Wolfram, noting Uncle Sam does far less due diligence before handing out money than a bank will do before approving a mortgage application.

"The reason you've got skyrocketing tuitions, and therefore more and more loans being taken out, it's because there's this cycle of the government providing loans to get people to go to college.  Then more people are going to college, and it's driving up the price of college, which [results in] more loans," explained Wolfram.

Advocates of greater federal intervention in higher education say "free" tuition will take the soaring costs out of the equation.  Wolfram says it will be just the opposite.  He says sending virtually every high school graduate to college on the taxpayers' dime will lead to the government intruding even more.

"Why wouldn't you charge $200,000 a year for tuition because the government's paying for it?  Then the government's going to say, 'Oh my gosh.  This is incredibly expensive.'  Then they'll say tuition's got to be $10,000 a year. 

"That won't be enough to fund  all the increase in teachers, etc, that you're going to need to have all these kids come in.  Then the government's also going to say, 'Gee, when we're doing that, we're going to tell you what has to be in higher education.  Here are the classes that you have to offer.

"So you're going to end up with the Obamacare of higher education," said Wolfram.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Wolfram explain how the universal push for four-year colleges is leaving massive labor shortages in skilled trades and steering students away from good careers that might fit them far better than another four years in school.  He also reveals his approach to making college more affordable - and it looks a lot like the recruiting of college athletes.]]>623debt,education,forgiveness,news,tuition,wearrenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/they-can-t-find-one-single-crime-that-s-been-solved--17782017
The Obama administration signed onto the Arms Trade Treaty shortly before Trump took office.  It would require widespread firearm registration and licensing within signatory nations.  The goal is to be able to track guns and prevent them from winding up in the hands of terrorists, gangs, cartels, and other nefarious elements.

Crime Prevention Research Center President Dr. John Lott says the premise seems to make sense: if you can find the gun used to commit a crime, you can find the person responsible.  However, Lott says most guns aren't left at the crime scene, those that are are not registered, and killers do not use guns registered in their own names.

In addition to concerns about second amendment rights, Lott says there's literally no evidence the UN approach works. 

"When you look at Hawaii or Chicago or Washington, D.C. or other countries such as Canada, people have gone back and looked at the data.  They can't find one single crime that's been solved as a result of registration and licensing," said Lott.

In Honolulu, for example, Lott says police logged 50,000 working hours filling out paperwork for gun licensing and registration.  Not only has it not solved crimes, he says it's taking valuable time away from police work that does yield results.

"Maybe if you'd solved thousands of crimes, or at least hundreds of crimes, or at least a dozen crimes, or at least any crime, then there might be some discussion about the trade-offs that were there.  Obviously, 50,000 hours of police time could have been used in traditional policing that we know works, we know solves crime," said Lott.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Lott explains how the UN Arms Trade Treaty could also handcuff U.S. foreign policy and how fierce the debate over the second amendment will be in the 2020 campaign.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17782017Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:12:20 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is taking heat from political adversaries and international activists for withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, but one of the nation's leading crime researchers says the tactics used in the treaty...
The Obama administration signed onto the Arms Trade Treaty shortly before Trump took office.  It would require widespread firearm registration and licensing within signatory nations.  The goal is to be able to track guns and prevent them from winding up in the hands of terrorists, gangs, cartels, and other nefarious elements.

Crime Prevention Research Center President Dr. John Lott says the premise seems to make sense: if you can find the gun used to commit a crime, you can find the person responsible.  However, Lott says most guns aren't left at the crime scene, those that are are not registered, and killers do not use guns registered in their own names.

In addition to concerns about second amendment rights, Lott says there's literally no evidence the UN approach works. 

"When you look at Hawaii or Chicago or Washington, D.C. or other countries such as Canada, people have gone back and looked at the data.  They can't find one single crime that's been solved as a result of registration and licensing," said Lott.

In Honolulu, for example, Lott says police logged 50,000 working hours filling out paperwork for gun licensing and registration.  Not only has it not solved crimes, he says it's taking valuable time away from police work that does yield results.

"Maybe if you'd solved thousands of crimes, or at least hundreds of crimes, or at least a dozen crimes, or at least any crime, then there might be some discussion about the trade-offs that were there.  Obviously, 50,000 hours of police time could have been used in traditional policing that we know works, we know solves crime," said Lott.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Lott explains how the UN Arms Trade Treaty could also handcuff U.S. foreign policy and how fierce the debate over the second amendment will be in the 2020 campaign.]]>518arms,crime,guns,treaty,trump,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/court-judge-can-overrule-parents-on-gender-identity--17756888
The decision partially strikes down a 2018 Appeals Court ruling which gave more deference to parents.  The case in question involved a divorced couple in a dispute over how to raise their biologically male child who "demonstrated a preference for female items," according to a report in the Arizona Republic.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruling was unanimous, but does state that the parents cannot be required to provide services for their kids unless they are "at risk of physical danger or significantly impaired emotionally."

LGBT activists are cheering the decision, asserting that children who are not "affirmed" in their preferred gender identity suffer far more depression and are more likely to harm themselves than those who do not meet parental resistance.

But Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says the court got this one wrong.

"I think the Supreme Court of Arizona is wrong and I think that the Arizona Court of Appeals did get it right, when last year it ultimately ruled that courts could not take sides between parents over these kinds of issues," said Staver.

He also contends this is pure activism from the justices.

"The Arizona Supreme Court simply gerrymandered this case.  There is no law that would allow the courts to interfere between the parents in this kind of a situation," said Staver.

He says the government has no business getting involved in these sorts of disputes.

"When a child is going through gender confusion, there is no reason to go down the road - especially at a child's early age - for hormone-blocking treatment, hormones of a different gender, and even counseling to go through surgical intervention.  Essentially, they've opened up the door to do just that, which is going to cause both short and long-term harm to the children.

"They should leave those decisions to the parents, even if the parents cannot agree," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver explain why he rejects the American Association of Pediatrics recommendations of "comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate health care" for children struggling with gender dysphoria and why such advice is contrary to the basics of most counseling.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17756888Fri, 26 Apr 2019 21:37:00 +0000Radio AmericaThe Arizona Supreme Court ruled Thursday that judges in the state can force parents to provide counseling, therapy, and other services or a child who identifies as a different gender than their biological sex. The decision partially strikes down a...
The decision partially strikes down a 2018 Appeals Court ruling which gave more deference to parents.  The case in question involved a divorced couple in a dispute over how to raise their biologically male child who "demonstrated a preference for female items," according to a report in the Arizona Republic.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruling was unanimous, but does state that the parents cannot be required to provide services for their kids unless they are "at risk of physical danger or significantly impaired emotionally."

LGBT activists are cheering the decision, asserting that children who are not "affirmed" in their preferred gender identity suffer far more depression and are more likely to harm themselves than those who do not meet parental resistance.

But Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says the court got this one wrong.

"I think the Supreme Court of Arizona is wrong and I think that the Arizona Court of Appeals did get it right, when last year it ultimately ruled that courts could not take sides between parents over these kinds of issues," said Staver.

He also contends this is pure activism from the justices.

"The Arizona Supreme Court simply gerrymandered this case.  There is no law that would allow the courts to interfere between the parents in this kind of a situation," said Staver.

He says the government has no business getting involved in these sorts of disputes.

"When a child is going through gender confusion, there is no reason to go down the road - especially at a child's early age - for hormone-blocking treatment, hormones of a different gender, and even counseling to go through surgical intervention.  Essentially, they've opened up the door to do just that, which is going to cause both short and long-term harm to the children.

"They should leave those decisions to the parents, even if the parents cannot agree," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver explain why he rejects the American Association of Pediatrics recommendations of "comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate health care" for children struggling with gender dysphoria and why such advice is contrary to the basics of most counseling.]]>523arizona,courts,news,parents,transgenderfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-north-korean-regime-is-the-most-horrific-on-earth--17746978
On Thursday, the Washington Post reported that North Korea demanded $2 million for the return of Otto Warmbier, the American college student sentenced to hard labor for allegedly stealing a political poster.  Warmbier was flown back to the U.S. in 2017.  He was in a coma and died just hours later.

Multiple sources insist the U.S. never paid the ransom, but North Korea expert Gordon Chang says this story just confirms the barbaric nature of the Kim Jong-Un regime.

"I think the most important thing is that the North Korean regime is the most horrific on earth.  In this case, they brutalized Otto Warmbier and then have the audacity to bill us $2 million for this.  This money, of course, will never be paid," said Chang, author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World."

Chang says this latest revelation is further proof that dealing with Kim is fruitless.

"We will not have satisfactory relations with North Korea on anything - especially nuclear weapons - until there is a new government in North Korea which is democratic," said Chang.

The news of the ransom demand for Warmbier comes the same week as Kim met face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok.  Chang says Kim's agenda is to coax Russia into into greater investment in North Korea and into backing sanctions relief.  

Chang is also frustrated with President Trump for easing sanctions enforcement on North Korea around the time of the first summit in 2018.  He says Trump needs to clamp down harder on North Korea and needs to do it now.

"We've got to go back to really enforcing those sanctions to the point where North Korea doesn't get any money.  Because if North Korea doesn't get any money, it'll realize it has to give up its nukes and missiles," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang explain how North Korea is pitting Russia and China against one another, how weak sanctions enforcement is a major threat to the people of South Korea, and what two things North Korea must do before the U.S. should even consider another summit.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17746978Thu, 25 Apr 2019 21:03:50 +0000Radio AmericaNorth Korea demanded $2 million in exchange for the return of a comatose American prisoner, and even though the U.S. never actually paid for his release one of the leading experts on the North Korean threat says President Trump needs to get much...
On Thursday, the Washington Post reported that North Korea demanded $2 million for the return of Otto Warmbier, the American college student sentenced to hard labor for allegedly stealing a political poster.  Warmbier was flown back to the U.S. in 2017.  He was in a coma and died just hours later.

Multiple sources insist the U.S. never paid the ransom, but North Korea expert Gordon Chang says this story just confirms the barbaric nature of the Kim Jong-Un regime.

"I think the most important thing is that the North Korean regime is the most horrific on earth.  In this case, they brutalized Otto Warmbier and then have the audacity to bill us $2 million for this.  This money, of course, will never be paid," said Chang, author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World."

Chang says this latest revelation is further proof that dealing with Kim is fruitless.

"We will not have satisfactory relations with North Korea on anything - especially nuclear weapons - until there is a new government in North Korea which is democratic," said Chang.

The news of the ransom demand for Warmbier comes the same week as Kim met face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok.  Chang says Kim's agenda is to coax Russia into into greater investment in North Korea and into backing sanctions relief.  

Chang is also frustrated with President Trump for easing sanctions enforcement on North Korea around the time of the first summit in 2018.  He says Trump needs to clamp down harder on North Korea and needs to do it now.

"We've got to go back to really enforcing those sanctions to the point where North Korea doesn't get any money.  Because if North Korea doesn't get any money, it'll realize it has to give up its nukes and missiles," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang explain how North Korea is pitting Russia and China against one another, how weak sanctions enforcement is a major threat to the people of South Korea, and what two things North Korea must do before the U.S. should even consider another summit.]]>538kim,korea,news,putin,sanctions,trump,warmbierfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-isn-t-maduro-leaving-venezuela--17736879
The Trump administration wants to see Maduro go in favor of Juan Guaido, but instead of folding under the pressure of U.S.-led diplomacy, Maduro is now cozying up to some of our greatest adversaries.

American Foreign Policy Council Senior Fellow Larry Haas, a former Clinton administration official, says the U.S. demand for Maduro to go is futile and that Trump doesn't have other leverage - much like President Obama's demand for Bashar al-Assad to give up power in Syria back in 2013.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Haas explain why he believes the Trump administration is weakening its position on Venezuela through actions taken on other issues.  He also explain what policy positions might be more effective and why China, Russia, and Iran are so interested in helping Maduro.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17736879Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:52:54 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is applying stiff sanctions against Venezuela and demanding that Nicholas Maduro give up power, but Maduro isn't leaving and the tough U.S. stance may actually be helping China, Russia, and Iran gain a foothold in the Americas. The...
The Trump administration wants to see Maduro go in favor of Juan Guaido, but instead of folding under the pressure of U.S.-led diplomacy, Maduro is now cozying up to some of our greatest adversaries.

American Foreign Policy Council Senior Fellow Larry Haas, a former Clinton administration official, says the U.S. demand for Maduro to go is futile and that Trump doesn't have other leverage - much like President Obama's demand for Bashar al-Assad to give up power in Syria back in 2013.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Haas explain why he believes the Trump administration is weakening its position on Venezuela through actions taken on other issues.  He also explain what policy positions might be more effective and why China, Russia, and Iran are so interested in helping Maduro.]]>628china,maduro,news,socialism,trump,venezuelafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-did-the-new-tax-law-really-save-you--17659666
The National Taxpayers Union ran the numbers for both individuals and businesses. 

In this podcast, National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp explains the impact the new laws had on compliance, and, ultimately, on productivity.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17659666Mon, 22 Apr 2019 16:00:20 +0000Radio AmericaWe just passed the deadline for filing federal income taxes, and as the debate continues over who got tax cuts and how big they are, how much did the new laws save Americans in time and money spent preparing those returns? The National Taxpayers...
The National Taxpayers Union ran the numbers for both individuals and businesses. 

In this podcast, National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp explains the impact the new laws had on compliance, and, ultimately, on productivity.]]>468compliance,reform,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-the-electoral-college-overturn-the-will-of-the-people--17659665
Pete Buttigieg is the latest Democrat urging the abolition of the Electoral College, telling a crowd at his campaign launch that the Electoral College has overturned the will of the people twice in his lifetime, referring to the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections.

Does the Electoral College overturn the will of the people or is it actually a better representation of the nation as a whole than the one man-one vote argument?

In this podcast, we cover that question with Trent England, director of Save Our States.  England explains why we have the current system, why have states have diminished in importance compared to the time of the American founding, and why states vowing to allocate their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote are really the ones disenfranchising their voters.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17659665Thu, 18 Apr 2019 16:00:19 +0000Radio AmericaMany Democrats, including several presidential hopefuls, are advocating an end to the Electoral College, so why do we have it in the first place and what would happen if we ditched it for the national popular vote? Pete Buttigieg is the latest...
Pete Buttigieg is the latest Democrat urging the abolition of the Electoral College, telling a crowd at his campaign launch that the Electoral College has overturned the will of the people twice in his lifetime, referring to the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections.

Does the Electoral College overturn the will of the people or is it actually a better representation of the nation as a whole than the one man-one vote argument?

In this podcast, we cover that question with Trent England, director of Save Our States.  England explains why we have the current system, why have states have diminished in importance compared to the time of the American founding, and why states vowing to allocate their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote are really the ones disenfranchising their voters.]]>637buttigieg,college,elections,electoral,news,petefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sudanese-dictator-ousted-what-next-for-persecuted-believers--17659664
Last week, al-Bashir was finally ousted in a military coup.  But what toll did he exact on Christians in his country?  How did he target and persecute them?  

In this podcast, Voice of the Martyrs Radio Host Todd Nettleton addressed those questions, examines what sort of government is likely to come next in Sudan, and why life is still very difficult for Christians in the region, even after the creation of the new nation of South Sudan.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17659664Wed, 17 Apr 2019 16:00:09 +0000Radio AmericaFor 30 years, Omar al-Bashir ruled Sudan with a corrupt and vicious iron fist.  During his time in power, Bashir was ruthlessly brutal to the nation's Christian minority.  His heartlessness attracted worldwide headlines during the humanitarian crisis...
Last week, al-Bashir was finally ousted in a military coup.  But what toll did he exact on Christians in his country?  How did he target and persecute them?  

In this podcast, Voice of the Martyrs Radio Host Todd Nettleton addressed those questions, examines what sort of government is likely to come next in Sudan, and why life is still very difficult for Christians in the region, even after the creation of the new nation of South Sudan.]]>498al-bashir,christians,coup,persecution,sudanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-s-sanctuary-city-plan-can-it-be-done--17659662
But as Trump and his advisers determine whether this is feasible, should the administration pursue this idea? Is there any legal precedent for it? And can the federal, state, or local governments afford to this or maintain the status quo?

In this podcast, we get answers from Rob Henneke, director of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17659662Tue, 16 Apr 2019 20:47:45 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump has suggested sending many of the people illegally pouring across the U.S.-Mexico border to so-called sanctuary cities, since those locales publicly state they will not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. But as Trump and...
But as Trump and his advisers determine whether this is feasible, should the administration pursue this idea? Is there any legal precedent for it? And can the federal, state, or local governments afford to this or maintain the status quo?

In this podcast, we get answers from Rob Henneke, director of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.]]>545border,illegal,immigration,news,sanctuary,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fighting-the-scourge-of-child-sex-trafficking--17650382
Beulah's Place founder Andi Buerger literally suffered from sex trafficking her entire childhood - from when she was six months old until she was seventeen years old.  Her immediate family were often the perpetrators.  Today, Buerger runs a home for adult teen women with the goal of keeping them away from traffickers and others predators and pointing them on the right path in life.

In this powerful interview, Buerger details the abuse she suffered, how "God intervened" to turn her life around and the changes she's seeing in the young women she serves.  Buerger also explains how sex trafficking is happening in virtually every community in the U.S. and often right under our noses.  She offers tips on how to spot a possible abusive relationship and what to do when you suspect illegal activity but cannot prove it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17650382Mon, 15 Apr 2019 20:54:41 +0000Radio AmericaApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and while child abuse sadly takes on many forms, one of the areas of greatest concern is sexual abuse, including child sex trafficking. Beulah's Place founder Andi Buerger literally suffered from sex...
Beulah's Place founder Andi Buerger literally suffered from sex trafficking her entire childhood - from when she was six months old until she was seventeen years old.  Her immediate family were often the perpetrators.  Today, Buerger runs a home for adult teen women with the goal of keeping them away from traffickers and others predators and pointing them on the right path in life.

In this powerful interview, Buerger details the abuse she suffered, how "God intervened" to turn her life around and the changes she's seeing in the young women she serves.  Buerger also explains how sex trafficking is happening in virtually every community in the U.S. and often right under our noses.  She offers tips on how to spot a possible abusive relationship and what to do when you suspect illegal activity but cannot prove it.]]>1107abuse,andi,buerger,child,news,sex,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-previews-barr-probe-assange-prosecution--17607334
This week, Attorney General Barr told House and Senate lawmakers he did plan to investigate how government officials in the intelligence and law enforcement decided to launch a probe into possible conspiring between Russia and the Trump campaign during the 2016 elections.

Barr also admitted the government was "spying" on the Trump campaign, an assertion that was already well-established but Democrats still howled that Barr is simply doing Trump's bidding.

In the podcast, McCarthy explains what the Barr investigation is likely to include, why Americans should neither assume that the attorney general is executing a political vendetta on behalf of Trump nor that lots of figures who investigated Trump will wind up facing charges.

However, McCarthy is scratching his head over how many Trump critics are apoplectic about Barr suggesting that the government was "spying" on the Trump campaign when we've known about electronic surveillance and human intelligence efforts for months. He says Democrats are being "hysterical" in response to Barr's testimony.

"As a prosecutor for twenty years, in my cases the government informants were always called spies by the defense lawyers and we always called them informants. They always called them snitches, and we always called them witnesses for the state. Nobody in the jury every fainted when any of these terms were used," said McCarthy.

He also explains why despite the big headlines over Julian Assange's arrest, that the Wikileaks boss is unlikely to face much prison time in the U.S. - and may never see a courtroom in this country at all.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17607334Thu, 11 Apr 2019 21:08:26 +0000Radio AmericaFormer federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy is urging partisans on both sides to calm down and lower expectations of what Attorney General Bill Barr is likely to find about how the 2016 probe of the Trump campaign got started and says Americans might...
This week, Attorney General Barr told House and Senate lawmakers he did plan to investigate how government officials in the intelligence and law enforcement decided to launch a probe into possible conspiring between Russia and the Trump campaign during the 2016 elections.

Barr also admitted the government was "spying" on the Trump campaign, an assertion that was already well-established but Democrats still howled that Barr is simply doing Trump's bidding.

In the podcast, McCarthy explains what the Barr investigation is likely to include, why Americans should neither assume that the attorney general is executing a political vendetta on behalf of Trump nor that lots of figures who investigated Trump will wind up facing charges.

However, McCarthy is scratching his head over how many Trump critics are apoplectic about Barr suggesting that the government was "spying" on the Trump campaign when we've known about electronic surveillance and human intelligence efforts for months. He says Democrats are being "hysterical" in response to Barr's testimony.

"As a prosecutor for twenty years, in my cases the government informants were always called spies by the defense lawyers and we always called them informants. They always called them snitches, and we always called them witnesses for the state. Nobody in the jury every fainted when any of these terms were used," said McCarthy.

He also explains why despite the big headlines over Julian Assange's arrest, that the Wikileaks boss is unlikely to face much prison time in the U.S. - and may never see a courtroom in this country at all.

Listen to the full podcast here.]]>953assange,barr,news,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-netanyahu-won-again--17607335
Netanyahu's Likud party actually tied the upstart Blue and White party, by winning 35 seats apiece in the 120-seat Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset.  But when adding in like-minded parties, Netanyahu's coalition is expected to control 65 seats in the new government.

So why is Netanyahu still popular after ten years in office, even while facing corruption charges?

Foundation for the Defense of Democracies President Clifford May says Israeli voters credit Netanyahu for turning their economy around and rightly so.

"He, as finance minister and as prime minister, is more responsible than anyone else for Israel making a transition from essentially a democratic socialist government to a capitalist economy," said May.

May says Netanyahu's strong defense of Israel against hostile neighbors like Hamas and Syria are also appreciated by the Israeli people, although he says the Blue and White party also fielded a candidate - retired Gen. Benny Gantz - who has strong national security credentials.

Listen to the full podcast as May discusses what Netanyahu's win means for U.S.-Israeli relations and how the politics in Israel have shifted greatly in just a few years.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17607335Thu, 11 Apr 2019 20:57:55 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, Israeli voters once again decided to keep Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, rewarding him and his coalition partners for a decade of strong economic growth and national security, but also suggesting a new party will be a major player...
Netanyahu's Likud party actually tied the upstart Blue and White party, by winning 35 seats apiece in the 120-seat Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset.  But when adding in like-minded parties, Netanyahu's coalition is expected to control 65 seats in the new government.

So why is Netanyahu still popular after ten years in office, even while facing corruption charges?

Foundation for the Defense of Democracies President Clifford May says Israeli voters credit Netanyahu for turning their economy around and rightly so.

"He, as finance minister and as prime minister, is more responsible than anyone else for Israel making a transition from essentially a democratic socialist government to a capitalist economy," said May.

May says Netanyahu's strong defense of Israel against hostile neighbors like Hamas and Syria are also appreciated by the Israeli people, although he says the Blue and White party also fielded a candidate - retired Gen. Benny Gantz - who has strong national security credentials.

Listen to the full podcast as May discusses what Netanyahu's win means for U.S.-Israeli relations and how the politics in Israel have shifted greatly in just a few years.]]>653gantz,hamas,israel,netanyahu,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/house-votes-to-restore-net-neutrality--17596473https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17596473Wed, 10 Apr 2019 21:04:45 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Democrats passed the Save the Internet Act Wednesday. The bill seeks to restore the Obama-era Open Internet Order that was revoked by the FCC in 2017. Radio America's Christian Whittle reports.178ajit,congress,fcc,paifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-is-the-border-crisis-getting-so-much-worse--17585097
According to government statistics, some 58,000 border apprehensions occurred in January.  There were 76,000 in February and the figures for March could reach 100,000.

And the surge is taxing the already stretched manpower and resources along our southern border.

"The system has broken down because it's so overwhelmed by the number of people we see entering the United States illegally," said Andrew Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies.

"The border patrol just doesn't have the facilities to process those individuals in a timely manner.  We lack the detention facilities to hold them and [Health and Human Services], which is supposed to take custody of unaccompanied alien children within 48 hours, is now out of space as well," said Arthur.

Arthur says one of the reasons for so many people being allowed into the U.S. despite coming illegally is because the Obama administration loosened the terms by which the migrants can ask for protection based on claims of "credible fear" if they return to their home countries.

As a result, 97,000 people in the past year claim credible fear as opposed to 5,000 per year when Obama took office.  Those 97,000 claims are then processed by just a few hundred case officers and immigration judges.

Listen to the full podcast to learn about other factors triggering this wave of humanity across the southern border, what President Trump can do to address it and what actions have to come from Congress.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17585097Tue, 09 Apr 2019 21:06:35 +0000Radio AmericaJust a few weeks ago, a fierce debate raged over President Trump's call for a national emergency to direct billions of taxpayer dollars to build a wall along strategic points of the U.S. Mexico border, and while the controversy over Trump's action...
According to government statistics, some 58,000 border apprehensions occurred in January.  There were 76,000 in February and the figures for March could reach 100,000.

And the surge is taxing the already stretched manpower and resources along our southern border.

"The system has broken down because it's so overwhelmed by the number of people we see entering the United States illegally," said Andrew Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies.

"The border patrol just doesn't have the facilities to process those individuals in a timely manner.  We lack the detention facilities to hold them and [Health and Human Services], which is supposed to take custody of unaccompanied alien children within 48 hours, is now out of space as well," said Arthur.

Arthur says one of the reasons for so many people being allowed into the U.S. despite coming illegally is because the Obama administration loosened the terms by which the migrants can ask for protection based on claims of "credible fear" if they return to their home countries.

As a result, 97,000 people in the past year claim credible fear as opposed to 5,000 per year when Obama took office.  Those 97,000 claims are then processed by just a few hundred case officers and immigration judges.

Listen to the full podcast to learn about other factors triggering this wave of humanity across the southern border, what President Trump can do to address it and what actions have to come from Congress.]]>631border,congress,immigration,news,security,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-whole-situation-changes-iranian-resistance-cheers-terrorist-designation--17573533
"From the moment it was founded, the IRGC's mandate was to defend and export the regime's mission by whatever means possible.  The IRGC institutionalized terrorism shortly after its inception, directing horrific attacks against the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the U.S. embassy annex in 1984," said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has pleaded with the U.S. to make this designation for years and says this decision could be a real game-changer.

"The Iranian regime has benefited from its terrorism, from its hostage-taking.  It has used terrorism as a tool to leverage, to gain concessions from western countries over the past four decades," said Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI's Washington office.

"Today, with this (foreign terrorist organization) designation, the whole situation changes.  It puts the Iranian regime in the defensive position.  It demoralizes the revolutionary guard and their proxies and the groups that they are supporting and sponsoring in the region.

"It actually helps dry up the resources for the militia groups that are funded by the revolutionary guard," said Jafarzadeh.

The Iranian government is furious at the IRGC being labeled a foreign terrorist organization.  More than 250 members of the Iranian parliament signed a letter vowing to "answer any action taken against this force with reciprocal action."

But Jafarzadeh says not to worry about the howls of protest.

"Honestly, the mullahs only understand the language of force.  They back down when confronted with firmness," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to learn how this terrorist designation will clamp down on American and European investment in Iran and why Jafarzadeh says that will lead to a more peaceful Middle East.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17573533Mon, 08 Apr 2019 21:10:22 +0000Radio AmericaThe U.S. designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization Monday, and a leading Iranian resistance group says this action will starve the Iranian regime of funds and lead to a more peaceful region. "From the...
"From the moment it was founded, the IRGC's mandate was to defend and export the regime's mission by whatever means possible.  The IRGC institutionalized terrorism shortly after its inception, directing horrific attacks against the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the U.S. embassy annex in 1984," said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has pleaded with the U.S. to make this designation for years and says this decision could be a real game-changer.

"The Iranian regime has benefited from its terrorism, from its hostage-taking.  It has used terrorism as a tool to leverage, to gain concessions from western countries over the past four decades," said Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRI's Washington office.

"Today, with this (foreign terrorist organization) designation, the whole situation changes.  It puts the Iranian regime in the defensive position.  It demoralizes the revolutionary guard and their proxies and the groups that they are supporting and sponsoring in the region.

"It actually helps dry up the resources for the militia groups that are funded by the revolutionary guard," said Jafarzadeh.

The Iranian government is furious at the IRGC being labeled a foreign terrorist organization.  More than 250 members of the Iranian parliament signed a letter vowing to "answer any action taken against this force with reciprocal action."

But Jafarzadeh says not to worry about the howls of protest.

"Honestly, the mullahs only understand the language of force.  They back down when confronted with firmness," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to learn how this terrorist designation will clamp down on American and European investment in Iran and why Jafarzadeh says that will lead to a more peaceful Middle East.]]>940fto,iran,irgc,news,pompeo,terrorism,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-should-we-pay-for-roads-and-bridges--17548723
National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says there are many ways for government to address the costs of road and bridge projects before ever reaching for taxpayers' wallets.  He says the first step is actually allocating all revenues from existing gas taxes for those projects because that's not happening now.

"Most people don't know that under apportionment formulas that are figured out at the federal level, a large portion - even 25 percent - of gas tax revenues aren't actually put into building or maintaining roads.  They go to things like scenic beautification projects, bike paths, mass transit," said Sepp.

Sepp says there are other bureaucratic headaches that could be addressed as well.

"Another thing that can be fixed is more efficient project building.  There needs to be things like life cycle cost analysis.  They have to get rid of these labor laws that raise project costs through the roof.  They need to do things like streamlining permitting processes.  Those permits add to the overhead cost of building roads and fixing up bridges," said Sepp.

He also says there should be a greater emphasis on public-private partnerships to address infrastructure needs, which would also ease the burden of taxpayers.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp explain why gas taxes are a bigger, more immediate burden on middle class families than other taxes are and what would be more appropriate than gas taxes if government has to take more money from its people.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17548723Fri, 05 Apr 2019 21:58:33 +0000Radio AmericaThe Trump administration wants to find common ground with Democrats to get moving on badly needed transportation projects and suggests that higher gas taxes are on the table.  Fiscal conservatives recoil at such an idea but these projects need to get...
National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says there are many ways for government to address the costs of road and bridge projects before ever reaching for taxpayers' wallets.  He says the first step is actually allocating all revenues from existing gas taxes for those projects because that's not happening now.

"Most people don't know that under apportionment formulas that are figured out at the federal level, a large portion - even 25 percent - of gas tax revenues aren't actually put into building or maintaining roads.  They go to things like scenic beautification projects, bike paths, mass transit," said Sepp.

Sepp says there are other bureaucratic headaches that could be addressed as well.

"Another thing that can be fixed is more efficient project building.  There needs to be things like life cycle cost analysis.  They have to get rid of these labor laws that raise project costs through the roof.  They need to do things like streamlining permitting processes.  Those permits add to the overhead cost of building roads and fixing up bridges," said Sepp.

He also says there should be a greater emphasis on public-private partnerships to address infrastructure needs, which would also ease the burden of taxpayers.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp explain why gas taxes are a bigger, more immediate burden on middle class families than other taxes are and what would be more appropriate than gas taxes if government has to take more money from its people.]]>610gas,infrastructure,news,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/norquist-higher-gas-taxes-won-t-mean-better-roads--17548564
"Year after year, politicians say they are going to prioritize fixing the roads, widening roads, widening bridges and so on and then they don't.  And so people believe that maybe if they raise taxes they would do that. 

"In point of fact, when you do raise the gas tax in various states, the politicians siphon off much of that money into things that have nothing to do with roads," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.

Norquist says a fraction of the extra revenue - or sometimes none - actually gets spent on roads and that leads to calls for even more taxes.

"Politicians love to use their failure to focus on roads as an excuse for you to give them more money.  It's a bad idea.  Nobody should fall for it," said Norquist.

According to Norquist, just the fact that politicians want to raise your taxes while portraying themselves as passionate about upgrading infrastructure, puts the lie to their argument.

"Keep in mind, a politician who says to you, 'I care so much about...roads, prisons, education that I'm willing to raise taxes to support it.'  That politician did not tell you how much he likes roads, prisons, education.  He just told you that everything that's presently in the multi-billion dollar budget of our state is more important than roads because I wouldn't stop doing any of that and put it into roads," said Norquist.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Norquist explain how increasing gas taxes raises your expenses far beyond the gas pump.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17548564Fri, 05 Apr 2019 21:40:03 +0000Radio AmericaThe Trump administration says higher gas taxes are on the table when figuring out how to pay for infrastructure projects and Republicans in one battleground state just hiked gas taxes there, arguing that it had to be done.  But one of the nation's...
"Year after year, politicians say they are going to prioritize fixing the roads, widening roads, widening bridges and so on and then they don't.  And so people believe that maybe if they raise taxes they would do that. 

"In point of fact, when you do raise the gas tax in various states, the politicians siphon off much of that money into things that have nothing to do with roads," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.

Norquist says a fraction of the extra revenue - or sometimes none - actually gets spent on roads and that leads to calls for even more taxes.

"Politicians love to use their failure to focus on roads as an excuse for you to give them more money.  It's a bad idea.  Nobody should fall for it," said Norquist.

According to Norquist, just the fact that politicians want to raise your taxes while portraying themselves as passionate about upgrading infrastructure, puts the lie to their argument.

"Keep in mind, a politician who says to you, 'I care so much about...roads, prisons, education that I'm willing to raise taxes to support it.'  That politician did not tell you how much he likes roads, prisons, education.  He just told you that everything that's presently in the multi-billion dollar budget of our state is more important than roads because I wouldn't stop doing any of that and put it into roads," said Norquist.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Norquist explain how increasing gas taxes raises your expenses far beyond the gas pump.]]>603gasoline,infrastructure,news,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-can-trump-do-about-the-border--17535245
Trump made the threat in response to the tide of illegal immigration and illicit drugs pouring into the U.S.  But after pleas from both Texas senators and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to keep the border open or risk massive economic repercussions, Trump says he will revisit the issue in a year and see if Mexico is living up to its responsibilities to interdict migrants and drugs.

But a former immigration official says Trump does have the authority to close the border.

"The president does seem to have extensive powers and other presidents have actually used those powers on various occasions to close the border," said Temple University School of Law Prof. Jan C. Ting, who served as assistant commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the George H.W. Bush administration.

He says other presidents have closed the border, most recently George W. Bush for a brief time in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

But while Trump could close the border, Ting says whether that's a good idea is another question.

"I don't think anyone has seriously questioned the ability of the president to exercise that power.  The only objection questions have been raised about the advisability of doing so and the economic consequences of doing so.

"Some of those arguments have been found persuasive by the administration, at least to the point of holding off immediate action," said Ting.

Ting says it's not clear if closing the border would achieve Trump's goals, although he believes it would put a lot more pressure on the Mexican government to cooperate with American efforts rather than playing a two-faced game of cooperating in certain situations while also facilitating the passage of Central American caravans to the U.S. border.

So what would be more effective?  Ting says Congress could make a huge difference by mandating all employers use -E-Verify to check the validity of the Social Security numbers used by prospective employees.  The practice is mandatory in Arizona but not nationwide.

He also says Trump's prized goal of a border wall would be effective.

"It's a force multiplier.  You can only afford to put so many border patrol agents on the border.  Having fencing up or a wall makes those agents more useful," said Ting.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Ting's analysis on closing the border and alternative methods of achieving greater control over the influx of people and drugs into the U.S.  Ting also explains why he believes President Obama greatly exacerbated the crisis at the border, and he details the remarkably swift evolution of Democrats from border hawks in the 1990's to most presidential candidates in the party today recoiling at the idea of stopping virtually anyone from coming into the U.S.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17535245Thu, 04 Apr 2019 21:01:55 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is backing away from threats to close the U.S.-Mexico border but a former federal immigration official says Trump certainly has that authority but other steps might make more sense. Trump made the threat in response to the tide of...
Trump made the threat in response to the tide of illegal immigration and illicit drugs pouring into the U.S.  But after pleas from both Texas senators and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to keep the border open or risk massive economic repercussions, Trump says he will revisit the issue in a year and see if Mexico is living up to its responsibilities to interdict migrants and drugs.

But a former immigration official says Trump does have the authority to close the border.

"The president does seem to have extensive powers and other presidents have actually used those powers on various occasions to close the border," said Temple University School of Law Prof. Jan C. Ting, who served as assistant commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the George H.W. Bush administration.

He says other presidents have closed the border, most recently George W. Bush for a brief time in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

But while Trump could close the border, Ting says whether that's a good idea is another question.

"I don't think anyone has seriously questioned the ability of the president to exercise that power.  The only objection questions have been raised about the advisability of doing so and the economic consequences of doing so.

"Some of those arguments have been found persuasive by the administration, at least to the point of holding off immediate action," said Ting.

Ting says it's not clear if closing the border would achieve Trump's goals, although he believes it would put a lot more pressure on the Mexican government to cooperate with American efforts rather than playing a two-faced game of cooperating in certain situations while also facilitating the passage of Central American caravans to the U.S. border.

So what would be more effective?  Ting says Congress could make a huge difference by mandating all employers use -E-Verify to check the validity of the Social Security numbers used by prospective employees.  The practice is mandatory in Arizona but not nationwide.

He also says Trump's prized goal of a border wall would be effective.

"It's a force multiplier.  You can only afford to put so many border patrol agents on the border.  Having fencing up or a wall makes those agents more useful," said Ting.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Ting's analysis on closing the border and alternative methods of achieving greater control over the influx of people and drugs into the U.S.  Ting also explains why he believes President Obama greatly exacerbated the crisis at the border, and he details the remarkably swift evolution of Democrats from border hawks in the 1990's to most presidential candidates in the party today recoiling at the idea of stopping virtually anyone from coming into the U.S.]]>677border,e-verify,illegal,immigration,news,trump,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/turner-trump-ready-to-move-on-our-health-plan--17524591
Turner and her health policy consensus group have been urging lawmakers to take up the Health Care Choices Act.  Two weeks ago, while playing golf with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham detailed the proposal and Trump immediately embraced it.

"The president got excited, saying, 'Oh my goodness, there's another plan out there.  This is my plan to make America great again.'  And so he kind of said let's go do this," said Turner.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately dumped cold water on the idea, saying the Senate did not have time to take up the issue in this Congress.  With Democrats controlling the House of Representatives, there is virtually no chance of a GOP bill making it to Trump's desk.  Many on the right also see another fierce debate damaging their prospects in 2020.

Trump now says he will move forward on health care as soon as the next presidential race is over.  Turner thinks the future of health care policy will be a huge issue in this campaign.

"This is a huge decision for the American people.  What direction do you want your health care system to go in for the next generation?  Do you want to go toward even more government control of the system with a Medicare for all, which is really mandatory Medicaid with no choices or do you want to finally have a properly-functioning market so that you the consumer are in the driver's seat," said Turner.

Turner says the crux of the Health Care Choices Act is moving power out of Washington.

"The reason this plan is different is that it realizes the federal government is completely out of its element in regulating, overseeing, managing, micromanaging something as regional and personal as health care.  

"We believe the states, which by the way have decades of experience in overseeing health insurance markets, can spend this money more wisely and will have incentives to give their citizens more choices," said Turner.

In addition, Turner says this approach will protect Americans with pre-existing conditions while lowering premiums due to a provision in the existing law, known as Section 1332.

"It gives states the ability to say, 'Let me take some of this money that is currently going to insurance companies, and instead re-purpose it to give additional support for people who have high health care costs, who have expensive chronic conditions, and use some of that money to separately subsidize them so that the people in the general pool don't have to pay such high premiums to cross-subsidize them," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner's extended explanation of the legislation, what the results have been in states where some of the main concepts have been tried, and why there will still need to be federal "guardrails" if the bill passes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17524591Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:09:48 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump now says he will wait until after the 2020 election to pursue repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act again, but Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says Trump is champing at the bit to get health reform done and he...
Turner and her health policy consensus group have been urging lawmakers to take up the Health Care Choices Act.  Two weeks ago, while playing golf with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham detailed the proposal and Trump immediately embraced it.

"The president got excited, saying, 'Oh my goodness, there's another plan out there.  This is my plan to make America great again.'  And so he kind of said let's go do this," said Turner.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately dumped cold water on the idea, saying the Senate did not have time to take up the issue in this Congress.  With Democrats controlling the House of Representatives, there is virtually no chance of a GOP bill making it to Trump's desk.  Many on the right also see another fierce debate damaging their prospects in 2020.

Trump now says he will move forward on health care as soon as the next presidential race is over.  Turner thinks the future of health care policy will be a huge issue in this campaign.

"This is a huge decision for the American people.  What direction do you want your health care system to go in for the next generation?  Do you want to go toward even more government control of the system with a Medicare for all, which is really mandatory Medicaid with no choices or do you want to finally have a properly-functioning market so that you the consumer are in the driver's seat," said Turner.

Turner says the crux of the Health Care Choices Act is moving power out of Washington.

"The reason this plan is different is that it realizes the federal government is completely out of its element in regulating, overseeing, managing, micromanaging something as regional and personal as health care.  

"We believe the states, which by the way have decades of experience in overseeing health insurance markets, can spend this money more wisely and will have incentives to give their citizens more choices," said Turner.

In addition, Turner says this approach will protect Americans with pre-existing conditions while lowering premiums due to a provision in the existing law, known as Section 1332.

"It gives states the ability to say, 'Let me take some of this money that is currently going to insurance companies, and instead re-purpose it to give additional support for people who have high health care costs, who have expensive chronic conditions, and use some of that money to separately subsidize them so that the people in the general pool don't have to pay such high premiums to cross-subsidize them," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner's extended explanation of the legislation, what the results have been in states where some of the main concepts have been tried, and why there will still need to be federal "guardrails" if the bill passes.]]>6152020,news,obamacare,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/house-gop-tries-to-force-vote-on-infanticide-ban--17514151
On Tuesday, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise brought a discharge petition to the House floor so members could sign it.  If a majority of House members sign on, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be required to call for a vote.

"Let the members vote to end, frankly, infanticide in America," said Americans United for Life Chief Legal Officer Steven Aden, who was in the chamber for the signings and at a press conference later in the day.

So far the discharge petition has 190 signatures, meaning Republicans are at least a couple dozen signatures short of a majority.  But the petition stays open for the remainder of the current Congress, which runs through the end of 2020.  Aden is not giving up and thinks more Democrats will join the effort if they feel the heat from their constituents.

"We're hopeful, but they need to hear from the American people," said Aden.

Democrats offer a series of objections to the legislation, the most common being that infanticide is already banned through the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, which was passed in the early days of the George W. Bush administration.

Aden says that law is good but there's a major problem with it.  

"Unfortunately, that bill was a paper tiger.  It simply states that infants that are born alive after an abortion are persons and ought to receive medical attention but there's no teeth to it," said Aden.

Listen to the full podcast top hear Aden explain why he believes organizations like Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America are so ardently opposed to saving the lives of babies living outside their mothers.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17514151Tue, 02 Apr 2019 21:10:29 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Republicans are now trying to force a vote on legislation requiring medical care for babies who are born following attempted abortions, after Democrats rejected numerous GOP efforts to get a vote on the infanticide ban. On Tuesday, House...
On Tuesday, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise brought a discharge petition to the House floor so members could sign it.  If a majority of House members sign on, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be required to call for a vote.

"Let the members vote to end, frankly, infanticide in America," said Americans United for Life Chief Legal Officer Steven Aden, who was in the chamber for the signings and at a press conference later in the day.

So far the discharge petition has 190 signatures, meaning Republicans are at least a couple dozen signatures short of a majority.  But the petition stays open for the remainder of the current Congress, which runs through the end of 2020.  Aden is not giving up and thinks more Democrats will join the effort if they feel the heat from their constituents.

"We're hopeful, but they need to hear from the American people," said Aden.

Democrats offer a series of objections to the legislation, the most common being that infanticide is already banned through the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, which was passed in the early days of the George W. Bush administration.

Aden says that law is good but there's a major problem with it.  

"Unfortunately, that bill was a paper tiger.  It simply states that infants that are born alive after an abortion are persons and ought to receive medical attention but there's no teeth to it," said Aden.

Listen to the full podcast top hear Aden explain why he believes organizations like Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America are so ardently opposed to saving the lives of babies living outside their mothers.]]>506abortion,ban,discharge,house,infanticide,news,petition,republicansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/senate-blocks-rule-change-on-executive-and-judicial-nominees--17514190https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17514190Tue, 02 Apr 2019 21:03:12 +0000Radio AmericaSenate Democrats blocked a resolution Tuesday that aimed at reducing the debate time allowed for certain sub-cabinet and judicial nominations. Republicans had hoped to drastically speed up the confirmation process for Trump’s nominees in order to fill...239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-poll-suggests-hispanics-prefer-trump--17501892
In a new McLaughlin & Associates survey, Trump stands with a 49 percent approval rating while 50 percent disapprove.  But factored into that mix is 50 percent of Hispanics approving of the job Trump is doing and 48 percent disapprove.

The poll quizzed 1,000 likely voters, including 111 Hispanics, which pollster John McLaughlin says tilted towards the Democrats in registration by a 5-3 margin. 

McLaughlin, who conducted polling for Trump during the 2016 campaign, says he's not surprised by those numbers.

"The Hispanic vote is not monolithic in the United States.  A lot of people like to put it in a box," said McLaughlin.  "These are citizens.  These are citizens who are likely voters...These are people who mainly came here legally."

In fact, McLaughlin says other research he's done shows that legal Hispanic immigrants are "the group that is most upset about the current immigration crisis where you have illegal immigrants coming here (and) jumping the line over those who did it right and spent money and time to come here legally."

But do approval ratings translate into votes?

"In the post-9/11 era, where things have gotten very partisan, it's a very strong determinant of how votes are going to go," said McLaughlin, noting that he twice polled George W. Bush at a 51 percent job approval in 2004, when Bush won with 51 percent of the vote.

Listen to the full podcast as McLaughlin explain the ever-widening marriage gap in voting and explains why his time with the Trump campaign left him convinced there was nothing to the Russian collusion accusations.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17501892Mon, 01 Apr 2019 21:03:28 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is preparing for a bruising re-election fight in 2020, but a new poll suggests he may have a lot of allies who will shake up the conventional wisdom in this campaign. In a new McLaughlin & Associates survey, Trump stands with a 49...
In a new McLaughlin & Associates survey, Trump stands with a 49 percent approval rating while 50 percent disapprove.  But factored into that mix is 50 percent of Hispanics approving of the job Trump is doing and 48 percent disapprove.

The poll quizzed 1,000 likely voters, including 111 Hispanics, which pollster John McLaughlin says tilted towards the Democrats in registration by a 5-3 margin. 

McLaughlin, who conducted polling for Trump during the 2016 campaign, says he's not surprised by those numbers.

"The Hispanic vote is not monolithic in the United States.  A lot of people like to put it in a box," said McLaughlin.  "These are citizens.  These are citizens who are likely voters...These are people who mainly came here legally."

In fact, McLaughlin says other research he's done shows that legal Hispanic immigrants are "the group that is most upset about the current immigration crisis where you have illegal immigrants coming here (and) jumping the line over those who did it right and spent money and time to come here legally."

But do approval ratings translate into votes?

"In the post-9/11 era, where things have gotten very partisan, it's a very strong determinant of how votes are going to go," said McLaughlin, noting that he twice polled George W. Bush at a 51 percent job approval in 2004, when Bush won with 51 percent of the vote.

Listen to the full podcast as McLaughlin explain the ever-widening marriage gap in voting and explains why his time with the Trump campaign left him convinced there was nothing to the Russian collusion accusations.]]>7222020,hispanics,mclaughlin,nes,poll,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-will-trump-do-in-venezuela--17476887
For weeks, Trump has declared Juan Guaido to be the legitimate interim president in Venezuela.  But Nicholas Maduro is still in power and now the Russians are sending military personnel to shore up Maduro.

American Foreign Policy Senior Vice President Ilan Berman says Trump has the right policy but that doesn't mean he will get what he wants.

"I think it's a good declaratory policy.  The problem is just because we say it doesn't make it so," said Berman.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Berman address some of the lingering questions in this standoff.  Why is Russia butting into the crisis in Venezuela?  What are America's national security interests in all this?  And what happens if Russia ignores Trump's demand to get out?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17476887Fri, 29 Mar 2019 21:01:24 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is very clear about what he thinks should happen in Venezuela, but what is he prepared to do if it doesn't? For weeks, Trump has declared Juan Guaido to be the legitimate interim president in Venezuela.  But Nicholas Maduro is still...
For weeks, Trump has declared Juan Guaido to be the legitimate interim president in Venezuela.  But Nicholas Maduro is still in power and now the Russians are sending military personnel to shore up Maduro.

American Foreign Policy Senior Vice President Ilan Berman says Trump has the right policy but that doesn't mean he will get what he wants.

"I think it's a good declaratory policy.  The problem is just because we say it doesn't make it so," said Berman.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Berman address some of the lingering questions in this standoff.  Why is Russia butting into the crisis in Venezuela?  What are America's national security interests in all this?  And what happens if Russia ignores Trump's demand to get out?]]>571guaido,maduro,news,russia,trump,venezuelafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/adam-schiff-rebuffs-calls-for-resignation--17467341https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17467341Thu, 28 Mar 2019 21:03:47 +0000Radio AmericaDuring a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian election interference, Chairman Adam Schiff rejected calls from House Republicans to step down after the Mueller investigation found no evidence of collusion between the Trump Campaign and...379intelligence,mueller,russia,schifffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doj-joins-effort-to-overturn-obamacare--17456547
"The Trump Justice Department is doing its job to uphold the Constitution," said Rob Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. "I commend the Trump administration Department of Justice looking at the reasoning of the court and choosing to defend the rule of law and now seeking to uphold the correct opinion."

Henneke joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last year in arguing that a federal district judge should rule against Obamacare.  Judge Reed O'Connor agreed, and his decision is now being challenged at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Also known as Obamacare, the ACA survived a 2012 Supreme Court battle, when Chief Justice John Roberts admitted the ACA violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution but allowed the law to stand because the penalties Americans paid to the government for failing to purchase health insurance fell under the power of Congress to levy taxes.

The 2017 tax reform enacted a zero dollar penalty for defying the individual mandate.  So critics like Henneke say there's no longer a tax and revenue reason to keep the law.

Supporters of the ACA suggest conservatives are hypocritical for two major reasons.  First, they say critics of the Obama Justice Department were incensed when it refused to enforce laws it didn't like, such as the Defense of Marriage Act, but are only too happy to fight against existing laws now.

Henneke rejects the accusation.

"This duty to defend is a made up doctrine from only the last couple of decades.  It's not the role of the Department of Justice to win at any cost.  Their role is to seek justice and uphold the Constitution," said Henneke.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Henneke explain why ACA defenders are also wrong to accuse Republicans of abandoning Americans with pre-existing conditions if the law were struck down.  He also explains where the case stands at the appellate level.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17456547Wed, 27 Mar 2019 21:10:15 +0000Radio AmericaThe effort to strike down the Affordable Care Act just got a powerful new ally, as the Justice Department now says the courts should find the 2010 law unconstitutional, and one of the lawyers spearheading the case is thrilled with the news. "The...
"The Trump Justice Department is doing its job to uphold the Constitution," said Rob Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. "I commend the Trump administration Department of Justice looking at the reasoning of the court and choosing to defend the rule of law and now seeking to uphold the correct opinion."

Henneke joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last year in arguing that a federal district judge should rule against Obamacare.  Judge Reed O'Connor agreed, and his decision is now being challenged at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Also known as Obamacare, the ACA survived a 2012 Supreme Court battle, when Chief Justice John Roberts admitted the ACA violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution but allowed the law to stand because the penalties Americans paid to the government for failing to purchase health insurance fell under the power of Congress to levy taxes.

The 2017 tax reform enacted a zero dollar penalty for defying the individual mandate.  So critics like Henneke say there's no longer a tax and revenue reason to keep the law.

Supporters of the ACA suggest conservatives are hypocritical for two major reasons.  First, they say critics of the Obama Justice Department were incensed when it refused to enforce laws it didn't like, such as the Defense of Marriage Act, but are only too happy to fight against existing laws now.

Henneke rejects the accusation.

"This duty to defend is a made up doctrine from only the last couple of decades.  It's not the role of the Department of Justice to win at any cost.  Their role is to seek justice and uphold the Constitution," said Henneke.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Henneke explain why ACA defenders are also wrong to accuse Republicans of abandoning Americans with pre-existing conditions if the law were struck down.  He also explains where the case stands at the appellate level.]]>566aca,courts,john,news,obamacare,repeal,roberts,taxations,unconstitutionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/smollett-charges-dropped-is-privilege-to-blame--17446078
"We did not exonerate Mr. Smollett. The charges were dropped in return for Mr. Smollett's agreement to do community service and forfeit his $10,000 bond to the City of Chicago. Without the completion of these terms, the charges would not have been dropped. This outcome was met under the same criteria that would occur for and is available to any defendant with similar circumstances," said Tandra Simonton of the Cook County State's Attorney Office.

Law professor and attorney Horace Cooper, who is also co-chair of the black conservative Project 21 Advisory Board, is appalled by the decision.

"There is nothing I have witnessed in my time...where a prosecution is completely dropped - not deferred but completely dropped - without an acknowledgement of some sort of act of contrition and without any new information coming in to call into question the substance of the original allegations," said Cooper.

Cooper further asserts the Smollett case proves there is unfair privilege in the U.S., just not in the way that many activists suggest.

"What's revealing to some people is that this differential between what happens with main street Americans and those who are penthouse Americans: it isn't actually a function of race.  It is a function of wealth and status," said Cooper.

He says news that former Michelle Obama chief of staff Tina Tchen spoke with prosecutors also proves his point.

"If you and I were charged, the former first lady's lawyer's friends will not be calling on our behalf.  There is nothing like this for main street America," added Cooper.

Even Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasted the decision to drop the charges, pointing out that a grand jury agreed to charge Smollett on 16 counts after seeing just a fraction of the evidence.  He's also aghast that Smollett was allowed to go free and once again proclaim his innocence.

Cooper points out that Smollett had the opportunity to plead guilty to one count on the initial indictment and likely walk away with a slap on the wrist.  It was only after the actor doubled down on his story that the grand jury returned 16 counts against him.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cooper explain what option the Chicago Police Department can still pursue in the courts, and why he believes hate crime laws are a bad idea and actually encourage people to play the victim even when no crime has occurred.  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17446078Tue, 26 Mar 2019 21:16:23 +0000Radio AmericaProsecutors in Chicago stunned the nation Tuesday by dropping all charges against actor Jussie Smollett while still asserting that Smollett faked a hate crime against himself and cost the Chicago Police Department hundreds of hours and hundreds of...
"We did not exonerate Mr. Smollett. The charges were dropped in return for Mr. Smollett's agreement to do community service and forfeit his $10,000 bond to the City of Chicago. Without the completion of these terms, the charges would not have been dropped. This outcome was met under the same criteria that would occur for and is available to any defendant with similar circumstances," said Tandra Simonton of the Cook County State's Attorney Office.

Law professor and attorney Horace Cooper, who is also co-chair of the black conservative Project 21 Advisory Board, is appalled by the decision.

"There is nothing I have witnessed in my time...where a prosecution is completely dropped - not deferred but completely dropped - without an acknowledgement of some sort of act of contrition and without any new information coming in to call into question the substance of the original allegations," said Cooper.

Cooper further asserts the Smollett case proves there is unfair privilege in the U.S., just not in the way that many activists suggest.

"What's revealing to some people is that this differential between what happens with main street Americans and those who are penthouse Americans: it isn't actually a function of race.  It is a function of wealth and status," said Cooper.

He says news that former Michelle Obama chief of staff Tina Tchen spoke with prosecutors also proves his point.

"If you and I were charged, the former first lady's lawyer's friends will not be calling on our behalf.  There is nothing like this for main street America," added Cooper.

Even Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasted the decision to drop the charges, pointing out that a grand jury agreed to charge Smollett on 16 counts after seeing just a fraction of the evidence.  He's also aghast that Smollett was allowed to go free and once again proclaim his innocence.

Cooper points out that Smollett had the opportunity to plead guilty to one count on the initial indictment and likely walk away with a slap on the wrist.  It was only after the actor doubled down on his story that the grand jury returned 16 counts against him.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cooper explain what option the Chicago Police Department can still pursue in the courts, and why he believes hate crime laws are a bad idea and actually encourage people to play the victim even when no crime has occurred.  ]]>759charges,chicago,dropped,emanuel,news,smollettfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-mueller-derelict-for-leaving-question-on-obstruction--17435184
According to the letter Attorney General William Barr sent to Congress, Mueller ultimately made no recommendation on whether to there was a prosecutable case on obstruction.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Mueller probably realized quite early in his investigation that there was no evidence of Trump and his team colluding with Russians, but McCarthy believes Mueller dropped the ball on obstruction.

"That was his only job," said McCarthy.  "Really, if you think about it, his only job was to do what he refrained from doing, which is to draw a traditional prosecutorial conclusion about whether there is enough evidence to indict or not."

"Mueller was derelict in not drawing a conclusion on the obstruction aspect of the investigation," he added.

He also shed light on what the job of a prosecutor is.

"Prosecutors never exonerate anyone.  What prosecutors do is they make a decision about whether to charge or to decline to charge, based on whether there's enough evidence and whether a case meets - in this case -  Justice Department standards," said McCarthy.

McCarthy also believes the Mueller probe was launched on the faulty theory that Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May 2017 because he must have something to hide and not because he wanted to exercise powers granted to him in the Constitution.

In addition, McCarthy says the prosecution has delivered it's report and now the defense ought to get a turn, meaning there ought to be a robust investigation of the former Obama administration officials at the FBI, Justice Department, CIA and elsewhere that pushed the idea Russia and the Trump campaign were in cahoots.

Listen to the full podcast with a legal analyst who actually had this story right from the beginning, as McCarthy elaborates on what should come next, whether Trump critics will find any success continuing the probe in Congress or in the courts, and the damage the media did in pushing the Trump-Russia narrative.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17435184Mon, 25 Mar 2019 21:35:46 +0000Radio AmericaSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller found no evidence of the Trump campaign conspiring with Russia to influence the 2016 campaign but is apparently more ambiguous about whether the president obstructed justice during the investigation. According to the...
According to the letter Attorney General William Barr sent to Congress, Mueller ultimately made no recommendation on whether to there was a prosecutable case on obstruction.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Mueller probably realized quite early in his investigation that there was no evidence of Trump and his team colluding with Russians, but McCarthy believes Mueller dropped the ball on obstruction.

"That was his only job," said McCarthy.  "Really, if you think about it, his only job was to do what he refrained from doing, which is to draw a traditional prosecutorial conclusion about whether there is enough evidence to indict or not."

"Mueller was derelict in not drawing a conclusion on the obstruction aspect of the investigation," he added.

He also shed light on what the job of a prosecutor is.

"Prosecutors never exonerate anyone.  What prosecutors do is they make a decision about whether to charge or to decline to charge, based on whether there's enough evidence and whether a case meets - in this case -  Justice Department standards," said McCarthy.

McCarthy also believes the Mueller probe was launched on the faulty theory that Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May 2017 because he must have something to hide and not because he wanted to exercise powers granted to him in the Constitution.

In addition, McCarthy says the prosecution has delivered it's report and now the defense ought to get a turn, meaning there ought to be a robust investigation of the former Obama administration officials at the FBI, Justice Department, CIA and elsewhere that pushed the idea Russia and the Trump campaign were in cahoots.

Listen to the full podcast with a legal analyst who actually had this story right from the beginning, as McCarthy elaborates on what should come next, whether Trump critics will find any success continuing the probe in Congress or in the courts, and the damage the media did in pushing the Trump-Russia narrative.]]>993collusion,mueller,news,obstruction,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/victor-davis-hanson-offers-the-case-for-trump--17386792
But he did.

And almost four years after Trump launched his White House bid, most of his critics are still dumbfounded as to how he ever gained any traction, much less won a major party nomination and a general election.

Trump foes chalk up his political success to everything from Russian election meddling to James Comey to the Electoral College to women voting as their husbands tell them.  But Hoover Institution scholar and author Victor Davis Hanson says the real reasons for Trump's victory are much simpler and he believes Trump is in decent position for re-election.

Hanson is the author of "The Case for Trump."

Listen to the full podcast as Prof. Hanson explains why the working class in Middle America went for the Manhattan billionaire, what's real and what's fiction about the so-called Deep State, and why the Democrats running for president might be the best advertisement Trump could possibly have for 2020.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17386792Fri, 22 Mar 2019 21:10:55 +0000Radio AmericaWhen Donald Trump joined the 2016 presidential race, many Americans did not take him seriously.  Even after he won primaries and secured the nomination, millions assumed he had no chance of actually becoming president.   But he did. And almost four...
But he did.

And almost four years after Trump launched his White House bid, most of his critics are still dumbfounded as to how he ever gained any traction, much less won a major party nomination and a general election.

Trump foes chalk up his political success to everything from Russian election meddling to James Comey to the Electoral College to women voting as their husbands tell them.  But Hoover Institution scholar and author Victor Davis Hanson says the real reasons for Trump's victory are much simpler and he believes Trump is in decent position for re-election.

Hanson is the author of "The Case for Trump."

Listen to the full podcast as Prof. Hanson explains why the working class in Middle America went for the Manhattan billionaire, what's real and what's fiction about the so-called Deep State, and why the Democrats running for president might be the best advertisement Trump could possibly have for 2020.]]>12612016,2020,democrats,hanson,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nea-helps-push-transgender-agenda-on-kindergartners--17363211
Earlier this month, National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia joined Sarah McBride of the Human Right Campaign in reading "I Am Jazz" to a kindergarten class at Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia.  The  NEA is the largest teachers' union in the nation.  The Human Right Campaign is the largest LGBT lobby in the U.S.

According to the Washington Post, he event took place in conjunction with the NEA's Read Across America Day.

McBride, who was born a biological male but now identifies as female, read lines from the book, such as "“I have a girl brain but a boy body. This is called transgender. I was born this way."

Cathy Ruse, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, says it was "completely outrageous" to read such a book to a kindergarten class.  But she says there's more than what the Washington Post reported.

"The parents were not fully notified and they were not asked permission to have their kids in this event," said Ruse, noting that notice of the event only went to parents in English, whereas many of the families in that neighborhood do not speak English as their first language.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Ruse explain the significance of the National Education Association promoting this issue to young kids, why she believes activists are trying to smother any dissent on these issues, and what she sees as the proper way to approach any students struggling with their sex or gender.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17363211Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:01:24 +0000Radio AmericaOne of the most powerful forces in public education is actively promoting transgenderism to children as young as kindergartners. Earlier this month, National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia joined Sarah McBride of the Human Right...
Earlier this month, National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia joined Sarah McBride of the Human Right Campaign in reading "I Am Jazz" to a kindergarten class at Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia.  The  NEA is the largest teachers' union in the nation.  The Human Right Campaign is the largest LGBT lobby in the U.S.

According to the Washington Post, he event took place in conjunction with the NEA's Read Across America Day.

McBride, who was born a biological male but now identifies as female, read lines from the book, such as "“I have a girl brain but a boy body. This is called transgender. I was born this way."

Cathy Ruse, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, says it was "completely outrageous" to read such a book to a kindergarten class.  But she says there's more than what the Washington Post reported.

"The parents were not fully notified and they were not asked permission to have their kids in this event," said Ruse, noting that notice of the event only went to parents in English, whereas many of the families in that neighborhood do not speak English as their first language.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Ruse explain the significance of the National Education Association promoting this issue to young kids, why she believes activists are trying to smother any dissent on these issues, and what she sees as the proper way to approach any students struggling with their sex or gender.]]>972kindergarten,nea,news,transgenderfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/desantis-rising--17321122
"He eventually won by 32,000 votes or 0.4 percent of the vote.  He kind of went off the radar. but what this man has been doing off the radar is just amazing in terms of what he's trying to do and what he's accomplished and he's getting kudos on both sides for being so energetic and so successful," said syndicated columnist and National Review Contributing Editor Deroy Murdock.

Since taking office in January, DeSantis has replaced three Florida Supreme Court justices who were term-limited by age and worked to remove burdensome government mandates to get licensed for certain jobs.  He also accepted the resignations of two elections officials at the center of last year's vote-counting mess.  DeSantis also removed Broward County Cheriff Scott Israel over his performance before, during, and after the school shooting in Parkland.

The governor has also gone to bat for hurricane survivors to the federal government.  He's also ended Common Core education policies and thrilled partisans of all stripes in replacing the members of an important water commission in hopes of cleaning up the environment.

DeSantis served in the U.S. House of Representatives before winning the governor's office over Democrat Andrew Gillum.  Murdock says that's not an easy shift to navigate.

"I've seen very few people make that transition from Congress to becoming an executive as effectively and as swiftly as he has.  It's really quite stunning," said Murdock.

Murdock believes DeSantis ultimately won the election because of his support for school choice, a position that won him 18 percent of the vote from black women who want more options for their kids.  Not only did that help DeSantis, but Murdock thinks it's a road map for other GOP candidates.

"If he can keep this us, it's a model for other Republicans to go out in the black community, push school choice which is very important.  Just ask black parents, 'You tend to vote Democrat.  How are those Democrat-run schools doing?  how's your Democrat school board doing?  Are your kids learning anything?" said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how DeSantis is not only soaring above 60 percent approval in the state, how well he is doing among voters usually repelled by the GOP, and whether the popularity of DeSantis can help President Trump in 2020.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17321122Fri, 15 Mar 2019 21:04:15 +0000Radio AmericaIn November, Ron DeSantis was in the midst of a national political drama, as Florida officials conducted a recount to determine whether his slim victory would hold up.  Now, just two months into the job, DeSantis is piling up a flurry of...
"He eventually won by 32,000 votes or 0.4 percent of the vote.  He kind of went off the radar. but what this man has been doing off the radar is just amazing in terms of what he's trying to do and what he's accomplished and he's getting kudos on both sides for being so energetic and so successful," said syndicated columnist and National Review Contributing Editor Deroy Murdock.

Since taking office in January, DeSantis has replaced three Florida Supreme Court justices who were term-limited by age and worked to remove burdensome government mandates to get licensed for certain jobs.  He also accepted the resignations of two elections officials at the center of last year's vote-counting mess.  DeSantis also removed Broward County Cheriff Scott Israel over his performance before, during, and after the school shooting in Parkland.

The governor has also gone to bat for hurricane survivors to the federal government.  He's also ended Common Core education policies and thrilled partisans of all stripes in replacing the members of an important water commission in hopes of cleaning up the environment.

DeSantis served in the U.S. House of Representatives before winning the governor's office over Democrat Andrew Gillum.  Murdock says that's not an easy shift to navigate.

"I've seen very few people make that transition from Congress to becoming an executive as effectively and as swiftly as he has.  It's really quite stunning," said Murdock.

Murdock believes DeSantis ultimately won the election because of his support for school choice, a position that won him 18 percent of the vote from black women who want more options for their kids.  Not only did that help DeSantis, but Murdock thinks it's a road map for other GOP candidates.

"If he can keep this us, it's a model for other Republicans to go out in the black community, push school choice which is very important.  Just ask black parents, 'You tend to vote Democrat.  How are those Democrat-run schools doing?  how's your Democrat school board doing?  Are your kids learning anything?" said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how DeSantis is not only soaring above 60 percent approval in the state, how well he is doing among voters usually repelled by the GOP, and whether the popularity of DeSantis can help President Trump in 2020.]]>575accomplishments,desantis,florida,judges,news,polls,popularfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coburn-health-care-solutions-are-very-simple--17303241
A longtime doctor before entering the political arena, Coburn says patients would benefit enormously from price transparency and knowing the results that other patients have had from various providers.  He says all sides agree that health care costs consume 20 percent of the nation's GDP, but he says there's a much better way to address this than putting the government in charge of everything.

"We have multiple studies by reputable groups that said anywhere from $500 billion to a trillion dollars a years doesn't help anybody get well and doesn't prevent anybody from getting sick.  So how do you fix that?

"You fix that with what was proposed by the Trump administration, calling first for price transparency for everybody in health care.  Because once net prices are published, you're going to have 100,000 people making apps to show people how to get the best deal.

"Once you have price transparency, then you're going to have outcome transparency because what will happen is all the prices will settle down to the most competitive.  Then the differentiating factor will be, 'What are your outcomes?  What's your infection rate?  What's your major complication rate?  What's your average hospital stay for this?  What's your re-operation rate?'"

"All of a sudden we will start buying health care like we buy everything else in the country," said Coburn.

The fight for transparency won't be easy.  Coburn says there are a lot of powerful entities who have incentive to keep the bloated system in place.

"Who's opposed to that?  All the hospitals, all the big insurers, all the drug companies, all the pharmacy benefit managers, and everybody else that's a middle man in health care that sucks money out but doesn't add value," said Coburn.

But is this just theory or are these ideas actually working somewhere? Listen to the full podcast as Coburn explains how price and outcome transparency is proving wildly successful in his home state.  He also explains why our education system is utterly failing the young people clamoring for government-run care.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17303241Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:50:40 +0000Radio AmericaRepublican struggled and failed to overhaul Obamacare.  Many Democrats want the government to run health care entirely.  But former Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn says health care costs would plummet and choices would flourish if we simply bring...
A longtime doctor before entering the political arena, Coburn says patients would benefit enormously from price transparency and knowing the results that other patients have had from various providers.  He says all sides agree that health care costs consume 20 percent of the nation's GDP, but he says there's a much better way to address this than putting the government in charge of everything.

"We have multiple studies by reputable groups that said anywhere from $500 billion to a trillion dollars a years doesn't help anybody get well and doesn't prevent anybody from getting sick.  So how do you fix that?

"You fix that with what was proposed by the Trump administration, calling first for price transparency for everybody in health care.  Because once net prices are published, you're going to have 100,000 people making apps to show people how to get the best deal.

"Once you have price transparency, then you're going to have outcome transparency because what will happen is all the prices will settle down to the most competitive.  Then the differentiating factor will be, 'What are your outcomes?  What's your infection rate?  What's your major complication rate?  What's your average hospital stay for this?  What's your re-operation rate?'"

"All of a sudden we will start buying health care like we buy everything else in the country," said Coburn.

The fight for transparency won't be easy.  Coburn says there are a lot of powerful entities who have incentive to keep the bloated system in place.

"Who's opposed to that?  All the hospitals, all the big insurers, all the drug companies, all the pharmacy benefit managers, and everybody else that's a middle man in health care that sucks money out but doesn't add value," said Coburn.

But is this just theory or are these ideas actually working somewhere? Listen to the full podcast as Coburn explains how price and outcome transparency is proving wildly successful in his home state.  He also explains why our education system is utterly failing the young people clamoring for government-run care.]]>1230coburn,health,news,obamacare,single-payer,transparencyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/major-unions-reject-green-new-deal--17314073https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17314073Wed, 13 Mar 2019 20:55:23 +0000Radio AmericaThe AFL-CIO has declared its opposition to the Green New Deal. Radio America’s Christian Whittle reports.159falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-way-the-government-wastes-100-billion--17291904
It's called "use it or lose it" spending.  Agencies get a certain amount of money allotted each year in federal spending, and as the fiscal year draws to a close, the spending tends to ramp up dramatically.

"The federal agency heads spend down their budgets this year so they get the same or more money appropriated by Congress for the next year," said Adam Andrzejewski, founder and CEO at openthebooks.com.

In September 2018 alone, Andrzejewski reports that federal agencies shelled out nearly $100 billion.  Twenty percent of of the annual budget went towards this spending.

"In the last week, federal agencies spent $53 billion on contracts.  This was roughly one out of every ten dollars spent on the year was spent on this last week," said Andrzejewski.

Listen to the full podcast as Andrzejewski offers examples of how that taxpayer money was spent at the end of the year and what he thinks of President Trump's budget blueprint that calls for a five percent spending cut in Fiscal Year 2020.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17291904Mon, 11 Mar 2019 21:08:50 +0000Radio AmericaThe national debt just eclipsed $22 trillion, so wasting $100 billion per year seems small in comparison, but a government watchdog says federal agencies are wasting huge sums of money to ensure they keep getting even more. It's called "use it or...
It's called "use it or lose it" spending.  Agencies get a certain amount of money allotted each year in federal spending, and as the fiscal year draws to a close, the spending tends to ramp up dramatically.

"The federal agency heads spend down their budgets this year so they get the same or more money appropriated by Congress for the next year," said Adam Andrzejewski, founder and CEO at openthebooks.com.

In September 2018 alone, Andrzejewski reports that federal agencies shelled out nearly $100 billion.  Twenty percent of of the annual budget went towards this spending.

"In the last week, federal agencies spent $53 billion on contracts.  This was roughly one out of every ten dollars spent on the year was spent on this last week," said Andrzejewski.

Listen to the full podcast as Andrzejewski offers examples of how that taxpayer money was spent at the end of the year and what he thinks of President Trump's budget blueprint that calls for a five percent spending cut in Fiscal Year 2020.]]>570government,spending,wastefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-behind-the-left-s-aggressive-abortion-push--17244958
But why is this push happening now and do conservatives see a win coming anywhere?  We ask Patrina Mosley of the Family Research Council.  Listen to the full podcast as Mosley explains the urgency on the left to get this done, what efforts are still underway to ban infanticide on Capitol Hill, and why there is strong evidence Democrats are vastly overreaching on this issue.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17244958Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:05:07 +0000Radio AmericaLawmakers in New York and Vermont passed sweeping legislation removing abortion restrictions and are trying to do the same in Illinois, Rhode Island, and New Mexico.  Similar efforts failed in Virginia.  Even an infanticide ban failed to advance in...
But why is this push happening now and do conservatives see a win coming anywhere?  We ask Patrina Mosley of the Family Research Council.  Listen to the full podcast as Mosley explains the urgency on the left to get this done, what efforts are still underway to ban infanticide on Capitol Hill, and why there is strong evidence Democrats are vastly overreaching on this issue.]]>650abortion,congress,illinois,infanticide,newmexico,petition,rhodeislandfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/medicare-for-all-end-of-health-care-choice--17244956
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says this is the Democrats' version of repeal and replace, noting they are not trying to shore up the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, but are instead blowing it up in favor of a government-run health system.  She says eliminating private health insurance only weakens the consumer.

"You wind up eliminating choice.  Your only choice is the plan that the government offers," said Turner.

The plan Democrats say they all want is put all Americans into the Medicare program, which currently provides care for Americans 65-years-old and older.  But Turner says Medicare won't look the same when you throw more than 300 million people into it.

"If you have all Americans on Medicare at rates that are often below the cost of physicians providing that care, you're also going to change the program for 60 million Americans on Medicare, who are going to have a much harder time finding a physician to see them," said Turner.

Turner says the program will essentially become Medicaid for All, meaning the poor reimbursement rates for physicians will lead to fewer doctors staying on the job and seeing fewer and fewer patients.  She says some doctors now only get a few cents for treating Medicaid patients.

If government-run care were to become law, Turner says lobbyists would be flooding Washington to make sure their particular treatment is covered.

"We think we have lobbyists here now.  Wait until everyone being paid in the health care system has to argue to have their service included in this one government-run plan," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain why hospitals could close for months at a time each year if the U.S. adopts a single-payer system and why cancer patients and other people with major health problems would suffer the most.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17244956Wed, 06 Mar 2019 21:58:43 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Democrats are now formally pushing the "Medicare for All Act of 2019," which would put an end to private health insurance, but a leading health policy expert is warning that government-run health care is more of a nightmare than a dream come...
Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says this is the Democrats' version of repeal and replace, noting they are not trying to shore up the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, but are instead blowing it up in favor of a government-run health system.  She says eliminating private health insurance only weakens the consumer.

"You wind up eliminating choice.  Your only choice is the plan that the government offers," said Turner.

The plan Democrats say they all want is put all Americans into the Medicare program, which currently provides care for Americans 65-years-old and older.  But Turner says Medicare won't look the same when you throw more than 300 million people into it.

"If you have all Americans on Medicare at rates that are often below the cost of physicians providing that care, you're also going to change the program for 60 million Americans on Medicare, who are going to have a much harder time finding a physician to see them," said Turner.

Turner says the program will essentially become Medicaid for All, meaning the poor reimbursement rates for physicians will lead to fewer doctors staying on the job and seeing fewer and fewer patients.  She says some doctors now only get a few cents for treating Medicaid patients.

If government-run care were to become law, Turner says lobbyists would be flooding Washington to make sure their particular treatment is covered.

"We think we have lobbyists here now.  Wait until everyone being paid in the health care system has to argue to have their service included in this one government-run plan," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain why hospitals could close for months at a time each year if the U.S. adopts a single-payer system and why cancer patients and other people with major health problems would suffer the most.]]>826democrats,healthcare,medicare,news,single-payerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-battle-over-climate-data--17233255
Behind the urgency for the green new deal is a government report showing a climate tipping point around 2030 unless drastic action is taken.  Behind that report is a mountain of climate data, much of which is compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, otherwise known as NOAA.

But some scientists are wary of the ominous climate forecasts since they never seem to come true.  But they're also blowing the whistle on the data behind those projections.

"The models simply are wrong every single time, so what they keep doing is adjusting the data they put into the model to try and approximate what's actually happening," said Dr. Tim Ball, former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."

And how is this done?

"What they do is they lower the historic readings.  In other words, they go back and say, 'Well, these readings were not taken with good instruments at bad sites and so on.  So we have to adjust them.  Every single adjustment they make is to lower the temperatures from years ago.

"It then makes the apparent increase in temperature much greater than it actually is.  So this is the kind of corruption that's going on," said Ball.

Ball says these temperatures are not done surreptitiously but out in the open with the explanation that scientists are simply revising data, much like the government revises economic reports when additional information comes in.

"That's what they're saying but the changes they're making are not justified.  They're done to simply make sure that their forecasts are correct.  That's a different thing," said Ball.

Even with the allegedly manipulated data, Ball says the United Nations-sponsored scientists still can't make their forecasts come true.  In fact, he says scientists cannot even agree on global temperatures in a given year, differing by as much as a half-degree Celsius.

"If you've got a difference between two different agencies of half a degree Celsius just on one year's data, it illustrates how laughable the data is and how they're producing it," said Ball.

"I mean this is a total farce in terms of claiming any degree of accuracy or knowing what they're doing.  I don't know of any job in the world where you can be so wrong so often, and still keep your job," said Ball.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Ball further explain the cherry picking of data and why he believes we're heading deeper and deeper into a cooling pattern that will further confound efforts to convince the world that global temperatures are soaring out of control.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17233255Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:17:42 +0000Radio AmericaThe climate debate is intensifying again as Democrats try to build support for the Green New Deal while opponents push back on efforts to overhaul the U.S. economy.  Behind the urgency for the green new deal is a government report showing a climate...
Behind the urgency for the green new deal is a government report showing a climate tipping point around 2030 unless drastic action is taken.  Behind that report is a mountain of climate data, much of which is compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, otherwise known as NOAA.

But some scientists are wary of the ominous climate forecasts since they never seem to come true.  But they're also blowing the whistle on the data behind those projections.

"The models simply are wrong every single time, so what they keep doing is adjusting the data they put into the model to try and approximate what's actually happening," said Dr. Tim Ball, former professor of climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."

And how is this done?

"What they do is they lower the historic readings.  In other words, they go back and say, 'Well, these readings were not taken with good instruments at bad sites and so on.  So we have to adjust them.  Every single adjustment they make is to lower the temperatures from years ago.

"It then makes the apparent increase in temperature much greater than it actually is.  So this is the kind of corruption that's going on," said Ball.

Ball says these temperatures are not done surreptitiously but out in the open with the explanation that scientists are simply revising data, much like the government revises economic reports when additional information comes in.

"That's what they're saying but the changes they're making are not justified.  They're done to simply make sure that their forecasts are correct.  That's a different thing," said Ball.

Even with the allegedly manipulated data, Ball says the United Nations-sponsored scientists still can't make their forecasts come true.  In fact, he says scientists cannot even agree on global temperatures in a given year, differing by as much as a half-degree Celsius.

"If you've got a difference between two different agencies of half a degree Celsius just on one year's data, it illustrates how laughable the data is and how they're producing it," said Ball.

"I mean this is a total farce in terms of claiming any degree of accuracy or knowing what they're doing.  I don't know of any job in the world where you can be so wrong so often, and still keep your job," said Ball.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Ball further explain the cherry picking of data and why he believes we're heading deeper and deeper into a cooling pattern that will further confound efforts to convince the world that global temperatures are soaring out of control.]]>712change,climate,data,greennewdeal,news,noaafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-really-in-the-universal-background-check-bill--17197462
Universal background checks sound simple.  The idea is that if you want to buy a firearm, you must go through a background check to make sure you don't have a criminal record or present a threat to those around you.  But Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says there are all sort of transfer provisions that could turn any gun owner into a lawbreaker.

"If you transfer a gun to any other person for as little as a second and you don't come with an exception, you are a criminal and can be put in prison for up to a year. 

"So if you sell your gun to your son for a dollar, you're a criminal.  If you give your gun to your stepson, you're a criminal.  If you hand your gun to your neighbor to look at and go into the kitchen for a paper towel, you're a criminal.  If you go hunting with a friend and hand him your gun and he doesn't have a hunting license or is a veteran with PTSD, you're a criminal," said Hammond.

"It's simply an effort to make gun ownership so full of trap doors that no one wants to own a gun because every time you handle that gun or hand that gun to someone, you basically risk going to jail," he added.

Hammond says no mass shooter in 20 years would have been stopped by this legislation.  He says law-abiding Americans are the only ones who get stopped from buying guns with a background check.

"Most people who walk into gun dealers and fail background checks, their overwhelming reaction is absolute surprise.  They're people like veterans, people who haven't paid traffic tickets, people whose psychiatrists have turned them in, people who had no idea in the world that the convolutions of federal law would prohibit them from purchasing a firearm.

"The murderers, on the other hand, just get their guns on the street," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Hammond's analysis of the House bill, why he thinks the legislation is already dead even before getting to the Senate, and what he thinks Democrats would push for if the universal background check bill ever became law.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17197462Fri, 01 Mar 2019 22:26:13 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, the House of Representatives passed legislation requiring universal background checks for any gun purchase, but one of the leading defenders of the second amendment says there a whole lot more in the bill than meets the eye. Universal...
Universal background checks sound simple.  The idea is that if you want to buy a firearm, you must go through a background check to make sure you don't have a criminal record or present a threat to those around you.  But Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Mike Hammond says there are all sort of transfer provisions that could turn any gun owner into a lawbreaker.

"If you transfer a gun to any other person for as little as a second and you don't come with an exception, you are a criminal and can be put in prison for up to a year. 

"So if you sell your gun to your son for a dollar, you're a criminal.  If you give your gun to your stepson, you're a criminal.  If you hand your gun to your neighbor to look at and go into the kitchen for a paper towel, you're a criminal.  If you go hunting with a friend and hand him your gun and he doesn't have a hunting license or is a veteran with PTSD, you're a criminal," said Hammond.

"It's simply an effort to make gun ownership so full of trap doors that no one wants to own a gun because every time you handle that gun or hand that gun to someone, you basically risk going to jail," he added.

Hammond says no mass shooter in 20 years would have been stopped by this legislation.  He says law-abiding Americans are the only ones who get stopped from buying guns with a background check.

"Most people who walk into gun dealers and fail background checks, their overwhelming reaction is absolute surprise.  They're people like veterans, people who haven't paid traffic tickets, people whose psychiatrists have turned them in, people who had no idea in the world that the convolutions of federal law would prohibit them from purchasing a firearm.

"The murderers, on the other hand, just get their guns on the street," said Hammond.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Hammond's analysis of the House bill, why he thinks the legislation is already dead even before getting to the Senate, and what he thinks Democrats would push for if the universal background check bill ever became law.]]>663background,checks,congress,democrats,gunsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-defense-of-the-electoral-college--17186786
This week, Colorado became the twelfth state to enact legislation requiring it's electoral votes to be awarded to the winner of the national popular vote, regardless of the outcome in those states.  Right now, those 12 states total 181 electoral votes.

So why did the founders create the Electoral College?

"The founders didn't fully trust the idea of democracy yet also wanted to give some leeway to the states to have their own voting system.  They wanted to protect the idea of federalism and leave to them how their elections would go," said Jarrett Stepman, an editor and commentary writer at the Daily Signal, which is affiliated with the Heritage Foundation.

He says it also gives smaller states a slightly larger voice in the presidential election.  Electoral votes are awarded to states based on the number of senators and representatives they have.  Since all states have two senators, smaller states receive a bit more of a percentage of the electoral vote than their populations would indicate.

In the early decades of the United States, state affiliation often trumped national affiliation, prompting the founders to put a premium on state power.

"They all had this general concept that the concept of federalism really protects the idea of liberty and self-government, especially in a broad-based republic like ours," said Stepman.

In addition to principle, says Stepman, is practicality.  He says as ugly as the 2000 Florida recount was to determine whether George W. Bush or Al Gore would win the state and the presidency, imagine a nationwide recount to settle such a dilemma.

"It would have been a giant national nightmare, even beyond what it was.  This would have looked like a mass national recount.  It was so bad as it was in Florida itself, you can only imagine what this would be across the country," said Stepman.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Stepman explain the legal hurdles awaiting this movement to circumvent the Electoral College, what Alexander Hamilton said about it in Federalist 68, and why we badly need to improve civics education.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17186786Thu, 28 Feb 2019 22:06:59 +0000Radio AmericaAfter winning the popular vote but losing the presidency twice in 16 years, Democrats are determined to make a majority of the Electoral College contingent on which candidate wins the popular vote, but one expert says we might want to remember why the...
This week, Colorado became the twelfth state to enact legislation requiring it's electoral votes to be awarded to the winner of the national popular vote, regardless of the outcome in those states.  Right now, those 12 states total 181 electoral votes.

So why did the founders create the Electoral College?

"The founders didn't fully trust the idea of democracy yet also wanted to give some leeway to the states to have their own voting system.  They wanted to protect the idea of federalism and leave to them how their elections would go," said Jarrett Stepman, an editor and commentary writer at the Daily Signal, which is affiliated with the Heritage Foundation.

He says it also gives smaller states a slightly larger voice in the presidential election.  Electoral votes are awarded to states based on the number of senators and representatives they have.  Since all states have two senators, smaller states receive a bit more of a percentage of the electoral vote than their populations would indicate.

In the early decades of the United States, state affiliation often trumped national affiliation, prompting the founders to put a premium on state power.

"They all had this general concept that the concept of federalism really protects the idea of liberty and self-government, especially in a broad-based republic like ours," said Stepman.

In addition to principle, says Stepman, is practicality.  He says as ugly as the 2000 Florida recount was to determine whether George W. Bush or Al Gore would win the state and the presidency, imagine a nationwide recount to settle such a dilemma.

"It would have been a giant national nightmare, even beyond what it was.  This would have looked like a mass national recount.  It was so bad as it was in Florida itself, you can only imagine what this would be across the country," said Stepman.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Stepman explain the legal hurdles awaiting this movement to circumvent the Electoral College, what Alexander Hamilton said about it in Federalist 68, and why we badly need to improve civics education.]]>703college,colorado,electoral,federalism,founders,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/house-democrats-vote-to-terminate-trump-s-national-emergency--17176110https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17176110Wed, 27 Feb 2019 22:08:20 +0000Radio AmericaThe House of Representatives have passed a resolution of disapproval on the National Emergency declaration that President Trump issued February 15. The vote sends the measure to the Senate where it's fate remains unclear. Radio America's Christian...179democrats,house,republicans,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toensing-cohen-testimony-shows-dems-moving-on-from-russia--17175957
While slamming Trump as a corrupt businessman who broke campaign finance laws, cheated on his wife, lied about a Trump project in Moscow, and treated his presidential bid like an infomercial, Cohen also admitted he had no direct evidence that Trump or his campaign colluded with Russia. 

He does believe Trump knew about Roger Stone's contacts with Wikileaks around the time that emails from Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee were released.

Former Justice Department official Victoria Toensing says this hearing is a turning point as the Democrats pivot away from Russia and look for other reasons to investigate the president.

"The Democrats now know that there's nothing in the Mueller report.  So what are they going to do?  They're going to go after his finances.  That's what this is all about laying the groundwork to impeach the president," said Toensing.

Beyond that, Toensing says Democrats are trying to turn two non-issues into scandals.  She says Trump was perfectly free to negotiate business dealings in Russia up until his inauguration.  She also says the payments to adult film performer Stephanie Clifford, while unseemly, were also legal since Trump paid Cohen from personal funds rather than campaign coffers.

Listen to the full podcast as Toensing explains why she believes neither of those matters were criminal and why Cohen ended up pleading guilty for those payments if there was no crime.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17175957Wed, 27 Feb 2019 22:07:18 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Trump attorney Michael Cohen savaged the president as a "racist, a con man, and a cheat," but also may have provided important evidence that Trump did not conspire with Russians during the 2016 campaign. While slamming Trump as a corrupt...
While slamming Trump as a corrupt businessman who broke campaign finance laws, cheated on his wife, lied about a Trump project in Moscow, and treated his presidential bid like an infomercial, Cohen also admitted he had no direct evidence that Trump or his campaign colluded with Russia. 

He does believe Trump knew about Roger Stone's contacts with Wikileaks around the time that emails from Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee were released.

Former Justice Department official Victoria Toensing says this hearing is a turning point as the Democrats pivot away from Russia and look for other reasons to investigate the president.

"The Democrats now know that there's nothing in the Mueller report.  So what are they going to do?  They're going to go after his finances.  That's what this is all about laying the groundwork to impeach the president," said Toensing.

Beyond that, Toensing says Democrats are trying to turn two non-issues into scandals.  She says Trump was perfectly free to negotiate business dealings in Russia up until his inauguration.  She also says the payments to adult film performer Stephanie Clifford, while unseemly, were also legal since Trump paid Cohen from personal funds rather than campaign coffers.

Listen to the full podcast as Toensing explains why she believes neither of those matters were criminal and why Cohen ended up pleading guilty for those payments if there was no crime.]]>6842016,cohen,daniels,elections,news,russia,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-is-such-extreme-depths-of-depravity--17162703
"It's actually immensely helpful.  It reveals with such clarity what the abortion lobby wants, which is a right to a dead child no matter what," said Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley.

On Monday, the Senate failed to reach 60 votes in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.  The vote was 53-44.  Three Democrats voted in favor of the plan.  Three Republicans missed the vote.

In explaining their opposition to the bill sponsored by Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, Democrats cited their pro-choice commitments.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray argued that the legislation would force women to accept “care that may directly conflict with your wishes at a deeply personal, often incredibly painful moment in your life — because politicians in Washington decided their beliefs mattered more than yours.”

"Republican politicians just tried (and failed) again to score political points at the expense of women. Enough. Women and their doctors should decide what’s best for their health – not the Republican politicians just tried (and failed) again to score political points at the expense of women. Enough. Women and their doctors should decide what’s best for their health – not the @SenateGOP," tweeted Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Quigley says those arguments aren't even relevant in this debate.

"This is not a bill about abortion.  It's about infanticide and protecting babies that are born alive during failed abortions, completely separate entities from their moms.  What are we going to do with them?  All this bill would do is require that those infants receive the same care that we would give and expect for a preemie baby born at the same stage," said Quigley.

Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins supported the legislation.  Quigley says Collins is strongly pro-choice and her vote proves this bill was not about abortion.

Other Democrats said the legislation was unnecessary because infanticide is already banned through the 2002 Born-Alive Infant Protection Act.  Quigley says that's very misleading.

"The 2002 bill was really a statement about what we believe about these babies, but it didn't require anything.  There were no legal teeth and no legal requirements," said Quigley.

The Sasse bill allows for mothers to prosecute providers for not caring for their child once it's born and prescribes jail time for those who refuse to attempt life-saving care.

Quigley says this should have been an easy vote on the merits and in pleasing the public.

"It's not just the morally right position to take.  It's very popular.  Seventy-seven percent of voters support this legislation.  Fifty-five percent strongly support it," she said.

Quigley expects this issue to resonate loudly in the 2020 campaign now that Americans can see where Democrats stand.

"This is such extreme depths of depravity.  It's really horrifying that we're in a place where we have to have these conversations, but I'm thankful for the clarity, because at least having this conversation allows us to change people's hearts and minds," said Quigley.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Quigley respond to other objections from Democrats on the legislation, how pro-life lawmakers are working to force a vote on this in the House of Representatives, and how President Trump is taking steps to reduce taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood by as much as $60 million.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17162703Tue, 26 Feb 2019 21:47:11 +0000Radio AmericaPro-life activists are deeply upset that Democrats derailed legislation to protect babies who are delivered after attempted abortions, but they say the silver lining is that there is no doubt where Democrats now stand on infanticide. "It's actually...
"It's actually immensely helpful.  It reveals with such clarity what the abortion lobby wants, which is a right to a dead child no matter what," said Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley.

On Monday, the Senate failed to reach 60 votes in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.  The vote was 53-44.  Three Democrats voted in favor of the plan.  Three Republicans missed the vote.

In explaining their opposition to the bill sponsored by Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, Democrats cited their pro-choice commitments.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray argued that the legislation would force women to accept “care that may directly conflict with your wishes at a deeply personal, often incredibly painful moment in your life — because politicians in Washington decided their beliefs mattered more than yours.”

"Republican politicians just tried (and failed) again to score political points at the expense of women. Enough. Women and their doctors should decide what’s best for their health – not the Republican politicians just tried (and failed) again to score political points at the expense of women. Enough. Women and their doctors should decide what’s best for their health – not the @SenateGOP," tweeted Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Quigley says those arguments aren't even relevant in this debate.

"This is not a bill about abortion.  It's about infanticide and protecting babies that are born alive during failed abortions, completely separate entities from their moms.  What are we going to do with them?  All this bill would do is require that those infants receive the same care that we would give and expect for a preemie baby born at the same stage," said Quigley.

Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins supported the legislation.  Quigley says Collins is strongly pro-choice and her vote proves this bill was not about abortion.

Other Democrats said the legislation was unnecessary because infanticide is already banned through the 2002 Born-Alive Infant Protection Act.  Quigley says that's very misleading.

"The 2002 bill was really a statement about what we believe about these babies, but it didn't require anything.  There were no legal teeth and no legal requirements," said Quigley.

The Sasse bill allows for mothers to prosecute providers for not caring for their child once it's born and prescribes jail time for those who refuse to attempt life-saving care.

Quigley says this should have been an easy vote on the merits and in pleasing the public.

"It's not just the morally right position to take.  It's very popular.  Seventy-seven percent of voters support this legislation.  Fifty-five percent strongly support it," she said.

Quigley expects this issue to resonate loudly in the 2020 campaign now that Americans can see where Democrats stand.

"This is such extreme depths of depravity.  It's really horrifying that we're in a place where we have to have these conversations, but I'm thankful for the clarity, because at least having this conversation allows us to change people's hearts and minds," said Quigley.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Quigley respond to other objections from Democrats on the legislation, how pro-life lawmakers are working to force a vote on this in the House of Representatives, and how President Trump is taking steps to reduce taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood by as much as $60 million.]]>964abortion,infanticide,news,sasse,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kraft-case-sex-trafficking-not-victimless-crimes--17120625
Kraft was identified, along with many other people, as part of a prostitution and sex trafficking investigation.  He denies the allegations.  

Several libertarian voices suggest there ought to be no crime here because it was a transaction between two consenting adults.  Kevin Malone disagrees.  The longtime Major League Baseball executive is president of the board of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking.

"Anyone who says they're two consenting adults is truly an idiot and doesn't understand - particularly in this situation with Robert Kraft - the women at these massage parlors were there against their will.  They were actually sex slaves being sold out of the massage parlor," said Malone.

He says many of the females involved are 17 years or younger and therefore cannot consent.  In addition, Malone believes few adult women participate in sex trafficking voluntarily.  He says they get caught up in it as girls and then feel that continuing in prostitution is their only option.

Malone says that up to 70 percent of sex trafficking is online, so while parents are right to keep their kids close by when out in public, the even greater threat is who they might be communicating with online.  He also says sex traffickers are known to strike up friendships with kids in public rather than abducting them right away.  They build trust with the kids to lure them into intimate relationships and eventually prostitution.

He urges parents to keep a very close eye on their kids' internet activities.

Listen to the full podcast to understand how sex trafficking is happening in our communities - and not just on street corners and massage parlors - and how to spot a possible victim when you see one.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17120625Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:08:20 +0000Radio AmericaNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is expected to be charged with solicitation of a sex act at a Florida massage parlor, and the story highlights once again the scourge of sex trafficking in the United States. Kraft was identified, along with...
Kraft was identified, along with many other people, as part of a prostitution and sex trafficking investigation.  He denies the allegations.  

Several libertarian voices suggest there ought to be no crime here because it was a transaction between two consenting adults.  Kevin Malone disagrees.  The longtime Major League Baseball executive is president of the board of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking.

"Anyone who says they're two consenting adults is truly an idiot and doesn't understand - particularly in this situation with Robert Kraft - the women at these massage parlors were there against their will.  They were actually sex slaves being sold out of the massage parlor," said Malone.

He says many of the females involved are 17 years or younger and therefore cannot consent.  In addition, Malone believes few adult women participate in sex trafficking voluntarily.  He says they get caught up in it as girls and then feel that continuing in prostitution is their only option.

Malone says that up to 70 percent of sex trafficking is online, so while parents are right to keep their kids close by when out in public, the even greater threat is who they might be communicating with online.  He also says sex traffickers are known to strike up friendships with kids in public rather than abducting them right away.  They build trust with the kids to lure them into intimate relationships and eventually prostitution.

He urges parents to keep a very close eye on their kids' internet activities.

Listen to the full podcast to understand how sex trafficking is happening in our communities - and not just on street corners and massage parlors - and how to spot a possible victim when you see one.]]>697kraft,news,prostitution,traffickingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-the-green-new-deal-is-really-red--17110143
Dr. Paul Kengor teaches political science at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He says a closer look at the Green New Deal proves the effort to save Earth is just a smokescreen.

"This is sort of classic leftist, progressive, socialistic economic socialism more than it is green environmentalism," said Kengor.

Kengor says the proof is that much of what progressives want to do has nothing to do with the environment.  And while the Democrats have not released their legislation yet, Kengor says the pillars of a Green New Deal pushed by the Green Party are very revealing.

"Three of the four planks are about the economic bill of rights, abolishing the Electoral College - things are are political, economic, ideological, much more than they are environmental," said Kengor, who says Americans should not believe Democrats when they say their widely-rejected talking points didn't really reflect their bill.

According to Kengor, many of the communists in Europe migrated to the green movement after the fall of communism there.  But if the green agenda is really just a Trojan horse for socialism, why do progressives believe the environmental movement is the best vehicle for achieving their goals?

"For the old communists and socialists, what the environmental movement allows them to do is control and regulate and limit people and resources," said Kengor.

He also says the environment debate the issue.

"Among other things, the beauty of it for them is that the trees and frogs and rocks and birds can't tell them to go take a hike," said Kengor.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Kengor thinks Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is right to vote on the Green New Deal, why identity politics is creating more support for the plan than it would otherwise have, and why socialism requires atheism to flourish.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17110143Thu, 21 Feb 2019 22:11:14 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats are pushing the Green New Deal as the urgent response needed to the climate change crisis facing our planet, but a respected Cold War scholar says there's nothing new about what Democrats want to do with this legislation because it's the...
Dr. Paul Kengor teaches political science at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He says a closer look at the Green New Deal proves the effort to save Earth is just a smokescreen.

"This is sort of classic leftist, progressive, socialistic economic socialism more than it is green environmentalism," said Kengor.

Kengor says the proof is that much of what progressives want to do has nothing to do with the environment.  And while the Democrats have not released their legislation yet, Kengor says the pillars of a Green New Deal pushed by the Green Party are very revealing.

"Three of the four planks are about the economic bill of rights, abolishing the Electoral College - things are are political, economic, ideological, much more than they are environmental," said Kengor, who says Americans should not believe Democrats when they say their widely-rejected talking points didn't really reflect their bill.

According to Kengor, many of the communists in Europe migrated to the green movement after the fall of communism there.  But if the green agenda is really just a Trojan horse for socialism, why do progressives believe the environmental movement is the best vehicle for achieving their goals?

"For the old communists and socialists, what the environmental movement allows them to do is control and regulate and limit people and resources," said Kengor.

He also says the environment debate the issue.

"Among other things, the beauty of it for them is that the trees and frogs and rocks and birds can't tell them to go take a hike," said Kengor.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Kengor thinks Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is right to vote on the Green New Deal, why identity politics is creating more support for the plan than it would otherwise have, and why socialism requires atheism to flourish.]]>892atheism,environment,gnd,greennewdeal,mcconnell,news,socialismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-gop-candidate-dem-scandals-insult-to-dumpster-fires--17089398
Over the past three weeks, all three of Virginia's statewide elected leaders found themselves mired in scandal.  Gov. Ralph Northam gave a radio interview that seemed to condone infanticide and then was discovered to have a photo on his page of a medical school yearbook that showed one person in blackface and another in KKK dress.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is accused of sexual assault by two women, and Attorney General Mark Herring admitted to wearing blackface in college just days after declaring Northam needed to step down.

D.J. Jordan is a longtime public relations expert on Capitol Hill and beyond.  He is running to unseat first-term Democrat Elizabeth Guzman in Virginia's 31st district.  He says the Democrats have covered themselves in disgrace.

"I would call our executive branch leadership right now a dumpster fire but I think that would be an insult to dumpster fires," said Jordan.  "As a black conservative, I've been saying for a long time that Democrats don't hold any moral authority on the issue of race.  I think the nation is now seeing that in Virginia with Gov. Northam and his scandal."

Jordan is especially galled by the Northam revelations following Northam's aggressive labeling of Republican rival Ed Gillespie as a racist in the 2017 governor's race "for things that were definitely not even close to racism."

"Our country will never move forward on the issue of race unless we stop weaponizing race issues and actually create a different culture where we respect and trust each other," said Jordan.

But Jordan says he's mystified at how Northam has not gotten as much grief over his late-term abortion comments.

"I am disappointed that Northam's blackface controversy has gotten more attention than his support for late-term abortion and infanticide.  Both of these issues in my opinion are connected.  They are both an assault against human dignity - racism and abortion," said Jordan.

Removing abortion restrictions was just one bill pushed by Democrats earlier this year.  They also called for numerous gun control measures, a $15 minimum wage, and a repeal of right to work laws.  Jordan says the narrow GOP majorities in the legislature stopped all of those measures, but it will be a different story if Democrats control the legislature next year. 

"All of the crazy left-leaning bills that you have seen that are introduced that have been stopped would become law next year," said Jordan.

That's why Jordan is running to unseat Guzman, who he says is simply too far left to properly represent the district.

"Elizabeth Guzman is very, very liberal.  Her policies are very far to the left.  She takes a lot of cues and direction from the national liberal progressive movement, whether it be introducing a bill to prohibit plastic straws in the state of Virginia or whether it be her belief in Medicare for all," said Jordan.

Jordan says he's running to stop the socialist mindset from gaining the upper hand in Virginia.

"I'm running to defend freedom and opportunity in Virginia.  I believe the principles that helped my father escape poverty in the Tidewater area of Virginia - and then he went on to build a small business for himself and provide a life for me.   I feel like those principles are under attack in Virginia," said Jordan.

Calling himself an "opportunity conservative," Jordan says he wants to champion education and economic opportunity.  He says his earlier service on Virginia's State Board of Social Services proved to him that endless government programs do not solve poverty.

"I saw a lot of policies that helped low-income people, but I saw way more policies that actually hurt poor people because it created government dependency," said Jordan.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Jordan's opportunity agenda, why he thinks Republicans can find a receptive audience among black voters if they make the effort, and why he thinks the 2019 elections in Virginia will not resemble the Democratic waves of 2017 and 2018.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17089398Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:45:47 +0000Radio AmericaCampaign season is revving up in Virginia with all legislative seats on the ballot this year and a prominent Republican challenger is warning Virginia of what Democratic control of the commonwealth would look like while blasting state leaders for...
Over the past three weeks, all three of Virginia's statewide elected leaders found themselves mired in scandal.  Gov. Ralph Northam gave a radio interview that seemed to condone infanticide and then was discovered to have a photo on his page of a medical school yearbook that showed one person in blackface and another in KKK dress.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is accused of sexual assault by two women, and Attorney General Mark Herring admitted to wearing blackface in college just days after declaring Northam needed to step down.

D.J. Jordan is a longtime public relations expert on Capitol Hill and beyond.  He is running to unseat first-term Democrat Elizabeth Guzman in Virginia's 31st district.  He says the Democrats have covered themselves in disgrace.

"I would call our executive branch leadership right now a dumpster fire but I think that would be an insult to dumpster fires," said Jordan.  "As a black conservative, I've been saying for a long time that Democrats don't hold any moral authority on the issue of race.  I think the nation is now seeing that in Virginia with Gov. Northam and his scandal."

Jordan is especially galled by the Northam revelations following Northam's aggressive labeling of Republican rival Ed Gillespie as a racist in the 2017 governor's race "for things that were definitely not even close to racism."

"Our country will never move forward on the issue of race unless we stop weaponizing race issues and actually create a different culture where we respect and trust each other," said Jordan.

But Jordan says he's mystified at how Northam has not gotten as much grief over his late-term abortion comments.

"I am disappointed that Northam's blackface controversy has gotten more attention than his support for late-term abortion and infanticide.  Both of these issues in my opinion are connected.  They are both an assault against human dignity - racism and abortion," said Jordan.

Removing abortion restrictions was just one bill pushed by Democrats earlier this year.  They also called for numerous gun control measures, a $15 minimum wage, and a repeal of right to work laws.  Jordan says the narrow GOP majorities in the legislature stopped all of those measures, but it will be a different story if Democrats control the legislature next year. 

"All of the crazy left-leaning bills that you have seen that are introduced that have been stopped would become law next year," said Jordan.

That's why Jordan is running to unseat Guzman, who he says is simply too far left to properly represent the district.

"Elizabeth Guzman is very, very liberal.  Her policies are very far to the left.  She takes a lot of cues and direction from the national liberal progressive movement, whether it be introducing a bill to prohibit plastic straws in the state of Virginia or whether it be her belief in Medicare for all," said Jordan.

Jordan says he's running to stop the socialist mindset from gaining the upper hand in Virginia.

"I'm running to defend freedom and opportunity in Virginia.  I believe the principles that helped my father escape poverty in the Tidewater area of Virginia - and then he went on to build a small business for himself and provide a life for me.   I feel like those principles are under attack in Virginia," said Jordan.

Calling himself an "opportunity conservative," Jordan says he wants to champion education and economic opportunity.  He says his earlier service on Virginia's State Board of Social Services proved to him that endless government programs do not solve poverty.

"I...]]>734abortion,jordan,news,northam,race,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rebels-without-a-clause-report-slams-dems-for-applying-religious-tests--17078163
The final paragraph of Article VI in the Constitution reads: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

But the report, entitled,"Rebels Without A Clause: When Senators Run Roughshod Over the “No Religious Test” Clause of the U.S. Constitution," accuses 11 Democrats and Independent Bernie Sanders of using a nominee's faith to deem them unqualified. 

"The idea is that the line of questioning from primarily Democratic senators over the past two years has been a violation of the spirit, if the not the text, of that clause," said Alexandra McPhee, director of religious freedom advocacy at Family Research Council.

The report highlights moments like Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono and California Sen. Kamala Harris being deeply troubled by nominees to were members of Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization focused on charity and service.  

Trump's nominee to be deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, was hammered by Sanders and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen for a private letter in which Vought said salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ.  

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was repeatedly asked by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker about his personal opinions on homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

Another nominee was peppered with questions regarding things his pastor had said.

Perhaps the best known example is California Sen. Dianne Feinstein explaining her opposition to the nomination of Notre Dame Prof. Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

"When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you," said Feinstein.

McPhee says that sort of statement violates the Constitution.

"She's basically saying that she distrusts Amy Coney Barrett and her ability to be impartial because Judge Barrett has deeply-held religious convictions," said McPhee.

Listen to the full podcast to hear McPhee explain what is proper and improper in evaluating a nominee.  She also answers counterarguments like how lawmakers ought to be sure a nominee will be faithful to the Constitution and how she would approach a Muslim nominee who is personally favorable towards Sharia law.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17078163Mon, 18 Feb 2019 22:12:20 +0000Radio AmericaA new Family Research Council report alleges that nine different Trump administration nominees have been the subject of unconstitutional questioning because Senate Democrats are concerned that the strong faith of the nominees makes them unfit for...
The final paragraph of Article VI in the Constitution reads: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

But the report, entitled,"Rebels Without A Clause: When Senators Run Roughshod Over the “No Religious Test” Clause of the U.S. Constitution," accuses 11 Democrats and Independent Bernie Sanders of using a nominee's faith to deem them unqualified. 

"The idea is that the line of questioning from primarily Democratic senators over the past two years has been a violation of the spirit, if the not the text, of that clause," said Alexandra McPhee, director of religious freedom advocacy at Family Research Council.

The report highlights moments like Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono and California Sen. Kamala Harris being deeply troubled by nominees to were members of Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization focused on charity and service.  

Trump's nominee to be deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, was hammered by Sanders and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen for a private letter in which Vought said salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ.  

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was repeatedly asked by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker about his personal opinions on homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

Another nominee was peppered with questions regarding things his pastor had said.

Perhaps the best known example is California Sen. Dianne Feinstein explaining her opposition to the nomination of Notre Dame Prof. Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

"When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you," said Feinstein.

McPhee says that sort of statement violates the Constitution.

"She's basically saying that she distrusts Amy Coney Barrett and her ability to be impartial because Judge Barrett has deeply-held religious convictions," said McPhee.

Listen to the full podcast to hear McPhee explain what is proper and improper in evaluating a nominee.  She also answers counterarguments like how lawmakers ought to be sure a nominee will be faithful to the Constitution and how she would approach a Muslim nominee who is personally favorable towards Sharia law.]]>590constitution,news,nominees,religion,religious,testsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/house-chairman-questions-white-house-strategy-in-venezuela--17078316https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17078316Mon, 18 Feb 2019 22:07:44 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel is speaking out on the crisis in Venezuela and the Trump administration's response. Engel blames President Nicholas Maduro for the chaos there but warned against military intervention. Engel instead...132engel,intervention,refugees,socialism,venezuelafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gizzi-remembers-reps-dingell-and-jones--17056171
Dingell is the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, holding his Dearborn-based seat for nearly 60 years. He proved to be one of the most powerful lawmakers in Washington for decades while leading the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Jones was first elected as part of the 1994 Republican Revolution. A staunch conservative on virtually all issues, Jones later clashed with party leaders over the war in Iraq and frequently opposed deficit-laden spending bills and even the 2017 Trump tax cuts when he feared they would add to the nation's mounting debt.

Newsmax Chief Political Correspondent and White House Correspondent John Gizzi reflects upon the legacies of these two memorable lawmakers and his own personal friendships with them.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17056171Fri, 15 Feb 2019 21:53:12 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, friends and colleagues paid their final respects to two men who left their mark on the House of Representatives: former Michigan Rep. John Dingell and North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones. Dingell is the longest-serving member of Congress in...
Dingell is the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, holding his Dearborn-based seat for nearly 60 years. He proved to be one of the most powerful lawmakers in Washington for decades while leading the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Jones was first elected as part of the 1994 Republican Revolution. A staunch conservative on virtually all issues, Jones later clashed with party leaders over the war in Iraq and frequently opposed deficit-laden spending bills and even the 2017 Trump tax cuts when he feared they would add to the nation's mounting debt.

Newsmax Chief Political Correspondent and White House Correspondent John Gizzi reflects upon the legacies of these two memorable lawmakers and his own personal friendships with them.]]>827congress,dingell,gizzi,jones,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/battle-over-the-border-what-s-in-the-bill-and-the-emergency-declaration--17046018
The legislation is expected to pass both chambers of Congress as very few lawmakers have a stomach for another government shutdown, but some of the president's strongest allies are not happy with the contents of the bill.

"This certainly is not as acceptable as was advertised or previewed as recently as Tuesday. There are a number of concerning provisions," said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.

Vaughan is fine with less money than Trump wanted. She is not OK with local governments having the power to prevent wall construction in their jurisdictions or providing legal protection to many smugglers because of language designed to shield those responsible for unaccompanied alien children at the border.

As for Trump's emergency declaration, Vaughan expects a limited expansion of executive power.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Vaughan explain why Trump really has no choice but to sign the bill and what this deal means for the next round of the immigration debate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17046018Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:47:08 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump says he will sign the bipartisan budget bill providing almost $1.4 billion for border security but he will also declare a national emergency to give himself greater latitude for addressing the issue. The legislation is expected to...
The legislation is expected to pass both chambers of Congress as very few lawmakers have a stomach for another government shutdown, but some of the president's strongest allies are not happy with the contents of the bill.

"This certainly is not as acceptable as was advertised or previewed as recently as Tuesday. There are a number of concerning provisions," said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.

Vaughan is fine with less money than Trump wanted. She is not OK with local governments having the power to prevent wall construction in their jurisdictions or providing legal protection to many smugglers because of language designed to shield those responsible for unaccompanied alien children at the border.

As for Trump's emergency declaration, Vaughan expects a limited expansion of executive power.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Vaughan explain why Trump really has no choice but to sign the bill and what this deal means for the next round of the immigration debate.]]>521amnesty,emergency,funding,immigration,legislation,news,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccabe-vs-rosenstein-who-s-telling-the-truth--17045797
According to McCabe's new book and his interview with Scott Pelley of '60 Minutes," department officials surmised which cabinet officials would support Trump and which would deem him unfit for office. McCabe also says they discussed having Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wear a wire when meeting with Trump.

Rosenstein has pushed back vigorously if not specifically. He says there was no serious discussion of wearing a wire and that he sees no reason to invoke the 25th amendment against Trump.

So who, if either of them, is telling the truth? What does it say about the Justice Department at the time of Comey's firing? And what does it tell us about the larger Trump investigation?

We discuss all of those questions and more with former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor. McCarthy also offers his reaction to Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee concluding there is no direct evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 campaign.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17045797Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:18:28 +0000Radio AmericaFormer FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe says there were meetings at the Justice Department in the days after President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey over whether to invoke the 25th amendment against Trump. According to McCabe's new book and...
According to McCabe's new book and his interview with Scott Pelley of '60 Minutes," department officials surmised which cabinet officials would support Trump and which would deem him unfit for office. McCabe also says they discussed having Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wear a wire when meeting with Trump.

Rosenstein has pushed back vigorously if not specifically. He says there was no serious discussion of wearing a wire and that he sees no reason to invoke the 25th amendment against Trump.

So who, if either of them, is telling the truth? What does it say about the Justice Department at the time of Comey's firing? And what does it tell us about the larger Trump investigation?

We discuss all of those questions and more with former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review Online and a Fox News Channel contributor. McCarthy also offers his reaction to Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee concluding there is no direct evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 campaign.]]>87625th,amendment,comey,mccabe,news,rosenstein,trump,wiretappingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-smaller-refunds-mean-higher-taxes--17036194
California Sen. Kamala Harris, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, was among those to push the narrative.

"The average tax refund is down about $170 compared to last year. Let’s call the President’s tax cut what it is: a middle-class tax hike to line the pockets of already wealthy corporations and the 1%," tweeted Harris.

The Washington Post Express ran a story focusing on middle class families stressed out by their smaller-than-expected refunds and fuming that Trump didn't really raise their taxes. Only at the end of a thirteen-paragraph story did the Post reveal that those feeling ripped off were actually pocketing more money as a result of the tax cuts.

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says the facts show the vast majority of Americans got a tax cut.  In fact, 90 percent of Americans making between $40,000-$200,000 per year are expected to see lower taxes.

So why are the refunds smaller?

"The reason why some refunds appear to be lower, and we're talking about less than 10 percent lower, is that much of the tax cut already showed up in bigger paychecks throughout 2018.

"When you take the bigger paychecks from 2018, combine it with the refunds that people are seeing now, you're still getting a net tax cut.  The problem is people have come to depend on large tax refunds to do things like make major purchases or pay down debts or put more money into savings.  That something you could be doing all during the current tax year," said Sepp.

The Post has now published more analysis directly stating that most taxpayers did in fact get a tax cut.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp's message for politicians and media suggesting smaller refunds mean higher taxes and why he says big tax refunds are actually worse for you than owing or paying nothing at tax time.  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17036194Wed, 13 Feb 2019 22:14:27 +0000Radio AmericaSome Americans are shocked to discover that their tax refunds are lower than before the Trump tax cuts, leading certain politicians and media outlets to question whether the middle class really got hit with a tax hike. California Sen. Kamala Harris,...
California Sen. Kamala Harris, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, was among those to push the narrative.

"The average tax refund is down about $170 compared to last year. Let’s call the President’s tax cut what it is: a middle-class tax hike to line the pockets of already wealthy corporations and the 1%," tweeted Harris.

The Washington Post Express ran a story focusing on middle class families stressed out by their smaller-than-expected refunds and fuming that Trump didn't really raise their taxes. Only at the end of a thirteen-paragraph story did the Post reveal that those feeling ripped off were actually pocketing more money as a result of the tax cuts.

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says the facts show the vast majority of Americans got a tax cut.  In fact, 90 percent of Americans making between $40,000-$200,000 per year are expected to see lower taxes.

So why are the refunds smaller?

"The reason why some refunds appear to be lower, and we're talking about less than 10 percent lower, is that much of the tax cut already showed up in bigger paychecks throughout 2018.

"When you take the bigger paychecks from 2018, combine it with the refunds that people are seeing now, you're still getting a net tax cut.  The problem is people have come to depend on large tax refunds to do things like make major purchases or pay down debts or put more money into savings.  That something you could be doing all during the current tax year," said Sepp.

The Post has now published more analysis directly stating that most taxpayers did in fact get a tax cut.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp's message for politicians and media suggesting smaller refunds mean higher taxes and why he says big tax refunds are actually worse for you than owing or paying nothing at tax time.  ]]>495irs,news,refunds,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sasse-explains-why-dems-refuse-to-ban-infanticide--17025726
Last week, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act by unanimous consent.  Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray objected, saying the bill is unnecessary because infanticide is already illegal.  Later she suggested there was more to the bill than requiring care for a baby born alive after an abortion.

Sasse authored an op-ed in USA Today on Tuesday, imploring readers not to think of infanticide as a partisan issue.

"Every single public servant should be able to say it’s wrong to leave newborn babies to die. Sadly, that’s not happening," he wrote.

In a subsequent interview with Radio America, Sen. Sasse says he is genuinely surprised that there is any opposition to his Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

"If there's anything the U.S. Senate ought to be able to get done 100-0, it's something like this, stating the basic truth that babies that are born alive deserve a fighting chance at life," said Sasse.

Sasse has been pushing he bill for two-and-a-half years but says there is much greater urgency after the New York law that repealed requirements for medical personnel to take all possible steps to care for babies that survive abortions.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was under fire on this issue before his yearbook scandal pushed the infanticide issue off the front pages.  In a live interview, Northam said babies that survive abortions should be resuscitated if that's what the family wants and then kept comfortable while a discussion ensues - presumably about whether to continue to provide care for the newborn infant.

The Virginia abortion bill was defeated but Sasse finds Northam's comments telling in how opponents are parsing the issue.  

"I think they would draw a distinction between active and passive.  They say, 'Well, if these babies survive an abortion, no one is proactively taking a pillow and putting it over the baby's face and smothering them to death.  Since we have laws against murder already, that is infanticide.  And the passive tolerance of these babies being killed, that's a different thing and we don't need any protections for that.'"

"That logic breaks down entirely when you consider the fact that a 12-month-old baby would also die if you left her out in the elements to die by exposure.  By the way, in human history, lots of cultures have done abhorrent things like that. 

"The Aztecs and the Greeks both practiced infanticide.  If they thought a baby was undesirable, if she had birth defects, they would leave them out in the cold to die.  So their argument here is that passive killing is not really that big of a problem.  Only active killing needs to be prohibited.  That's total nonsense," said Sasse.

Sasse says the refusal of many Democrats to stand up for babies even after they are born is more understandable when you follow the money.

"A lot of these folks are motivated by the zealotry of an abortion industry that makes lots and lots and lots of money off the status quo," said Sasse.

Sasse says he will keep pushing his legislation in the Senate, although it could take months or even years to get a floor vote.  But he wants ever member of the Senate and the Democratically-controlled House to be on the record about where they stand on infanticide.

"Love is bigger than politics and everybody with a heart should believe that we should be able to have consensus around a common sense, pro-compassion, pro-science fact that a baby that's born alive deserves a fighting chance," said Sasse.

"We have a moral obligation to provide the same sort of care for those babies that would be provided to any other baby at that stage of gestation."

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sasse explain why the celebration of late term abortion legislation in New York was a perversion of a unifying symbol and offer his full analysis of Gov. Northam.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17025726Wed, 13 Feb 2019 04:48:49 +0000Radio AmericaNebraska Sen. Ben Sasse is vowing to press forward on a federal ban on infanticide, says opposition is rooted in the big dollars of the abortion industry, and believes many critics are convincing themselves that active killing of newborns is wrong but...
Last week, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act by unanimous consent.  Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray objected, saying the bill is unnecessary because infanticide is already illegal.  Later she suggested there was more to the bill than requiring care for a baby born alive after an abortion.

Sasse authored an op-ed in USA Today on Tuesday, imploring readers not to think of infanticide as a partisan issue.

"Every single public servant should be able to say it’s wrong to leave newborn babies to die. Sadly, that’s not happening," he wrote.

In a subsequent interview with Radio America, Sen. Sasse says he is genuinely surprised that there is any opposition to his Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

"If there's anything the U.S. Senate ought to be able to get done 100-0, it's something like this, stating the basic truth that babies that are born alive deserve a fighting chance at life," said Sasse.

Sasse has been pushing he bill for two-and-a-half years but says there is much greater urgency after the New York law that repealed requirements for medical personnel to take all possible steps to care for babies that survive abortions.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was under fire on this issue before his yearbook scandal pushed the infanticide issue off the front pages.  In a live interview, Northam said babies that survive abortions should be resuscitated if that's what the family wants and then kept comfortable while a discussion ensues - presumably about whether to continue to provide care for the newborn infant.

The Virginia abortion bill was defeated but Sasse finds Northam's comments telling in how opponents are parsing the issue.  

"I think they would draw a distinction between active and passive.  They say, 'Well, if these babies survive an abortion, no one is proactively taking a pillow and putting it over the baby's face and smothering them to death.  Since we have laws against murder already, that is infanticide.  And the passive tolerance of these babies being killed, that's a different thing and we don't need any protections for that.'"

"That logic breaks down entirely when you consider the fact that a 12-month-old baby would also die if you left her out in the elements to die by exposure.  By the way, in human history, lots of cultures have done abhorrent things like that. 

"The Aztecs and the Greeks both practiced infanticide.  If they thought a baby was undesirable, if she had birth defects, they would leave them out in the cold to die.  So their argument here is that passive killing is not really that big of a problem.  Only active killing needs to be prohibited.  That's total nonsense," said Sasse.

Sasse says the refusal of many Democrats to stand up for babies even after they are born is more understandable when you follow the money.

"A lot of these folks are motivated by the zealotry of an abortion industry that makes lots and lots and lots of money off the status quo," said Sasse.

Sasse says he will keep pushing his legislation in the Senate, although it could take months or even years to get a floor vote.  But he wants ever member of the Senate and the Democratically-controlled House to be on the record about where they stand on infanticide.

"Love is bigger than politics and everybody with a heart should believe that we should be able to have consensus around a common sense, pro-compassion, pro-science fact that a baby that's born alive deserves a fighting chance," said Sasse.

"We have a moral obligation...]]>582abortion,infanticide,news,sasse,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-a-massive-grab-for-government--17024788
"It's a massive grab for government.  The plans keep changing .  You see papers getting pulled off of websites that reference cow farts.  I've said since last year that  the next thing you know they'll be coming after our food supply.  That's exactly what was published on a website by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and then later pulled down. 

"This is really just about growing government, taking control from the people and really changing us from a representative republic to a socialist country," said former Texas State Rep. Jason Isaac, who is now Senior Manager and Distinguished Fellow of Life: Powered at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Isaac also says this hardly the time for another New Deal, since the original version from President Franklin D. Roosevelt came at a time of economic peril.

"Now we're in this economic force, this time frame where record-low unemployment, wages are going up.  Great things are happening in our country so now the last thing we need is a New Deal and certainly not a green one," said Isaac.

America recently became a net exporter of energy, which Isaac says is raising the standards of living around the world.

"What we've seen over the last ten years, as more people get access to energy, we're seeing poverty decrease.  We're seeing life expectancy increase.  We're seeing illiteracy decrease.  We're seeing wonderful things because more people around the globe are getting access to our energy," said Isaac.

He also warns that other nations have already traveled down the path towards a green economy.  He cites Germany, where residents see their energy bills tripled and the nation dependent upon Russia for energy.

"Could you imagine paying three times what you're currently paying for your electric bill.  I couldn't.  I couldn't stand for it.  It wouldn't fit in my budget.  That would be a major impact on Americans, and it would impact the least among us more than anyone," said Isaac.

While Ocasio-Cortez says a green economy is the wave of the future, Isaac cautions that renewables cannot begin to make up for the energy demand covered by oil, gas, and coal.  In addition, mining for the rare earth elements needed for the renewable industry creates its own environmental problems.

"For every ton of rare earth elements that you get, you produce one ton of radioactive waste.  You just don't hear about that ever.  So, every time we promote wind and solar, we're actually promoting radioactive waste," said Isaac.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17024788Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:54:54 +0000Radio AmericaRegardless of the shifting contents of the Green New Deal, a former Texas lawmaker and energy policy expert says the agenda would greatly increase the cost of living for Americans and hides the fact that renewable technologies like wind and solar...
"It's a massive grab for government.  The plans keep changing .  You see papers getting pulled off of websites that reference cow farts.  I've said since last year that  the next thing you know they'll be coming after our food supply.  That's exactly what was published on a website by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and then later pulled down. 

"This is really just about growing government, taking control from the people and really changing us from a representative republic to a socialist country," said former Texas State Rep. Jason Isaac, who is now Senior Manager and Distinguished Fellow of Life: Powered at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Isaac also says this hardly the time for another New Deal, since the original version from President Franklin D. Roosevelt came at a time of economic peril.

"Now we're in this economic force, this time frame where record-low unemployment, wages are going up.  Great things are happening in our country so now the last thing we need is a New Deal and certainly not a green one," said Isaac.

America recently became a net exporter of energy, which Isaac says is raising the standards of living around the world.

"What we've seen over the last ten years, as more people get access to energy, we're seeing poverty decrease.  We're seeing life expectancy increase.  We're seeing illiteracy decrease.  We're seeing wonderful things because more people around the globe are getting access to our energy," said Isaac.

He also warns that other nations have already traveled down the path towards a green economy.  He cites Germany, where residents see their energy bills tripled and the nation dependent upon Russia for energy.

"Could you imagine paying three times what you're currently paying for your electric bill.  I couldn't.  I couldn't stand for it.  It wouldn't fit in my budget.  That would be a major impact on Americans, and it would impact the least among us more than anyone," said Isaac.

While Ocasio-Cortez says a green economy is the wave of the future, Isaac cautions that renewables cannot begin to make up for the energy demand covered by oil, gas, and coal.  In addition, mining for the rare earth elements needed for the renewable industry creates its own environmental problems.

"For every ton of rare earth elements that you get, you produce one ton of radioactive waste.  You just don't hear about that ever.  So, every time we promote wind and solar, we're actually promoting radioactive waste," said Isaac.]]>708energy,gnd,news,povertyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/remembering-rep-walter-jones--17015886
Jones was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as part of the Republican Revolution, but just two years after unsuccessfully running as a Democrat.

Mainstream media outlets are summing up Jones as the member who once wanted to rename french fries as "freedom fries" after French opposition to the war in Iraq but later recanted his support and became a fierce critic of overseas military operations without congressional authorization.

His aversion to deficit spending led him to oppose many spending bills pushed by Republican House leaders.  At one point, former House Speaker John Boehner stripped Jones of a plum committee assignment for bucking his party too often.

Former Kansas Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who is now president and CEO of the Heartland Institute, also lost a committee assignment for defying GOP leaders.  He calls Jones a "man of honor."

"He stuck by his principles, which unfortunately is not a very common trait these days in many areas of politics," said Huelskamp.

Huelskamp says Jones always focused on whom he was serving.

"There were two things he always focused on in representing.  One is to represent "them," and that would be his constituents, and one is to represent Him.  That would be Jesus Christ.  He always kept "them and Him" in mind. 

"Often times it was to the consternation of the Republican Party in Washington because he didn't follow the party line," said Huelskamp.

Huelskamp says his friend also had a deep reverence for the the document every lawmaker vows to defend.

"When he talked about the responsibilities of Congress, he wasn't just talking about the House and Senate.  He was talking about what Walter Jones' responsibilities are in the Constitution.  He took that to heart and was a fantastic member of Congress, particularly because of his commitment to his constitutional oath of office," said Huelskamp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Huelskamp discuss Jones' change of heart on the Iraq War and other dust-ups with GOP leaders.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17015886Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:47:28 +0000Radio AmericaLongtime North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones died on Sunday and is being remembered for his fidelity to God, his constituents, and the Constitution. Jones was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as part of the Republican...
Jones was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as part of the Republican Revolution, but just two years after unsuccessfully running as a Democrat.

Mainstream media outlets are summing up Jones as the member who once wanted to rename french fries as "freedom fries" after French opposition to the war in Iraq but later recanted his support and became a fierce critic of overseas military operations without congressional authorization.

His aversion to deficit spending led him to oppose many spending bills pushed by Republican House leaders.  At one point, former House Speaker John Boehner stripped Jones of a plum committee assignment for bucking his party too often.

Former Kansas Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who is now president and CEO of the Heartland Institute, also lost a committee assignment for defying GOP leaders.  He calls Jones a "man of honor."

"He stuck by his principles, which unfortunately is not a very common trait these days in many areas of politics," said Huelskamp.

Huelskamp says Jones always focused on whom he was serving.

"There were two things he always focused on in representing.  One is to represent "them," and that would be his constituents, and one is to represent Him.  That would be Jesus Christ.  He always kept "them and Him" in mind. 

"Often times it was to the consternation of the Republican Party in Washington because he didn't follow the party line," said Huelskamp.

Huelskamp says his friend also had a deep reverence for the the document every lawmaker vows to defend.

"When he talked about the responsibilities of Congress, he wasn't just talking about the House and Senate.  He was talking about what Walter Jones' responsibilities are in the Constitution.  He took that to heart and was a fantastic member of Congress, particularly because of his commitment to his constitutional oath of office," said Huelskamp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Huelskamp discuss Jones' change of heart on the Iraq War and other dust-ups with GOP leaders.]]>565congress,deficits,iraq,jones,news,republicanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/del-freitas-discusses-volatile-virginia-politics--17015885
Republican Del. Nick Freitas talked about all of these major issues with us.  Freitas is cheering the legislation passed Monday that is aimed at making sure some Virginia families do not actually pay more in taxes as a result of the 2017 federal tax reform.  That law limits the deductions for state and local taxes on federal returns, leaving some in the commonwealth with a higher net tax burden.

Republicans have been pushing the tax relief plan for weeks but until this week Gov. Ralph Northam insisted on collecting the additional revenues and using it to pay for budget priorities and redirect it to low-income Virginians.

Late last week, Northam - who is desperately clinging to his job in the wake of the blackface yearbook scandal - relented and agreed in principle to the GOP tax demands.

"The governor does not need to add one more scandal to the pile of scandals he has mounting up on his desk right now," said Freitas, who says Republicans had no intention of allowing Northam's redistribution plan to go forward.

"He was going to take money from the people that paid the taxes and give it to other people.  We just outright rejected that," said Freitas.

Many Virginia Democrats accused Republicans of racial insensitivity by focusing on wealthier Virginians keep more of their money rather than move it to poorer families.

Freitas is having none of that, especially this week.

"They know that none of this is based off of racism.  The only people right now having a problem with racism in the Commonwealth of Virginia are the governor and the attorney general," said Freitas, referring to Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring, who last week admitted to his own experience with blackface while in college.

Freitas says some very basic principles are at work in the tax debate.

"If you pay taxes, we want you to get a tax cut, but if you haven't paid taxes, well then you can't get a tax cut," said Freitas. 

"[Democrats] want to increase government spending.  They want to increase wealth redistribution.  They want to use the tax code to punish success, because the more money they have in order to distribute to voters, the better it is for them politically.

"As we've seen in every area where they've tried this - whether it's globally, in the United States, or in the Commonwealth of Virginia - it never seems to work out for the people who they claim they want to help but it always seems to work out for the politicians that get to hand it out," said Freitas.

While the tax relief for 2018 and 2019 appears on track to become law, several ambitious bills sponsored by Virginia Democrats were narrowly derailed by the Republican majority in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.

Democrats pushed more than a dozen gun control bills, a plan to repeal Virginia's right to work laws, a push for a $15 per hour minimum wage and legislation to roll back abortion restrictions and allow the termination of pregnancies even in the moments just before birth.

Northam was feeling the heat on abortion in the days leading up to the yearbook scandal.

"The way Gov. Northam described it, the child could actually be born and, in his words, the child would be kept comfortable while a conversation ensued.  A conversation about what, governor?  At that point, we're talking about a child that has been born," said Freitas.

Republicans hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 edge in the Virginia Senate.  Freitas says if Democrats win control of both chambers, Virginians will be in for a very rude surprise.

"I don't want to throw all Democrats into this category, because I don't think that's appropriate, but the new left that has taken over and become the thought leader of the Democratic Party?  They're terrifying," said Freitas.  "You have not seen the extent of the crazy that they will be able to bring to Richmond if they take control of the House of Delegates and the Senate next year."

As for the scandals, enveloping Northam and Herring, Freitas is stunned that neither of them knew better than to wear blackface in the 1980's and that Herring would call on Northam to resign while knowing he had done the same thing.

When it comes to the sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, Freitas says the accusations from the two accusers rings true for him, but he says that's not reason enough to deny Fairfax his chance to defend himself.

"I find it very convincing.  I find it very believable.  But one of the things that I acknowledge is my beliefs in something is not sufficient evidence to convict someone.  We have due process of law in this country for a reason.

"And let's face it, this would not be the first time a group of powerful white people decided to deny due process to a black man because they found him inconvenient," said Freitas.

Listen to the full podcast to learn why Republicans needed 80 of 100 votes in the House of Delegates to pass the tax bill and to hear more of Freitas on abortion and the scandals swirling around Richmond.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17015885Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:01:04 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia Republicans passed a tax relief bill in the House of Delegates Monday, the latest major development in a year already full of fierce debate in the legislature and massive scandal for the three statewide elected leaders. Republican Del. Nick...
Republican Del. Nick Freitas talked about all of these major issues with us.  Freitas is cheering the legislation passed Monday that is aimed at making sure some Virginia families do not actually pay more in taxes as a result of the 2017 federal tax reform.  That law limits the deductions for state and local taxes on federal returns, leaving some in the commonwealth with a higher net tax burden.

Republicans have been pushing the tax relief plan for weeks but until this week Gov. Ralph Northam insisted on collecting the additional revenues and using it to pay for budget priorities and redirect it to low-income Virginians.

Late last week, Northam - who is desperately clinging to his job in the wake of the blackface yearbook scandal - relented and agreed in principle to the GOP tax demands.

"The governor does not need to add one more scandal to the pile of scandals he has mounting up on his desk right now," said Freitas, who says Republicans had no intention of allowing Northam's redistribution plan to go forward.

"He was going to take money from the people that paid the taxes and give it to other people.  We just outright rejected that," said Freitas.

Many Virginia Democrats accused Republicans of racial insensitivity by focusing on wealthier Virginians keep more of their money rather than move it to poorer families.

Freitas is having none of that, especially this week.

"They know that none of this is based off of racism.  The only people right now having a problem with racism in the Commonwealth of Virginia are the governor and the attorney general," said Freitas, referring to Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring, who last week admitted to his own experience with blackface while in college.

Freitas says some very basic principles are at work in the tax debate.

"If you pay taxes, we want you to get a tax cut, but if you haven't paid taxes, well then you can't get a tax cut," said Freitas. 

"[Democrats] want to increase government spending.  They want to increase wealth redistribution.  They want to use the tax code to punish success, because the more money they have in order to distribute to voters, the better it is for them politically.

"As we've seen in every area where they've tried this - whether it's globally, in the United States, or in the Commonwealth of Virginia - it never seems to work out for the people who they claim they want to help but it always seems to work out for the politicians that get to hand it out," said Freitas.

While the tax relief for 2018 and 2019 appears on track to become law, several ambitious bills sponsored by Virginia Democrats were narrowly derailed by the Republican majority in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.

Democrats pushed more than a dozen gun control bills, a plan to repeal Virginia's right to work laws, a push for a $15 per hour minimum wage and legislation to roll back abortion restrictions and allow the termination of pregnancies even in the moments just before birth.

Northam was feeling the heat on abortion in the days leading up to the yearbook scandal.

"The way Gov. Northam described it, the child could actually be born and, in his words, the child would be kept comfortable while a conversation ensued.  A conversation about what, governor?  At that point, we're talking about a child that has been born," said Freitas.

Republicans hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 edge in the Virginia Senate.  Freitas says if Democrats win control of both chambers, Virginians will be in for a very rude surprise.

"I don't want...]]>970abortion,fairfax,freitas,herring,northam,taxes,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/energy-boom-vs-green-new-deal--16990198
American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers explains how the U.S. grew from energy dependence to a net exporter of energy in recent years and who deserves the credit.

He also tells us why the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico could help the energy sector even more and why he believes the Green New Deal is not grounded in reality.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16990198Fri, 08 Feb 2019 22:06:40 +0000Radio AmericaAmerican energy is booming at levels virtually unthinkable a decade ago, but will the good times continue or get derailed by the Green New Deal? American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers explains how the U.S. grew from energy dependence to...
American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers explains how the U.S. grew from energy dependence to a net exporter of energy in recent years and who deserves the credit.

He also tells us why the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico could help the energy sector even more and why he believes the Green New Deal is not grounded in reality.]]>437energy,greennewdeal,news,oil,tradefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/both-parties-ignoring-massive-debt-waste--16979080
"I really think the president missed an opportunity here to take his own party to task on spending," said Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and Founder of OpentheBooks.com.

Andrzejewski joined dozens of other conservative allies in taking out an ad in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, imploring Trump to address the issue.  The letter included many former lawmakers and public officials, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III.

The base of his party wants the president to hone the budget.  They want him to go after waste, fraud, corruption, and abuse," said Andrzejewski.

Trump is hamstrung on the issue in multiple ways:  He refuses to reform entitlements and Democrats now control the U.S. House of Representatives.  Andrzejewski says the president is also facing stiff resistance within his own administration to his call for five percent spending cuts.

"We hear that the cabinet secretaries aren't serious about the five percent cuts.  That's the purpose of coming back to this topic to encourage the president to really make this a signature part of his administration," said Andrzejewski.

Andrzejewski says Trump could also pressure Congress to cut way back on the $600 billion spent every year on grants.  Those grants include $1.4 to teach sex education to California prostitutes, and nearly a million dollars each for Cornell University to study where it hurts most to get stung by a bee and Harvard to breed pugilistic mice.

He also says taxpayers lost $136 billion on mistaken payments and that the average pay and benefits for a federal bureaucrat now exceeds $100,000.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Andrzejewski explain other bad habits in Washington that cost us money and how citizens must be the ones to demand better.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16979080Fri, 08 Feb 2019 20:47:54 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump never mentioned the national debt, the federal deficit. or wasteful spending in his State of the Union message, and Democrats also dodged the issues in their response.  A leading fiscal watchdog says that was a big mistake. "I really...
"I really think the president missed an opportunity here to take his own party to task on spending," said Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and Founder of OpentheBooks.com.

Andrzejewski joined dozens of other conservative allies in taking out an ad in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, imploring Trump to address the issue.  The letter included many former lawmakers and public officials, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III.

The base of his party wants the president to hone the budget.  They want him to go after waste, fraud, corruption, and abuse," said Andrzejewski.

Trump is hamstrung on the issue in multiple ways:  He refuses to reform entitlements and Democrats now control the U.S. House of Representatives.  Andrzejewski says the president is also facing stiff resistance within his own administration to his call for five percent spending cuts.

"We hear that the cabinet secretaries aren't serious about the five percent cuts.  That's the purpose of coming back to this topic to encourage the president to really make this a signature part of his administration," said Andrzejewski.

Andrzejewski says Trump could also pressure Congress to cut way back on the $600 billion spent every year on grants.  Those grants include $1.4 to teach sex education to California prostitutes, and nearly a million dollars each for Cornell University to study where it hurts most to get stung by a bee and Harvard to breed pugilistic mice.

He also says taxpayers lost $136 billion on mistaken payments and that the average pay and benefits for a federal bureaucrat now exceeds $100,000.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Andrzejewski explain other bad habits in Washington that cost us money and how citizens must be the ones to demand better.]]>608debt,deficits,government,news,spending,wastefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/green-deal-or-con-job--16979079
"There's some real tells in here. It's not about the climate. There's no assertion (about) what the temperature would be or that the temperature would be any lower.
"
"It's in the name of climate change but there's something immoral about imposing policies in the name of averting a catastrophe that you don't claim - and no one claims - would actually impact the alleged looming catastrophe," said Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher C. Horner.

The Green New Deal calls for government-guaranteed jobs and health care for everyone, and safety net for those unable and even those unable to work.

The plan also calls for the end to fossil fuels by 2030 the hope that air travel would also be unnecessary by then. Supporters says paying for it up front is not critical because of the economic transformation resulting from an economy based on renewable fuels.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Horner discuss whether renewables can bring about an economic boom and why he believes just laughing off this proposal would be a very mistake.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16979079Thu, 07 Feb 2019 21:58:05 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, supporters of the Green New Deal released details that one conservative analyst says is proof that the "green agenda" is not about the climate at all but rather a major push for a bigger and more powerful government. "There's some real...
"There's some real tells in here. It's not about the climate. There's no assertion (about) what the temperature would be or that the temperature would be any lower.
"
"It's in the name of climate change but there's something immoral about imposing policies in the name of averting a catastrophe that you don't claim - and no one claims - would actually impact the alleged looming catastrophe," said Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher C. Horner.

The Green New Deal calls for government-guaranteed jobs and health care for everyone, and safety net for those unable and even those unable to work.

The plan also calls for the end to fossil fuels by 2030 the hope that air travel would also be unnecessary by then. Supporters says paying for it up front is not critical because of the economic transformation resulting from an economy based on renewable fuels.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Horner discuss whether renewables can bring about an economic boom and why he believes just laughing off this proposal would be a very mistake.]]>735climate,deal,fossil,fuels,government,green,new,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-a-cancer-cure-really-a-year-away--16969942
So what is different about the way Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies is approaching the fight against cancer and is all the excitement warranted? What other hurdles need to be cleared before clinical trials can begin? And how could it be done with minimal side effects on patients?

Greg Corombos gets answers from Stanford University oncologist Dr. Joshua Mansour, who also updates other promising efforts to effectively treat the scourge of cancer.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16969942Wed, 06 Feb 2019 22:40:15 +0000Radio AmericaLast week, the world took great note of reports that Israeli cancer researchers believe they are just one year away from developing a cure for cancer and that the treatment would be quick with very limited side effects. So what is different about the...
So what is different about the way Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies is approaching the fight against cancer and is all the excitement warranted? What other hurdles need to be cleared before clinical trials can begin? And how could it be done with minimal side effects on patients?

Greg Corombos gets answers from Stanford University oncologist Dr. Joshua Mansour, who also updates other promising efforts to effectively treat the scourge of cancer.]]>575cancer,cure,news,researchfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-mexico-governor-defies-trump--16969440https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16969440Wed, 06 Feb 2019 21:44:07 +0000Radio AmericaThe governor of New Mexico is ordering National Guard troops away from her state's border with Mexico. Radio America's Christian Whittle reports.101border,grisham,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cuccinelli-dissects-northam-mess--16950454
On Friday, Big League Politics broke the story of the photo showing one man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.  Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo but later said he was certain he was in in it and has no idea how it got on his yearbook page.

Cuccinelli served with Northam in the Virginia State Senate and says the revelation came as a very big surprise.

"It's really at odds with his personality and his behavior.  I've never observed him undertaking a racist act or statement or seen evidence of so much as a thought in all of the years I've known Ralph, which is more than a decade now.  So this is all the more shocking," said Cuccinelli, who seems to agree that Northam can no longer effectively lead Virginia.

Cuccinelli says this saga also opens an old wound in the commonwealth's history.

"I think this is a reminder that while we are growing out of the racist past Virginia had, those remnants are still around and they still matter in people's lives," said Cuccinelli.

Despite calls to resign from the vast majority of Virginia and national Democrats, Northam is refusing.  Some of his critics want state lawmakers to pursue impeachment charges, but Cuccinelli says they really can't.

"It's really up to the governor because impeachment in Virginia is more or less the same as at the federal level.  It's only for acts taken in office," said Cuccinelli.  "There's no availability of impeachment here.  It's really in Ralph Northam's hands whether he resigns or not."

The story got even more bizarre on Monday, with reports that Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  Fairfax is vigorously denying the charge, which was never prosecuted, but Cuccinelli says the Northam mess and the Fairfax allegation are emerging at the busiest possible time in Virginia politics.

Tuesday is what's known as "crossover," when the House of Delegates and the State Senate must pass any bills originating from their members or else the opportunity is lost for the year.  Key votes on tax relief and budgeting are taking place with both Northam and Fairfax heavily distracted.

If Northam exits and Fairfax becomes governor, Cuccinelli says the lieutenant governor's position will remain vacant, but the Senate President Pro-Tem would effectively take over the duties of the office, which could lead to some interesting moments on deadlocked votes.

"[This] could allow him to vote on a bill which then ends up in a tie, and he gets to break the tie," said Cuccinelli.

While Cuccinelli is aghast at the Northam allegations, he is also stunned that the media could barely stifle a yawn two days before the yearbook story broke, when Northam seemed to defend infanticide in a radio interview.

"The dichotomy has been quite extraordinary

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cuccinelli discuss the Northam and Fairfax allegations in more detail and his frustration with media's disinterest in the Virginia abortion debate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16950454Mon, 04 Feb 2019 22:08:47 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli III says he is surprised that the Ralph Northam he knows would put a racist photo in a medical school yearbook, but he thinks Northam needs to resign.  But he says revived allegations of sexual assault...
On Friday, Big League Politics broke the story of the photo showing one man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.  Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo but later said he was certain he was in in it and has no idea how it got on his yearbook page.

Cuccinelli served with Northam in the Virginia State Senate and says the revelation came as a very big surprise.

"It's really at odds with his personality and his behavior.  I've never observed him undertaking a racist act or statement or seen evidence of so much as a thought in all of the years I've known Ralph, which is more than a decade now.  So this is all the more shocking," said Cuccinelli, who seems to agree that Northam can no longer effectively lead Virginia.

Cuccinelli says this saga also opens an old wound in the commonwealth's history.

"I think this is a reminder that while we are growing out of the racist past Virginia had, those remnants are still around and they still matter in people's lives," said Cuccinelli.

Despite calls to resign from the vast majority of Virginia and national Democrats, Northam is refusing.  Some of his critics want state lawmakers to pursue impeachment charges, but Cuccinelli says they really can't.

"It's really up to the governor because impeachment in Virginia is more or less the same as at the federal level.  It's only for acts taken in office," said Cuccinelli.  "There's no availability of impeachment here.  It's really in Ralph Northam's hands whether he resigns or not."

The story got even more bizarre on Monday, with reports that Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  Fairfax is vigorously denying the charge, which was never prosecuted, but Cuccinelli says the Northam mess and the Fairfax allegation are emerging at the busiest possible time in Virginia politics.

Tuesday is what's known as "crossover," when the House of Delegates and the State Senate must pass any bills originating from their members or else the opportunity is lost for the year.  Key votes on tax relief and budgeting are taking place with both Northam and Fairfax heavily distracted.

If Northam exits and Fairfax becomes governor, Cuccinelli says the lieutenant governor's position will remain vacant, but the Senate President Pro-Tem would effectively take over the duties of the office, which could lead to some interesting moments on deadlocked votes.

"[This] could allow him to vote on a bill which then ends up in a tie, and he gets to break the tie," said Cuccinelli.

While Cuccinelli is aghast at the Northam allegations, he is also stunned that the media could barely stifle a yawn two days before the yearbook story broke, when Northam seemed to defend infanticide in a radio interview.

"The dichotomy has been quite extraordinary

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cuccinelli discuss the Northam and Fairfax allegations in more detail and his frustration with media's disinterest in the Virginia abortion debate.]]>771fairfax,legislature,northam,virginia,yearbookfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-strategies-to-lower-drug-prices-one-smart-one-not--16926110
Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs by a wide margin, and American Commitment President Phil Kerpen says it's because other nations are taking advantage of us.

"Pretty much all of the other rich countries have some form of government price controls.  So they set prices far lower what a market-clearing price would be through government policy," said Kerpen, who says American pharmaceutical companies do not have the option of not dealing with those other nations.

"If you try to do that, the other country will typically just try to steal your patent and have a local company produce it without compensating you or compensating you even lower," said Kerpen.

As a result, the Trump administration is pressuring developed nations to ease price controls on prescription medications through trade negotiations.  Kerpen says Canada and Mexico are already on board with paying higher costs through the new trade deal that will soon replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Kerpen believes trade negotiations are the best way to address the problem and says the best argument for raising costs abroad is that the additional revenue will lead to more effective treatments for many ailments.

"If the other rich countries gave up their price controls, two things would happen.  We would get a lot more new cures developed because we'd get a lot more research and development.  There would be a lot more incentive to invest in it. 

"The best research shows we'd get 10-13 new drugs per year if they loosen price controls in the other rich countries, but we'd also get lower prices in the U.S. through more competition," said Kerpen.

The prices Americans pay for drugs provides the bulk of the funding for research and development.  Kerpen says bringing a new drug to market costs $2.5 billion to $3 billion when factoring in the cost of compliance with government regulations and all the resources spent on drug projects that fail.

While pushing hard on the trade side, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is exploring price controls here in the U.S.  Kerpen says Trump needs to abandon that effort or else innovation could be strangled.

"[It] feels good in the near term.  We're paying less.  That seems good, but that would completely undermine the incentives for R&D in developing new cures.  Instead of the rest of the world free-riding on us.  There would be no one to free ride off of.  There would be no place to earn a market return.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Kerpen's full diagnosis of the high prescription drug costs we face and why he says the Trump administration must abandon the domestic price controls if it hopes to win trade concessions from developed nations.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16926110Fri, 01 Feb 2019 22:58:45 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is trying to make good on a campaign promise to ease the financial burden Americans face when paying for prescription drugs, but a leading policy expert says one Trump strategy is right on target while another could lead to disaster....
Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs by a wide margin, and American Commitment President Phil Kerpen says it's because other nations are taking advantage of us.

"Pretty much all of the other rich countries have some form of government price controls.  So they set prices far lower what a market-clearing price would be through government policy," said Kerpen, who says American pharmaceutical companies do not have the option of not dealing with those other nations.

"If you try to do that, the other country will typically just try to steal your patent and have a local company produce it without compensating you or compensating you even lower," said Kerpen.

As a result, the Trump administration is pressuring developed nations to ease price controls on prescription medications through trade negotiations.  Kerpen says Canada and Mexico are already on board with paying higher costs through the new trade deal that will soon replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Kerpen believes trade negotiations are the best way to address the problem and says the best argument for raising costs abroad is that the additional revenue will lead to more effective treatments for many ailments.

"If the other rich countries gave up their price controls, two things would happen.  We would get a lot more new cures developed because we'd get a lot more research and development.  There would be a lot more incentive to invest in it. 

"The best research shows we'd get 10-13 new drugs per year if they loosen price controls in the other rich countries, but we'd also get lower prices in the U.S. through more competition," said Kerpen.

The prices Americans pay for drugs provides the bulk of the funding for research and development.  Kerpen says bringing a new drug to market costs $2.5 billion to $3 billion when factoring in the cost of compliance with government regulations and all the resources spent on drug projects that fail.

While pushing hard on the trade side, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is exploring price controls here in the U.S.  Kerpen says Trump needs to abandon that effort or else innovation could be strangled.

"[It] feels good in the near term.  We're paying less.  That seems good, but that would completely undermine the incentives for R&D in developing new cures.  Instead of the rest of the world free-riding on us.  There would be no one to free ride off of.  There would be no place to earn a market return.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Kerpen's full diagnosis of the high prescription drug costs we face and why he says the Trump administration must abandon the domestic price controls if it hopes to win trade concessions from developed nations.]]>668controls,drugs,news,prescription,price,tradefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/left-exposing-its-extreme-position-on-abortion--16897469
Virginia Democrats pushed a very similar bill this week, even allowing abortion during labor or allowing parents to let a baby die if it is delivered alive following a failed abortion.  That bill was defeated in subcommittee by a Republican majority.

Similar abortion measures are advancing in California, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam set off a firestorm of condemnation Wednesday by stating a baby fully delivered after a failed abortion is not necessarily entitled to medical care.

"In this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen.  The infant would be delivered.  The infant would be kept comfortable.  The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired.  And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother," said Northam.

Northam insists he was referring to late-term pregnancies in which the babies are not considered viable or suffering from severe birth defects.

Catholic Association Senior Fellow Ashley McGuire says the late-term abortion bills advancing in multiple states prove something more sinister: that Democrats are out of touch with the public on abortion.

"What I think all of this shows is how extreme the left has gotten on abortion.  The overwhelming majority of Americans, by a nine-to-one ratio, oppose third trimester abortions.  In fact, most Americans, even those who self-identify as pro-choice, are only OK with it in the first trimester," said McGuire.

But whether Northam was defending infanticide or not, McGuire says the debate shows how silly it is to consider a baby a human at one end of the birth canal and not the other.

"What is the difference, really, between an abortion right before a baby is born and killing a baby right after it's born.  I think it's showing that when you take their position to it's logical extreme, it's pretty appalling and barbaric," said McGuire.

But McGuire is hopeful that the outrage to the legislation in New York and Virginia will wake people up.

"If there's any sort of positive coming out of all of this is that it is shedding light for Americans on the grotesque extremism that's gotten the Democratic Party in a choke hold when it comes to abortion," said McGuire.

Not long ago, Democrats were publicly horrified at the story of Philadelphia abortion provider Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of murdering babies who survived attempted abortions.  Listen to the full podcast to hear McGuire explain how the Democrats have taken steps in legislatures and in court to prevent states from preventing Gosnell-like horrors from happening again.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16897469Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:06:35 +0000Radio AmericaLawmakers in New York recently enacted legislation allowing abortion at any point in a pregnancy if the abortion provider determines a risk to the mother's health.   Virginia Democrats pushed a very similar bill this week, even allowing abortion...
Virginia Democrats pushed a very similar bill this week, even allowing abortion during labor or allowing parents to let a baby die if it is delivered alive following a failed abortion.  That bill was defeated in subcommittee by a Republican majority.

Similar abortion measures are advancing in California, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam set off a firestorm of condemnation Wednesday by stating a baby fully delivered after a failed abortion is not necessarily entitled to medical care.

"In this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen.  The infant would be delivered.  The infant would be kept comfortable.  The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired.  And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother," said Northam.

Northam insists he was referring to late-term pregnancies in which the babies are not considered viable or suffering from severe birth defects.

Catholic Association Senior Fellow Ashley McGuire says the late-term abortion bills advancing in multiple states prove something more sinister: that Democrats are out of touch with the public on abortion.

"What I think all of this shows is how extreme the left has gotten on abortion.  The overwhelming majority of Americans, by a nine-to-one ratio, oppose third trimester abortions.  In fact, most Americans, even those who self-identify as pro-choice, are only OK with it in the first trimester," said McGuire.

But whether Northam was defending infanticide or not, McGuire says the debate shows how silly it is to consider a baby a human at one end of the birth canal and not the other.

"What is the difference, really, between an abortion right before a baby is born and killing a baby right after it's born.  I think it's showing that when you take their position to it's logical extreme, it's pretty appalling and barbaric," said McGuire.

But McGuire is hopeful that the outrage to the legislation in New York and Virginia will wake people up.

"If there's any sort of positive coming out of all of this is that it is shedding light for Americans on the grotesque extremism that's gotten the Democratic Party in a choke hold when it comes to abortion," said McGuire.

Not long ago, Democrats were publicly horrified at the story of Philadelphia abortion provider Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of murdering babies who survived attempted abortions.  Listen to the full podcast to hear McGuire explain how the Democrats have taken steps in legislatures and in court to prevent states from preventing Gosnell-like horrors from happening again.]]>540abortion,news,northam,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-we-still-pay-property-taxes--16887776
The issue arose in connection with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren's call for a wealth tax on assets above $50 million.  During an interview with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, Warren claimed her wealth tax was a brand new idea in America.

Hayes gently corrected her, noting that all homeowners already pay a wealth tax.

"It's brand new, although I will note to people out there who own a home, you're paying a wealth tax right now called property taxes.  So it does exist in America," said Hayes.

But should it?  Longtime economic author and columnist John Steele Gordon says property taxes belong on the ash heap of history.

"It's a very inefficient way of raising revenues for the government.  For one thing, how much is a given property worth?  Well, you really only know that when it is sold," said Gordon.

He says property taxes made a lot more sense around the time of our nation's founding because property value was closely linked to income.

"In colonial days, almost all properties were income-producing.  They were farms or they were stores.  Today, almost all properties are income absorbing.  They're houses," said Gordon.

Gordon's biggest complaint is that property taxes are regressive and can wallop people making far less than their neighbors. 

"Say you retire and your income goes down 40 percent.  Well, your property taxes don't.  That seems hardly fair," said Gordon.

So why do property taxes still exist?

"It's sheer laziness.  It's there.  It's always been there.  The mechanism is in place.  Every town has its assessor and its grievance board.  Therefore, it's just easier to let it go on rather than come up with a more efficient system," said Gordon.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what Gordon thinks would be a much better and fairer alternative to property taxes and how former late night host David Letterman figures into his call to abolish property taxes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16887776Wed, 30 Jan 2019 22:25:42 +0000Radio AmericaMost Americans know that property taxes pay for the public schools, police and fire departments, and services like trash pickup and road repairs, but why are those things funded through what one economics expert considers a relic of the colonial era....
The issue arose in connection with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren's call for a wealth tax on assets above $50 million.  During an interview with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, Warren claimed her wealth tax was a brand new idea in America.

Hayes gently corrected her, noting that all homeowners already pay a wealth tax.

"It's brand new, although I will note to people out there who own a home, you're paying a wealth tax right now called property taxes.  So it does exist in America," said Hayes.

But should it?  Longtime economic author and columnist John Steele Gordon says property taxes belong on the ash heap of history.

"It's a very inefficient way of raising revenues for the government.  For one thing, how much is a given property worth?  Well, you really only know that when it is sold," said Gordon.

He says property taxes made a lot more sense around the time of our nation's founding because property value was closely linked to income.

"In colonial days, almost all properties were income-producing.  They were farms or they were stores.  Today, almost all properties are income absorbing.  They're houses," said Gordon.

Gordon's biggest complaint is that property taxes are regressive and can wallop people making far less than their neighbors. 

"Say you retire and your income goes down 40 percent.  Well, your property taxes don't.  That seems hardly fair," said Gordon.

So why do property taxes still exist?

"It's sheer laziness.  It's there.  It's always been there.  The mechanism is in place.  Every town has its assessor and its grievance board.  Therefore, it's just easier to let it go on rather than come up with a more efficient system," said Gordon.

Listen to the full podcast to learn what Gordon thinks would be a much better and fairer alternative to property taxes and how former late night host David Letterman figures into his call to abolish property taxes.]]>561fairness,news,property,revenues,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-non-citizens-voting-in-texas--16866606
"I think what they're going to find is that a large percentage of these individuals were, in fact, not U.S. citizens when they registered to vote," said Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.

He says other evidence proves this is more than a hunch.

"Federal reports indicate that the majority or folks who register to vote do so when they go to a state driver's license bureau and get a license.  So I think they're probably going to find that a very large number of these 95,000 individuals registered to vote at the very same time that they went in to get a driver's license as a legal non-citizen," said von Spakovsky

State official will now be asking county officials in Texas to look at each of those possible non-citizen voters to determine if they are now citizens and were citizens when they registered and when many of them voted.

Von Spakovsky says this revelation does not surprise him at all.

"It's no surprise because it just complements the other evidence that has been found from many other states across the country that non-citizens are illegally registering and voting," said von Spakovsky, noting that California now automatically registers anyone to vote when they come in to get a driver's license.

Listen to the full podcast to hear von Spakovsky explain why he believes red and blue states will have very different reactions regardless of the final conclusions in Texas, why some political leaders seem to have no interest in making sure only eligible citizens are voting in their jurisdictions, and how he sees an effort to blur the distinction between citizens and non-citizens.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16866606Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:33:45 +0000Radio AmericaTexas officials say they found 95,000 non-citizens registered to vote and believe as many as 58,000 cast ballots in the state.  More investigating needs to be done to determine how many of those people became citizens after registering, but one...
"I think what they're going to find is that a large percentage of these individuals were, in fact, not U.S. citizens when they registered to vote," said Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.

He says other evidence proves this is more than a hunch.

"Federal reports indicate that the majority or folks who register to vote do so when they go to a state driver's license bureau and get a license.  So I think they're probably going to find that a very large number of these 95,000 individuals registered to vote at the very same time that they went in to get a driver's license as a legal non-citizen," said von Spakovsky

State official will now be asking county officials in Texas to look at each of those possible non-citizen voters to determine if they are now citizens and were citizens when they registered and when many of them voted.

Von Spakovsky says this revelation does not surprise him at all.

"It's no surprise because it just complements the other evidence that has been found from many other states across the country that non-citizens are illegally registering and voting," said von Spakovsky, noting that California now automatically registers anyone to vote when they come in to get a driver's license.

Listen to the full podcast to hear von Spakovsky explain why he believes red and blue states will have very different reactions regardless of the final conclusions in Texas, why some political leaders seem to have no interest in making sure only eligible citizens are voting in their jurisdictions, and how he sees an effort to blur the distinction between citizens and non-citizens.]]>586news,non-citizen,texas,votingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-warren-s-wealth-tax-won-t-work--16843255
The tax on accumulated assets would levy a two percent rate on all wealth above $50 million.  It would rise to three percent for assets past a billion dollars.  Warren promises the tax could bring in $3 trillion in ten years, but National Taxpayer's Union President Pete Sepp says that's naive.

"[Warren] assumes that there would be virtually no change , no response to attacks like this.  That's where this nearly three trillion dollar revenue estimate comes from - that year after year, people with accumulations of wealth will just happily pay that tax and not move the money offshore or think of other ways to either spend it rather unproductively rather than invest it or simply give it away to charity," said Sepp.

Furthermore, Sepp says socking it to the very wealthy is a bad way to approach the economy.

"We have to remember, the income tax is already heavily skewed toward hitting people with high incomes, who generally also tend to have high wealth accumulations.  There's already a capital gains tax.  There is still a death tax in place," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast as Sepp explains why there's plenty of data to suggest a wealth tax will not accomplish what its supporters think it will, and he details what policies would raise the income and living standards of people at the lower end of the economic spectrum.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16843255Mon, 28 Jan 2019 22:03:59 +0000Radio AmericaMassachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pushing a wealth tax as one of the early economic priorities of her 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, but the head of the nation's largest grassroots taxpayer organization says the wealth tax would never...
The tax on accumulated assets would levy a two percent rate on all wealth above $50 million.  It would rise to three percent for assets past a billion dollars.  Warren promises the tax could bring in $3 trillion in ten years, but National Taxpayer's Union President Pete Sepp says that's naive.

"[Warren] assumes that there would be virtually no change , no response to attacks like this.  That's where this nearly three trillion dollar revenue estimate comes from - that year after year, people with accumulations of wealth will just happily pay that tax and not move the money offshore or think of other ways to either spend it rather unproductively rather than invest it or simply give it away to charity," said Sepp.

Furthermore, Sepp says socking it to the very wealthy is a bad way to approach the economy.

"We have to remember, the income tax is already heavily skewed toward hitting people with high incomes, who generally also tend to have high wealth accumulations.  There's already a capital gains tax.  There is still a death tax in place," said Sepp.

Listen to the full podcast as Sepp explains why there's plenty of data to suggest a wealth tax will not accomplish what its supporters think it will, and he details what policies would raise the income and living standards of people at the lower end of the economic spectrum.]]>601news,tax,warren,wealthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toensing-blasts-mueller-raid-that-is-so-corrupt--16843256
Before dawn Friday, a large presence of armed FBI personnel and police surrounded Stone's Florida home, knocked on the door and ordered him to let them in.  Stone later appeared in federal court on Friday.  He will be arraigned in Washington next week.

Toensing, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general and a federal prosecutor, says the tactics used to arrest Stone were grossly excessive.

"That is so corrupt.  That is reserved for terrorists and drug dealers who are going to flee if they know they're going to be arrested.  This is not done for a process kind of crime.  I am so offended as a former Justice Department person.

"Where was (FBI Director) Chris Wray?  Where was (acting Attorney General) Matt Whittaker?  How could they have allowed this?" said Toensing.

"This is how conservatives and Republicans are treated, whereas people like (Hillary Clinton associate) Cheryl Mills, who a federal judge said the other day was clear she she had committed perjury, they get immunity," said Toensing.

Toensing is also demanding that incoming Attorney General William Barr address what she considers the problem of rogue special prosecutors.  She says special counsels regularly tell defendants to testify how the prosecutors want in order to make their legal headaches go away. 

"Independent counsels and special counsels have got to stop.  I would hope that one of the first things that Bill Bar does is rewrite the regulations for the special counsel," said Toensing.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Toensing give multiple examples of defendants harassed by special counsels for refusing to falsely implicate their superiors in criminal activity and to hear her explanation for why it wasn't a crime even if Stone and the Trump campaign tried to find out what was in the stolen Clinton emails.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16843256Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:04:48 +0000Radio AmericaLongtime Trump associate Roger Stone was arrested Friday and hit with a seven-count indictment, but former Justice Department official Victoria Toensing is aghast at how Mueller arrested the longtime political operative and says even if the Trump...
Before dawn Friday, a large presence of armed FBI personnel and police surrounded Stone's Florida home, knocked on the door and ordered him to let them in.  Stone later appeared in federal court on Friday.  He will be arraigned in Washington next week.

Toensing, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general and a federal prosecutor, says the tactics used to arrest Stone were grossly excessive.

"That is so corrupt.  That is reserved for terrorists and drug dealers who are going to flee if they know they're going to be arrested.  This is not done for a process kind of crime.  I am so offended as a former Justice Department person.

"Where was (FBI Director) Chris Wray?  Where was (acting Attorney General) Matt Whittaker?  How could they have allowed this?" said Toensing.

"This is how conservatives and Republicans are treated, whereas people like (Hillary Clinton associate) Cheryl Mills, who a federal judge said the other day was clear she she had committed perjury, they get immunity," said Toensing.

Toensing is also demanding that incoming Attorney General William Barr address what she considers the problem of rogue special prosecutors.  She says special counsels regularly tell defendants to testify how the prosecutors want in order to make their legal headaches go away. 

"Independent counsels and special counsels have got to stop.  I would hope that one of the first things that Bill Bar does is rewrite the regulations for the special counsel," said Toensing.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Toensing give multiple examples of defendants harassed by special counsels for refusing to falsely implicate their superiors in criminal activity and to hear her explanation for why it wasn't a crime even if Stone and the Trump campaign tried to find out what was in the stolen Clinton emails.]]>516barr,mueller,russia,specialcounsel,stone,trump,wikileaksfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-call-this-infanticide--16833962
On Tuesday's anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion at any time during a woman's pregnancy, the New York State Senate approved the Reproductive Health Act.  Cheered lustily by its allies, the bill paves the way to late-term abortions.

"This act permits abortion at any point during pregnancy if the abortionist deems it necessary for the mother's life or health," said Alison Centofante, director of external affairs at the pro-life group Live Action.

She says the law in New York previously allowed late-term abortions to save the life of the mother.  She says adding a health exception provides a green light to abortion providers.

"According to Doe v. Bolton at the U.S. Supreme Court, health includes not just physical health but encompasses emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age consideration.  This effectively allows abortion for any reason," said Centofante.

Centofante stresses that there's no need to terminate a late-term pregnancy to preserve the health or life of a woman.

"A late-term abortion like this is not needed.  It's a viable child.  You can deliver that child and save the life of the mother.  We can deal with the health issues separately while saving the life of this child," said Centofante.

According to Centofante, 75 percent of Americans believe abortion should be banned after the first trimester, but she says what matters is reaching the woman whose world is turned upside down by an unplanned pregnancy.

"No woman walks into a Planned Parenthood abortion facility feeling empowered.  They walk in feeling alone, like they have no other choice.  Many of them, when polled, say if one person had just said that they would help me through this, I wouldn't have gone through with my abortion.  We need to be that one person for those around us," said Centofante.

Listen to the full podcast as Centofante explains the New York abortion law in more detail and why some of those who benefit most from it may be violent criminals.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16833962Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:03:18 +0000Radio AmericaPro-life activists are aghast at New York's new abortion law, which allows abortions at anytime in the mother's pregnancy if the abortion provider deems there is any risk to the patient's health. On Tuesday's anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme...
On Tuesday's anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion at any time during a woman's pregnancy, the New York State Senate approved the Reproductive Health Act.  Cheered lustily by its allies, the bill paves the way to late-term abortions.

"This act permits abortion at any point during pregnancy if the abortionist deems it necessary for the mother's life or health," said Alison Centofante, director of external affairs at the pro-life group Live Action.

She says the law in New York previously allowed late-term abortions to save the life of the mother.  She says adding a health exception provides a green light to abortion providers.

"According to Doe v. Bolton at the U.S. Supreme Court, health includes not just physical health but encompasses emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age consideration.  This effectively allows abortion for any reason," said Centofante.

Centofante stresses that there's no need to terminate a late-term pregnancy to preserve the health or life of a woman.

"A late-term abortion like this is not needed.  It's a viable child.  You can deliver that child and save the life of the mother.  We can deal with the health issues separately while saving the life of this child," said Centofante.

According to Centofante, 75 percent of Americans believe abortion should be banned after the first trimester, but she says what matters is reaching the woman whose world is turned upside down by an unplanned pregnancy.

"No woman walks into a Planned Parenthood abortion facility feeling empowered.  They walk in feeling alone, like they have no other choice.  Many of them, when polled, say if one person had just said that they would help me through this, I wouldn't have gone through with my abortion.  We need to be that one person for those around us," said Centofante.

Listen to the full podcast as Centofante explains the New York abortion law in more detail and why some of those who benefit most from it may be violent criminals.]]>618abortion,health,infanticide,new,yorkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-brexit-stalemate-what-s-in-it-for-the-u-s--16824092
May's most recent Brexit plan was crushed in the House of Commons, largely because her own Conservative Party cannot agree on a strategy and opposing parties don't want to help her either.

"Within the Conservative Party, there's a huge split between those who see the deal as a repudiation of what the people voted for.  Over 17 million Britons voted to leave the European Union and they don't see this deal that she put forward to them as actually bringing about a removal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

"Then you have another element within her party I think that believes that this deal does too much," said Daniel Kochis, a scholar at the Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom.

Kochis agrees with the first argument, that May is trying to force through a plan that will still leave the UK beholden to the European Union, specifically the customs union.

"I don't think that this withdrawal agreement did enough.  It kept the United Kingdom in this sort of de facto limbo or perpetual limbo, where they were going to have to abide by the same sort of regulations and rules emanating from the EU but they would have lost their seat at the table to vote on those to help shape them," said Kochis.

"Many members of the British public and of Theresa May's own party saw this for what it was.  It was a soft way to keep the UK within the European Union,  They rejected that as not something the British people voted for," he added.

But what is the U.S. interest in all of this British drama?  Kochis says a lot could be at stake and the U.S. stands to benefit from a clean Brexit.

"It's in our interest to have a United Kingdom that is sovereign, that can dictate it's own trade policy, that can dictate it's own border policy and not allowing itself to take in hundreds or thousands of people against the will of their own citizens."

"It would allow them to be a strong defense partner for the United States.  For instance, [Britain is] one of the key intelligence allies the United States has.  There is some concern that were they to stay in the European Union that that could be damaged," said Kochis, who also thinks a bilateral trade deal with the British could be a very good thing for our relationship and our economy.

Listen to the full podcast as Kochis explains why the UK leaving the European Union without a deal on March 29 might be the best case scenario.  He also explains why Theresa May keeps hanging on to her job despite repeated failures at getting a Brexit deal approved.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16824092Wed, 23 Jan 2019 20:39:27 +0000Radio AmericaBritish Prime Minister Theresa May is assembling a new plan to pursue the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, but this effort is likely doomed as well since no consensus exists to honor the Brexit wishes of the voters. May's most recent...
May's most recent Brexit plan was crushed in the House of Commons, largely because her own Conservative Party cannot agree on a strategy and opposing parties don't want to help her either.

"Within the Conservative Party, there's a huge split between those who see the deal as a repudiation of what the people voted for.  Over 17 million Britons voted to leave the European Union and they don't see this deal that she put forward to them as actually bringing about a removal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

"Then you have another element within her party I think that believes that this deal does too much," said Daniel Kochis, a scholar at the Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom.

Kochis agrees with the first argument, that May is trying to force through a plan that will still leave the UK beholden to the European Union, specifically the customs union.

"I don't think that this withdrawal agreement did enough.  It kept the United Kingdom in this sort of de facto limbo or perpetual limbo, where they were going to have to abide by the same sort of regulations and rules emanating from the EU but they would have lost their seat at the table to vote on those to help shape them," said Kochis.

"Many members of the British public and of Theresa May's own party saw this for what it was.  It was a soft way to keep the UK within the European Union,  They rejected that as not something the British people voted for," he added.

But what is the U.S. interest in all of this British drama?  Kochis says a lot could be at stake and the U.S. stands to benefit from a clean Brexit.

"It's in our interest to have a United Kingdom that is sovereign, that can dictate it's own trade policy, that can dictate it's own border policy and not allowing itself to take in hundreds or thousands of people against the will of their own citizens."

"It would allow them to be a strong defense partner for the United States.  For instance, [Britain is] one of the key intelligence allies the United States has.  There is some concern that were they to stay in the European Union that that could be damaged," said Kochis, who also thinks a bilateral trade deal with the British could be a very good thing for our relationship and our economy.

Listen to the full podcast as Kochis explains why the UK leaving the European Union without a deal on March 29 might be the best case scenario.  He also explains why Theresa May keeps hanging on to her job despite repeated failures at getting a Brexit deal approved.]]>726brexit,conservatives,immigration,may,news,security,tradefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-gun-control-effort-misfires--16815209
"I wish Ralph Northam had run on the issue of gun control.  I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be the governor now if he had said, 'Oh, incidentally, I'm going to take away all your guns,'" said Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Michael Hammond.

Among the initiatives pursued by Northam and other Democrats are a ban on "assault weapons," a ban on any firearm that can hold a magazine containing more than ten rounds, and strengthening of so-called "red flag laws," which allow a court to take away guns from someone deemed to be an imminent threat to themselves or others.

Hammond says Northam essentially wants to ban semi-automatic rifles, like the AR-15.  He says there are roughly 50 million semi-automatic rifles in the U.S. But he says that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"He goes on with universal background checks, which sets the stage for a national gun registry and would outlaw private gun transactions between you and your neighbor.  And he goes on to these insidious gun confiscation orders, which he calls red flag laws," said Hammond.

Hammond calls them insidious because judges can order gun confiscation based only on a complaint and no due process for the person accused of being a threat.  He says any attempt to take someone's gun away should be treated like a criminal charge, meaning the accused should have full rights to paid counsel. 

According to Hammond, the confiscation orders are carried out in the middle of the night and can often lead to deadly consequences when a groggy gun owner fears what's on the other side of the door.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Hammond explain why most mass shooters - from Parkland to Newtown and many places - could have been arrested for felonies or had their firearms taken away on clear legal grounds.  He also explains why gun owners in many states need to brace for fierce efforts to limit their second amendment rights in the weeks and months ahead.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16815209Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:51:55 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam and his Democratic allies in the legislature are fuming after Republicans killed a gun control bill before it ever reached a final vote, and second amendment advocates say the contents of the bill would have instantly...
"I wish Ralph Northam had run on the issue of gun control.  I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be the governor now if he had said, 'Oh, incidentally, I'm going to take away all your guns,'" said Gun Owners of America Legislative Counsel Michael Hammond.

Among the initiatives pursued by Northam and other Democrats are a ban on "assault weapons," a ban on any firearm that can hold a magazine containing more than ten rounds, and strengthening of so-called "red flag laws," which allow a court to take away guns from someone deemed to be an imminent threat to themselves or others.

Hammond says Northam essentially wants to ban semi-automatic rifles, like the AR-15.  He says there are roughly 50 million semi-automatic rifles in the U.S. But he says that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"He goes on with universal background checks, which sets the stage for a national gun registry and would outlaw private gun transactions between you and your neighbor.  And he goes on to these insidious gun confiscation orders, which he calls red flag laws," said Hammond.

Hammond calls them insidious because judges can order gun confiscation based only on a complaint and no due process for the person accused of being a threat.  He says any attempt to take someone's gun away should be treated like a criminal charge, meaning the accused should have full rights to paid counsel. 

According to Hammond, the confiscation orders are carried out in the middle of the night and can often lead to deadly consequences when a groggy gun owner fears what's on the other side of the door.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Hammond explain why most mass shooters - from Parkland to Newtown and many places - could have been arrested for felonies or had their firearms taken away on clear legal grounds.  He also explains why gun owners in many states need to brace for fierce efforts to limit their second amendment rights in the weeks and months ahead.]]>582assault,ban,confiscation,guns,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-manufacturing-sector-has-really-blossomed--16800840
Experts predicted manufacturing to grow 0.3 percent in December.  Instead, it rose 1.1 percent.  Manufacturing growth stood at 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter and followed 3.7 percent growth in the third quarter.

"The manufacturing sector has just blossomed over the last year," said Vance Ginn, chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

According to Ginn, the catalyst for the resurgence is the tax reform passed in 2017.

"The cost to these manufacturing companies were often too high.  The Trump tax cuts lowered the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent - the highest in the developed world - down to 21 percent and makes us more competitive, along with immediate expensing of depreciation. 

"Those sort of things allow for a lowering of costs for manufacturing companies and what do they do?  They start putting more money back into their business," said Ginn.

But Ginn notes a couple of important twists.  First, he points out that many these manufacturing jobs are vastly different than the ones in previous generations.  He also says the jobs are not returning to the same parts of the country because businesses want a better tax deal and less regulation.

"The institutional framework you have for your economy - if it has too high of taxes, too many regulations, too many union rules and regulations associated with it - that's going to force people out.  It's going to make a slower economy and a slower manufacturing sector.  

"If you get rid of those, you see what can happen.  Manufacturing is coming back," said Ginn, noting that jobs once found in the industrial Midwest are now landing in less regulated places like Texas and Tennessee.

Listen to the full podcast as Ginn explains why the manufacturing sector might weaken in the coming months and what the reason could be.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16800840Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:19:29 +0000Radio AmericaDecember manufacturing growth nearly quadrupled expectations as the sector enjoys a much-need revitalization, but what driving the growth and why might it start shrinking. Experts predicted manufacturing to grow 0.3 percent in December.  Instead, it...
Experts predicted manufacturing to grow 0.3 percent in December.  Instead, it rose 1.1 percent.  Manufacturing growth stood at 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter and followed 3.7 percent growth in the third quarter.

"The manufacturing sector has just blossomed over the last year," said Vance Ginn, chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

According to Ginn, the catalyst for the resurgence is the tax reform passed in 2017.

"The cost to these manufacturing companies were often too high.  The Trump tax cuts lowered the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent - the highest in the developed world - down to 21 percent and makes us more competitive, along with immediate expensing of depreciation. 

"Those sort of things allow for a lowering of costs for manufacturing companies and what do they do?  They start putting more money back into their business," said Ginn.

But Ginn notes a couple of important twists.  First, he points out that many these manufacturing jobs are vastly different than the ones in previous generations.  He also says the jobs are not returning to the same parts of the country because businesses want a better tax deal and less regulation.

"The institutional framework you have for your economy - if it has too high of taxes, too many regulations, too many union rules and regulations associated with it - that's going to force people out.  It's going to make a slower economy and a slower manufacturing sector.  

"If you get rid of those, you see what can happen.  Manufacturing is coming back," said Ginn, noting that jobs once found in the industrial Midwest are now landing in less regulated places like Texas and Tennessee.

Listen to the full podcast as Ginn explains why the manufacturing sector might weaken in the coming months and what the reason could be.]]>465economy,interest,manufacturing,news,ratesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-the-buzzfeed-story--16751088
Cohen has already pleaded guilty to perjury charges related to his congressional testimony. According to the report, Trump specifically told Cohen to tell lawmakers that the Trump Organization scrapped plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow in January 2016. In reality, the plans were shelved in June or July of that year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16751088Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:03:30 +0000Radio AmericaBuzzfeed sparked a furor Thursday night with a report alleging Special Counsel Robert Mueller has detailed evidence showing President Trump directed former attorney Michael Cohen to lie to Congress. Cohen has already pleaded guilty to perjury charges...
Cohen has already pleaded guilty to perjury charges related to his congressional testimony. According to the report, Trump specifically told Cohen to tell lawmakers that the Trump Organization scrapped plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow in January 2016. In reality, the plans were shelved in June or July of that year.]]>769buzzfeed,cohen,moscow,mueller,perjury,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-for-life-pro-life-activists-declare-science-on-their-side--16750538
On Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled there was a constitutional right to an abortion.  Each year since, pro-life demonstrators have flocked to Washington demand constitutional protections for unborn lives.

This year, the theme of the march is "Pro-Life is Pro-Science: Unique from Day One."  While liberals like to describe themselves as the party of science, Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley says the facts are clear on when life begins and her side is right.

"From the moment of sperm-egg fusion and those cells begin to divide that we have a person there.  It's a very small one but it's a person nonetheless and (the) DNA is separate from his or her mom.  The baby can have a separate blood type.  If it's a little boy, it's a completely separate gender.  

"So the unborn child is completely different from your appendix that's rupturing that needs to be removed.  It's a separate person that just needs time, nourishment, and a safe place to grow.  That's just a scientific reality," said Quigley.

Pro-choice activists have a different standard for when life begins.  Most will point to the moment of birth, but pro-choice groups have also backed legislation punishing criminals for harming an unborn child when the mother is attacked.  

Quigley says that disconnect forces the pro-choice movement into a decidedly unscientific position: that the unborn child is a life only if it is wanted by his or her mother.

"Wantedness is the determining factor for the abortion lobby," said Quigley.

But sometimes is goes even farther.  Quigley cited a recent New York Times story revealing that Planned Parenthood pressures its own employees to abort their unborn children even if they are wanted and make it very difficult for working mothers to stay on the job.

Listen to the full podcast as Quigley also explains why a Republican Congress failed to stop taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and what, if anything, can be accomplished with Democrats now running the House of Representatives.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16750538Fri, 18 Jan 2019 21:36:40 +0000Radio AmericaThe 46th annual March for Life unfolded Friday in Washington, with tens of thousands of pro-life activists demanding an end to legalized abortion in the United States and the pro-life movement examining the political landscape with a Congress that is...
On Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled there was a constitutional right to an abortion.  Each year since, pro-life demonstrators have flocked to Washington demand constitutional protections for unborn lives.

This year, the theme of the march is "Pro-Life is Pro-Science: Unique from Day One."  While liberals like to describe themselves as the party of science, Susan B. Anthony List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley says the facts are clear on when life begins and her side is right.

"From the moment of sperm-egg fusion and those cells begin to divide that we have a person there.  It's a very small one but it's a person nonetheless and (the) DNA is separate from his or her mom.  The baby can have a separate blood type.  If it's a little boy, it's a completely separate gender.  

"So the unborn child is completely different from your appendix that's rupturing that needs to be removed.  It's a separate person that just needs time, nourishment, and a safe place to grow.  That's just a scientific reality," said Quigley.

Pro-choice activists have a different standard for when life begins.  Most will point to the moment of birth, but pro-choice groups have also backed legislation punishing criminals for harming an unborn child when the mother is attacked.  

Quigley says that disconnect forces the pro-choice movement into a decidedly unscientific position: that the unborn child is a life only if it is wanted by his or her mother.

"Wantedness is the determining factor for the abortion lobby," said Quigley.

But sometimes is goes even farther.  Quigley cited a recent New York Times story revealing that Planned Parenthood pressures its own employees to abort their unborn children even if they are wanted and make it very difficult for working mothers to stay on the job.

Listen to the full podcast as Quigley also explains why a Republican Congress failed to stop taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and what, if anything, can be accomplished with Democrats now running the House of Representatives.]]>760abortion,life,parenthood,planned,sciencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/world-watch-list-reveals-nations-most-hostile-to-christians--16740897
The list of 50 nations also shows persecution sharply on the rise in prominent places like India, China, and Russia.

While persecution is on the rise in many parts of the world, Open Doors USA President and CEO Dr. David Curry says North Korea is still home of the worst brutality.

"If people know you're a Christian, you'll be arrested, taken to a labor camp and (you'll) probably die there.  You're not allowed to have a bible.  They're illegal.  They consider Christians to be the number one enemy of the state," said Curry.

Eight Islamic nations follow North Korea on the list - Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, and Iran - with Afghanistan just a whisker behind North Korea for the worst nation to live as Christians.  India is now up to the 10th spot.

Curry says the growing strength of the Taliban makes life very difficult for believers in Afghanistan.

"There's an underground church there but it's very difficult for them to function," said Curry.  "They don't have the prison systems that North Korea does.  It's more of a vigilante kind of a justice.  If they find out you are a Christian, you'll be expelled from the family.  You could be beaten, killed, or raped," said Curry.

Thirty-four of the fifty nations listed due to "Islamic oppression."  So why do those government feel threatened by their Christian minorities?

"The ideology is what it's all about for them.  They see Christians as apostates, as infidels.  These are radical Islamic folks who have an agenda to impose their world view on everybody, including the West if they could," said Curry.

And why is India so high on the list?  Curry says the country has changed drastically in just a few years.

"The government has a radical Hindu agenda.  They're attacking Christians and there are hundreds of cases against Christians and churches in that country.  They are good citizens, but it runs contrary to the BJP party's nationalist Hindu agenda where they say you're not an Indian unless you're Hindu," said Curry, noting that the government is even harassing Mother Teresa's organization helping the poorest of the poor.

He believes a strong stand by American business leaders could make a big difference.

"I would love to see the business community in America - Amazon, Google, all these people that want to get access to that big population - look at their corporate charters.  What does it mean that we're doing so much business in India when they have such a horrible human rights pattern here over the last six years," said Curry.

Two other very prominent nations rocketed up the list in 2019.  China surged 16 spots to 27th, while Russia was off the list and is now at 41st.  Curry says Russia is still plagued by Islamic violence in the Caucuses but he is also worried about new religious expression rules being implemented by the government.

He considers China the big story of this year's list, noting President Xi Jinping's efforts to  consolidate more and more power in the state.  He says the Communist Party is infiltrating the churches because the regime is fearful of the 100 million Christians there.  Surveillance cameras are everywhere to monitor services and those refusing the cameras are shut down.  So are any pastors refusing to follow the demands for how churches ought to function..

Listen to the full podcast to hear much more about the World Watch List.  Dr. Curry explains why Christian women in these countries are the most vulnerable people in the world, where there is a major bright spot in the middle of the Islamic world, and what he hopes people do with this information.  Dr. Curry also talks about the perseverance of believers in the midst of persecution and how churches in many of these nations continue to grow.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16740897Thu, 17 Jan 2019 22:03:18 +0000Radio AmericaCommunist North Korea is once against the world's worst persecutor of Christians, but Islamic oppression is by far the greatest threat to believers around the globe according to the 2019 World Watch List from Open Doors USA. The list of 50 nations...
The list of 50 nations also shows persecution sharply on the rise in prominent places like India, China, and Russia.

While persecution is on the rise in many parts of the world, Open Doors USA President and CEO Dr. David Curry says North Korea is still home of the worst brutality.

"If people know you're a Christian, you'll be arrested, taken to a labor camp and (you'll) probably die there.  You're not allowed to have a bible.  They're illegal.  They consider Christians to be the number one enemy of the state," said Curry.

Eight Islamic nations follow North Korea on the list - Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, and Iran - with Afghanistan just a whisker behind North Korea for the worst nation to live as Christians.  India is now up to the 10th spot.

Curry says the growing strength of the Taliban makes life very difficult for believers in Afghanistan.

"There's an underground church there but it's very difficult for them to function," said Curry.  "They don't have the prison systems that North Korea does.  It's more of a vigilante kind of a justice.  If they find out you are a Christian, you'll be expelled from the family.  You could be beaten, killed, or raped," said Curry.

Thirty-four of the fifty nations listed due to "Islamic oppression."  So why do those government feel threatened by their Christian minorities?

"The ideology is what it's all about for them.  They see Christians as apostates, as infidels.  These are radical Islamic folks who have an agenda to impose their world view on everybody, including the West if they could," said Curry.

And why is India so high on the list?  Curry says the country has changed drastically in just a few years.

"The government has a radical Hindu agenda.  They're attacking Christians and there are hundreds of cases against Christians and churches in that country.  They are good citizens, but it runs contrary to the BJP party's nationalist Hindu agenda where they say you're not an Indian unless you're Hindu," said Curry, noting that the government is even harassing Mother Teresa's organization helping the poorest of the poor.

He believes a strong stand by American business leaders could make a big difference.

"I would love to see the business community in America - Amazon, Google, all these people that want to get access to that big population - look at their corporate charters.  What does it mean that we're doing so much business in India when they have such a horrible human rights pattern here over the last six years," said Curry.

Two other very prominent nations rocketed up the list in 2019.  China surged 16 spots to 27th, while Russia was off the list and is now at 41st.  Curry says Russia is still plagued by Islamic violence in the Caucuses but he is also worried about new religious expression rules being implemented by the government.

He considers China the big story of this year's list, noting President Xi Jinping's efforts to  consolidate more and more power in the state.  He says the Communist Party is infiltrating the churches because the regime is fearful of the 100 million Christians there.  Surveillance cameras are everywhere to monitor services and those refusing the cameras are shut down.  So are any pastors refusing to follow the demands for how churches ought to function..

Listen to the full podcast to hear much more about the World Watch List.  Dr. Curry explains why Christian women in these countries are the most vulnerable people in the world, where there is a major bright spot in the middle of the Islamic world, and what he hopes people do with this...]]>927christians,communism,islam,persecutionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-myth-of-anti-war-democrats--16731310
Liberty Nation economics correspondent Andrew Moran says a closer look shows Democrats are more than willing to begin and continue military campaigns, both in past generations and in the present day.

Moran also discusses why he believes libertarians are beginning to win the fight within the GOP over the proper role of U.S. intervention.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Moran discuss all these issues and why he believes the media are piling on Democratic presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard because she is the only true anti-war candidate in the group.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16731310Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:45:13 +0000Radio AmericaFrom Vietnam to the Iraq War, conventional wisdom suggests Democrats are the anti-war party while Republicans are more eager to embrace foreign intervention, but the reaction to President Trump's plans for a withdrawal from Syria is revealing...
Liberty Nation economics correspondent Andrew Moran says a closer look shows Democrats are more than willing to begin and continue military campaigns, both in past generations and in the present day.

Moran also discusses why he believes libertarians are beginning to win the fight within the GOP over the proper role of U.S. intervention.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Moran discuss all these issues and why he believes the media are piling on Democratic presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard because she is the only true anti-war candidate in the group.]]>436falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-dems-target-right-to-work--16711882
"First of all, it's an issue of freedom: individual freedom and choice and liberty in the workplace,  Nothing in Virginia's right to work law stops you from joining a union if you want to or giving your entire paycheck to a union official if you choose to do that," said National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix

Freshman Democratic Del. Lee Carter is leading the effort in the Virginia House of Delegates.  Carter is an avowed socialist who was part of a blue wave that nearly regained the majority for Democrats in 2017.

During his campaign, Carter expressed his animosity toward the right to work movement by filming the shredding of a questionnaire he received from Mix's group.  Mix says he credits Carter for his consistency,

"He's made good on his promise.  You have to give the guy credit.  He told people that he would introduce a repeal of Virginia's right to work law that's been in effect since 1947 and simply says no worker in Virginia can be forced to pay union dues or fees to get or keep a job," said Mix.

Just two years ago, Virginia voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have written the right to work into the commonwealth's constitution, but Mix says there hasn't been a serious effort to repeal the right to work law since 1991.

Until now.

"It appears with the margins the way they are and the climate changing the way it has that this delegate is going to make an aggressive effort to try to force Virginians to pay union dues to work," said Mix.

The Carter legislation specifically calls for the creation of "agency shops" as opposed to "union shops."  A union shop requires all workers to join a union but a 1960's court ruling declared it illegal to force anyone to join a private organization.  The agency shop does not require membership but it does require everyone to pay union dues and fees.

Mix says it's a distinction without much of a difference.

"The unions will say, 'No worker is forced to join a union or will ever be forced to join a union, but you'll be forced to pay up to 100 percent of dues to keep your job, which is basically a union shop.

"Union officials had to create semantic differences so they could say no one is forced to join a union.  You're just forced to pay dues to work, and that's really what this bill's about," said Mix

The argument from organized labor is very different.  Their officials contend that all employees benefit from the collective bargaining agreements they negotiate and anyone who benefits from those negotiations ought to pay dues to the union that helped them get better pay or benefits.

Mix says labor leaders like to pitch the battle as workers vs. management but he says compulsory dues really create a different conflict.

"Basically what we're talking about here is a fight between union officials and the rank and file workers they claim to want to represent.  Ultimately, that's what this is all about.  They're trying to force those workers who they "speak for" to pay for the privilege of working," said Mix.

Republicans control both chambers of the Virginia legislature but both majorities are very narrow.  The GOP holds a 51-49 edge in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 edge in the state senate.  All 140 of those seats are up for election this year in Virginia.  Republican leaders insist they will vigorously oppose the Carter legislation.

Listen to the whole podcast to hear Mix lay out more of the debate and discuss why right to work laws make a big difference in the economy of the states where they exist.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16711882Mon, 14 Jan 2019 22:42:39 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats in Virginia are mounting an aggressive campaign to roll back right to work laws that have been on the books for more than 70 years, but a leading right to work activist says doing so would damage Virginia's economy, limit personal freedom,...
"First of all, it's an issue of freedom: individual freedom and choice and liberty in the workplace,  Nothing in Virginia's right to work law stops you from joining a union if you want to or giving your entire paycheck to a union official if you choose to do that," said National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix

Freshman Democratic Del. Lee Carter is leading the effort in the Virginia House of Delegates.  Carter is an avowed socialist who was part of a blue wave that nearly regained the majority for Democrats in 2017.

During his campaign, Carter expressed his animosity toward the right to work movement by filming the shredding of a questionnaire he received from Mix's group.  Mix says he credits Carter for his consistency,

"He's made good on his promise.  You have to give the guy credit.  He told people that he would introduce a repeal of Virginia's right to work law that's been in effect since 1947 and simply says no worker in Virginia can be forced to pay union dues or fees to get or keep a job," said Mix.

Just two years ago, Virginia voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have written the right to work into the commonwealth's constitution, but Mix says there hasn't been a serious effort to repeal the right to work law since 1991.

Until now.

"It appears with the margins the way they are and the climate changing the way it has that this delegate is going to make an aggressive effort to try to force Virginians to pay union dues to work," said Mix.

The Carter legislation specifically calls for the creation of "agency shops" as opposed to "union shops."  A union shop requires all workers to join a union but a 1960's court ruling declared it illegal to force anyone to join a private organization.  The agency shop does not require membership but it does require everyone to pay union dues and fees.

Mix says it's a distinction without much of a difference.

"The unions will say, 'No worker is forced to join a union or will ever be forced to join a union, but you'll be forced to pay up to 100 percent of dues to keep your job, which is basically a union shop.

"Union officials had to create semantic differences so they could say no one is forced to join a union.  You're just forced to pay dues to work, and that's really what this bill's about," said Mix

The argument from organized labor is very different.  Their officials contend that all employees benefit from the collective bargaining agreements they negotiate and anyone who benefits from those negotiations ought to pay dues to the union that helped them get better pay or benefits.

Mix says labor leaders like to pitch the battle as workers vs. management but he says compulsory dues really create a different conflict.

"Basically what we're talking about here is a fight between union officials and the rank and file workers they claim to want to represent.  Ultimately, that's what this is all about.  They're trying to force those workers who they "speak for" to pay for the privilege of working," said Mix.

Republicans control both chambers of the Virginia legislature but both majorities are very narrow.  The GOP holds a 51-49 edge in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 edge in the state senate.  All 140 of those seats are up for election this year in Virginia.  Republican leaders insist they will vigorously oppose the Carter legislation.

Listen to the whole podcast to hear Mix lay out more of the debate and discuss why right to work laws make a big difference in the economy...]]>542democrats,dues,news,righttowork,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coburn-talks-convention-of-states-desperate-need-for-u-s-fiscal-discipline--16690392
Coburn is a physician who was elected to three terms in the House of Representatives and two-terms in the U.S. Senate.  He developed a reputation for attacking wasteful spending and the federal government's habit of growing beyond its constitutional limits.  

Now Coburn is a leading voice for calling a Convention of the States.  It's a provision contained in Article V for amending the constitution.  In addition to Congress approving amendments and passing them on to the states for ratification, two-thirds of the states can demand a convention to debate and adopt proposed amendment.  In both instances, three-quarters of the states must approve the amendments for them to be ratified.

"Having served 16 years in Washington, I see no other solution.  It doesn't matter who's in charge.  I see no other solution to returning the liberty and independent thought and freedom that is ours by starting to limit the role of the federal government.

"Remember, the enumerated powers were very specific and the federal government has now just abandoned that.  The consequence is that 60 percent of every state budget, on average, is not controlled by their legislature.  It's controlled by the bureaucrats in Washington," said Coburn.

Coburn says the founders never wanted the federal government to have the power.  The states were expected to wield most of the power but events like the 17th amendment grew the centralized power of the government in Washington.  The founders wanted state legislatures to elect senators.  The 17th amendment changed that to allow voters to do it.

Coburn says a Convention of the States could convene so long as a narrow area of discussion were established ahead of time.  He would like to see amendments passed that mandate a balanced federal budget and would require two-thirds of the states to approve any significant borrowing by the federal government.

He says neither party is interested in making hard decisions because members on both sides are focused on getting elected - supposedly to do the most good.

"The fact is they spend all their time getting re-elected rather than doing some good," said Coburn.

He says half our deficit could be wiped out by addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in various programs, and by killing duplicative programs.  Coburn pointed to 41 federal job training programs, none of which met their goals.

Listen to the full podcast to Coburn's extended assessment of government and our dire fiscal health.  He also explains the very simple ways to improve our health care system and greatly reduce costs.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16690392Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:02:46 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn says Republicans and Democrats in Washington will never make the hard choices to rein in runaway spending and debt, so a constitutionally prescribed Convention of the States is the only possible remedy. Coburn is a...
Coburn is a physician who was elected to three terms in the House of Representatives and two-terms in the U.S. Senate.  He developed a reputation for attacking wasteful spending and the federal government's habit of growing beyond its constitutional limits.  

Now Coburn is a leading voice for calling a Convention of the States.  It's a provision contained in Article V for amending the constitution.  In addition to Congress approving amendments and passing them on to the states for ratification, two-thirds of the states can demand a convention to debate and adopt proposed amendment.  In both instances, three-quarters of the states must approve the amendments for them to be ratified.

"Having served 16 years in Washington, I see no other solution.  It doesn't matter who's in charge.  I see no other solution to returning the liberty and independent thought and freedom that is ours by starting to limit the role of the federal government.

"Remember, the enumerated powers were very specific and the federal government has now just abandoned that.  The consequence is that 60 percent of every state budget, on average, is not controlled by their legislature.  It's controlled by the bureaucrats in Washington," said Coburn.

Coburn says the founders never wanted the federal government to have the power.  The states were expected to wield most of the power but events like the 17th amendment grew the centralized power of the government in Washington.  The founders wanted state legislatures to elect senators.  The 17th amendment changed that to allow voters to do it.

Coburn says a Convention of the States could convene so long as a narrow area of discussion were established ahead of time.  He would like to see amendments passed that mandate a balanced federal budget and would require two-thirds of the states to approve any significant borrowing by the federal government.

He says neither party is interested in making hard decisions because members on both sides are focused on getting elected - supposedly to do the most good.

"The fact is they spend all their time getting re-elected rather than doing some good," said Coburn.

He says half our deficit could be wiped out by addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in various programs, and by killing duplicative programs.  Coburn pointed to 41 federal job training programs, none of which met their goals.

Listen to the full podcast to Coburn's extended assessment of government and our dire fiscal health.  He also explains the very simple ways to improve our health care system and greatly reduce costs.]]>1449falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/green-new-deal-what-would-our-future-be-like--16681946
To begin, the Green New Deal calls for and to fossil fuels and cars that use them by 2030. 

Power the Future Executive Director Daniel Turner says that's where it starts but it gives the government power over many different areas of our lives.

"They call it the Green New Deal and it's sort of under this guise of caring about the environment.  But the Green New Deal also talks about things like a guaranteed living wage for all Americans, a guaranteed job for all Americans, free education, free health care.

"This is what the left does a lot.  They take something like the earth and say everyone wants a clean earth.  We want a clean earth.  We want clean air and clean water, as do I.  But then they sneak in all these other provisions that have nothing to do with green.

"It sounds like the New Deal of FDR.  It is just an over-encroachment of government in the lives of Americans.  That's why they try to hide some of those other details," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast as Turner explains why it is literally impossible to abandon fossil fuels by 2030, what would happen to our country and our economy if we could, and what the cost of all this would be on taxpayers.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16681946Thu, 10 Jan 2019 23:05:52 +0000Radio AmericaProgressives like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren are embracing a "Green New Deal," aimed at saving the planet from the effects of climate change, but what does the plan really call for, is it realistic,...
To begin, the Green New Deal calls for and to fossil fuels and cars that use them by 2030. 

Power the Future Executive Director Daniel Turner says that's where it starts but it gives the government power over many different areas of our lives.

"They call it the Green New Deal and it's sort of under this guise of caring about the environment.  But the Green New Deal also talks about things like a guaranteed living wage for all Americans, a guaranteed job for all Americans, free education, free health care.

"This is what the left does a lot.  They take something like the earth and say everyone wants a clean earth.  We want a clean earth.  We want clean air and clean water, as do I.  But then they sneak in all these other provisions that have nothing to do with green.

"It sounds like the New Deal of FDR.  It is just an over-encroachment of government in the lives of Americans.  That's why they try to hide some of those other details," said Turner.

Listen to the full podcast as Turner explains why it is literally impossible to abandon fossil fuels by 2030, what would happen to our country and our economy if we could, and what the cost of all this would be on taxpayers.]]>629energy,greennewdeal,news,socialismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/health-care-nyc-to-pay-for-care-house-dems-pursue-single-payer--16672916
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio says his city will spend $100 million to cover the medical costs of 600,000 uninsured residents to primary care physicians and specialists.

De Blasio says his program is not insurance, so what is it? How much will it really cost, since even Democrats admit $100 million, won't be enough? And what will the impact be a few years down the road?

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says New York City residents will encounter a very complicated system that will use a person's income to determine what gets paid for by the city and what residents must take care of themselves.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Kent.) is asking the Congressional Budget Office to report on the impact of moving all healthcare costs onto the federal government.

Turner also says this move is proof that Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is a failure and would add massive costs to taxpayers.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner's full assessment of both endeavors and why more people are not really covered under Obamacare than had health insurance before that legislation took effect.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16672916Wed, 09 Jan 2019 22:42:56 +0000Radio AmericaJust days into 2019, Democrats are already making a their push for much more government involvement in health care. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio says his city will spend $100 million to cover the medical costs of 600,000 uninsured residents...
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio says his city will spend $100 million to cover the medical costs of 600,000 uninsured residents to primary care physicians and specialists.

De Blasio says his program is not insurance, so what is it? How much will it really cost, since even Democrats admit $100 million, won't be enough? And what will the impact be a few years down the road?

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says New York City residents will encounter a very complicated system that will use a person's income to determine what gets paid for by the city and what residents must take care of themselves.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Kent.) is asking the Congressional Budget Office to report on the impact of moving all healthcare costs onto the federal government.

Turner also says this move is proof that Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is a failure and would add massive costs to taxpayers.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner's full assessment of both endeavors and why more people are not really covered under Obamacare than had health insurance before that legislation took effect.]]>706healthcare,newyorkcity,obamacare,single-payerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lessons-from-the-shutdown-how-to-budget-and-save--16663496
An increasing number of media stories highlight government employees struggling to make ends meet or even put food on the table.  But they're more the rule than the exception.  Dave Ramsey Financial Expert Chris Hogan says millions of Americans are also facing dire straits if they miss a paycheck or two.\

"Almost 80 percent of people are living paycheck to paycheck," said Hogan, who is also author of the new book "Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Wealth.  "You've got people who are running out of money before the end of the month."

While empathizing with the uncertainty those employees face in awaiting their next paycheck, Hogan says careful planning and budgeting can better prepare people for any unforeseen income stoppages.

He says the first two steps are addressing any debt and stripping away frivolous expenses to focus on basics such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Ramsey is well known for imploring people to avoid going into debt and Hogan is preaching the same message.  But he says there are smart ways to free yourself from those burdens, including eliminating your smallest debts first and building momentum to pay off student loans and other expensive obligation.

As for what to do once your head is above water, Hogan says there are proven methods to follow in order to build savings and wealth.

"You've got to learn to live on less.  Even with your budgeting and understanding what it requires for you to live on, we've got to figure out those things to stop doing immediately," said Hogan.

Some of his suggestions include far less use of debit cards and eliminating unnecessary expenses like cable television.

He then suggests starting with a goal of saving $1,000 and eventually putting away three to six months worth of savings.  As the money builds, he recommends investing in retirement accounts, putting money away for higher education, and eventually being in a position to be a charitable donor.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Hogan offer much more detail on the steps to no longer living paycheck to paycheck and how to pull yourself out of debt.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16663496Tue, 08 Jan 2019 21:59:16 +0000Radio AmericaThe partial government shutdown is ratcheting up political tensions in Washington and cranking up the financial tensions for federal workers going without a paycheck, but one personal finance expert says an important lesson from this impasse is to be...
An increasing number of media stories highlight government employees struggling to make ends meet or even put food on the table.  But they're more the rule than the exception.  Dave Ramsey Financial Expert Chris Hogan says millions of Americans are also facing dire straits if they miss a paycheck or two.\

"Almost 80 percent of people are living paycheck to paycheck," said Hogan, who is also author of the new book "Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Wealth.  "You've got people who are running out of money before the end of the month."

While empathizing with the uncertainty those employees face in awaiting their next paycheck, Hogan says careful planning and budgeting can better prepare people for any unforeseen income stoppages.

He says the first two steps are addressing any debt and stripping away frivolous expenses to focus on basics such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Ramsey is well known for imploring people to avoid going into debt and Hogan is preaching the same message.  But he says there are smart ways to free yourself from those burdens, including eliminating your smallest debts first and building momentum to pay off student loans and other expensive obligation.

As for what to do once your head is above water, Hogan says there are proven methods to follow in order to build savings and wealth.

"You've got to learn to live on less.  Even with your budgeting and understanding what it requires for you to live on, we've got to figure out those things to stop doing immediately," said Hogan.

Some of his suggestions include far less use of debit cards and eliminating unnecessary expenses like cable television.

He then suggests starting with a goal of saving $1,000 and eventually putting away three to six months worth of savings.  As the money builds, he recommends investing in retirement accounts, putting money away for higher education, and eventually being in a position to be a charitable donor.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Hogan offer much more detail on the steps to no longer living paycheck to paycheck and how to pull yourself out of debt.]]>638budget,debt,income,savings,shutdownfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virginia-gop-vs-dem-gov-in-tax-debate--16652587
At issue is the federal law reducing deductions taxpayers can take on state and local taxes.  Critics of the law frequently pointed to high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey.  It will also impact Virginia.

And while Northam is already drafting plans to use the extra revenue for higher teacher salaries and assist low-income families, Republicans say the responsible thing is to reform the state tax code and ease the burden on taxpayers.

GOP Delegate Nick Freitas says the $1.2 billion is not just some serendipitous discovery.

"If the governor gets what he wants, this is definitely a situation where Virginia taxpayers will be on the hook," said Freitas.  "Gov. Northam is trying to make this into a situation where he has this sudden windfall, and that's just really not the case."

And who exactly will be paying higher taxes because of the change regarding state tax deductions?

"Your average home, where maybe you have someone in law enforcement or maybe you have someone in academia or a teacher, when you have a dual income like that a lot of those people fit neatly in those income brackets that would experience a tax increase as a result," said Freitas.

While Northam describes the the money he would like to give back to low-income Virginians as tax relief, Freitas says it's nothing more than redistribution and that creates a toxic atmosphere.

"When you punish people for producing, when you punish people for their success, you're disincentivizing success.  (Late British Prime Minister) Margaret Thatcher said it best: 'Sooner or later, you run out of other people's money.'" said Freitas.

"No politician has any idea of the various sacrifices that people make to get a business to a point where it's finally turning a profit.  The politicians just show up with their hand out and then they convince other people that are maybe experiencing some difficult times that (if you) elect them, they'll take from this person and give it to you.

"That just creates a society of greed and a society of envy.  That's not what we want.  We want an aspirational society.  We want an opportunity-driven society," said Freitas.

The Virginia legislature returns Jan. 9.  Freitas says the slim Republican majorities are planning to fix the tax code so Virginia families do not get socked by the changes in federal law.

"The Republican Caucus and our leadership have all been very adamant that we want to see a conformity bill that does not involve a tax increase of any kind," said Freitas.

Del. Freitas would like to see sweeping tax reform in Virginia that reduces rates for everyone while also ending many tax credits and exemptions.

"Let's not make our tax code a contest over whoever has the best lobbyist wins," said Freitas.

Listen to the full interview to hear what Freitas sees as a much better way to help the poor than to redistribute money from wealthier people and what he sees as another major debate impacting the Virginia economy as Republicans and Democrats gear up for midterm elections in the Old Dominion in November.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16652587Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:50:29 +0000Radio AmericaVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam is excited because the recent federal tax reforms mean an extra $1.2 billion is headed to the commonwealth's coffers, but Republicans say the apparent windfall is nothing more than a de facto tax increase that must be...
At issue is the federal law reducing deductions taxpayers can take on state and local taxes.  Critics of the law frequently pointed to high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey.  It will also impact Virginia.

And while Northam is already drafting plans to use the extra revenue for higher teacher salaries and assist low-income families, Republicans say the responsible thing is to reform the state tax code and ease the burden on taxpayers.

GOP Delegate Nick Freitas says the $1.2 billion is not just some serendipitous discovery.

"If the governor gets what he wants, this is definitely a situation where Virginia taxpayers will be on the hook," said Freitas.  "Gov. Northam is trying to make this into a situation where he has this sudden windfall, and that's just really not the case."

And who exactly will be paying higher taxes because of the change regarding state tax deductions?

"Your average home, where maybe you have someone in law enforcement or maybe you have someone in academia or a teacher, when you have a dual income like that a lot of those people fit neatly in those income brackets that would experience a tax increase as a result," said Freitas.

While Northam describes the the money he would like to give back to low-income Virginians as tax relief, Freitas says it's nothing more than redistribution and that creates a toxic atmosphere.

"When you punish people for producing, when you punish people for their success, you're disincentivizing success.  (Late British Prime Minister) Margaret Thatcher said it best: 'Sooner or later, you run out of other people's money.'" said Freitas.

"No politician has any idea of the various sacrifices that people make to get a business to a point where it's finally turning a profit.  The politicians just show up with their hand out and then they convince other people that are maybe experiencing some difficult times that (if you) elect them, they'll take from this person and give it to you.

"That just creates a society of greed and a society of envy.  That's not what we want.  We want an aspirational society.  We want an opportunity-driven society," said Freitas.

The Virginia legislature returns Jan. 9.  Freitas says the slim Republican majorities are planning to fix the tax code so Virginia families do not get socked by the changes in federal law.

"The Republican Caucus and our leadership have all been very adamant that we want to see a conformity bill that does not involve a tax increase of any kind," said Freitas.

Del. Freitas would like to see sweeping tax reform in Virginia that reduces rates for everyone while also ending many tax credits and exemptions.

"Let's not make our tax code a contest over whoever has the best lobbyist wins," said Freitas.

Listen to the full interview to hear what Freitas sees as a much better way to help the poor than to redistribute money from wealthier people and what he sees as another major debate impacting the Virginia economy as Republicans and Democrats gear up for midterm elections in the Old Dominion in November.]]>698economy,freitas,northam,reform,taxes,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/walid-phares-how-we-can-leave-behind-a-stable-afghanistan--16631654
Phares says U.S. policy seems to embrace two options when dealing with enemies overseas.  He praises the U.S. and our allies for repeatedly crushing the Taliban and other radical groups but points out the military gains constantly slip away due to societal instability.  The other option is to declare the mission complete and leave, which runs the great risk of all gains being wiped out and extremists filling the vacuum.

Phares is tired of watching this debate.  In a recent post he said victory is achievable without committing American forces to Afghanistan indefinitely.

"There is a way to win the war in Afghanistan. It's not the way we fought it for 18 years and not the alternative suggestion to talk to the Taliban and leave. Washington, Administration & Congress must challenge themselves to win and leave. It could have been won within a decade," Phares wrote, later adding that his approach would wrap up the Afghanistan mission in three years.

And what is his plan?

"It's to leave but always leave behind allies, forces, and, most importantly, a civil society that can resist.  We need to inject strength in civil society," said Phares.

He says we need to make the Taliban's allies our allies.

"Those forces who can help us - if we want to withdraw - will be the same forces that the Taliban has used for so many years, the tribes," said Phares.

"The Taliban has used the Pashtun tribes for the the past 15 years.  We haven't approached them strategically.  We haven't included them in the government.  I wouldn't vote to bring the Taliban to government, but I would vote to bring the Pashtun tribes...to government," he added.

Phares says the other critical element towards a stable society is winning over the women of Afghanistan, especially the mothers and the teachers.

"(Mothers) are in contact with their children for so many hours.  This is where you begin counter-radicalization, not at age forty or thirty when the Taliban recruit them," said Phares.

"There are 18,000-25,000 teachers in Afghanistan.  They are training the minds of the kids from age five or six until they leave the school," said Phares.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how these ideas are being received in Afghanistan and here in Washington and why he thinks a similar approach would also work in Syria.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16631654Fri, 04 Jan 2019 21:50:22 +0000Radio AmericaFor more than 18 years, American forces have beaten back the enemy in Afghanistan, but leaving behind a stable, reliable country is proving far more challenging.  However, terrorism expert Dr. Walid Phares says there is a way to a lasting victory...
Phares says U.S. policy seems to embrace two options when dealing with enemies overseas.  He praises the U.S. and our allies for repeatedly crushing the Taliban and other radical groups but points out the military gains constantly slip away due to societal instability.  The other option is to declare the mission complete and leave, which runs the great risk of all gains being wiped out and extremists filling the vacuum.

Phares is tired of watching this debate.  In a recent post he said victory is achievable without committing American forces to Afghanistan indefinitely.

"There is a way to win the war in Afghanistan. It's not the way we fought it for 18 years and not the alternative suggestion to talk to the Taliban and leave. Washington, Administration & Congress must challenge themselves to win and leave. It could have been won within a decade," Phares wrote, later adding that his approach would wrap up the Afghanistan mission in three years.

And what is his plan?

"It's to leave but always leave behind allies, forces, and, most importantly, a civil society that can resist.  We need to inject strength in civil society," said Phares.

He says we need to make the Taliban's allies our allies.

"Those forces who can help us - if we want to withdraw - will be the same forces that the Taliban has used for so many years, the tribes," said Phares.

"The Taliban has used the Pashtun tribes for the the past 15 years.  We haven't approached them strategically.  We haven't included them in the government.  I wouldn't vote to bring the Taliban to government, but I would vote to bring the Pashtun tribes...to government," he added.

Phares says the other critical element towards a stable society is winning over the women of Afghanistan, especially the mothers and the teachers.

"(Mothers) are in contact with their children for so many hours.  This is where you begin counter-radicalization, not at age forty or thirty when the Taliban recruit them," said Phares.

"There are 18,000-25,000 teachers in Afghanistan.  They are training the minds of the kids from age five or six until they leave the school," said Phares.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how these ideas are being received in Afghanistan and here in Washington and why he thinks a similar approach would also work in Syria.]]>500afghanistan,news,taliban,victoryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sec-zinke-exits-with-mixed-record--16614471
"Overall, I'd give him about a C+.  It being a new year, let's be generous, a B-," said National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Bonner Cohen.

Cohen says he's greatly disappointed that Zinke to change the government mindset on federal lands.

"Where I think he fell short is (that) Zinke is wedded to the whole idea of government ownership of land.  He opposes the transfer of these millions and millions and millions of acres of land, primarily in the west, either to the private sector or to the states in which those lands are located to dispose of and manage as they see fit," said Cohen.

The government oversees more than 250 million acres of land, including 87 percent of Nevada and 63 percent of both Utah and Idaho.

"That puts enormous strains on local, rural communities because they have no tax base.  They can't spend public funds on schools, infrastructure, roads, bridges because those funds have to come from private property taxes and there's practically no private property in those places," said Cohen.

But Cohen is thrilled with the results of Zinke's efforts to boost domestic energy production.

"In keeping with President Trump's policy of making the United States the world's greatest energy producer, he opened up more areas on public lands for oil, gas, and coal exploration.

"This is excellent because it now means that the United States is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas.  We have overtaken Russia in natural gas production and we have overtaken both Russia and Saudi Arabia in oil production," said Cohen.

Cohen is also generally pleased with Zinke for reining in the size of some huge swaths of land in the western U.S. known as national monuments.

"What was originally designed to protect sacred and cultural sites for Native Americans.  This simply became a political grab bag and an opportunity to go out and lock up more and more land.  The Trump administration cut this back,"Cohen.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Cohen's assessment of the Zinke record and hear his list of people he considers excellent choices to lead the Department of the Interior going forward.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16614471Fri, 04 Jan 2019 20:00:53 +0000Radio AmericaRyan Zinke is officially out as Secretary of the Interior, and while President Trump looks for a successor, a conservative policy expert says Zinke's tenure was marked by some excellent policies and a major missed opportunity. "Overall, I'd give him...
"Overall, I'd give him about a C+.  It being a new year, let's be generous, a B-," said National Center for Public Policy Research Senior Fellow Bonner Cohen.

Cohen says he's greatly disappointed that Zinke to change the government mindset on federal lands.

"Where I think he fell short is (that) Zinke is wedded to the whole idea of government ownership of land.  He opposes the transfer of these millions and millions and millions of acres of land, primarily in the west, either to the private sector or to the states in which those lands are located to dispose of and manage as they see fit," said Cohen.

The government oversees more than 250 million acres of land, including 87 percent of Nevada and 63 percent of both Utah and Idaho.

"That puts enormous strains on local, rural communities because they have no tax base.  They can't spend public funds on schools, infrastructure, roads, bridges because those funds have to come from private property taxes and there's practically no private property in those places," said Cohen.

But Cohen is thrilled with the results of Zinke's efforts to boost domestic energy production.

"In keeping with President Trump's policy of making the United States the world's greatest energy producer, he opened up more areas on public lands for oil, gas, and coal exploration.

"This is excellent because it now means that the United States is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas.  We have overtaken Russia in natural gas production and we have overtaken both Russia and Saudi Arabia in oil production," said Cohen.

Cohen is also generally pleased with Zinke for reining in the size of some huge swaths of land in the western U.S. known as national monuments.

"What was originally designed to protect sacred and cultural sites for Native Americans.  This simply became a political grab bag and an opportunity to go out and lock up more and more land.  The Trump administration cut this back,"Cohen.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Cohen's assessment of the Zinke record and hear his list of people he considers excellent choices to lead the Department of the Interior going forward.]]>412government,interior,land,news,zinkefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/china-s-moon-shot-part-of-major-military-ambitions--16623197
"China is the number one threat, the number two threat, the number three threat," said China expert Gordon Chang, author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

Chang says China wants to do a lot more than just go to the moon.

"This is important.  China has ambitions to mine minerals and the rest of it, but they're also going to use the moon for military purposes," said Chang.  "Remember the Chinese space program is not civilian.  It's all military, dominated by flag officers.  Everything they do has a military implication."

One area of concern is the security of U.S. satellites.  Right now, the satellites in high earth orbit can be tapped into by our rivals, but that could change it China can take action from the moon.

Chang is disheartened that the U.S. is pulling back from space by grounding our shuttles, relying on other nations to get our astronauts to space, and scrapping plans to return to the moon and eventually get to Mars.

He is hopeful that President Trump's creation of a Space Force will reignite the push to be the dominant player away from the earth as well.

"Space is absolutely critical for success on the battlefield and we're going to have to be able to dominate space," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang further explain why he believes China is far and away the greatest threat to national security and why China has some serious vulnerabilities that the U.S. may be able to exploit.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16623197Thu, 03 Jan 2019 22:08:46 +0000Radio AmericaWhile reporters and pundit made countless Pink Floyd references after China's Change'e 4 probe landed on the far side of the moon Thursday, a leading expert on China says this achievement is part of a very ambitious military buildup that represents...
"China is the number one threat, the number two threat, the number three threat," said China expert Gordon Chang, author of "The Coming Collapse of China."

Chang says China wants to do a lot more than just go to the moon.

"This is important.  China has ambitions to mine minerals and the rest of it, but they're also going to use the moon for military purposes," said Chang.  "Remember the Chinese space program is not civilian.  It's all military, dominated by flag officers.  Everything they do has a military implication."

One area of concern is the security of U.S. satellites.  Right now, the satellites in high earth orbit can be tapped into by our rivals, but that could change it China can take action from the moon.

Chang is disheartened that the U.S. is pulling back from space by grounding our shuttles, relying on other nations to get our astronauts to space, and scrapping plans to return to the moon and eventually get to Mars.

He is hopeful that President Trump's creation of a Space Force will reignite the push to be the dominant player away from the earth as well.

"Space is absolutely critical for success on the battlefield and we're going to have to be able to dominate space," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang further explain why he believes China is far and away the greatest threat to national security and why China has some serious vulnerabilities that the U.S. may be able to exploit.]]>577china,economy,military,moon,news,threatfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cuccinelli-gop-emboldened-on-border-wall-fight--16623051
A partial government shutdown has been in effect since Dec. 22 over a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over funding the border wall.  Prior to Thursday, the stagnation was due to the Senate's inability to find 60 votes for the funding. 

The House Democratic majority has no plans to even consider a bill with money for the wall, but Cuccinelli says the GOP seems much more resolute than usual.

"You don't hear me say this very often.  I was pleased to see (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell say we're not going to pass along the House bill that doesn't include this funding.  So he has expressly sided with the president.  And I think that's a first on this issue," said Cuccinelli.

"I think that show of unity between the new Senate Republican majority, which is bigger than the last one, and the president should be able to hold the line," said Cuccinelli.

Cuccinelli expects Republicans to stand strong even as the post-holiday media pressure to end the partial shutdown intensifies.

"I don't see a lot of the usual hand-wringing among Republicans, including establishment Republicans, that I'm used to seeing in circumstances like this.  I think, at least for now, they're girded for a bit of a haul and to salvage some good policy at the border out of this," said Cuccinelli.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cuccinelli's advice for how the GOP's Senate majority and House minority ought to focus their time and energy over the next two years and how the Trump administration is doing far more to roll back regulations and limit new ones than any administration in recent memory.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16623051Thu, 03 Jan 2019 21:48:05 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats now control the House of Representatives, but former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says Republicans appear more committed than ever to funding the border wall demanded by President Trump. A partial government shutdown has been in...
A partial government shutdown has been in effect since Dec. 22 over a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over funding the border wall.  Prior to Thursday, the stagnation was due to the Senate's inability to find 60 votes for the funding. 

The House Democratic majority has no plans to even consider a bill with money for the wall, but Cuccinelli says the GOP seems much more resolute than usual.

"You don't hear me say this very often.  I was pleased to see (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell say we're not going to pass along the House bill that doesn't include this funding.  So he has expressly sided with the president.  And I think that's a first on this issue," said Cuccinelli.

"I think that show of unity between the new Senate Republican majority, which is bigger than the last one, and the president should be able to hold the line," said Cuccinelli.

Cuccinelli expects Republicans to stand strong even as the post-holiday media pressure to end the partial shutdown intensifies.

"I don't see a lot of the usual hand-wringing among Republicans, including establishment Republicans, that I'm used to seeing in circumstances like this.  I think, at least for now, they're girded for a bit of a haul and to salvage some good policy at the border out of this," said Cuccinelli.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Cuccinelli's advice for how the GOP's Senate majority and House minority ought to focus their time and energy over the next two years and how the Trump administration is doing far more to roll back regulations and limit new ones than any administration in recent memory.]]>675border,congress,house,news,regulations,senate,shutdown,trump,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gop-congress-the-fiscal-hits-and-misses--16614379
So how did the GOP do in the outgoing Congress? What did they get right on tax and other fiscal policy? What did they leave undone? And what issues could be grounds for bipartisan action in a divided Congress?

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp explains why the tax reform bill accomplished a lot more than lower taxes and why Republicans failed to finish the job on that legislation.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp detail how the new Congress may work together to address the most oppressive parts of Obamacare and why he doesn't expect a big push for "Medicare for all." He also reveals whether Congress will ever get serious about spending restraint.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16614379Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:03:33 +0000Radio AmericaOn Thursday, a new Congress will begins with Democrats controlling the House and Republicans enjoying a bigger majority in the Senate. So how did the GOP do in the outgoing Congress? What did they get right on tax and other fiscal policy? What...
So how did the GOP do in the outgoing Congress? What did they get right on tax and other fiscal policy? What did they leave undone? And what issues could be grounds for bipartisan action in a divided Congress?

National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp explains why the tax reform bill accomplished a lot more than lower taxes and why Republicans failed to finish the job on that legislation.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sepp detail how the new Congress may work together to address the most oppressive parts of Obamacare and why he doesn't expect a big push for "Medicare for all." He also reveals whether Congress will ever get serious about spending restraint.]]>563congress,news,obamacare,spending,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/health-debate-2019-conservatives-have-to-have-an-answer--16543738
Judge Reed O'Connor struck down the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, using the logic Chief Justice John Roberts used to save the law in 2012.  At that time, Roberts declared the law constitutional because the penalty for violating the individual mandate amounted to a tax.  But with last year's tax law reducing the penalty to nothing, O'Connor said both the mandate and the entire law must go.

The decision is just the first in what will likely be a long legal battle sure the reach the U.S. Supreme Court, but with the law in legal limbo, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says the opportunity could be ripe for a legislative fix.

Turner was part of a group urging Congress to adopt the Health Care Choices plan for much of 2018.  GOP leaders ultimately chose not to take up the plan or even the issue.  Turner suspects it's because they were still wounded from their 2017 efforts.

"I think Congress was traumatized by what they'd been through with the rejection after putting so much effort into trying to do repeal and replace and failing in 2017.  They were afraid to try that again," said Turner.

Instead, she expects the new House Democratic majority to push for a single-payer system, known on the left as Medicare for all.

"After Obamacare's failure, you'd think that maybe they'd learned a lesson but no.  They just want to say, 'If you give us all the money and all the control, we'll be fine and we'll be able to fix health care," said Turner.

"We don't believe that.  We believe that you've got to devolve power down to the states and ultimately to individuals to make better decisions, to give resources to people who are sick, who are low income, who need help purchasing health insurance," added Turner.

Democrats hammered away on health care in the midterm election campaign.  Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even mentioned how the fight over coverage for pre-existing conditions was a major factor in her party regaining the majority.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain how her plan is more generous to people with those conditions than anything provided for in Obamacare, how the Health Care Choices plan could be of great benefit to Medicaid patients, and how it could greatly reduce our all of our health care costs.  She also discusses what's realistic with Democrats running the House come January.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16543738Thu, 27 Dec 2018 17:30:22 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this month a federal judge ruled the Affordable Care Act was unconstitutional, and even with the the U.S. headed toward a divided Congress next month, a conservative policy expert says this could be a great opportunity for market-based...
Judge Reed O'Connor struck down the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, using the logic Chief Justice John Roberts used to save the law in 2012.  At that time, Roberts declared the law constitutional because the penalty for violating the individual mandate amounted to a tax.  But with last year's tax law reducing the penalty to nothing, O'Connor said both the mandate and the entire law must go.

The decision is just the first in what will likely be a long legal battle sure the reach the U.S. Supreme Court, but with the law in legal limbo, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner says the opportunity could be ripe for a legislative fix.

Turner was part of a group urging Congress to adopt the Health Care Choices plan for much of 2018.  GOP leaders ultimately chose not to take up the plan or even the issue.  Turner suspects it's because they were still wounded from their 2017 efforts.

"I think Congress was traumatized by what they'd been through with the rejection after putting so much effort into trying to do repeal and replace and failing in 2017.  They were afraid to try that again," said Turner.

Instead, she expects the new House Democratic majority to push for a single-payer system, known on the left as Medicare for all.

"After Obamacare's failure, you'd think that maybe they'd learned a lesson but no.  They just want to say, 'If you give us all the money and all the control, we'll be fine and we'll be able to fix health care," said Turner.

"We don't believe that.  We believe that you've got to devolve power down to the states and ultimately to individuals to make better decisions, to give resources to people who are sick, who are low income, who need help purchasing health insurance," added Turner.

Democrats hammered away on health care in the midterm election campaign.  Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even mentioned how the fight over coverage for pre-existing conditions was a major factor in her party regaining the majority.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Turner explain how her plan is more generous to people with those conditions than anything provided for in Obamacare, how the Health Care Choices plan could be of great benefit to Medicaid patients, and how it could greatly reduce our all of our health care costs.  She also discusses what's realistic with Democrats running the House come January.]]>688conditions,congress,conservatives,health,obamacare,pre-existingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stephen-moore-the-tax-reform-has-been-spectacular--16543342
Moore is a Heritage Foundation and FreedomWorks scholar and is also co-author of "Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy."

He says the 2017 tax reform bill is doing wonders for our economy.

"The tax reform has been a spectacular success, with an amazing amount of money coming into the United States and factories being built.  We're in the biggest construction and manufacturing boom in 50 years in this country right now. 

"You see we have the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years.  Wages are rising.  It's hard to point to any single thing that hasn't worked with the tax cut," said Moore.

He says lowering tax cuts for corporations and small businesses as well as individuals was more about generating job creation than balancing the budget but he says the Congressional Budget Office is already estimating greater revenues as a result of the legislation.

"The Congressional Budget Office has already increased its growth estimate over the next ten years by $6 trillion since we passed the tax cut.  The federal government is going to get 20 percent of that, so that's going to be $1.5 trillion right there," said Moore.

Moore also rejects the argument from Democrats that the tax reform is just providing a one-year "sugar high" that will dissipate in 2019, although he does urge lawmakers to make the tax cuts permanent.

But the past three months - and especially the past couple of weeks - have shown major losses on Wall Street.  If the Trump economic plan is so sound, why is this happening?  

Moore says the Federal Reserve is to blame by raising interest rates.

"We've got a massive problem now on our hands.  The federal reserve is just crushing the economy.  It's sucking dollars out of the economy at a time when we need the feds to be putting more money into the economy," said Moore.

"The Fed made a tragic mistake on Dec. 19 when they raised interest rates.  They should be cutting interest rates, not raising them.  We're in a deflationary spiral right now.  Look at what's happening with oil prices.  Look what's happening to the prices of wheat, cotton, soybeans, and copper.  It's a very, very dangerous situation," said Moore.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Moore explain how strong Trump's re-election chances will be if the Fed stops raising interest rates and what those chances will be if they don't.  He also lays out the contrast we're likely to see in economic policy from Trump and the eventual Democratic nominee.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16543342Wed, 26 Dec 2018 17:30:13 +0000Radio AmericaThe tax reform legislation has our economy booming and the boom will keep rolling unless the Federal Reserve kneecaps it by continuing to raise interest rates, according to informal Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore. Moore is a Heritage Foundation...
Moore is a Heritage Foundation and FreedomWorks scholar and is also co-author of "Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy."

He says the 2017 tax reform bill is doing wonders for our economy.

"The tax reform has been a spectacular success, with an amazing amount of money coming into the United States and factories being built.  We're in the biggest construction and manufacturing boom in 50 years in this country right now. 

"You see we have the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years.  Wages are rising.  It's hard to point to any single thing that hasn't worked with the tax cut," said Moore.

He says lowering tax cuts for corporations and small businesses as well as individuals was more about generating job creation than balancing the budget but he says the Congressional Budget Office is already estimating greater revenues as a result of the legislation.

"The Congressional Budget Office has already increased its growth estimate over the next ten years by $6 trillion since we passed the tax cut.  The federal government is going to get 20 percent of that, so that's going to be $1.5 trillion right there," said Moore.

Moore also rejects the argument from Democrats that the tax reform is just providing a one-year "sugar high" that will dissipate in 2019, although he does urge lawmakers to make the tax cuts permanent.

But the past three months - and especially the past couple of weeks - have shown major losses on Wall Street.  If the Trump economic plan is so sound, why is this happening?  

Moore says the Federal Reserve is to blame by raising interest rates.

"We've got a massive problem now on our hands.  The federal reserve is just crushing the economy.  It's sucking dollars out of the economy at a time when we need the feds to be putting more money into the economy," said Moore.

"The Fed made a tragic mistake on Dec. 19 when they raised interest rates.  They should be cutting interest rates, not raising them.  We're in a deflationary spiral right now.  Look at what's happening with oil prices.  Look what's happening to the prices of wheat, cotton, soybeans, and copper.  It's a very, very dangerous situation," said Moore.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Moore explain how strong Trump's re-election chances will be if the Fed stops raising interest rates and what those chances will be if they don't.  He also lays out the contrast we're likely to see in economic policy from Trump and the eventual Democratic nominee.]]>757economy,fed,rates,reform,taxes,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/year-in-politics-sabato-talks-midterms-trump-2020--16543510
Sabato, who directs the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, says Americans are locked into their political views and are not budging.  He says this is proven in President Trump's unprecedented poll numbers, which hardly ever budge.

"Not much has changed, not much since the day he was elected in November 2016," said Sabato.  "He got 46 percent of the vote.  I think if you filter the polls through likely voter status, you'll find that he comes out about 46 percent.  Nothing's changed."

Sabato says this is also evident in how the midterms played out, with some voters sharply rebuking him and others giving him a bigger majority in the Senate.

"The message in the House election was that people wanted a check and balance on President Trump.  That's the national election because you didn't have a national election for Senate and for governors," said Sabato.

"President Trump's luck held because he was able to add two seats to the U.S. Senate.  Given the fact that Republicans already had the majority, those two extra votes will come in very handy for him in the new year," said Sabato.

As for the outgoing Congress, Sabato suspects longtime GOP lawmakers will see the past two years as a great success due to passing tax cuts and criminal justice reform while confirming a record number of judges.  He suspects younger, more conservative members will feel like opportunities were missed on spending, repealing Obamacare and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sabato's assessment of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, how Democrats will act once they have the majority in the House, and why he thinks there may be more than 20 Democrats running for president in 2020.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16543510Mon, 24 Dec 2018 17:30:05 +0000Radio AmericaAlmost everyone who will vote in 2020 has already made up their minds.  The 2018 midterms showed a divided America and political scientist Larry Sabato says we'll see the same thing in the next cycle as America gears up for a presidential race....
Sabato, who directs the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, says Americans are locked into their political views and are not budging.  He says this is proven in President Trump's unprecedented poll numbers, which hardly ever budge.

"Not much has changed, not much since the day he was elected in November 2016," said Sabato.  "He got 46 percent of the vote.  I think if you filter the polls through likely voter status, you'll find that he comes out about 46 percent.  Nothing's changed."

Sabato says this is also evident in how the midterms played out, with some voters sharply rebuking him and others giving him a bigger majority in the Senate.

"The message in the House election was that people wanted a check and balance on President Trump.  That's the national election because you didn't have a national election for Senate and for governors," said Sabato.

"President Trump's luck held because he was able to add two seats to the U.S. Senate.  Given the fact that Republicans already had the majority, those two extra votes will come in very handy for him in the new year," said Sabato.

As for the outgoing Congress, Sabato suspects longtime GOP lawmakers will see the past two years as a great success due to passing tax cuts and criminal justice reform while confirming a record number of judges.  He suspects younger, more conservative members will feel like opportunities were missed on spending, repealing Obamacare and more.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Sabato's assessment of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, how Democrats will act once they have the majority in the House, and why he thinks there may be more than 20 Democrats running for president in 2020.]]>8642020,democrats,kavanaugh,midterms,politics,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2018-music-tv-film-more--16543187
From Aretha Franklin to Burt Reynolds to Penny Marshall, we lost many of our favorites in music, television, and film. And we also remember those whose contributions were truly out of this world.

Listen to the full podcast to join us in remembering the famous names and faces who kept us entertained for so many years and be sure to find our podcast honoring those we lost in politics, faith, media, sports, and business.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16543187Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:56:00 +0000Radio AmericaOver the past 12 months, many legends from the entertainment world have passed away. From Aretha Franklin to Burt Reynolds to Penny Marshall, we lost many of our favorites in music, television, and film. And we also remember those whose...
From Aretha Franklin to Burt Reynolds to Penny Marshall, we lost many of our favorites in music, television, and film. And we also remember those whose contributions were truly out of this world.

Listen to the full podcast to join us in remembering the famous names and faces who kept us entertained for so many years and be sure to find our podcast honoring those we lost in politics, faith, media, sports, and business.]]>712astronauts,film,memoriam,music,televisionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-memoriam-2018-politics-media-sports-business--16543079
Our list includes a renowned evangelist, a president and first lady, and a famous senator. We also look back at the lives of those we came to know on cable news and in newspapers and who thrilled us on the field and on the court.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures all these areas and do not miss our other podcast remembering those we lost in music, television, film and beyond.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16543079Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:41:09 +0000Radio America2018 brought us many headlines, including the sad news of the deaths of many famous people. In this section, we will remember key figures in politics, media, sports and beyond. Our list includes a renowned evangelist, a president and first lady,...
Our list includes a renowned evangelist, a president and first lady, and a famous senator. We also look back at the lives of those we came to know on cable news and in newspapers and who thrilled us on the field and on the court.

Listen to the full podcast to hear our tributes to prominent figures all these areas and do not miss our other podcast remembering those we lost in music, television, film and beyond.]]>9812018,bush,graham,media,memoriam,politics,sportsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-reality-in-syria--16534749
On Wednesday, Trump declared that ISIS was defeated in Syria, a claim roundly rejected by lawmakers and national security experts who say it damages the credibility of the United States to suddenly get out before ISIS is fully crushed.

Nash says Trump is just sticking to his promise to neutralize the ISIS threat and then get out.  He likens it to President George Bush's handling of the Gulf War as the U.S.-led coalition evicted Iraq from Kuwait.

"We did that in blinding time.  There were a lot of people saying, 'Keep going to Baghdad.'  No, that's mission creep.  A lot of people, me included, said he did the right thing.  This was after Vietnam, where mission creep bogged us down into a horrible situation," said Nash.

Nash says Trump vowed to stay in Syria only until ISIS was crushed and he says that has largely happened because of the Trump administration's approach to fighting ISIS.

"We took off the restrictive rules of engagement.  We put the right kind of people on the ground and we let the right people do the fighting, backed up by the right people.  It's been much smarter the way we've done it and if you want to look at tonnage of bombs, (it's) drastically different from what happened during the Obama administration," said Nash.

Trump's critics are accusing him of cutting and running similar to President Barack Obama's withdrawal of all U.S. forces in Iraq in 2011.  Nash says there is a big difference.

"What's different from what President Trump is doing than what President Barack Obama did was (Obama) advertised a pullout some point down the road.  That just gave the enemy time to prepare.  What Trump has done is pull the rug out from under them and said we're pulling those 2,000 troops back," said Nash.

Nash also believes Trump reached his decision based on the evidence presented by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan last month.

"(Erdogan) made a speech on Nov. 27 in which he said there were no real ISIS fighters left in Syria, that there are just some gangs in there stirring things up, downplaying the quality and quantity of what remains of ISIS," said Nash.

Domestic experts estimate 30,000 ISIS terrorists remain engaged in the fight.

Nash does worry about Iran trying to grow it's influence in the region with the U.S. puling back.  He also fears Turkey will mercilessly target Kurdish fighters and that U.S. must stand up for those allies.

"The Kurds are the people we should be supporting in Northern Iraq.  We have gained some relationship with the Kurds in Northern Syria because they have been the bulwark of who we have been supporting up there against ISIS.  They've been doing the vast majority of the fighting against ISIS.

"We are kind of betwixt and between.  We can't let them hang out to dry," said Nash.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Capt. Nash explain why our improving relations with Turkey may help to protect the Kurds and how the U.S. is not really actually leaving the fight against ISIS entirely.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16534749Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:41:44 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is taking heat from all points on the political spectrum for announcing an immediate withdrawal of some 2,000 U.S. forces in Syria, but retired U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Nash believes Trump is doing the right thing while acknowledging...
On Wednesday, Trump declared that ISIS was defeated in Syria, a claim roundly rejected by lawmakers and national security experts who say it damages the credibility of the United States to suddenly get out before ISIS is fully crushed.

Nash says Trump is just sticking to his promise to neutralize the ISIS threat and then get out.  He likens it to President George Bush's handling of the Gulf War as the U.S.-led coalition evicted Iraq from Kuwait.

"We did that in blinding time.  There were a lot of people saying, 'Keep going to Baghdad.'  No, that's mission creep.  A lot of people, me included, said he did the right thing.  This was after Vietnam, where mission creep bogged us down into a horrible situation," said Nash.

Nash says Trump vowed to stay in Syria only until ISIS was crushed and he says that has largely happened because of the Trump administration's approach to fighting ISIS.

"We took off the restrictive rules of engagement.  We put the right kind of people on the ground and we let the right people do the fighting, backed up by the right people.  It's been much smarter the way we've done it and if you want to look at tonnage of bombs, (it's) drastically different from what happened during the Obama administration," said Nash.

Trump's critics are accusing him of cutting and running similar to President Barack Obama's withdrawal of all U.S. forces in Iraq in 2011.  Nash says there is a big difference.

"What's different from what President Trump is doing than what President Barack Obama did was (Obama) advertised a pullout some point down the road.  That just gave the enemy time to prepare.  What Trump has done is pull the rug out from under them and said we're pulling those 2,000 troops back," said Nash.

Nash also believes Trump reached his decision based on the evidence presented by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan last month.

"(Erdogan) made a speech on Nov. 27 in which he said there were no real ISIS fighters left in Syria, that there are just some gangs in there stirring things up, downplaying the quality and quantity of what remains of ISIS," said Nash.

Domestic experts estimate 30,000 ISIS terrorists remain engaged in the fight.

Nash does worry about Iran trying to grow it's influence in the region with the U.S. puling back.  He also fears Turkey will mercilessly target Kurdish fighters and that U.S. must stand up for those allies.

"The Kurds are the people we should be supporting in Northern Iraq.  We have gained some relationship with the Kurds in Northern Syria because they have been the bulwark of who we have been supporting up there against ISIS.  They've been doing the vast majority of the fighting against ISIS.

"We are kind of betwixt and between.  We can't let them hang out to dry," said Nash.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Capt. Nash explain why our improving relations with Turkey may help to protect the Kurds and how the U.S. is not really actually leaving the fight against ISIS entirely.]]>786assad,erdogan,isis,military,stria,trump,turkeyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/murdock-trump-should-use-farm-bill-to-force-wall-funding--16525321
Known formally as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the bill has already passed the House and Senate but is awaiting Trump's signature.  Many conservatives, including Murdock, already oppose the legislation.

"It contains $867 billion over ten years in farm subsidies, including brand new subsidies for barley, for hops, for hemp, ridiculous nonsense we don't need. 

"(It also has) food stamp money used to have work requirements that basically said, 'If you want to get food stamps, you've got to work or take classes, or do something to get yourself out of poverty.  Those work requirements have been weakened if not removed...so this is welfare un-reform," said Murdock.

Murdock says Trump should threaten to veto the Farm Bill if he does not get the funding he wants for the border. 

"'You give me money for the wall? Great, I'll sign this bill.  You don't give me money for the wall?  I veto this bill.'  Throw that right back in their faces," said Murdock.

But there's a limit to the effectiveness of that threat.  The Farm Bill passed the Senate 87-13 and cleared the House 369-47, meaning Congress could easily override a Trump veto.

Murdock says it can still be a useful issue for Trump as the funding debate plays out, both by taking the issue directly to the American people and by putting pressure on congressional Republicans to get something done on border security before the House flips to Democratic Party control in January.

"If he vetoes this thing and he gets his veto overridden, he can say, 'Look, I tried.'  He needs to give Republicans and conservatives, including everybody left, middle, and right in this country the sense that he worked for this and pushed for this as hard as he could.  He needs to whip Republicans.  He needs to get Republicans to do their jobs," said Murdock.

He says time is of the essence because Trump and Republicans will have an easier time "squeezing champagne out of a cinder block" than getting wall funding our of incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Murdock's explanation of why congressional Republicans are so hesitant to fight for border wall funding and what he thinks President Trump must get in funding to avoid looking like he broke his promise.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16525321Wed, 19 Dec 2018 22:29:17 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is insisting on $5 billion to fund significant construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border and syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock says Trump should use the recently passed Farm Bill as leverage to get what he wants from...
Known formally as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the bill has already passed the House and Senate but is awaiting Trump's signature.  Many conservatives, including Murdock, already oppose the legislation.

"It contains $867 billion over ten years in farm subsidies, including brand new subsidies for barley, for hops, for hemp, ridiculous nonsense we don't need. 

"(It also has) food stamp money used to have work requirements that basically said, 'If you want to get food stamps, you've got to work or take classes, or do something to get yourself out of poverty.  Those work requirements have been weakened if not removed...so this is welfare un-reform," said Murdock.

Murdock says Trump should threaten to veto the Farm Bill if he does not get the funding he wants for the border. 

"'You give me money for the wall? Great, I'll sign this bill.  You don't give me money for the wall?  I veto this bill.'  Throw that right back in their faces," said Murdock.

But there's a limit to the effectiveness of that threat.  The Farm Bill passed the Senate 87-13 and cleared the House 369-47, meaning Congress could easily override a Trump veto.

Murdock says it can still be a useful issue for Trump as the funding debate plays out, both by taking the issue directly to the American people and by putting pressure on congressional Republicans to get something done on border security before the House flips to Democratic Party control in January.

"If he vetoes this thing and he gets his veto overridden, he can say, 'Look, I tried.'  He needs to give Republicans and conservatives, including everybody left, middle, and right in this country the sense that he worked for this and pushed for this as hard as he could.  He needs to whip Republicans.  He needs to get Republicans to do their jobs," said Murdock.

He says time is of the essence because Trump and Republicans will have an easier time "squeezing champagne out of a cinder block" than getting wall funding our of incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Murdock's explanation of why congressional Republicans are so hesitant to fight for border wall funding and what he thinks President Trump must get in funding to avoid looking like he broke his promise.]]>566congress,funding,immigration,trump,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lawyer-who-argued-for-obamacare-repeal-predicts-scotus-win--16505384
On Friday, Federal Judge Reed O'Connor struck down the Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA or Obamacare, agreeing with Henneke and officials from 20 states that the ACA is unconstitutional now that Congress has ended tax penalties for those refusing to purchase health insurance as mandated by the law.

"This is a great win, an historic outcome, with the federal district judge ruling that all of the Affordable Care Act is invalid because of the unconstitutionality of the individual mandate," said Henneke, who directs the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

While allies are hailing the decision and opponents are decrying it, Henneke points out that there are multiple legal steps remaining before the case is resolved.  He fully expects opponents to appeal O'Connor's decision to a federal appeals court and one side or the other will then appeal that verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John Roberts saved the ACA in 2012 by citing the tax component of the individual mandate, but Henneke says that same logic is how he expects to win the case this time around.

"The whole basis for the court's ruling this past Friday was based on John Roberts' opinion in NFIB v. Sebelius.  He found the Affordable Care Act constitutional because he said the individual mandate penalty was a tax and it was a tax because it generated revenue for the federal government.

"Now that Congress has set the individual mandate penalty at zero, it doesn't generate revenue.  It is Chief Justice Roberts' own analysis and own opinion which forms the basis of this case," said Henneke.

Henneke is also firing back at media coverage suggesting millions of Americans will lose coverage and be thrown off their insurance because of pre-existing conditions. 

He says the other side needs to be heard too.  Henneke represents two individuals in this case, Neill Hurley and John Nantz, who allege they have been unconstitutionally burdened by Obamacare.

Because of the limited options in Obamacare, Hurley had to choose whether to keep his own doctor and lose the pediatrician for his kids or keep the pediatrician and lose his physician.  He put his kids first but was still staring at $24,000 out-of pocket expenses before the insurance ever kicked in.

Henneke says there are millions of people like Hurley and Nantz who are suffering but never get their stories told.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Henneke discuss the Obamacare repeal in more detail, what he expects to happen in the legal, fight, and why he strongly rejects accusations that Judge O'Connor engaged in judicial activism similar to liberal judges striking down President Trump's travel bans.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16505384Mon, 17 Dec 2018 22:06:36 +0000Radio AmericaRob Henneke, the attorney who argued in federal court for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act is celebrating the verdict and predicting the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the verdict. On Friday, Federal Judge Reed O'Connor struck down...
On Friday, Federal Judge Reed O'Connor struck down the Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA or Obamacare, agreeing with Henneke and officials from 20 states that the ACA is unconstitutional now that Congress has ended tax penalties for those refusing to purchase health insurance as mandated by the law.

"This is a great win, an historic outcome, with the federal district judge ruling that all of the Affordable Care Act is invalid because of the unconstitutionality of the individual mandate," said Henneke, who directs the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

While allies are hailing the decision and opponents are decrying it, Henneke points out that there are multiple legal steps remaining before the case is resolved.  He fully expects opponents to appeal O'Connor's decision to a federal appeals court and one side or the other will then appeal that verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John Roberts saved the ACA in 2012 by citing the tax component of the individual mandate, but Henneke says that same logic is how he expects to win the case this time around.

"The whole basis for the court's ruling this past Friday was based on John Roberts' opinion in NFIB v. Sebelius.  He found the Affordable Care Act constitutional because he said the individual mandate penalty was a tax and it was a tax because it generated revenue for the federal government.

"Now that Congress has set the individual mandate penalty at zero, it doesn't generate revenue.  It is Chief Justice Roberts' own analysis and own opinion which forms the basis of this case," said Henneke.

Henneke is also firing back at media coverage suggesting millions of Americans will lose coverage and be thrown off their insurance because of pre-existing conditions. 

He says the other side needs to be heard too.  Henneke represents two individuals in this case, Neill Hurley and John Nantz, who allege they have been unconstitutionally burdened by Obamacare.

Because of the limited options in Obamacare, Hurley had to choose whether to keep his own doctor and lose the pediatrician for his kids or keep the pediatrician and lose his physician.  He put his kids first but was still staring at $24,000 out-of pocket expenses before the insurance ever kicked in.

Henneke says there are millions of people like Hurley and Nantz who are suffering but never get their stories told.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Henneke discuss the Obamacare repeal in more detail, what he expects to happen in the legal, fight, and why he strongly rejects accusations that Judge O'Connor engaged in judicial activism similar to liberal judges striking down President Trump's travel bans.]]>736mandate.,obamacare,repeal,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fiscal-conservatives-furious-over-farm-bill--16478993
Club for Growth Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Roth says Republicans in Congress barely made any efforts to rein in spending or beef up work requirements for food assistance programs contained in the bill.

Roth says the original House version made some progress in those areas, but any good parts were stripped out in the final version that he expects President Trump to sign.

He says the spending approach was simply irresponsible.

"This was a bill that really didn't have a score.  They just learned about how much it would cost right before the Senate voted.  Even then, the scorekeepers at the Congressional Budget Office said they still weren't done counting.  So Congress rushed this bill through, in a lame duck Congress mind you, without even knowing the full ramifications of the bill," said Roth.

"Lawmakers in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, were more beholden to special interests than to taxpayers," said Roth.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Roth thinks the Farm Bill is a relic of the Dust Bowl era that's no longer necessary, how the new Farm Bill is worse than the last one, and why the subsidies will go to big agribusinesses that don't need them while small family farmers often get the shaft.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16478993Fri, 14 Dec 2018 23:05:24 +0000Radio AmericaThis week, the Republican House of Representatives and the Republican Senate easily approved a new, five-year Farm Bill, but conservative critics are enraged at the cost and structure of the legislation. Club for Growth Vice President of Government...
Club for Growth Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Roth says Republicans in Congress barely made any efforts to rein in spending or beef up work requirements for food assistance programs contained in the bill.

Roth says the original House version made some progress in those areas, but any good parts were stripped out in the final version that he expects President Trump to sign.

He says the spending approach was simply irresponsible.

"This was a bill that really didn't have a score.  They just learned about how much it would cost right before the Senate voted.  Even then, the scorekeepers at the Congressional Budget Office said they still weren't done counting.  So Congress rushed this bill through, in a lame duck Congress mind you, without even knowing the full ramifications of the bill," said Roth.

"Lawmakers in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, were more beholden to special interests than to taxpayers," said Roth.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why Roth thinks the Farm Bill is a relic of the Dust Bowl era that's no longer necessary, how the new Farm Bill is worse than the last one, and why the subsidies will go to big agribusinesses that don't need them while small family farmers often get the shaft.]]>703farmbill,news,republicans,subsidies,workfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/theresa-may-survives-now-what--16464554
While May survived, the margin was far from convincing. Over a third of her own party expressed no confidence over her rocky handling of the Brexit effort.

But without an election hanging over her head, what can May do to build confidence and where will the UK head on Brexit after the latest effort failed to pass the House of Commons.

Listen to our conversation with Anglosphere Society Founder Amanda Bowman as she discusses these issues and why she shudders to contemplate where Great Britain would go if the Labour Party's Jeremy Corbyn ever became prime minister.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16464554Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:54:48 +0000Radio AmericaOn Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence among her fellow Conservative Party members of Parliament. While May survived, the margin was far from convincing. Over a third of her own party expressed no confidence over...
While May survived, the margin was far from convincing. Over a third of her own party expressed no confidence over her rocky handling of the Brexit effort.

But without an election hanging over her head, what can May do to build confidence and where will the UK head on Brexit after the latest effort failed to pass the House of Commons.

Listen to our conversation with Anglosphere Society Founder Amanda Bowman as she discusses these issues and why she shudders to contemplate where Great Britain would go if the Labour Party's Jeremy Corbyn ever became prime minister.]]>521brexit,corbyn,may,no-confidence,ukfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-was-all-a-fairy-tale-un-radically-raises-cost-of-climate-battle--16455543
Now, just three years later, the UN says those commitments are not even close to sufficient to confront human-caused climate change, so they're asking nations to pony up even more resources to confront the threat to our climate.

So how did everyone get the price tag so wrong just a a short time ago and why is the estimate so much higher now?  We ask Rob Bradley, CEO at the Institute for Energy Research.

We also ask Mr. Bradley whether the French tax revolt is a sign that even liberal nations are fed up with the costly climate agenda, and whether there's any renewable source now or in the foreseeable future that could even come close to providing the energy we get from oil, gas, and coal.

Listen to the full podcast with Robert Bradley to get an informed update of where we really are in the energy and climate debates.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16455543Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:08:14 +0000Radio AmericaIn 2015, United Nations officials and leaders from around the world congratulated themselves on the Paris Climate Accords, which committed nations to significant reductions in carbon emissions and compelled the wealthiest nations to help fund similar...
Now, just three years later, the UN says those commitments are not even close to sufficient to confront human-caused climate change, so they're asking nations to pony up even more resources to confront the threat to our climate.

So how did everyone get the price tag so wrong just a a short time ago and why is the estimate so much higher now?  We ask Rob Bradley, CEO at the Institute for Energy Research.

We also ask Mr. Bradley whether the French tax revolt is a sign that even liberal nations are fed up with the costly climate agenda, and whether there's any renewable source now or in the foreseeable future that could even come close to providing the energy we get from oil, gas, and coal.

Listen to the full podcast with Robert Bradley to get an informed update of where we really are in the energy and climate debates.]]>687climatechange,coal,gas,news,oil,price,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mueller-cohen-and-trump-where-are-we-and-what-s-next--16445971
Among other confessions, Cohen is pleading guilty to campaign finance violations. Those violations are assumed to be hush money payments to adult film performer Stephanie Clifford (known professionally as Stormy Daniels) and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

Those payments were deemed illegal because Cohen's money was deemed an in-kind contribution to the Trump campaign. While candidates can spend as much as they want on a campaign, their supporters cannot. And the memos seem to suggest that Cohen accuses of Trump directing the payments in violation of federal campaign laws.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy made headlines with a FoxNews.com column suggesting it is likely that Trump will face campaign finance charges after he leaves office.

And all this leads to several questions:

How strong is Trump's assertion that the payments were private transactions and not a violation of the law?

Why do some people accused of campaign finance violations wind up in prison for years while others just get a fine?

Should we be surprised that Democrats are now talking about impeachment even though we knew about Cohen's allegations before the midterm elections, when Democrats insisted they would not be gung-ho for impeachment if given the majority again?

There are still no charges related to alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 elections. Would we have seen something by now if Mueller had found evidence of such a conspiracy?

Listen to the full podcast to hear Andy McCarthy's insight on these and other critical questions.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16445971Tue, 11 Dec 2018 21:23:13 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, the office of special counsel Robert Mueller released memos which shed more light on guilty pleas from President Trump's private attorney, Michael Cohen. Among other confessions, Cohen is pleading guilty to campaign finance violations....
Among other confessions, Cohen is pleading guilty to campaign finance violations. Those violations are assumed to be hush money payments to adult film performer Stephanie Clifford (known professionally as Stormy Daniels) and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

Those payments were deemed illegal because Cohen's money was deemed an in-kind contribution to the Trump campaign. While candidates can spend as much as they want on a campaign, their supporters cannot. And the memos seem to suggest that Cohen accuses of Trump directing the payments in violation of federal campaign laws.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy made headlines with a FoxNews.com column suggesting it is likely that Trump will face campaign finance charges after he leaves office.

And all this leads to several questions:

How strong is Trump's assertion that the payments were private transactions and not a violation of the law?

Why do some people accused of campaign finance violations wind up in prison for years while others just get a fine?

Should we be surprised that Democrats are now talking about impeachment even though we knew about Cohen's allegations before the midterm elections, when Democrats insisted they would not be gung-ho for impeachment if given the majority again?

There are still no charges related to alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 elections. Would we have seen something by now if Mueller had found evidence of such a conspiracy?

Listen to the full podcast to hear Andy McCarthy's insight on these and other critical questions.]]>894cohen,mueller,news,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/planned-parenthood-and-the-supremes--16434699
Four justices must endorse hearing a case for it to come before the high court.  In this case, only Justices Clarence Thomas, Sam Alito, and Neil Gorsuch voted to hear the appeal.  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with the four more liberal justices in rejecting the case.

The news triggered intense debate within the pro-life movement about what this decision means.  Some believe this is a huge win for Planned Parenthood and its allies and a sign that the court isn't as socially conservative as they hoped.  Others point out that the rejection of the appeal was based on standing and procedure and was not the merits of the case, so the battle will be postponed to another day.

Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver sees both sides of the debate.

"They're both right.  On the one hand it is a win for Planned Parenthood," said Staver.  "On the other hand, it is a procedural, statutory issue that doesn't rule on the merits.  It doesn't give us any indication where this majority court stands on the issue of abortion or Planned Parenthood in particular."

While the Supreme Court issues majority and dissenting options on cases it handles, the justices are not required to give reasons for accepting or rejecting a case.  And while the six justices refusing to hear the case aren't offering an explanation, Justice Thomas was very forceful in denouncing their ruling.

Thomas points out that different appellate courts have rendered conflicting opinions in this debate over Medicaid funding being used for abortions.  That's usually when the Supreme Court will intervene, but not this time.  And Thomas believes the court is looking the other way because they know what an explosive issue this could be.

"Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty. If anything, neutrally applying the law is all the more important when political issues are in the background," wrote Thomas, noting that the Constitution grants justices lifetime appointments precisely so they cannot be swayed by the politics of the day.

The reaction from Thomas is one of the reasons many pro-life advocates are worried.  Staver understands their concerns, but he urges his friends not to overreact.

"It's not a ruling in favor of abortion.  It's not indicating where the Supreme Court is heading on abortion or Planned Parenthood.  It is only a procedural ruling.  At the end of the day, it benefits Planned Parenthood no doubt but I still think there's a lot more down the line," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver's reaction to some pro-life activists comparing Justice Kavanaugh to former liberal Justice David Souter.  He also explains why the court could be making critically important abortion rulings in this term.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16434699Mon, 10 Dec 2018 22:01:20 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Kansas and Louisiana, which are trying to stop Medicaid funds from going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. Four justices must endorse hearing a case for it to come before...
Four justices must endorse hearing a case for it to come before the high court.  In this case, only Justices Clarence Thomas, Sam Alito, and Neil Gorsuch voted to hear the appeal.  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with the four more liberal justices in rejecting the case.

The news triggered intense debate within the pro-life movement about what this decision means.  Some believe this is a huge win for Planned Parenthood and its allies and a sign that the court isn't as socially conservative as they hoped.  Others point out that the rejection of the appeal was based on standing and procedure and was not the merits of the case, so the battle will be postponed to another day.

Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver sees both sides of the debate.

"They're both right.  On the one hand it is a win for Planned Parenthood," said Staver.  "On the other hand, it is a procedural, statutory issue that doesn't rule on the merits.  It doesn't give us any indication where this majority court stands on the issue of abortion or Planned Parenthood in particular."

While the Supreme Court issues majority and dissenting options on cases it handles, the justices are not required to give reasons for accepting or rejecting a case.  And while the six justices refusing to hear the case aren't offering an explanation, Justice Thomas was very forceful in denouncing their ruling.

Thomas points out that different appellate courts have rendered conflicting opinions in this debate over Medicaid funding being used for abortions.  That's usually when the Supreme Court will intervene, but not this time.  And Thomas believes the court is looking the other way because they know what an explosive issue this could be.

"Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty. If anything, neutrally applying the law is all the more important when political issues are in the background," wrote Thomas, noting that the Constitution grants justices lifetime appointments precisely so they cannot be swayed by the politics of the day.

The reaction from Thomas is one of the reasons many pro-life advocates are worried.  Staver understands their concerns, but he urges his friends not to overreact.

"It's not a ruling in favor of abortion.  It's not indicating where the Supreme Court is heading on abortion or Planned Parenthood.  It is only a procedural ruling.  At the end of the day, it benefits Planned Parenthood no doubt but I still think there's a lot more down the line," said Staver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Staver's reaction to some pro-life activists comparing Justice Kavanaugh to former liberal Justice David Souter.  He also explains why the court could be making critically important abortion rulings in this term.]]>342abortion,kavanaugh,medicaid,news,plannedparenthood,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vote-harvesting-what-happened-in-north-carolina-and-how-to-stop-it--16414305
In the Tar Heel State's 9th district, Republican Mark Harris defeated Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes, but the Harris campaign and a group he contracted with are accused of vote harvesting.

The Republicans are accused of swiping absentee ballots in predominantly minority neighborhoods and sending them back in. When the same person served as the witness for many of those votes, officials became suspicious.

Democrats are also under the legal microscope because groups affiliated with Democrats gathered some absentee ballots and turned them in. Those involved say their actions are much different because the actual people voted but North Carolina forbids anyone other than the voter or an immediate family member from turning in those ballots.

So how can officials possible determine who really won this election? Where do they even start?

We discuss it all with Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation. He also served on President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

Von Spakovsky says North Carolina is not an isolated incident. In fact, California has legalized vote harvesting, allowing anyone to turn in absentee ballots, thus increasing the chances for fraud.

Listen to the full podcast as von Spakovsky details the extent of absentee ballot fraud, how he would crack down on it, and why this is proof that fraud does exist in elections.

A former Justice Department official, von Spakovsky also offers his reaction to to Trump's nomination of William Barr to be the next attorney general.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16414305Fri, 07 Dec 2018 22:25:51 +0000Radio AmericaAllegations of rampant election fraud has the results of a North Carolina congressional race up in the air. In the Tar Heel State's 9th district, Republican Mark Harris defeated Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes, but the Harris campaign and a group...
In the Tar Heel State's 9th district, Republican Mark Harris defeated Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes, but the Harris campaign and a group he contracted with are accused of vote harvesting.

The Republicans are accused of swiping absentee ballots in predominantly minority neighborhoods and sending them back in. When the same person served as the witness for many of those votes, officials became suspicious.

Democrats are also under the legal microscope because groups affiliated with Democrats gathered some absentee ballots and turned them in. Those involved say their actions are much different because the actual people voted but North Carolina forbids anyone other than the voter or an immediate family member from turning in those ballots.

So how can officials possible determine who really won this election? Where do they even start?

We discuss it all with Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation. He also served on President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

Von Spakovsky says North Carolina is not an isolated incident. In fact, California has legalized vote harvesting, allowing anyone to turn in absentee ballots, thus increasing the chances for fraud.

Listen to the full podcast as von Spakovsky details the extent of absentee ballot fraud, how he would crack down on it, and why this is proof that fraud does exist in elections.

A former Justice Department official, von Spakovsky also offers his reaction to to Trump's nomination of William Barr to be the next attorney general.]]>838absentee,fraud,harvesting,nc-9falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/time-running-out-for-gop-on-border-security--16405201
The funding debate is being postponed so lawmakers don't descend into a partisan brawl just hours after honoring the late President George Bush, but with Democrats poised to control the House of Representatives and everyone wanting to be home for Christmas, time is quickly dwindling.

The issue is also taking on additional intensity due to the debate over how to deal with the Latin American migrants in Tijuana who are asking for asylum in the U.S.  Trump is demanding $5 billion in spending for the wall.  Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is offering $1.6 billion in general border security spending.

Center for Immigration Studies Director of Policy Studies Jessica Vaughan says President Trump has to put his foot down now.

"The president needs to fight very, very hard for this.  He needs to go to the mat for this and send the signal that he's going to veto any spending bill that doesn't give him the resources to solve this problem," said Vaughan.

She warns Republicans that there's not telling when they'll have the opportunity to do this again.

"If Republicans don't get their act together and come together on something in the next couple of weeks, in January the Democrats take over the House and they will be able to get nothing through that enhances border security or increases immigration enforcement," said Vaughan.

Vaughan says the caravan debate adds tremendous urgency and she applauds the Trump administration for it's approach to processing the asylum seekers.

"If you cross illegally into the United States, you're not going to be able to ask for asylum and they're controlling the number of people who are allowed to come to the legal port of entry," said Vaughan.

She says efforts to keep the migrants in Mexico while their claims are being processed because many times individuals and families fail to come back for decisions on asylum petitions once they're allowed in the U.S.

Listen to the full podcast as Vaughan explains other changes the Trump administration is making to border security policy and why she believes those changes are necessary until immigration law is properly clarified or changed.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16405201Thu, 06 Dec 2018 22:25:02 +0000Radio AmericaCongressional leaders are punting tough spending decisions for two weeks, leaving President Trump and Republican majorities in the lame duck Congress very little time to act on funding a border wall and other security measures. The funding debate is...
The funding debate is being postponed so lawmakers don't descend into a partisan brawl just hours after honoring the late President George Bush, but with Democrats poised to control the House of Representatives and everyone wanting to be home for Christmas, time is quickly dwindling.

The issue is also taking on additional intensity due to the debate over how to deal with the Latin American migrants in Tijuana who are asking for asylum in the U.S.  Trump is demanding $5 billion in spending for the wall.  Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is offering $1.6 billion in general border security spending.

Center for Immigration Studies Director of Policy Studies Jessica Vaughan says President Trump has to put his foot down now.

"The president needs to fight very, very hard for this.  He needs to go to the mat for this and send the signal that he's going to veto any spending bill that doesn't give him the resources to solve this problem," said Vaughan.

She warns Republicans that there's not telling when they'll have the opportunity to do this again.

"If Republicans don't get their act together and come together on something in the next couple of weeks, in January the Democrats take over the House and they will be able to get nothing through that enhances border security or increases immigration enforcement," said Vaughan.

Vaughan says the caravan debate adds tremendous urgency and she applauds the Trump administration for it's approach to processing the asylum seekers.

"If you cross illegally into the United States, you're not going to be able to ask for asylum and they're controlling the number of people who are allowed to come to the legal port of entry," said Vaughan.

She says efforts to keep the migrants in Mexico while their claims are being processed because many times individuals and families fail to come back for decisions on asylum petitions once they're allowed in the U.S.

Listen to the full podcast as Vaughan explains other changes the Trump administration is making to border security policy and why she believes those changes are necessary until immigration law is properly clarified or changed.]]>762border,congress,funding,immigration,security,trump,wallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/43-honors-41-george-w-bush-eulogy-of-george-h-w-bush--16396321
The younger Bush spoke of his dad's penchant for "living young" even into old age and that led to skydiving even at 90 years old. 

"The horizons he saw were bright and hopeful.  He was a genuinely optimistic man.  That optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything was possible," said Bush.

Bush also discussed his father's legendary kindness.

"Dad could relate to people from all walks of life.  He was an empathetic man.  He valued character over pedigree.  And he was no cynic.  He looked for the good in each person and he usually found it," said Bush.

Bush also thanked his father for setting a great example for him in the Oval Office.

"He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with integrity, leads with courage, and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country," said Bush.

However, the final moments were the most powerful for many.  The 43rd president choked back emotion as he praised his father and rejoiced at the reunion of George H.W. Bush with his wife and daughter.  Barbara Bush died in April at age 92.  Pauline Robinson "Robin" Bush died of leukemia in 1953 at just three years of age.

"We're going to miss you," said Bush.  "Your decency, sincerity, and kind soul will stay with us forever.

"So through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could have.  And in our grief, let us smile knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again," said Bush.

Listen here for the full eulogy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16396321Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:36:03 +0000Radio AmericaOnly two men in American history have followed in their fathers' footsteps to become President of the United States.  On Wednesday, George W. Bush became the first president in history to eulogize a father who had also been president. The younger...
The younger Bush spoke of his dad's penchant for "living young" even into old age and that led to skydiving even at 90 years old. 

"The horizons he saw were bright and hopeful.  He was a genuinely optimistic man.  That optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything was possible," said Bush.

Bush also discussed his father's legendary kindness.

"Dad could relate to people from all walks of life.  He was an empathetic man.  He valued character over pedigree.  And he was no cynic.  He looked for the good in each person and he usually found it," said Bush.

Bush also thanked his father for setting a great example for him in the Oval Office.

"He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with integrity, leads with courage, and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country," said Bush.

However, the final moments were the most powerful for many.  The 43rd president choked back emotion as he praised his father and rejoiced at the reunion of George H.W. Bush with his wife and daughter.  Barbara Bush died in April at age 92.  Pauline Robinson "Robin" Bush died of leukemia in 1953 at just three years of age.

"We're going to miss you," said Bush.  "Your decency, sincerity, and kind soul will stay with us forever.

"So through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could have.  And in our grief, let us smile knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again," said Bush.

Listen here for the full eulogy.]]>733bush,emotion,funeral,personal,presidentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mulroney-recounts-bush-s-leadership-as-ussr-crumbled--16396294
"An ominous situation that could have become extremely menacing to world security was instead deftly [channeled] by President Bush into the broad and powerful currents of freedom," said Mulroney.

Listen to the full story as Mulroney explains what Bush did to guide the end of the Cold War to the best possible conclusion and his relating of how former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl regarded Bush's role in the re-unification of Germany.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16396294Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:19:59 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was among those eulogizing former President George Bush Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral. Mulroney discussed Bush's leadership on the world stage with a special emphasis on how Bush deftly...
"An ominous situation that could have become extremely menacing to world security was instead deftly [channeled] by President Bush into the broad and powerful currents of freedom," said Mulroney.

Listen to the full story as Mulroney explains what Bush did to guide the end of the Cold War to the best possible conclusion and his relating of how former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl regarded Bush's role in the re-unification of Germany.]]>134bush,coldwar,funeral,mulroney,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/simpson-remembers-bush-s-selflessness--16396220
"At this time, his popularity rating was 93 percent.  Mine was 0.93 percent," said Simpson, in recounting Bush's invitation to spend the weekend at Camp David and walking to the helicopter in front of the media.

"I said, 'George, I am not unmindful as to what you are doing.  You are propping up your old wounded duck pal.  While you're at the top of your game, you reach out to me while I'm tangled in rich controversy and taking my lumps,'" said Simpson.

Listen here for the entire short story and to hear how Bush replied to Simpson that day.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16396220Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:14:21 +0000Radio AmericaFormer Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson offered a tribute Wednesday at the Washington funeral of former President George Bush. Simpson recounted how Bush - riding immense popularity following the Gulf War - reached out and publicly supported Simpson at one...
"At this time, his popularity rating was 93 percent.  Mine was 0.93 percent," said Simpson, in recounting Bush's invitation to spend the weekend at Camp David and walking to the helicopter in front of the media.

"I said, 'George, I am not unmindful as to what you are doing.  You are propping up your old wounded duck pal.  While you're at the top of your game, you reach out to me while I'm tangled in rich controversy and taking my lumps,'" said Simpson.

Listen here for the entire short story and to hear how Bush replied to Simpson that day.]]>131bush,funeral,news,simpsonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-commerce-secretary-takes-us-inside-bush-economy--16386045
"I feel a sense of personal loss as well as the loss of a great president and a good man," said Franklin, who first met Bush in the early 1970's when he was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and she served in the Nixon administration.  

She felt an instant connection to George and Barbara Bush.

"I was very struck by his quality of character and his attributes.  He also was fun and funny and high energy and I was just very admiring of him.  Then I met Barbara Bush and I thought she was perfectly wonderful too.  We became friends," said Franklin.

"I feel very privileged and honored to have known both of them for as long as I have," said Franklin.

And what kind of boss was Bush?

"He could be tough-minded but he was forever gracious and the combination of being tough-minded and courageous when he needed to be, as well as gracious all the time, was a wonderful example for anyone," said Franklin.

She remembers a phone conversation with President Bush late in 1992.  Bush had just lost the election but wanted Franklin to thaw ties with China, since high-level government contact had been severed since the brutal Chinese crackdown in pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

"I must say that went through my mind at the time was, 'Well, why China, why me, and why now?'  I didn't verbalize that to him, though, and then he explained that he wanted this relationship restored on a better footing before he left office so that the new administration could continue to engage in a good, bilateral way," said Franklin.

Bush lost the election in part because of his failure to keep his "no new taxes" pledge and because the economy hit a recession in 1991.  Franklin points out that the GDP was back to a robust growth of three to four percent in late 1992, but many Americans could not feel the improvement yet and it cost Bush at the polls.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Franklin's explanation of Bush's top economic priorities, why he raised taxes after promising not to, why he was so successful in managing the end of the Cold War, and what she savored most from her friendship with the Bushes in the 25 years since the end of his administration]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16386045Tue, 04 Dec 2018 23:04:59 +0000Radio AmericaBarbara H. Franklin is mourning the loss of a close friend, but George Bush was not only her friend.  He was President of the United States and Franklin's boss when she served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. "I feel a sense of personal loss as well as...
"I feel a sense of personal loss as well as the loss of a great president and a good man," said Franklin, who first met Bush in the early 1970's when he was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and she served in the Nixon administration.  

She felt an instant connection to George and Barbara Bush.

"I was very struck by his quality of character and his attributes.  He also was fun and funny and high energy and I was just very admiring of him.  Then I met Barbara Bush and I thought she was perfectly wonderful too.  We became friends," said Franklin.

"I feel very privileged and honored to have known both of them for as long as I have," said Franklin.

And what kind of boss was Bush?

"He could be tough-minded but he was forever gracious and the combination of being tough-minded and courageous when he needed to be, as well as gracious all the time, was a wonderful example for anyone," said Franklin.

She remembers a phone conversation with President Bush late in 1992.  Bush had just lost the election but wanted Franklin to thaw ties with China, since high-level government contact had been severed since the brutal Chinese crackdown in pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

"I must say that went through my mind at the time was, 'Well, why China, why me, and why now?'  I didn't verbalize that to him, though, and then he explained that he wanted this relationship restored on a better footing before he left office so that the new administration could continue to engage in a good, bilateral way," said Franklin.

Bush lost the election in part because of his failure to keep his "no new taxes" pledge and because the economy hit a recession in 1991.  Franklin points out that the GDP was back to a robust growth of three to four percent in late 1992, but many Americans could not feel the improvement yet and it cost Bush at the polls.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Franklin's explanation of Bush's top economic priorities, why he raised taxes after promising not to, why he was so successful in managing the end of the Cold War, and what she savored most from her friendship with the Bushes in the 25 years since the end of his administration]]>1008bush,china,commerce,economy,news,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ed-meese-bush-was-ideal-vice-president-for-reagan--16385417
"No president ever had a better vice president, a more loyal vice president, a more hand-working vice president than George Bush," said former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III, who served as counselor to Reagan in California and Washington before being confirmed to lead the Justice Department in the second Reagan term.

Reagan and Bush battled for the nomination for months before Reagan eventually clinched the delegates needed to win the nomination.  Some in the GOP pushed for former President Gerald Ford to be Reagan's running mate but the negotiations fell through.  Reagan then turned to Bush, with one condition.

"Before [Reagan] asked him to serve and announced him as his requested vice presidential candidate, it was made clear by George Bush that he was willing and able to support Ronald Reagan in all his policies and positions that he had taken during the campaign," said Meese.

That was an adjustment on some issues, including economic policy.  During the campaign, Bush had derided Reagan's supply-side agenda as "voodoo economics." But Bush came around on that too.

"I had later explained to people that in Detroit at the convention that Mr. Bush had an exorcism," laughed Meese.

After Reagan and Bush defeated President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale in the general election, Reagan and Bush put their team together.  Meese became a counselor to the president as part of the famed "troika" that also included longtime Reagan aide Michael Deaver and Bush confidante James Baker III, who served as Reagan's chief of staff in the first term.

Meese says Baker and the other former Bush personnel became loyal foot soldiers in the Reagan Revolution.

Crisis struck the Reagan administration in March 1981, when the president was shot and nearly killed by John Hinckley, Jr.  As Reagan underwent surgery, Secretary of State Alexander Haig declared himself to be in charge until Bush returned from a trip to Texas.

Meese says Bush's handling of that moment spoke volumes about his character, including his refusal to fly to the White House in Marine One.

"He said, 'No, have them land at my official residence up at the Naval Observatory and I'll come in by car.'  He wanted to be sure that nobody thought he was usurping or trying to take over the position of the president," said Meese.

He says Bush also showed deference by not engaging in verbal disputes with cabinet officials during meetings but would share his concerns privately with the president.

Bush also assisted Reagan in developing relationships abroad, as the vice president represented the U.S. at many different funerals for leaders around the world.  It happened so frequently, that Meese says Bush staffer had a motto of "You die, we fly."

He also took the lead in more concrete policy areas like combating the influx of drugs into Miami and across our southern border.  He also led the administration's regulatory reform efforts.

Listen to the full podcast for more on those issues and to hear Meese explain why Reagan was confident Bush would be a good running mate and political partner even after a tough primary fight, how they collaborated in fighting the Cold War and more.  He also shares his thoughts on Bush's emotional tribute at Reagan's funeral.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16385417Tue, 04 Dec 2018 21:53:42 +0000Radio AmericaRonald Reagan and George Bush waged a fierce battle for the 1980 Republican presidential nomination, but that summer they forged a personal and political alliance that greatly assisted Reagan and eventually led to Bush winning the White House eight...
"No president ever had a better vice president, a more loyal vice president, a more hand-working vice president than George Bush," said former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III, who served as counselor to Reagan in California and Washington before being confirmed to lead the Justice Department in the second Reagan term.

Reagan and Bush battled for the nomination for months before Reagan eventually clinched the delegates needed to win the nomination.  Some in the GOP pushed for former President Gerald Ford to be Reagan's running mate but the negotiations fell through.  Reagan then turned to Bush, with one condition.

"Before [Reagan] asked him to serve and announced him as his requested vice presidential candidate, it was made clear by George Bush that he was willing and able to support Ronald Reagan in all his policies and positions that he had taken during the campaign," said Meese.

That was an adjustment on some issues, including economic policy.  During the campaign, Bush had derided Reagan's supply-side agenda as "voodoo economics." But Bush came around on that too.

"I had later explained to people that in Detroit at the convention that Mr. Bush had an exorcism," laughed Meese.

After Reagan and Bush defeated President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale in the general election, Reagan and Bush put their team together.  Meese became a counselor to the president as part of the famed "troika" that also included longtime Reagan aide Michael Deaver and Bush confidante James Baker III, who served as Reagan's chief of staff in the first term.

Meese says Baker and the other former Bush personnel became loyal foot soldiers in the Reagan Revolution.

Crisis struck the Reagan administration in March 1981, when the president was shot and nearly killed by John Hinckley, Jr.  As Reagan underwent surgery, Secretary of State Alexander Haig declared himself to be in charge until Bush returned from a trip to Texas.

Meese says Bush's handling of that moment spoke volumes about his character, including his refusal to fly to the White House in Marine One.

"He said, 'No, have them land at my official residence up at the Naval Observatory and I'll come in by car.'  He wanted to be sure that nobody thought he was usurping or trying to take over the position of the president," said Meese.

He says Bush also showed deference by not engaging in verbal disputes with cabinet officials during meetings but would share his concerns privately with the president.

Bush also assisted Reagan in developing relationships abroad, as the vice president represented the U.S. at many different funerals for leaders around the world.  It happened so frequently, that Meese says Bush staffer had a motto of "You die, we fly."

He also took the lead in more concrete policy areas like combating the influx of drugs into Miami and across our southern border.  He also led the administration's regulatory reform efforts.

Listen to the full podcast for more on those issues and to hear Meese explain why Reagan was confident Bush would be a good running mate and political partner even after a tough primary fight, how they collaborated in fighting the Cold War and more.  He also shares his thoughts on Bush's emotional tribute at Reagan's funeral.]]>7881980,assassination,bush,news,reagan,ussr,vicepresidentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-record-of-decency-honor-and-achievement--16375785
Curt Smith is author of "George H.W. Bush: Character at the Core."  He says Bush embodied many of the qualities that have been cherished for generations in the United States.

"It's an astonishing record of longevity and of decency, of honor, of rectitude, of achievement, of patriotism, of all of the attributes that we would like to think of a quintessentially American.  That is what I think of when I think of him," said Smith.

Bush served as a Naval aviator in World War II and survived both a crash and being shot down.  After success in the Texas oil industry, Bush served two terms in Congress, and then as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, liaison to China and director of the CIA. 

After losing the 1980 Republican presidential nomination to Ronald Reagan, Bush accepted Reagan's invitation to be his running mate.  They carried 44 states in an Electoral College rout of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale in the general election.  Four years later, they were re-elected while winning 49 states.

In 1988, Bush defeated Michael Dukakis to win the White House.  Bush carried 40 states and amassed 426 electoral votes.

It was during that transition that Bush met and hired Smith as a speechwriter.  They quickly bonded over their shared love for baseball.

"He looked at me that January day in 1989 and said, 'You know, Curt, I'd rather quote Yogi Berra than Thomas Jefferson,'" recounted Smith.

Smith says the most memorable days of the Bush presidency for him were writing the speeches calling for the removal of Saddam Hussein and his Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Another moment that sticks with Smith is Bush at Pearl Harbor to commemorate 50 years since the Japanese attack that triggered America's entry into World War II.  Smith says it seemed Bush's mind instantly went back to his teenage years when the attack happened and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

"So even though he was 67, inside, emotionally, he's 17.  It was an exceedingly difficult speech for him to give.  At the end, he said, 'God bless the United States of America' and then almost whispered the words "the most wondrous land on earth."  He was enormously moved and it enormously moved his audience," said Smith.

The worst days by far were in the aftermath of Bush losing the 1992 election to Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, due in part to the emergence of H. Ross Perot as an independent candidate.

But Smith says it's clear why Bush lost.

"Who did us in?  We did.We didn't govern in a conservative enough manner to pacify the people who had voted for us, the conservative wing of the Republican Party and of middle America.  That's how Bush had won 40 states in 1988 over Michael Dukakis.  It was as close as America could come to a third Reagan term," said Smith.

"He lost to a better candidate in Bill Clinton, but I think Clinton was an inferior president to Bush, particularly in foreign policy, particularly in matters of honor and rectitude.  I think the record is very clear on that," said Smith.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more from Smith about working with Bush in the heat of the Gulf War, what went wrong in 1992, and the real reason that Bush took up skydiving as a senior citizen.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16375785Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:25:01 +0000Radio AmericaA former top speechwriter of President George H.W. Bush is remembering his former boss as a leader of tremendous honor and achievement over Bush's four years in the White House, and he's also shedding light on some of the most memorable moments...
Curt Smith is author of "George H.W. Bush: Character at the Core."  He says Bush embodied many of the qualities that have been cherished for generations in the United States.

"It's an astonishing record of longevity and of decency, of honor, of rectitude, of achievement, of patriotism, of all of the attributes that we would like to think of a quintessentially American.  That is what I think of when I think of him," said Smith.

Bush served as a Naval aviator in World War II and survived both a crash and being shot down.  After success in the Texas oil industry, Bush served two terms in Congress, and then as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, liaison to China and director of the CIA. 

After losing the 1980 Republican presidential nomination to Ronald Reagan, Bush accepted Reagan's invitation to be his running mate.  They carried 44 states in an Electoral College rout of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale in the general election.  Four years later, they were re-elected while winning 49 states.

In 1988, Bush defeated Michael Dukakis to win the White House.  Bush carried 40 states and amassed 426 electoral votes.

It was during that transition that Bush met and hired Smith as a speechwriter.  They quickly bonded over their shared love for baseball.

"He looked at me that January day in 1989 and said, 'You know, Curt, I'd rather quote Yogi Berra than Thomas Jefferson,'" recounted Smith.

Smith says the most memorable days of the Bush presidency for him were writing the speeches calling for the removal of Saddam Hussein and his Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Another moment that sticks with Smith is Bush at Pearl Harbor to commemorate 50 years since the Japanese attack that triggered America's entry into World War II.  Smith says it seemed Bush's mind instantly went back to his teenage years when the attack happened and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

"So even though he was 67, inside, emotionally, he's 17.  It was an exceedingly difficult speech for him to give.  At the end, he said, 'God bless the United States of America' and then almost whispered the words "the most wondrous land on earth."  He was enormously moved and it enormously moved his audience," said Smith.

The worst days by far were in the aftermath of Bush losing the 1992 election to Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, due in part to the emergence of H. Ross Perot as an independent candidate.

But Smith says it's clear why Bush lost.

"Who did us in?  We did.We didn't govern in a conservative enough manner to pacify the people who had voted for us, the conservative wing of the Republican Party and of middle America.  That's how Bush had won 40 states in 1988 over Michael Dukakis.  It was as close as America could come to a third Reagan term," said Smith.

"He lost to a better candidate in Bill Clinton, but I think Clinton was an inferior president to Bush, particularly in foreign policy, particularly in matters of honor and rectitude.  I think the record is very clear on that," said Smith.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more from Smith about working with Bush in the heat of the Gulf War, what went wrong in 1992, and the real reason that Bush took up skydiving as a senior citizen.]]>1035bush,death,news,presidencyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-geological-survey-details-alaska-quake--16354847
Alaska is the most seismically active U.S. state, according to U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist John Bellini.  He says 4.0 magnitude earthquakes are a daily occurrence in the state and 5.0 magnitude quakes happen roughly once a week.  But events this powerful near a population center are far less common.

The earthquake's epicenter was just 8.5 miles from downtown Anchorage.  As of 5 p.m. ET Friday, the USGS had noted 50 aftershocks of magnitude 2.5 or greater.  The most intense aftershock registered at 5.7.

Listen to the full podcast as Bellini goes into much more detail about this earthquake, earthquakes in Alaska and around the Pacific's "ring of fire," and what important lessons can be learned from the data gathered from Friday.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16354847Fri, 30 Nov 2018 22:50:07 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Anchorage, Alaska, buckling roads and causing considerable damage to homes and businesses, but thus far there are no reports of deaths or serious injuries. Alaska is the most seismically active U.S....
Alaska is the most seismically active U.S. state, according to U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist John Bellini.  He says 4.0 magnitude earthquakes are a daily occurrence in the state and 5.0 magnitude quakes happen roughly once a week.  But events this powerful near a population center are far less common.

The earthquake's epicenter was just 8.5 miles from downtown Anchorage.  As of 5 p.m. ET Friday, the USGS had noted 50 aftershocks of magnitude 2.5 or greater.  The most intense aftershock registered at 5.7.

Listen to the full podcast as Bellini goes into much more detail about this earthquake, earthquakes in Alaska and around the Pacific's "ring of fire," and what important lessons can be learned from the data gathered from Friday.]]>450aftershocks,alaska,anchorage,earthquake,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-mueller-building-collusion-case-without-a-crime--16343986
And while Trump critics lick their chops in hopes of bringing him down and the president's defenders point out there is still no one in Trump's orbit accused of malfeasance in the 2016 campaign, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Mueller is not letting the lack of a crime slow him down.

"What Mueller is trying to do here is build a collusion case without a crime," said McCarthy, who is also a contributing editor at National Review Online and a Fox News contributor.  He led the successful prosecution of those responsible for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and other terrorist plots against New York City landmarks.

But McCarthy says Mueller sure makes it seem like there was underlying criminal behavior.

"Despite the fact he doesn't have a crime that would turn that into a criminal conspiracy, he's camouflaging that with a bunch of false statements pleas that he has taken from people in Trump's orbit and also the fact that he has these two indictments against Russians," said McCarthy.

"So the Press reports that Mueller is investigating collusion between Russia and Trump and many people have pleaded guilty in the investigation.  And they leave out the inconvenient fact that the guilty pleas of the Trump associates have nothing to do with Russia's interference in the 2016 election and the indictments of the Russians have nothing to do with the Trump campaign," said McCarthy.

But McCarthy also points out that despite not having an underlying crime, Mueller has unearthed deception from former Trump associates, including Michael Cohen's admission that he lied about talks between Trump's people and the Russians about a Trump Tower in Moscow cut off in January 2016 as he entered the primary season when those talks went until June, by which time Trump had already clinched the nomination.

McCarthy says Mueller can now use statements like that to discredit public statements Trump has made to the contrary.  He also finds it interesting that Trump cut off talks with Russians about the real estate project just days after the Russians promised but failed to hand over damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy explains how rare it is to withdraw a plea agreement but also how Manafort is in a very unusual position.  He also details the "perversity" of the special counsel position that allows those prosecutors to keep hunting for targets even when there is no underlying crime.

"Mueller has been allowed to essentially cast his line wherever he chooses to and fish around for a crime until he finds one," said McCarthy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16343986Thu, 29 Nov 2018 21:59:28 +0000Radio AmericaIt's been a rough week for former allies of President Trump, with Special Counsel Robert Mueller scrapping the plea agreement with former campaign chairman over allegations of  lying and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleading guilty once again...
And while Trump critics lick their chops in hopes of bringing him down and the president's defenders point out there is still no one in Trump's orbit accused of malfeasance in the 2016 campaign, former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Mueller is not letting the lack of a crime slow him down.

"What Mueller is trying to do here is build a collusion case without a crime," said McCarthy, who is also a contributing editor at National Review Online and a Fox News contributor.  He led the successful prosecution of those responsible for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and other terrorist plots against New York City landmarks.

But McCarthy says Mueller sure makes it seem like there was underlying criminal behavior.

"Despite the fact he doesn't have a crime that would turn that into a criminal conspiracy, he's camouflaging that with a bunch of false statements pleas that he has taken from people in Trump's orbit and also the fact that he has these two indictments against Russians," said McCarthy.

"So the Press reports that Mueller is investigating collusion between Russia and Trump and many people have pleaded guilty in the investigation.  And they leave out the inconvenient fact that the guilty pleas of the Trump associates have nothing to do with Russia's interference in the 2016 election and the indictments of the Russians have nothing to do with the Trump campaign," said McCarthy.

But McCarthy also points out that despite not having an underlying crime, Mueller has unearthed deception from former Trump associates, including Michael Cohen's admission that he lied about talks between Trump's people and the Russians about a Trump Tower in Moscow cut off in January 2016 as he entered the primary season when those talks went until June, by which time Trump had already clinched the nomination.

McCarthy says Mueller can now use statements like that to discredit public statements Trump has made to the contrary.  He also finds it interesting that Trump cut off talks with Russians about the real estate project just days after the Russians promised but failed to hand over damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

Listen to the full podcast as McCarthy explains how rare it is to withdraw a plea agreement but also how Manafort is in a very unusual position.  He also details the "perversity" of the special counsel position that allows those prosecutors to keep hunting for targets even when there is no underlying crime.

"Mueller has been allowed to essentially cast his line wherever he chooses to and fish around for a crime until he finds one," said McCarthy.]]>944cohen,manafort,mueller,specialcounsel,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/criminal-justice-reform-is-first-step-the-right-step--16334357
The House has already passed the bill and a strong majority of senators are expected to support it if it comes to the floor in this lame duck session.  Senators still have to address overall spending, a farm bill, and many nominations in those remaining days.  But conservative supporters warn that if this doesn't happen in the next two weeks, it may not happen for years since Democrats are poised to take control of the House in January.

Marc Levin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation says the bill really just takes successes from the state level to the federal level.

"It really builds on the success in many states - especially conservative states like Texas, Georgia, South Carolina - where we've basically shown it's possible to both reduce the prison population and increase public safety," said Levin.

The sentencing changes are getting the most headlines, especially for non-violent drug offenders.  Levin says no one is going easy on those offenders, but there is an effort to make productive citizens out of them.

"There are people now, for a drug offense, ending up with life in prison.  This (bill) reduces that mandatory minimum to 25 years.  I'd say that's still pretty tough, but it is moving in the direction of saying, 'We have to lock up people we're afraid of, not those we're mad at," said Levin.

Critics of the bill, like Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton see provision like inmates being able to earn credits and transition to halfway houses ahead of schedule as likely to put the public in greater danger. 

Levin says the credit system does not even apply to violent offenders and some non-violent criminals.  He also says the system does not reduce the sentence but does provide an avenue for those prisoners to undergo a more gradual transition back into society.

Listen here for the full podcast, as Levin details the many different programs the bill would facilitate to address why different inmates committed their crimes and to prepare them for productive lives instead of just "warehousing" them and throwing them back on the streets.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16334357Wed, 28 Nov 2018 22:29:05 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan are leading the push to enact the bipartisan FIRST STEP Act, which supporters say will do much more to help prepare convicts to benefit society upon re-entry and address sentencing guidelines for some...
The House has already passed the bill and a strong majority of senators are expected to support it if it comes to the floor in this lame duck session.  Senators still have to address overall spending, a farm bill, and many nominations in those remaining days.  But conservative supporters warn that if this doesn't happen in the next two weeks, it may not happen for years since Democrats are poised to take control of the House in January.

Marc Levin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation says the bill really just takes successes from the state level to the federal level.

"It really builds on the success in many states - especially conservative states like Texas, Georgia, South Carolina - where we've basically shown it's possible to both reduce the prison population and increase public safety," said Levin.

The sentencing changes are getting the most headlines, especially for non-violent drug offenders.  Levin says no one is going easy on those offenders, but there is an effort to make productive citizens out of them.

"There are people now, for a drug offense, ending up with life in prison.  This (bill) reduces that mandatory minimum to 25 years.  I'd say that's still pretty tough, but it is moving in the direction of saying, 'We have to lock up people we're afraid of, not those we're mad at," said Levin.

Critics of the bill, like Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton see provision like inmates being able to earn credits and transition to halfway houses ahead of schedule as likely to put the public in greater danger. 

Levin says the credit system does not even apply to violent offenders and some non-violent criminals.  He also says the system does not reduce the sentence but does provide an avenue for those prisoners to undergo a more gradual transition back into society.

Listen here for the full podcast, as Levin details the many different programs the bill would facilitate to address why different inmates committed their crimes and to prepare them for productive lives instead of just "warehousing" them and throwing them back on the streets.]]>627crime,first,recidivism,senate,stepfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judges-flakes-and-lame-ducks--16316280
Severino says 14 percent of the federal judicial positions are vacant, which is even higher than when Trump took office.  Trump and the GOP-led Senate have placed 84 new judges on the federal courts, including a record number of appellate judges for a two-year span.  

But she says 158 vacancies remain.  Severino says three dozen are all set for a final Senate vote.

"Some of these people have literally been waiting a year from having their hearing and being done.  So some of them have gotten very, very backed up," said Severino.

Why are these nominees gathering dust when they've already been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee?  Severino says Democrats are maximizing their efforts to delay and possibly derail the nominations by demanding 30 hours of floor debate for each nomination.  The debates cannot take place simultaneously.

"It forces them to go through a single file line, which is, historically, not at all how judges were confirmed.  It used to be you would get people going in batches.  You would just have voice votes and move on.  This is something that's requiring them to do a lot more procedure, even for judges who are not controversial," said Severino.

The Republican majority will be bigger in January.  The GOP will have either 52 or 53 seats next year depending on the results of the run-off in Mississippi.  

Right now, the Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority, and retiring Ariz. Sen. Jeff Flake may gum up the works even more.  Flake is vowing to oppose any nomination in committee or on the floor unless the Senate votes on legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller.  Severino is baffled by the move.

"To connect that to judges in anyway just doesn't add up.  (The Mueller probe) is not something that has to do with judges," said Severino.

Severino believes Trump has chosen excellent judicial nominees but needs to pick up the pace.

"We simply need to be able to speed this up to keep up with the process or you're going to have Trump leaving office with more vacancies than he came in with," said Severino.

Listen to the whole podcast to hear more about the efforts to get judges confirmed and what options are available to counter efforts by Democrats to slow down the process.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16316280Mon, 26 Nov 2018 22:27:04 +0000Radio AmericaJust a few days remain for Congress to tackle major issues before the end of the year, and Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino says the Senate can do the nation a great service by confirming at least three dozen more judicial...
Severino says 14 percent of the federal judicial positions are vacant, which is even higher than when Trump took office.  Trump and the GOP-led Senate have placed 84 new judges on the federal courts, including a record number of appellate judges for a two-year span.  

But she says 158 vacancies remain.  Severino says three dozen are all set for a final Senate vote.

"Some of these people have literally been waiting a year from having their hearing and being done.  So some of them have gotten very, very backed up," said Severino.

Why are these nominees gathering dust when they've already been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee?  Severino says Democrats are maximizing their efforts to delay and possibly derail the nominations by demanding 30 hours of floor debate for each nomination.  The debates cannot take place simultaneously.

"It forces them to go through a single file line, which is, historically, not at all how judges were confirmed.  It used to be you would get people going in batches.  You would just have voice votes and move on.  This is something that's requiring them to do a lot more procedure, even for judges who are not controversial," said Severino.

The Republican majority will be bigger in January.  The GOP will have either 52 or 53 seats next year depending on the results of the run-off in Mississippi.  

Right now, the Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority, and retiring Ariz. Sen. Jeff Flake may gum up the works even more.  Flake is vowing to oppose any nomination in committee or on the floor unless the Senate votes on legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller.  Severino is baffled by the move.

"To connect that to judges in anyway just doesn't add up.  (The Mueller probe) is not something that has to do with judges," said Severino.

Severino believes Trump has chosen excellent judicial nominees but needs to pick up the pace.

"We simply need to be able to speed this up to keep up with the process or you're going to have Trump leaving office with more vacancies than he came in with," said Severino.

Listen to the whole podcast to hear more about the efforts to get judges confirmed and what options are available to counter efforts by Democrats to slow down the process.]]>464democrats,flake,judges,senate,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-happened-in-georgia-and-florida--16262311
Was the Senate race in Florida in the process of being stolen before Republican cried foul or were officials just making sure all votes were counted?

The media and many Democrats say voter suppression is real but vote fraud is not. Are they right?

As the controversial results in Georgia and Florida are confirmed, get expert insights into these important questions as we speak with Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16262311Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:52:46 +0000Radio AmericaDid the winner of the Georgia's governor's race engage in significant voter suppression or was he just following a law passed and signed by Democrats decades ago? Was the Senate race in Florida in the process of being stolen before Republican cried...
Was the Senate race in Florida in the process of being stolen before Republican cried foul or were officials just making sure all votes were counted?

The media and many Democrats say voter suppression is real but vote fraud is not. Are they right?

As the controversial results in Georgia and Florida are confirmed, get expert insights into these important questions as we speak with Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.]]>605florida,fraud,georgia,midterms,suppressionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/locker-room-politics--16233038
Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says Pasco County, Florida, schools disciplined the teacher after he refused to monitor a girl who identifies as male change clothes and shower with boys.

Furthermore, Staver says the school district deliberately failed to inform the students or any parents that this decision had been made.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why school officials refused to inform students or parents, what happens next in the legal fight, and how this issue is popping up all over the country.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16233038Thu, 15 Nov 2018 22:01:06 +0000Radio AmericaA Florida physical education teacher is facing punishment after refusing to supervise a biological female undressing and showering in the boys' locker room. Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says Pasco County, Florida, schools disciplined the...
Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says Pasco County, Florida, schools disciplined the teacher after he refused to monitor a girl who identifies as male change clothes and shower with boys.

Furthermore, Staver says the school district deliberately failed to inform the students or any parents that this decision had been made.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why school officials refused to inform students or parents, what happens next in the legal fight, and how this issue is popping up all over the country.]]>479lgbt,lockerroom,teacher,transgenderfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-really-happened-in-the-midterms--16232952
Extensive exit polls were conducted on Election Day and other surveys quizzed tens of thousands of likely voters. Some conventional wisdom turned out to be right, but some did not.

Take health care. It was the number one issue given for driving a vote and of those who said health care was their top concern, a strong majority voted for Democrats. But for those who want to see changes to health care policy, how exactly would they like to change it?

Another major issue was the confirmation battle over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Lots of people said the debate mattered to them, but which party actually benefited the most?

Traditionally, men vote more often for Republicans and women prefer Democrats. That didn't change. But in addition to the gender gap, we have the marriage gap. What does that look like and how did it change in 2018?

Listen to the full podcast as I discuss it all with Karlyn Bowman, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16232952Thu, 15 Nov 2018 21:56:09 +0000Radio AmericaThere is no shortage of pundits or experts telling us exactly what happened in last week's midterm elections, but what the actual voters said might surprise some people. Extensive exit polls were conducted on Election Day and other surveys quizzed...
Extensive exit polls were conducted on Election Day and other surveys quizzed tens of thousands of likely voters. Some conventional wisdom turned out to be right, but some did not.

Take health care. It was the number one issue given for driving a vote and of those who said health care was their top concern, a strong majority voted for Democrats. But for those who want to see changes to health care policy, how exactly would they like to change it?

Another major issue was the confirmation battle over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Lots of people said the debate mattered to them, but which party actually benefited the most?

Traditionally, men vote more often for Republicans and women prefer Democrats. That didn't change. But in addition to the gender gap, we have the marriage gap. What does that look like and how did it change in 2018?

Listen to the full podcast as I discuss it all with Karlyn Bowman, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.]]>663demographics,health,kavanaugh,midterms,newsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-feds-and-the-fires--16222371
Pacific Legal Foundation is representing a 77-year-old Montana man and his wife who are being severely punished for taking fire prevention efforts on their own land.

"To protect his property, he dug out several ponds in the stream of this very tiny mountain trickle that comes down from the watershed just about 2,000 feet above him," said Pacific Legal Foundation Attorney Ethan Blevins.  "So he dug out these ponds so that he would have water on hand should something happen."

Something happened, all right.  The federal government dropped the legal and regulatory hammer on Robertson.

"Federal law enforcement shows up and says this little trickle of water that's about the combined forces of two or three garden hoses is a navigable waterway under the Clean Water Act.  By digging out these ponds, you've discharged pollutants into the stream in the form of soil and rocks and so forth," said Blevins.

Robertson was sentenced to 18 months in prison and forced to pay $130,000 in restitution.

Pacific Legal Foundation is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case render a verdict on what Blevins considers vague language.  In a previous ruling on the Clean Water Act, recently retired Justice Anthony Kennedy issues a very broad definition of a navigable waterway, stating that any water with a "significant nexus" to a traditionally navigable waterway ought to be regulated.

Blevins wants to know what the court considers to be a "significant nexus."  He is hoping the court will hear the case and schedule arguments for early next year.

"We think it's unconstitutionally vague or at minimum the Supreme Court needs to provide some really clear guidance on what the Clean Water Act requires of people.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how the federal government is also tying the hands of states amidst their fire prevention efforts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16222371Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:04:06 +0000Radio AmericaCalifornia firefighters are battling the largest, deadliest, and most destructive wildfire in state history, and while politicians and activists blame climate change for the this and other massive fires, critics argue that federal policies designed to...
Pacific Legal Foundation is representing a 77-year-old Montana man and his wife who are being severely punished for taking fire prevention efforts on their own land.

"To protect his property, he dug out several ponds in the stream of this very tiny mountain trickle that comes down from the watershed just about 2,000 feet above him," said Pacific Legal Foundation Attorney Ethan Blevins.  "So he dug out these ponds so that he would have water on hand should something happen."

Something happened, all right.  The federal government dropped the legal and regulatory hammer on Robertson.

"Federal law enforcement shows up and says this little trickle of water that's about the combined forces of two or three garden hoses is a navigable waterway under the Clean Water Act.  By digging out these ponds, you've discharged pollutants into the stream in the form of soil and rocks and so forth," said Blevins.

Robertson was sentenced to 18 months in prison and forced to pay $130,000 in restitution.

Pacific Legal Foundation is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case render a verdict on what Blevins considers vague language.  In a previous ruling on the Clean Water Act, recently retired Justice Anthony Kennedy issues a very broad definition of a navigable waterway, stating that any water with a "significant nexus" to a traditionally navigable waterway ought to be regulated.

Blevins wants to know what the court considers to be a "significant nexus."  He is hoping the court will hear the case and schedule arguments for early next year.

"We think it's unconstitutionally vague or at minimum the Supreme Court needs to provide some really clear guidance on what the Clean Water Act requires of people.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how the federal government is also tying the hands of states amidst their fire prevention efforts.]]>497epa,fires,news,regulations,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/time-for-trump-to-call-kim-s-bluff--16211816
As part of the framework agreed to between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong -Un in June, North Korea was supposed to pursue the dismantling of its nuclear program and its ballistic missiles.

Earlier evidence showed North Korea not following through on the commitment and now the Center for Strategic and International Studies says North Korea is operating mobile missile bases close to the South Korean border.

North Korea expert Gordon Chang, author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World," says the revelations are not all that new but the involvement of the mobile missiles is very disturbing.

"It's the mobile missiles that can hide before launching that we're really concerned about," said Chang.

"We'd have maybe only an hour's notice, and that should be sufficient time to find and destroy a mobile missile that is about to be launched, but in a wartime situation we may not be able to do that," added Chang.

Chang says Trump should have already re-imposed sanctions against North Korea and slapped others on China and Russia for flouting sanctions to help North Korea continue its nuclear and missile programs.

Chang worries Trump is too personally invested in the narrative that he was able to solve the North Korean threat, but he believes the evidence will soon be overwhelming.  He sees Trump's about-face on China on trade as an encouraging precedent.

"I think he could very well do the same thing to Kim Jong-Un, especially if he feels that he's been embarrassed and humiliated by the North Korean leader.

"At this point, I think we can say there's an 'emperor has no clothes" moment.  So President Trump does need to pivot to a much more severe, harsh policy," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang's explanation of how China has helped North Korea cheat on its missile program and how the world is likely to react if Trump does bring back sanctions.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16211816Tue, 13 Nov 2018 22:45:53 +0000Radio AmericaEvidence is growing that North Korea is refusing to wind down its ballistic missile program and even appears to be adding sites while failing to report them. As part of the framework agreed to between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim...
As part of the framework agreed to between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong -Un in June, North Korea was supposed to pursue the dismantling of its nuclear program and its ballistic missiles.

Earlier evidence showed North Korea not following through on the commitment and now the Center for Strategic and International Studies says North Korea is operating mobile missile bases close to the South Korean border.

North Korea expert Gordon Chang, author of "Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes on the World," says the revelations are not all that new but the involvement of the mobile missiles is very disturbing.

"It's the mobile missiles that can hide before launching that we're really concerned about," said Chang.

"We'd have maybe only an hour's notice, and that should be sufficient time to find and destroy a mobile missile that is about to be launched, but in a wartime situation we may not be able to do that," added Chang.

Chang says Trump should have already re-imposed sanctions against North Korea and slapped others on China and Russia for flouting sanctions to help North Korea continue its nuclear and missile programs.

Chang worries Trump is too personally invested in the narrative that he was able to solve the North Korean threat, but he believes the evidence will soon be overwhelming.  He sees Trump's about-face on China on trade as an encouraging precedent.

"I think he could very well do the same thing to Kim Jong-Un, especially if he feels that he's been embarrassed and humiliated by the North Korean leader.

"At this point, I think we can say there's an 'emperor has no clothes" moment.  So President Trump does need to pivot to a much more severe, harsh policy," said Chang.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Chang's explanation of how China has helped North Korea cheat on its missile program and how the world is likely to react if Trump does bring back sanctions.]]>578korea,missiles,sanctions,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-we-honor-veterans--16201908
In an "open letter" on FoxNews.com, Hipp says Americans need to recognize that veterans fulfill the main purpose for which the federal government was created in the first place.

"Always remember that is the primary purpose of our government. And it is American men and women who have worn the uniform – our veterans – who have kept us safe and provided for that common defense," wrote Hipp.

But Hipp worries that an appreciation of our veterans is diminishing because fewer people have a clear grasp of what those men and women have done over more than two centuries to secure our liberties.  He says a survey published in USA Today earlier this year left him stunned.

"Twenty-two percent of millennials weren't sure of they knew what the Holocaust was and 67 percent had never even heard of Auschwitz.  When I read that, I said, 'We've got a problem,'" said Hipp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of the letter, and find out what Hipp believes is the most meaningful way we can honor our veterans on a daily basis.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16201908Mon, 12 Nov 2018 22:54:55 +0000Radio AmericaAs our nation formally observes Veterans Day Monday, U.S. Army veteran and former Pentagon official Van Hipp is teaching his children and all Americans why this day is so special and what our veterans truly mean to us. In an "open letter" on...
In an "open letter" on FoxNews.com, Hipp says Americans need to recognize that veterans fulfill the main purpose for which the federal government was created in the first place.

"Always remember that is the primary purpose of our government. And it is American men and women who have worn the uniform – our veterans – who have kept us safe and provided for that common defense," wrote Hipp.

But Hipp worries that an appreciation of our veterans is diminishing because fewer people have a clear grasp of what those men and women have done over more than two centuries to secure our liberties.  He says a survey published in USA Today earlier this year left him stunned.

"Twenty-two percent of millennials weren't sure of they knew what the Holocaust was and 67 percent had never even heard of Auschwitz.  When I read that, I said, 'We've got a problem,'" said Hipp.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of the letter, and find out what Hipp believes is the most meaningful way we can honor our veterans on a daily basis.]]>509news,vanhipp,veteransfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/war-and-remembrance--16181610
We commonly observe November 11 as Veterans Day, but it was originally known as Armistice Day because the guns of World War I fell silent at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

Dr. Thomas Conner teaches military history at Hillsdale College in Michigan and is the author of the new book "War and Remembrance: The Story of the American Battle Monuments Commission."  He says four years of brutal slaughter ended at that hour because that's what the warring parties agreed to beforehand.  And men were still being killed right up until that arbitrary deadline.

Conner says most Americans have a much better sense of what happened in World War II but understanding World War I is actually more important to making sense of the world today.

"The First World War did have a far greater impact in shaping the 20th century than even the Second World War did because we are very much living in the shadow of the First World War still," said Conner.

He says the redrawing of maps, especially the carving up of the Ottoman Empire's lands in the Middle East, is a major challenge for us even now.

"There were a lot of new countries created in the aftermath of the First World War, which really aren't countries in the truest sense.  Their populations are divided on religious grounds and even cultural grounds, places like Iraq.

"We've learned the hard way from our own involvement in Iraq, for example, just how complex that territorial domain, that was called Iraq from about 1920 in the wake of World War I, really is," said Conner.

While the U.S. had participated in overseas wars before World War I, nothing before approached the scale of U.S. involvement and the question arose after the war of what to do with the remains of some 100,000 American deaths in Europe.

That's when the American Battle Monuments Commission was created.  The ABMC eventually became caretakers of eight World War I cemeteries and fourteen World War II sites, in addition to many monuments and memorials.

"War necessitated the creation of the American Battle Monuments Commission but the purpose and ongoing mission of that agency is to foster remembrance of the dead," said Conner.

Families were given the choice of burying their loved ones on the field of battle or have their remains shipped home.  Conner says the 22 cemeteries contain the remains of 125,000 Americans who fell in the two world wars.

A visit to any of these cemeteries will reveal the stunningly meticulous care taken to care for the grounds and the tombstones.  Conner says that's no accident, as the maintenance is the commitment of the American government and the American people to honor those who gave their lives for our nation.

Conner says the book is a labor of love.  He has visited ABMB cemeteries and monuments for 40 years, often taking groups of college or high school students, and forged deep friendships with the people assigned to care for the those grounds.  He wants as many people as possible to know about these sites and hopes they will heighten admiration for the full measure of devotion given by multiple generations of  Americans.

"It's a shame that more Americans don't know about these sites but I'm hoping the book will make at least something of a dent in people's awareness and get the story out there.  It's a beautiful story and it's a story that all Americans can be proud of," said Conner.

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about the significance of World War I, which country actually owns the land, and what it's like to visit such places.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16181610Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:54:44 +0000Radio AmericaSunday marks 100 years since the armistice that officially ended World War I, a conflict that greatly impacts the world we live in today and long ago triggered the creation of an institution dedicated to honoring America's war dead. We commonly...
We commonly observe November 11 as Veterans Day, but it was originally known as Armistice Day because the guns of World War I fell silent at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

Dr. Thomas Conner teaches military history at Hillsdale College in Michigan and is the author of the new book "War and Remembrance: The Story of the American Battle Monuments Commission."  He says four years of brutal slaughter ended at that hour because that's what the warring parties agreed to beforehand.  And men were still being killed right up until that arbitrary deadline.

Conner says most Americans have a much better sense of what happened in World War II but understanding World War I is actually more important to making sense of the world today.

"The First World War did have a far greater impact in shaping the 20th century than even the Second World War did because we are very much living in the shadow of the First World War still," said Conner.

He says the redrawing of maps, especially the carving up of the Ottoman Empire's lands in the Middle East, is a major challenge for us even now.

"There were a lot of new countries created in the aftermath of the First World War, which really aren't countries in the truest sense.  Their populations are divided on religious grounds and even cultural grounds, places like Iraq.

"We've learned the hard way from our own involvement in Iraq, for example, just how complex that territorial domain, that was called Iraq from about 1920 in the wake of World War I, really is," said Conner.

While the U.S. had participated in overseas wars before World War I, nothing before approached the scale of U.S. involvement and the question arose after the war of what to do with the remains of some 100,000 American deaths in Europe.

That's when the American Battle Monuments Commission was created.  The ABMC eventually became caretakers of eight World War I cemeteries and fourteen World War II sites, in addition to many monuments and memorials.

"War necessitated the creation of the American Battle Monuments Commission but the purpose and ongoing mission of that agency is to foster remembrance of the dead," said Conner.

Families were given the choice of burying their loved ones on the field of battle or have their remains shipped home.  Conner says the 22 cemeteries contain the remains of 125,000 Americans who fell in the two world wars.

A visit to any of these cemeteries will reveal the stunningly meticulous care taken to care for the grounds and the tombstones.  Conner says that's no accident, as the maintenance is the commitment of the American government and the American people to honor those who gave their lives for our nation.

Conner says the book is a labor of love.  He has visited ABMB cemeteries and monuments for 40 years, often taking groups of college or high school students, and forged deep friendships with the people assigned to care for the those grounds.  He wants as many people as possible to know about these sites and hopes they will heighten admiration for the full measure of devotion given by multiple generations of  Americans.

"It's a shame that more Americans don't know about these sites but I'm hoping the book will make at least something of a dent in people's awareness and get the story out there.  It's a beautiful story and it's a story that all Americans can be proud of," said Conner.

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about the significance of World War I, which country actually owns the land, and what it's like to visit such places.]]>1075conner,i,remembrance,war,worldfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-at-stake-in-florida--16181536
A lot is at stake in who wind the governorship, the U.S. Senate seat, and a number of other statewide offices. That's why well over $100 million was spent on the Senate race alone and special interests also poured money into the governor's race.

Listen to the interview with Power the Future Executive Director Daniel Turner as he describes how much money from billionaire Democrats got spent in Florida, how that money may be impacting the post-election controversy, and what the outcome will mean for Florida.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16181536Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:25:28 +0000Radio AmericaControversy has erupted in Florida, as Democrats in Broward County say they are still counting votes and want to be sure every voice is heard while Republicans say officials are violating canvassing laws and might be engaging in vote fraud as the...
A lot is at stake in who wind the governorship, the U.S. Senate seat, and a number of other statewide offices. That's why well over $100 million was spent on the Senate race alone and special interests also poured money into the governor's race.

Listen to the interview with Power the Future Executive Director Daniel Turner as he describes how much money from billionaire Democrats got spent in Florida, how that money may be impacting the post-election controversy, and what the outcome will mean for Florida.]]>483desantis,florida,gillum,nelson,scott,steyerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/grading-sessions--16162656
"Jeff Sessions is a good man. He's an honorable person and he's done very well on religious freedom. However, anybody who serves under the president needs to have the president's blessing and President Trump, for good reason, got concerned with Jeff Sessions, even though he was loyal during the campaign and he's been faithful during his term.
"However, if you go back to this whole Russia investigation, it was Jeff Sessions who actually pushed the first domino by recusing himself. He didn't need to recuse himself," said Staver.

Listen to the full interview as Staver explains why he does not believe Sessions needed to recuse himself and names one person he strongly hopes is not in line to be the next attorney general.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16162656Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:48:50 +0000Radio AmericaLiberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver is reacting to the forced resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, saying Sessions has many fine qualities but made a terrible mistake that cast a shadow over everything else he did at the Justice...
"Jeff Sessions is a good man. He's an honorable person and he's done very well on religious freedom. However, anybody who serves under the president needs to have the president's blessing and President Trump, for good reason, got concerned with Jeff Sessions, even though he was loyal during the campaign and he's been faithful during his term.
"However, if you go back to this whole Russia investigation, it was Jeff Sessions who actually pushed the first domino by recusing himself. He didn't need to recuse himself," said Staver.

Listen to the full interview as Staver explains why he does not believe Sessions needed to recuse himself and names one person he strongly hopes is not in line to be the next attorney general.]]>435resign,russia,sessions,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-was-quite-a-cycle-for-high-quality-conservatives--16162376
"This was quite a cycle for high-quality conservative candidates and we're just very pleased with how it all ended up," said Senate Conservatives Fund President Ken Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general. 

Republicans scored a pick-up in Indiana, where businessman Mike Braun defeated incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly.  In North Dakota GOP Rep. Kevin Cramer soundly beat Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.  Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley scored a convincing victory over Sen. Claire McCaskill, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott upended three-term Sen. Bill Nelson, although that race appears headed for a recount.  

Republicans also staved off challenges in Tennessee and Texas.  Rep. Marsha Blackburn kept the Tennessee seat for the GOP with a resounding win over former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Sen. Ted Cruz fended off a fierce campaign from Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke.

Republicans lost a seat in Nevada, where Rep. Jacky Rosen defeated Sen. Dean Heller and Republican Matt Rosendale fell just short against Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.  In West Virginia, Republican Patrick Morrisey lost to Sen. Joe Manchin.  Republican Rep. Martha McSally leads the Arizona Senate race against Rep. Kyrsten Sinema.

Listen to the full podcast as Cuccinelli explains how the Senate brawl over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was "an epic turning point" in the battle for the Senate, why he thinks the Republicans really lost control of the House, and whether he thinks Virginia is now a blue state.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16162376Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:39:24 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats succeeded in taking back the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday but the blue wave never happened in the Senate, as Republican challengers instead washed out four incumbent Democrats and helped to tighten the GOP's grip on...
"This was quite a cycle for high-quality conservative candidates and we're just very pleased with how it all ended up," said Senate Conservatives Fund President Ken Cuccinelli, a former Virginia attorney general. 

Republicans scored a pick-up in Indiana, where businessman Mike Braun defeated incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly.  In North Dakota GOP Rep. Kevin Cramer soundly beat Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.  Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley scored a convincing victory over Sen. Claire McCaskill, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott upended three-term Sen. Bill Nelson, although that race appears headed for a recount.  

Republicans also staved off challenges in Tennessee and Texas.  Rep. Marsha Blackburn kept the Tennessee seat for the GOP with a resounding win over former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Sen. Ted Cruz fended off a fierce campaign from Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke.

Republicans lost a seat in Nevada, where Rep. Jacky Rosen defeated Sen. Dean Heller and Republican Matt Rosendale fell just short against Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.  In West Virginia, Republican Patrick Morrisey lost to Sen. Joe Manchin.  Republican Rep. Martha McSally leads the Arizona Senate race against Rep. Kyrsten Sinema.

Listen to the full podcast as Cuccinelli explains how the Senate brawl over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was "an epic turning point" in the battle for the Senate, why he thinks the Republicans really lost control of the House, and whether he thinks Virginia is now a blue state.]]>1046house,kavanaugh,midterms,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-death-of-free-speech--16153002
Last month, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) upheld a 2011 conviction of "Mrs. S" after she held two seminars in Austria called "Basic Information on Islam."  In the seminars, "Mrs. S" referred to Mohammed marrying a girl when she was six years old and consummating the marriage when she was nine.

In upholding the earlier conviction, which resulted in the equivalent of a $547 fine, the ECHR said it "found in particular that the domestic courts comprehensively assessed the wider context of the applicant’s statements and carefully balanced her right to freedom of expression with the right of others to have their religious feelings protected, and served the legitimate aim of preserving religious peace in Austria.”

"Mrs. S" is really Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff, who is directly linked to the largest grassroots national security organization in the U.S.

"The 'Mrs. S' who the case was about is our chapter leader, ACT for America's chapter leader, in Vienna.  She heads up our international ACT for Austria," said ACT for America President Brigitte Gabriel.  She is also the author of the new book, "Rise: In Defense of Judeo-Christian Values and Freedom."

She says the impact of this decision will be profound.

"What have seen in Europe basically is the death of free speech and it is coming here," said Gabriel.

She says the United Nations is already pushing a similar resolution to criminalize anti-Islam speech through a resolution sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

And Gabriel says there is a direct link between Europe's abandonment of Judeo-Christian values and the whittling away of fundamental freedoms.

"We are seeing the erosion of our Judeo-Christian values and freedoms, which are the bedrock of western civilization.  This is exactly what made western civilization great.  The fact that we are able to come together and debate ideas and walk away respecting each other, but able to learn from each other after a vigorous debate of ideas," said Gabriel.

Listen to the full podcast as Gabriel explains how the erosion of values and freedom happened in Europe and why the U.S. will be the last line of defense in this fight.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16153002Tue, 06 Nov 2018 22:45:18 +0000Radio AmericaIn late October, a major European court ruled that punishing someone for defaming the Islamic figure Mohammed is not an infringement of free speech, a ruling that one expert says amounts to a slippery slope that end in "the death of free speech."...
Last month, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) upheld a 2011 conviction of "Mrs. S" after she held two seminars in Austria called "Basic Information on Islam."  In the seminars, "Mrs. S" referred to Mohammed marrying a girl when she was six years old and consummating the marriage when she was nine.

In upholding the earlier conviction, which resulted in the equivalent of a $547 fine, the ECHR said it "found in particular that the domestic courts comprehensively assessed the wider context of the applicant’s statements and carefully balanced her right to freedom of expression with the right of others to have their religious feelings protected, and served the legitimate aim of preserving religious peace in Austria.”

"Mrs. S" is really Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff, who is directly linked to the largest grassroots national security organization in the U.S.

"The 'Mrs. S' who the case was about is our chapter leader, ACT for America's chapter leader, in Vienna.  She heads up our international ACT for Austria," said ACT for America President Brigitte Gabriel.  She is also the author of the new book, "Rise: In Defense of Judeo-Christian Values and Freedom."

She says the impact of this decision will be profound.

"What have seen in Europe basically is the death of free speech and it is coming here," said Gabriel.

She says the United Nations is already pushing a similar resolution to criminalize anti-Islam speech through a resolution sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

And Gabriel says there is a direct link between Europe's abandonment of Judeo-Christian values and the whittling away of fundamental freedoms.

"We are seeing the erosion of our Judeo-Christian values and freedoms, which are the bedrock of western civilization.  This is exactly what made western civilization great.  The fact that we are able to come together and debate ideas and walk away respecting each other, but able to learn from each other after a vigorous debate of ideas," said Gabriel.

Listen to the full podcast as Gabriel explains how the erosion of values and freedom happened in Europe and why the U.S. will be the last line of defense in this fight.]]>940europe,free,gabriel,islam,news,speechfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-closing-argument--16143814
Conservative syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock says Republicans should not be talking about the migrants headed for the southern border when Republicans boast the best economy in the past half century.

"We should be talking about the economy, the economy, the economy, the economy today," said Murdock.

"I know the caravan, or as I call it the pedestrian invasion force, is obviously a very important issue, but the GOP has a gift that's wrapped in gold foil.  We ought to be talking about that," he added.

While President Trump has focused a lot of attention on the migrants in the final days of the campaign, Murdock says his brethren in the media are working overtime to make every bad story a reflection on Trump.

"(They've done) terribly, as usual.  no big surprise," said Murdock.

Murdock singled out media coverage of the horrific synagogue murders in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, when a self-described neo-Nazi who hates President Trump committed the deadliest crime against Jews in American history.

He says no matter what Trump did, the press was ready to pounce.

"All these people said the president needs to unify us, bring us together, let us all heal.  So he goes to Pittsburgh to meet with the rabbi at the synagogue and heal the survivors of this atrocity.  Then they attack him for going there and say how dare you go there, when they've been begging for him to heal the country.

"Had he not gone there, the people in the media would have screamed, 'How come he hasn't gone there to heal the victims?'  So, no matter what the president does, these jackals in the old guard media will attack him mercilessly, non-stop, no matter what he does," said Murdock.

The biggest energizer for Republican voters was the Democrats' treatment of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.  For Democrats, they've been amped up to stick it to Trump at the polls since the day he won the presidency.

"The Democrats have pretty much been energized since election night two years ago.  They expected Hillary Clinton, the dutchess of Chappaqua, to rise to the throne of the throne at the White House, for which I guess she was born to serve.  That didn't work out and they've pretty much been in a foaming at the mouth situation ever since," said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast as Murdock explains what he sees as the stakes in these midterm elections, and what constitutes a good, great, bad or very bad day at the polls for Republicans.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16143814Mon, 05 Nov 2018 22:12:16 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats and Republicans have high hopes in Tuesday's midterm elections, and while Democrats are fired up to throw up political roadblocks to President Trump, Republicans are also energized by lacking consistency in their closing message....
Conservative syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock says Republicans should not be talking about the migrants headed for the southern border when Republicans boast the best economy in the past half century.

"We should be talking about the economy, the economy, the economy, the economy today," said Murdock.

"I know the caravan, or as I call it the pedestrian invasion force, is obviously a very important issue, but the GOP has a gift that's wrapped in gold foil.  We ought to be talking about that," he added.

While President Trump has focused a lot of attention on the migrants in the final days of the campaign, Murdock says his brethren in the media are working overtime to make every bad story a reflection on Trump.

"(They've done) terribly, as usual.  no big surprise," said Murdock.

Murdock singled out media coverage of the horrific synagogue murders in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, when a self-described neo-Nazi who hates President Trump committed the deadliest crime against Jews in American history.

He says no matter what Trump did, the press was ready to pounce.

"All these people said the president needs to unify us, bring us together, let us all heal.  So he goes to Pittsburgh to meet with the rabbi at the synagogue and heal the survivors of this atrocity.  Then they attack him for going there and say how dare you go there, when they've been begging for him to heal the country.

"Had he not gone there, the people in the media would have screamed, 'How come he hasn't gone there to heal the victims?'  So, no matter what the president does, these jackals in the old guard media will attack him mercilessly, non-stop, no matter what he does," said Murdock.

The biggest energizer for Republican voters was the Democrats' treatment of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.  For Democrats, they've been amped up to stick it to Trump at the polls since the day he won the presidency.

"The Democrats have pretty much been energized since election night two years ago.  They expected Hillary Clinton, the dutchess of Chappaqua, to rise to the throne of the throne at the White House, for which I guess she was born to serve.  That didn't work out and they've pretty much been in a foaming at the mouth situation ever since," said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast as Murdock explains what he sees as the stakes in these midterm elections, and what constitutes a good, great, bad or very bad day at the polls for Republicans.]]>615caravan,democrats,economy,midterms,republicansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-real-headline-from-the-jobs-report--16122989https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16122989Fri, 02 Nov 2018 23:16:06 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, economists across the political spectrum praised the October jobs report showing 250,000  new jobs and the lowest unemployment since 1969, but one economist says the best news was something else - the fastest-rising wages in a decade. ...362economy,jobs,wagesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/economy-firing-on-all-cylinders--16122819https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16122819Fri, 02 Nov 2018 22:56:20 +0000Radio AmericaOn Friday, the Labor Department reported a net increase of 250,000 new jobs in October, with the unemployment rate holding steady at the lowest level in nearly half a century and hundreds of thousands of people re-entering the labor force.  Mercatus...370economy,jobs,tariffs,taxesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tax-hikes-coming-if-dems-win-majorities--16122572
Americans for Tax Reform compiled numerous promises from Democrats to raise taxes as an effort to reverse many of the reductions in the 2017 tax reform legislation.  Democrats are pushing a 30 percent hike in the corporate income tax and want to return small business tax rates and rates for the wealthiest individuals to 39.6 percent.

Other proposals include stiffer rates on estate taxes and on gun purchases.

Kentucky Democrat John Yarmuth would be chairman of the House Budget Committee if Democrats win a majority in the House.  Last year's tax legislation dropped the corporate tax rate from 35 percent down to 21 percent.  Yarmuth would bump it back up to 27 percent.

"It makes (the rate) higher than France, higher than Germany, higher than Communist China.  But add four percent because we have state and local corporate income taxes, so we're really at 31 percent, which would make us highest in the world again," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.

He says the proposed tax hikes on small businesses would be a major kick in the shins to the middle class.

"Those 28 million companies employ about 70-plus million people.  These are small companies but they add up.  This would be devastating to the smaller business community.  I think that's going to be one of the bulwarks for the Republicans.

"If anybody works for a small business, voting for the D's is slitting your wrists this year," added Norquist.

Norquist is also warning about Democrats resurrecting stiffer estate, or death, tax penalties and the Alternative Minimum Tax.

In addition, Illinois Rep. Danny Davis is proposing several tax increases involving firearm and ammunition purchases.  Under his plan, federal excise taxes on most guns would effectively double.  Excise taxes on ammunition would more than quadruple.

Norquist says Guam recently rescinded a $1,000 gun tax but he believes that's what Democrats want to do.

"If you say to somebody that a gun costs a thousand dollars, you've just told every low-income person in the country and every middle class person in the country, 'You're never owning a gun.  You don't have a second amendment,'" said Norquist.

Listen to the full podcast as Norquist gets more specific on the tax plans we can expect if the Democrats run Congress next year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16122572Fri, 02 Nov 2018 22:33:23 +0000Radio AmericaDemocrats have big plans if they win congressional majorities, and those plans would mean less money in your wallet. Americans for Tax Reform compiled numerous promises from Democrats to raise taxes as an effort to reverse many of the reductions in...
Americans for Tax Reform compiled numerous promises from Democrats to raise taxes as an effort to reverse many of the reductions in the 2017 tax reform legislation.  Democrats are pushing a 30 percent hike in the corporate income tax and want to return small business tax rates and rates for the wealthiest individuals to 39.6 percent.

Other proposals include stiffer rates on estate taxes and on gun purchases.

Kentucky Democrat John Yarmuth would be chairman of the House Budget Committee if Democrats win a majority in the House.  Last year's tax legislation dropped the corporate tax rate from 35 percent down to 21 percent.  Yarmuth would bump it back up to 27 percent.

"It makes (the rate) higher than France, higher than Germany, higher than Communist China.  But add four percent because we have state and local corporate income taxes, so we're really at 31 percent, which would make us highest in the world again," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.

He says the proposed tax hikes on small businesses would be a major kick in the shins to the middle class.

"Those 28 million companies employ about 70-plus million people.  These are small companies but they add up.  This would be devastating to the smaller business community.  I think that's going to be one of the bulwarks for the Republicans.

"If anybody works for a small business, voting for the D's is slitting your wrists this year," added Norquist.

Norquist is also warning about Democrats resurrecting stiffer estate, or death, tax penalties and the Alternative Minimum Tax.

In addition, Illinois Rep. Danny Davis is proposing several tax increases involving firearm and ammunition purchases.  Under his plan, federal excise taxes on most guns would effectively double.  Excise taxes on ammunition would more than quadruple.

Norquist says Guam recently rescinded a $1,000 gun tax but he believes that's what Democrats want to do.

"If you say to somebody that a gun costs a thousand dollars, you've just told every low-income person in the country and every middle class person in the country, 'You're never owning a gun.  You don't have a second amendment,'" said Norquist.

Listen to the full podcast as Norquist gets more specific on the tax plans we can expect if the Democrats run Congress next year.]]>597falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-end-of-life-as-we-know-it--16105526
The internet and social media make it much easier to connect and share ideas but they also erode our privacy and drive a compulsion to be popular. Devices like Alexa can give us endless information at a moment's notice but also leave us under constant surveillance. Artificial intelligence could revolutionize our society in wonderful ways but also threaten millions of jobs and even lives. And cutting edge medical technology can save and prolong lives but also puts us on the precipice of major ethical quandaries.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Michael Guillen, author of "The End of Life as We Know It," walks us through the promise and peril of the latest scientific marvels.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16105526Thu, 01 Nov 2018 20:05:33 +0000Radio AmericaThe explosion of technological advancements in the past generation are stunning. Less than a quarter-century since the internet became available to the masses, we now have even greater innovations that make our lives easier but also bring major...
The internet and social media make it much easier to connect and share ideas but they also erode our privacy and drive a compulsion to be popular. Devices like Alexa can give us endless information at a moment's notice but also leave us under constant surveillance. Artificial intelligence could revolutionize our society in wonderful ways but also threaten millions of jobs and even lives. And cutting edge medical technology can save and prolong lives but also puts us on the precipice of major ethical quandaries.

Listen to the full podcast as Dr. Michael Guillen, author of "The End of Life as We Know It," walks us through the promise and peril of the latest scientific marvels.]]>856artificialintelligence,guillenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/get-ready-scotus-trump-spotlights-birthright-citizenship--16094592
At issue is language in the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution, which was drafted following the Civil War to clarify that all constitutional and legal protections must be afforded to former slaves just as with every other American.

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws," reads the first section of the amendment.

Temple University School of Law Prof. Jan C. Ting served as assistant commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service at the Justice Department from 1990-1993.  He says people need to understand there are long-established exceptions to the first line of the amendment.

"It's a gross overstatement, that we hear all the time, that the fourteenth amendment means every single person born in the United States is automatically a citizen," said Ting, pointing out that children of ambassadors or conquering soldiers do not qualify as citizens if they are born here.

He also noted that anyone still pledging loyalty to a sovereign outside of the United States can be blocked from citizenship if they are born here.  The Supreme Court made a such a ruling against American Indians in Elk v. Watkins.

According to Ting, the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" is what leads to fierce debate, since federal and state authorities can clarify the laws in their jurisdictions.

But can Trump clarify the law on his own or does Congress need to act?  If Trump issues such an order, Ting says any challenge would immediately enter the court system and eventually wind its way to the Supreme Court.

Listen to the full podcast as Ting explains why the powers of the president on immigration policy are very broad and why President Obama's controversial immigration orders will also be decided by the courts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16094592Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:09:10 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump says he can end birthright citizenship with the stroke of a pen, while his critics say that's blatantly unconstitutional, but a a former immigration official says any such move would be resolved at the U.S. Supreme Court and predicting...
At issue is language in the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution, which was drafted following the Civil War to clarify that all constitutional and legal protections must be afforded to former slaves just as with every other American.

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws," reads the first section of the amendment.

Temple University School of Law Prof. Jan C. Ting served as assistant commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service at the Justice Department from 1990-1993.  He says people need to understand there are long-established exceptions to the first line of the amendment.

"It's a gross overstatement, that we hear all the time, that the fourteenth amendment means every single person born in the United States is automatically a citizen," said Ting, pointing out that children of ambassadors or conquering soldiers do not qualify as citizens if they are born here.

He also noted that anyone still pledging loyalty to a sovereign outside of the United States can be blocked from citizenship if they are born here.  The Supreme Court made a such a ruling against American Indians in Elk v. Watkins.

According to Ting, the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" is what leads to fierce debate, since federal and state authorities can clarify the laws in their jurisdictions.

But can Trump clarify the law on his own or does Congress need to act?  If Trump issues such an order, Ting says any challenge would immediately enter the court system and eventually wind its way to the Supreme Court.

Listen to the full podcast as Ting explains why the powers of the president on immigration policy are very broad and why President Obama's controversial immigration orders will also be decided by the courts.]]>806birthrightcitizenship,constitution,immigration,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/many-migrants-will-get-to-stay-in-u-s--16085981
The law does not intend for most of them to stay.  Center for Immigration Studies Research Fellow Andrew Arthur says the law is actually designed to remove them as soon as possible.

They're supposed to be placed into expedited removal proceedings.  Expedited removal allows a [Department of Homeland Security] to remove an alien without having to present that alien to an immigration judge or put that alien through removal proceedings," said Arthur."

But there's a complication.  Many migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador are planning to seek asylum, claiming that their governments are persecuting them.  Arthur says 75-90 percent of such claims are deemed credible and are them scheduled to be heard before an immigration judge.

As they wait, law currently prohibits alien minors from being held longer than 20 days, so the only options are to separate families or to release everyone and hope the migrants show up for their court dates.

Arthur says that means many of the migrants will get to stay.

"Our ability to detain families is very limited and there are a large number of families that are a part of this caravan.  Unless something changes. most of these folks will end up getting released and they'll end up getting exactly what they wanted when they left their hometowns," said Arthur.

Listen to the full podcast as Arthur explains why complaints of high crime and violence are not enough to merit asylum and why the migrants turned down asylum offers from Mexico.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16085981Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:05:09 +0000Radio AmericaWith thousands of Central American migrants headed to the U.S.-Mexico border, a longtime immigration law expert says current law will actually allow them to enter the United States and facilitate many of them staying here. The law does not intend for...
The law does not intend for most of them to stay.  Center for Immigration Studies Research Fellow Andrew Arthur says the law is actually designed to remove them as soon as possible.

They're supposed to be placed into expedited removal proceedings.  Expedited removal allows a [Department of Homeland Security] to remove an alien without having to present that alien to an immigration judge or put that alien through removal proceedings," said Arthur."

But there's a complication.  Many migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador are planning to seek asylum, claiming that their governments are persecuting them.  Arthur says 75-90 percent of such claims are deemed credible and are them scheduled to be heard before an immigration judge.

As they wait, law currently prohibits alien minors from being held longer than 20 days, so the only options are to separate families or to release everyone and hope the migrants show up for their court dates.

Arthur says that means many of the migrants will get to stay.

"Our ability to detain families is very limited and there are a large number of families that are a part of this caravan.  Unless something changes. most of these folks will end up getting released and they'll end up getting exactly what they wanted when they left their hometowns," said Arthur.

Listen to the full podcast as Arthur explains why complaints of high crime and violence are not enough to merit asylum and why the migrants turned down asylum offers from Mexico.]]>774asylum,border,caravan,immigrationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-the-good-economy-stupid--16035671
But a prominent conservative columnist says GOP candidates should really have one dominant message: the economy is the best it's been in generations.

"Are you better off now than you were two years ago?  It's a very simple question, and I think for almost every single American, the answer is, 'Yes, we are better off than we were two years ago," said syndicate columnist Deroy Murdock, whose latest column makes the economic argument for keeping Republicans in power.

Murdock says a quick comparison between 2018 and 2016 tells the tale.  Economic growth in the first half of 2018 is 4.2 percent, compared to 1.9 percent in 2016.  Unemployment dropped from 4.9 percent to 3.7 percent, the lowest since 1969.  Female unemployment fell from 4.4 percent to 3.3 percent, the lowest since 1953.

"The economy is up and running and thriving and robust much more than it was just two years ago, thanks to Republican tax cuts, Republican deregulation, a much more positive pro-business and pro-free market tone coming out of Washington, D.C.  That is helping Americans from Beverly Hills all the way down to the barrios," said Murdock.

The Democrats are not conceding the economy as a Trump success story.  Former President Barack Obama believes he deserves a good share of the credit.

"When you hear all this talk about economic miracles right now, remember who started it," said Obama in Nevada on Monday.

Murdock likened Obama's claim to the person who an't open a jar but then takes credit for loosening it when someone else opens it.  Murdock admits Obama started his presidency with a stalled economy, but says the difference between Obama and Trump on economic results is staggering.

"Things did pick up some under Obama.  But it was a bit like being in a car that was going 35 miles per hour on a big superhighway.  Now we're going about 70-75-80, and the guy that was driving us along at 35 miles per hour is asking for a standing ovation," said Murdock.

Listen here for the full interview as Murdock predicts where our economy would be if Hillary Clinton won in 2016 and discusses how the GOP should respond to the migrant caravan coming to our southern border.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16035671Wed, 24 Oct 2018 01:51:47 +0000Radio AmericaRepublican candidates are talking about how Democrats treated Brett Kavanaugh and what will happen if Democrats take control of the House and possibly even the Senate. But a prominent conservative columnist says GOP candidates should really have one...
But a prominent conservative columnist says GOP candidates should really have one dominant message: the economy is the best it's been in generations.

"Are you better off now than you were two years ago?  It's a very simple question, and I think for almost every single American, the answer is, 'Yes, we are better off than we were two years ago," said syndicate columnist Deroy Murdock, whose latest column makes the economic argument for keeping Republicans in power.

Murdock says a quick comparison between 2018 and 2016 tells the tale.  Economic growth in the first half of 2018 is 4.2 percent, compared to 1.9 percent in 2016.  Unemployment dropped from 4.9 percent to 3.7 percent, the lowest since 1969.  Female unemployment fell from 4.4 percent to 3.3 percent, the lowest since 1953.

"The economy is up and running and thriving and robust much more than it was just two years ago, thanks to Republican tax cuts, Republican deregulation, a much more positive pro-business and pro-free market tone coming out of Washington, D.C.  That is helping Americans from Beverly Hills all the way down to the barrios," said Murdock.

The Democrats are not conceding the economy as a Trump success story.  Former President Barack Obama believes he deserves a good share of the credit.

"When you hear all this talk about economic miracles right now, remember who started it," said Obama in Nevada on Monday.

Murdock likened Obama's claim to the person who an't open a jar but then takes credit for loosening it when someone else opens it.  Murdock admits Obama started his presidency with a stalled economy, but says the difference between Obama and Trump on economic results is staggering.

"Things did pick up some under Obama.  But it was a bit like being in a car that was going 35 miles per hour on a big superhighway.  Now we're going about 70-75-80, and the guy that was driving us along at 35 miles per hour is asking for a standing ovation," said Murdock.

Listen here for the full interview as Murdock predicts where our economy would be if Hillary Clinton won in 2016 and discusses how the GOP should respond to the migrant caravan coming to our southern border.]]>616economy,midterms,obama,republicans,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/absentee-ballots-tool-of-choice-for-vote-thieves--15997273
Last week, four Texas women were charged with a total of 30 counts for carrying out a vote fraud operation during the Democratic presidential primary in 2016.  Prosecutors assert the women specifically targeted elderly residents, requested their ballots, voted for them, and mailed the ballots back in with fraudulent signatures.  The victims often had no idea they were targeted.

"This is typical of the way absentee ballots are stolen and fraudulently submitted.  There have been many cases very similar to this in other parts of the country," said Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.

Von Spakovsky also served on President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.  He says this type of fraud was not something done on the spur of the moment.

"This was clearly an organized effort to steal the absentee ballots of individual voters, although we do know that it happens sometimes with family members, particularly parents who have been incapacitated by age or otherwise," said von Spakovsky, who says the voter fraud isn't even the most disturbing part of the Texas case to him.

"The key thing for people to notice here is that this wasn't detected by election officials.  They didn't know this fraud had occurred.  It was only a particular political consultant who was concerned about the election and who started looking closely at the absentee ballots to see if there was a problem," said von Spakovsky.

The Texas case is one of the bigger fraud prosecutions in recent years, but it's not alone.

"Some years ago, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement actually issued a report about numerous cases of absentee ballot fraud.  And they called absentee ballots the tool of choice of vote thieves," said von Spakovsky.

The problem goes beyond Florida too.

"Just a couple of years ago, several individuals were convicted in Troy, New York, who were engaging in similar activities, basically stealing the absentee ballots of voters.  They targeted a poor neighborhood and one of the campaign consultants who was found guilty was asked why they targeted this particular neighborhood.

"They said these were individuals who are probably least likely to complain or notice that their absentee ballot has been voted by someone else," said von Spakovsky.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why von Spakovsky believes there are thousands of these cases around the country, why he can't estimate the extent of such fraud, and what would help to stop it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15997273Mon, 22 Oct 2018 20:34:46 +0000Radio AmericaVote fraud charges in Texas come just a couple of weeks ahead of the midterm elections, and one of the nation's top election law experts says this case shines the light on one of the greatest concerns for election integrity - absentee ballot fraud....
Last week, four Texas women were charged with a total of 30 counts for carrying out a vote fraud operation during the Democratic presidential primary in 2016.  Prosecutors assert the women specifically targeted elderly residents, requested their ballots, voted for them, and mailed the ballots back in with fraudulent signatures.  The victims often had no idea they were targeted.

"This is typical of the way absentee ballots are stolen and fraudulently submitted.  There have been many cases very similar to this in other parts of the country," said Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation.

Von Spakovsky also served on President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.  He says this type of fraud was not something done on the spur of the moment.

"This was clearly an organized effort to steal the absentee ballots of individual voters, although we do know that it happens sometimes with family members, particularly parents who have been incapacitated by age or otherwise," said von Spakovsky, who says the voter fraud isn't even the most disturbing part of the Texas case to him.

"The key thing for people to notice here is that this wasn't detected by election officials.  They didn't know this fraud had occurred.  It was only a particular political consultant who was concerned about the election and who started looking closely at the absentee ballots to see if there was a problem," said von Spakovsky.

The Texas case is one of the bigger fraud prosecutions in recent years, but it's not alone.

"Some years ago, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement actually issued a report about numerous cases of absentee ballot fraud.  And they called absentee ballots the tool of choice of vote thieves," said von Spakovsky.

The problem goes beyond Florida too.

"Just a couple of years ago, several individuals were convicted in Troy, New York, who were engaging in similar activities, basically stealing the absentee ballots of voters.  They targeted a poor neighborhood and one of the campaign consultants who was found guilty was asked why they targeted this particular neighborhood.

"They said these were individuals who are probably least likely to complain or notice that their absentee ballot has been voted by someone else," said von Spakovsky.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why von Spakovsky believes there are thousands of these cases around the country, why he can't estimate the extent of such fraud, and what would help to stop it.]]>582absentee,fraud,voterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-can-t-take-things-at-face-value-in-khashoggi-case--16005529
"The facts need to play out.  We need to question them.  There are so many competing agendas going on here that you can't take things at face value.  You just can't.  Facts matter, emotions don't," said retired U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Nash, who is a longtime Middle East expert and a military analyst for the Fox News Channel.

Turkish intelligence insists Khashoggi was immediately assaulted upon entering the consulate on October 2, killed in grisly fashion, and even dismembered in part while he was still alive.  But Nash finds the actions by Turkey rather odd.

"The Turks are, for some strange reason, completely unwilling to share their intelligence and yet this is all splashing out and playing out in the news media," said Nash.

In the process, sensitive sources may well have been compromised.

"You've got CNN and the Washington Post already reporting that, through intelligence sources, we were monitoring certain conversations of the very senior Saudi people," said Nash.

Nash says he is not definitively saying the events described in the media are not true and that if Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did order Khashoggi's murder then there must be severe repercussions when Trump talks with the Saudi king.

"(Bin Salman) would have to go.  That would be kind of a pre-condition and I think the king would be reluctantly in favor of making that move because he too does not want to jeopardize the relationship with the United States," said Nash.

However, he says there are lots of puzzling questions that remain.  He says there's no benefit to bin Salman with Khashoggi gone, but it could be a boon to the crown prince's many enemies, from the family members he had imprisoned to the religious extremists who recoil at bin Salman's modernization efforts and outreach efforts to other faiths.

"He has built up for himself a whole raft of enemies.  So he doesn't benefit, but his enemies would benefit if this were to be pinned on him because that would have him removed from power, which is their principle aim," said Nash.

He's also confused about the tactics in involved in the killing.

If you were going to put a hit on somebody, why would you send 15 people to do it.  You're just creating a witness pool that's staggering," said Nash.

As for Khashoggi himself, Nash says the victim was far more than a journalist.  Khashoggi had contacts with Al Qaeda and was seen by some as the head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Saudi Arabia.  The Muslim Brotherhood fiercely opposed bin Salman's modernization efforts.

But Nash says people who get caught up in Khashoggi's background are missing the bigger picture.

"At the same time you have him being glorified in some circles, there are other agencies and other folks who are probably spreading information about him on the negative side.  So again, listening to all these different inputs - listener beware," said Nash.

Nash says the reported version of the story could be true and something else may have happened.  He says the biggest mistake right now would be to rush to judgment.

"When you think of all the potential goings-on and who did what to who and when, this could take awhile to unravel.  This is not going to be a really quick thing," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Nash elaborate on all the different entities and agendas impacted by how this story turns out.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16005529Fri, 19 Oct 2018 21:07:52 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump is under pressure to declare the Saudi government responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, earlier this month, but one expert on the region says some critical questions need to be asked...
"The facts need to play out.  We need to question them.  There are so many competing agendas going on here that you can't take things at face value.  You just can't.  Facts matter, emotions don't," said retired U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Nash, who is a longtime Middle East expert and a military analyst for the Fox News Channel.

Turkish intelligence insists Khashoggi was immediately assaulted upon entering the consulate on October 2, killed in grisly fashion, and even dismembered in part while he was still alive.  But Nash finds the actions by Turkey rather odd.

"The Turks are, for some strange reason, completely unwilling to share their intelligence and yet this is all splashing out and playing out in the news media," said Nash.

In the process, sensitive sources may well have been compromised.

"You've got CNN and the Washington Post already reporting that, through intelligence sources, we were monitoring certain conversations of the very senior Saudi people," said Nash.

Nash says he is not definitively saying the events described in the media are not true and that if Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did order Khashoggi's murder then there must be severe repercussions when Trump talks with the Saudi king.

"(Bin Salman) would have to go.  That would be kind of a pre-condition and I think the king would be reluctantly in favor of making that move because he too does not want to jeopardize the relationship with the United States," said Nash.

However, he says there are lots of puzzling questions that remain.  He says there's no benefit to bin Salman with Khashoggi gone, but it could be a boon to the crown prince's many enemies, from the family members he had imprisoned to the religious extremists who recoil at bin Salman's modernization efforts and outreach efforts to other faiths.

"He has built up for himself a whole raft of enemies.  So he doesn't benefit, but his enemies would benefit if this were to be pinned on him because that would have him removed from power, which is their principle aim," said Nash.

He's also confused about the tactics in involved in the killing.

If you were going to put a hit on somebody, why would you send 15 people to do it.  You're just creating a witness pool that's staggering," said Nash.

As for Khashoggi himself, Nash says the victim was far more than a journalist.  Khashoggi had contacts with Al Qaeda and was seen by some as the head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Saudi Arabia.  The Muslim Brotherhood fiercely opposed bin Salman's modernization efforts.

But Nash says people who get caught up in Khashoggi's background are missing the bigger picture.

"At the same time you have him being glorified in some circles, there are other agencies and other folks who are probably spreading information about him on the negative side.  So again, listening to all these different inputs - listener beware," said Nash.

Nash says the reported version of the story could be true and something else may have happened.  He says the biggest mistake right now would be to rush to judgment.

"When you think of all the potential goings-on and who did what to who and when, this could take awhile to unravel.  This is not going to be a really quick thing," he said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Nash elaborate on all the different entities and agendas impacted by how this story turns out.]]>758binsalman,khashoggi,moderniation,trump,turkeyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/relief-underway-after-vast-florida-hurricane-damage--15996992
Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief organization founded by Rev. Franklin Graham, is on scene.  It's program director for U.S. Disaster Response, Tim Haas, says the hurricane left a trail of destruction he's rarely seen in his years of ministering to communities suffering from natural disasters.

"It's vast.  It's very widespread," said Haas, who says he encountered a lot of damage while still hours away from where the storm came ashore.

He says the hardest hit areas are reeling.

"It's a lot of houses that have trees all over the place in the yard.  Many of the trees are still on the homes.  Power outage is widespread.  Services are down and are trying to come down as soon as possible," said Haas.  

"There's still active search and rescue.  There are still numbers of people who have not been accounted for.  Pray for those who are missing.  Pray for those who are waiting to hear word," said Haas.

Samaritan's Purse is already busy helping residents clean out debris and protect their homes from further damage.

"With many house and with many roofs , they're not structurally sound.  They're not weatherproof.  So we're endeavoring to tarp as many roofs as we can before we we have the next rain.

"And as we get closer to the water and closer to areas where surge and/or flood is the issue, we will be mudding those houses out and helping to dry them out so that at some point in the future they can rebuild and get back in their homes," said Haas.

Haas says is blown away by how thankful people are for the help.

"They're quick to give a hug and express how deeply they appreciate the fact they are not forgotten.  Even if we were just to pick up one stick, it's one stick that they don't have to pick up.  The people here are so appreciative.  This is a hard-working community," said Haas.

Cleanup in northern Florida and even in Georgia is going to take a long time.  Haas invites any Americans who are handy and have a desire to serve to go to spvolunteer.org to schedule a time to come and help, whether that is soon or even weeks or months from now.

But he says the greatest need is for Americans to pray for the people impacted by the storms.

"The people that have been affected by this storm, they need prayer support.  We need prayer support for safety.  We need prayers that god would move in such a way that the hopelessness of people is found with the hope of Christ," said Haas.

While Samaritan's Purse is fully committed to helping people rebuild their homes and communities, Haas says there's an even higher calling.

"Our goal is to share hope through the gospel and to tell people that Jesus loves them, to tell people that Jesus has not forgotten them, and to be able to point them to churches that are shining brightly in these communities.

"People who don't come to churches are coming to churches are coming to churches.  Churches are stepping up to be the beacon of hope and to be those places people go [to have] questions answered.  Samaritan's Purse sees ourselves, humbly, as the ability to support these churches, to support those who are already ministering in this area," said Haas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Haas describe the decimated town of Mexico Beach and a powerful encounter he had with one of the residents.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15996992Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:46:14 +0000Radio AmericaA week after Hurricane Michael roared ashore along the Florida Panhandle, residents are still very early in the recovery and clean-up phases, but help is already there to meet every need in the devastated communities. Samaritan's Purse, the Christian...
Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief organization founded by Rev. Franklin Graham, is on scene.  It's program director for U.S. Disaster Response, Tim Haas, says the hurricane left a trail of destruction he's rarely seen in his years of ministering to communities suffering from natural disasters.

"It's vast.  It's very widespread," said Haas, who says he encountered a lot of damage while still hours away from where the storm came ashore.

He says the hardest hit areas are reeling.

"It's a lot of houses that have trees all over the place in the yard.  Many of the trees are still on the homes.  Power outage is widespread.  Services are down and are trying to come down as soon as possible," said Haas.  

"There's still active search and rescue.  There are still numbers of people who have not been accounted for.  Pray for those who are missing.  Pray for those who are waiting to hear word," said Haas.

Samaritan's Purse is already busy helping residents clean out debris and protect their homes from further damage.

"With many house and with many roofs , they're not structurally sound.  They're not weatherproof.  So we're endeavoring to tarp as many roofs as we can before we we have the next rain.

"And as we get closer to the water and closer to areas where surge and/or flood is the issue, we will be mudding those houses out and helping to dry them out so that at some point in the future they can rebuild and get back in their homes," said Haas.

Haas says is blown away by how thankful people are for the help.

"They're quick to give a hug and express how deeply they appreciate the fact they are not forgotten.  Even if we were just to pick up one stick, it's one stick that they don't have to pick up.  The people here are so appreciative.  This is a hard-working community," said Haas.

Cleanup in northern Florida and even in Georgia is going to take a long time.  Haas invites any Americans who are handy and have a desire to serve to go to spvolunteer.org to schedule a time to come and help, whether that is soon or even weeks or months from now.

But he says the greatest need is for Americans to pray for the people impacted by the storms.

"The people that have been affected by this storm, they need prayer support.  We need prayer support for safety.  We need prayers that god would move in such a way that the hopelessness of people is found with the hope of Christ," said Haas.

While Samaritan's Purse is fully committed to helping people rebuild their homes and communities, Haas says there's an even higher calling.

"Our goal is to share hope through the gospel and to tell people that Jesus loves them, to tell people that Jesus has not forgotten them, and to be able to point them to churches that are shining brightly in these communities.

"People who don't come to churches are coming to churches are coming to churches.  Churches are stepping up to be the beacon of hope and to be those places people go [to have] questions answered.  Samaritan's Purse sees ourselves, humbly, as the ability to support these churches, to support those who are already ministering in this area," said Haas.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Haas describe the decimated town of Mexico Beach and a powerful encounter he had with one of the residents.]]>613florida,hurricane,purse,relief,samaritan'sfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pastor-brunson-dramatic-exit-powerful-testimony--15987590
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins is also a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.  He visited with Brunson prior to Friday's court proceedings and accompanied him back to the United States.  

Perkins says there was no pre-arranged deal for Brunson's release and Thursday night Brunson was deeply worried that the court would force him to spend the rest of his life in prison.  Brunson's spirits got a boost after Perkins presented him with letters from President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as well as a Family Research Council petition in which 16,000 Americans vowed to keep praying for him.

On Friday, Perkins was struck by the pathetic case the government had against Brunson, noting that the evidence used to hold Brunson in prison since October 2016 wouldn't be strong enough to get a search warrant in the U.S.  In addition, two "witnesses" recanted their testimony, which was nothing but hearsay anyway.

Prosecutors called for a 35-year prison sentence on charges of espionage and terrorism but the judges instead convicted Brunson on a lesser charge.  The sentence was for three years and one-and-a-half months in prison.  Brunson had already served two years and one month.

"Nobody knew exactly what (the verdict) meant because there was still this one year remaining.  It was kind of like the jail cell door was left open and they just kind of turned away for a moment," said Perkins.

"But they removed the house arrest and the travel ban.  So it was at that point that the chargé that was there - the highest official representing the State Department - immediately realized we had to get him out of the country quickly, before the verdict might change.  It still could be appealed.

"Arrangements were made to fly out immediately, as soon as a military aircraft could get there," said Perkins.

"It was a very fluid process of trying to line up the transportation, trying to get everything arranged so he could get out of the country.  It was very tenuous.  It was almost like one of those things you see in the movies.  We had no idea what was going to happen.  It was changing every 15 minutes.  We just knew we had to get him out of the country while the opportunity was there.

"It wasn't until we were actually in the air, leaving Izmir, and had crossed out of Turkey's airspace that I think he really began to realize that he was free," said Perkins.

The plane stopped for a few hours in Germany, where Brunson famously kissed an American flag presented by U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell.  Fewer than 24 hours later, Brunson was on worldwide television with President Trump in the Oval Office.  While there, Brunson prayed for Trump and profusely thanked the administration for its "unusually" vigorous pursuit of his freedom.

But what was different about how the Trump administration approaches this case and others compared to previous administrations?

"[Trump] is putting America first in our foreign policy and this is what it looks like: we do not sacrifice the well-being of Americans or the human right of religious freedom on the altar of globalism anymore," said Perkins.

Perkins also says Brunson's steadfast faith throughout the past two years and trusting that God had a plan through his suffering is also a powerful testimony on a number of levels.

"I think he is an inspiration.  He has no bitterness, no animosity toward the Turkish people.  He still wants to pray for the Turkish people.  In fact, he's looking forward to someday being able to go back and continue ministering to the people.  That's what the gospel is about and he wants to share that gospel.

"We need to realize that religious freedom and the ability to share our faith is always at risk and we have to defend it, we have to uphold it, we have to protect it.  But we also have to use it.  We have to share the gospel with as many people as we can, both here in the United States and around the world," said Perkins.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of the dramatic exit from Turkey, the visit to the White House and more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15987590Wed, 17 Oct 2018 20:54:42 +0000Radio AmericaMost Americans are aware that American pastor Andrew Brunson was freed from Turkey last week and is now home after a weekend meeting with President Trump, but many do not know the dramatic story behind the hours leading up to his freedom. Family...
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins is also a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.  He visited with Brunson prior to Friday's court proceedings and accompanied him back to the United States.  

Perkins says there was no pre-arranged deal for Brunson's release and Thursday night Brunson was deeply worried that the court would force him to spend the rest of his life in prison.  Brunson's spirits got a boost after Perkins presented him with letters from President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as well as a Family Research Council petition in which 16,000 Americans vowed to keep praying for him.

On Friday, Perkins was struck by the pathetic case the government had against Brunson, noting that the evidence used to hold Brunson in prison since October 2016 wouldn't be strong enough to get a search warrant in the U.S.  In addition, two "witnesses" recanted their testimony, which was nothing but hearsay anyway.

Prosecutors called for a 35-year prison sentence on charges of espionage and terrorism but the judges instead convicted Brunson on a lesser charge.  The sentence was for three years and one-and-a-half months in prison.  Brunson had already served two years and one month.

"Nobody knew exactly what (the verdict) meant because there was still this one year remaining.  It was kind of like the jail cell door was left open and they just kind of turned away for a moment," said Perkins.

"But they removed the house arrest and the travel ban.  So it was at that point that the chargé that was there - the highest official representing the State Department - immediately realized we had to get him out of the country quickly, before the verdict might change.  It still could be appealed.

"Arrangements were made to fly out immediately, as soon as a military aircraft could get there," said Perkins.

"It was a very fluid process of trying to line up the transportation, trying to get everything arranged so he could get out of the country.  It was very tenuous.  It was almost like one of those things you see in the movies.  We had no idea what was going to happen.  It was changing every 15 minutes.  We just knew we had to get him out of the country while the opportunity was there.

"It wasn't until we were actually in the air, leaving Izmir, and had crossed out of Turkey's airspace that I think he really began to realize that he was free," said Perkins.

The plane stopped for a few hours in Germany, where Brunson famously kissed an American flag presented by U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell.  Fewer than 24 hours later, Brunson was on worldwide television with President Trump in the Oval Office.  While there, Brunson prayed for Trump and profusely thanked the administration for its "unusually" vigorous pursuit of his freedom.

But what was different about how the Trump administration approaches this case and others compared to previous administrations?

"[Trump] is putting America first in our foreign policy and this is what it looks like: we do not sacrifice the well-being of Americans or the human right of religious freedom on the altar of globalism anymore," said Perkins.

Perkins also says Brunson's steadfast faith throughout the past two years and trusting that God had a plan through his suffering is also a powerful testimony on a number of levels.

"I think he is an inspiration.  He has no bitterness, no animosity toward the Turkish people.  He still wants to pray for the Turkish people.  In fact, he's looking forward to someday being able to go back and continue ministering to the people.  That's what...]]>703brunson,perkins,trump,turkeyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/not-in-vein-documentary-links-porous-border-opioid-crisis--15979166
"Not in Vein" is hosted by investigative journalist and Fox News Contributor Sara Carter.  It's a non-profit project and can be seen in it's entirety at notinveinusa.com.

Carter says little attention was paid to the cartels as the opioid crisis exploded. Americans focused instead on the pharmaceutical industry and effective treatment programs.  The reality, she says, is that we're losing the battle at the border at "an unprecedented level."

"I've been covering the border for decades.  When I started my career, that's what I started doing - covering the gang associations and border association, which led me into covering terrorism and terrorist organizations and the nexus between those organizations and terror groups.  I thought that was damaging enough.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing in this film," said Carter.

In 2017 alone, statistics show 72,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses.  She says some morgues in Ohio have brought in extra freezers to handle the bodies of overdose victims because they're running out of room in the usual facilities.

While heroin and other addictive opioids are relentlessly pushed across the border, the even greater danger now is fentanyl, a drug so powerful that just four grams is enough to kill someone.

Carter says fentanyl is being mixed with traditional opioids in shady laboratories in the U.S., China, Mexico, and elsewhere, and people are ingesting it while thinking it's only a painkiller like oxycontin.

But fentanyl is not just endangering our kids and adults.  Carter says it could be used to target many people at once.

'That fentanyl could actually be used as a weapon of mass destruction.  If you release fentanyl into the air at a movie theater, in a mall, you're killing people that come into contact with it," said Carter.

She says the threat is more global than many realize.  Drug cartels are now doing business with terrorist groups in Africa and Carter says that type of collaboration could result in cartels smuggling even more things into the U.S. that could kill Americans.

But there are ways to fight back.  Step one, says Carter, is for the U.S. government to declare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations.

"Once these guys are targeted as terrorists, we can unleash the best at them, whether that's Delta Force, whether that's Navy SEALs, and taking them out," said Carter.

But Carter warns the front lines of this fight are much closer than the border.  She says kids at almost every school in America are likely to be offered opioids, some of which might be laced with fentanyl, so parents must always be vigilant.

We've just scratched the surface.  Listen here for the full podcast, as Sara Carter explains why she is passionate about this project, why she believes ending the war on drugs won't solve a thing, and how some community leaders are fighting back against the culture of opioid addiction.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15979166Tue, 16 Oct 2018 21:08:38 +0000Radio AmericaEnding the opioid crisis in the United States and securing America's borders are two critical parts of the same fight, and a new documentary shows how drug cartels are running roughshod over efforts to stop them and how the deadly poison they peddle...
"Not in Vein" is hosted by investigative journalist and Fox News Contributor Sara Carter.  It's a non-profit project and can be seen in it's entirety at notinveinusa.com.

Carter says little attention was paid to the cartels as the opioid crisis exploded. Americans focused instead on the pharmaceutical industry and effective treatment programs.  The reality, she says, is that we're losing the battle at the border at "an unprecedented level."

"I've been covering the border for decades.  When I started my career, that's what I started doing - covering the gang associations and border association, which led me into covering terrorism and terrorist organizations and the nexus between those organizations and terror groups.  I thought that was damaging enough.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing in this film," said Carter.

In 2017 alone, statistics show 72,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses.  She says some morgues in Ohio have brought in extra freezers to handle the bodies of overdose victims because they're running out of room in the usual facilities.

While heroin and other addictive opioids are relentlessly pushed across the border, the even greater danger now is fentanyl, a drug so powerful that just four grams is enough to kill someone.

Carter says fentanyl is being mixed with traditional opioids in shady laboratories in the U.S., China, Mexico, and elsewhere, and people are ingesting it while thinking it's only a painkiller like oxycontin.

But fentanyl is not just endangering our kids and adults.  Carter says it could be used to target many people at once.

'That fentanyl could actually be used as a weapon of mass destruction.  If you release fentanyl into the air at a movie theater, in a mall, you're killing people that come into contact with it," said Carter.

She says the threat is more global than many realize.  Drug cartels are now doing business with terrorist groups in Africa and Carter says that type of collaboration could result in cartels smuggling even more things into the U.S. that could kill Americans.

But there are ways to fight back.  Step one, says Carter, is for the U.S. government to declare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations.

"Once these guys are targeted as terrorists, we can unleash the best at them, whether that's Delta Force, whether that's Navy SEALs, and taking them out," said Carter.

But Carter warns the front lines of this fight are much closer than the border.  She says kids at almost every school in America are likely to be offered opioids, some of which might be laced with fentanyl, so parents must always be vigilant.

We've just scratched the surface.  Listen here for the full podcast, as Sara Carter explains why she is passionate about this project, why she believes ending the war on drugs won't solve a thing, and how some community leaders are fighting back against the culture of opioid addiction.]]>1146border,cartels,opioids,saracarterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-the-big-fight-over-kanye--15978988
But why are people so invested in this story?  Why did this presidential meeting trigger shock waves throughout the media landscape?

Longtime syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock is also a founding member of the Project 21 black leadership network and thinks the meeting is very significant, and that's why the criticism of West was less about what he said and more about the fact he was there at all.

"People didn't come out and say, 'Kanye is mistaken,  He has his facts wrong.  Gee, he should have thought about this and he didn't.'  The attacks are so much more personal, so much more deep, so much more profound, calling him a token negro, 'this is what happens when negroes don't read.'  Don Lemon at CNN said his appearance at the White House was like a minstrel show.  I mean these are awful, horrible words," said Murdock.

Murdock says we never the same vitriol when white commentators say controversial things.

"They'll explain the disagreement but they won't say, 'Oh, you're a bad white person,' or 'You're letting down the Caucasian race,' or "You're white trash.'  You never have that.  They just disagree with your ideas.  In this case, the concept was to eviscerate Kanye West completely, from head to toe and inside out," said Murdock.

West can be a loose cannon to put it mildly.  In 2005, he stood on national television during a Hurricane Katrina relief special and declared, "George Bush doesn't care about black people."  The intervening 13 years have involved interrupting awards shows, comparing himself to Jesus Christ, and other bizarre statements.

Even on Thursday, West offered ideas ranging from "time is a myth" to declaring his statements are not sound bites and must be appreciated like fine wine.

So is Kanye West really the person conservatives want to hitch their wagons to?  Murdock says that's not the issue.

"I don't think you need a full alignment.  I don't think anybody says that Kanye West needs to become chairman of the Republican National Committee.  I'm not recommending that.

"I do think it's perfectly fair for Republicans and people on the right to say he has a right to speak his mind without being attacked the way he was and being so personally disemboweled by the left," said Murdock.

But what's behind the fierce denunciation?  Murdock is convinced the Democrats fear West could cause many black people to reconsider their political loyalties and that is an existential threat to the Democratic Party.

"If eight out of ten black Democrats stick with the Democrats and two out of ten switch over and vote for the GOP, it's absolutely curtains for the Democrats.  They cannot afford to lose that large a share of the most loyal part of their base," said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Deroy Murdock's analysis and why he thinks just a small defection of black voters next month could make a huge difference in the midterm elections.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15978988Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:40:43 +0000Radio AmericaMusician, businessman and Kardashian family member Kanye West visited President Trump at the White House Thursday and his televised monologue in praise of the president left many conservatives cheering and many liberals fuming. But why are people so...
But why are people so invested in this story?  Why did this presidential meeting trigger shock waves throughout the media landscape?

Longtime syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock is also a founding member of the Project 21 black leadership network and thinks the meeting is very significant, and that's why the criticism of West was less about what he said and more about the fact he was there at all.

"People didn't come out and say, 'Kanye is mistaken,  He has his facts wrong.  Gee, he should have thought about this and he didn't.'  The attacks are so much more personal, so much more deep, so much more profound, calling him a token negro, 'this is what happens when negroes don't read.'  Don Lemon at CNN said his appearance at the White House was like a minstrel show.  I mean these are awful, horrible words," said Murdock.

Murdock says we never the same vitriol when white commentators say controversial things.

"They'll explain the disagreement but they won't say, 'Oh, you're a bad white person,' or 'You're letting down the Caucasian race,' or "You're white trash.'  You never have that.  They just disagree with your ideas.  In this case, the concept was to eviscerate Kanye West completely, from head to toe and inside out," said Murdock.

West can be a loose cannon to put it mildly.  In 2005, he stood on national television during a Hurricane Katrina relief special and declared, "George Bush doesn't care about black people."  The intervening 13 years have involved interrupting awards shows, comparing himself to Jesus Christ, and other bizarre statements.

Even on Thursday, West offered ideas ranging from "time is a myth" to declaring his statements are not sound bites and must be appreciated like fine wine.

So is Kanye West really the person conservatives want to hitch their wagons to?  Murdock says that's not the issue.

"I don't think you need a full alignment.  I don't think anybody says that Kanye West needs to become chairman of the Republican National Committee.  I'm not recommending that.

"I do think it's perfectly fair for Republicans and people on the right to say he has a right to speak his mind without being attacked the way he was and being so personally disemboweled by the left," said Murdock.

But what's behind the fierce denunciation?  Murdock is convinced the Democrats fear West could cause many black people to reconsider their political loyalties and that is an existential threat to the Democratic Party.

"If eight out of ten black Democrats stick with the Democrats and two out of ten switch over and vote for the GOP, it's absolutely curtains for the Democrats.  They cannot afford to lose that large a share of the most loyal part of their base," said Murdock.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Deroy Murdock's analysis and why he thinks just a small defection of black voters next month could make a huge difference in the midterm elections.]]>608democrats,kanye,media,murdock,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-cross-president-on-florida-it-s-just-heartbreaking--15969274
Hurricane Michael formed off the western coast of Cuba last week and then roared ashore in the Florida panhandle at nearly Category Five strength, effectively destroying some towns.

"This is one of the worst that I've seen because it was a hurricane that sort of behaved like a tornado," said American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern.

The storm then behaved more like a hurricane as it moved into Georgia and Alabama and up to the Carolinas and Virginia.

"It's just heartbreaking.  I have to say our hearts go out to anyone who was impacted by Hurricane Michael.  It was really devastating.  Schools are gone, homes are gone, businesses are gone," said McGovern.

The Red Cross prepositions supplies in preparation for disasters like this and tries to shuttle in relief workers as well.  She says this storm is very personal for some of their volunteers.

"We have employees and volunteers who are in the impacted area year-round.  We don't pack up and go home.  This is our home," said McGovern.

While well-prepared, McGovern says there are pressing needs.

"The roads have debris on them, the power is out, communication is challenging because some of the cell towers are out.  It's been quite a challenge on the ground," said McGovern.

To date, the Red Cross is operating 27 shelters in the Florida panhandle.  At the peak, 10,000 people were staying in them.  More than 125,000 meals and snacks have already been given out.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about the challenges in Florida and other areas devastated by Hurricane Michael and find out the various ways you can help those in need.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15969274Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:59:01 +0000Radio AmericaPresident Trump visited the Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Michael on Monday, but while the needs are great, the head of the American Red Cross says relief workers are up to the challenge. Hurricane Michael formed off the western coast...
Hurricane Michael formed off the western coast of Cuba last week and then roared ashore in the Florida panhandle at nearly Category Five strength, effectively destroying some towns.

"This is one of the worst that I've seen because it was a hurricane that sort of behaved like a tornado," said American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern.

The storm then behaved more like a hurricane as it moved into Georgia and Alabama and up to the Carolinas and Virginia.

"It's just heartbreaking.  I have to say our hearts go out to anyone who was impacted by Hurricane Michael.  It was really devastating.  Schools are gone, homes are gone, businesses are gone," said McGovern.

The Red Cross prepositions supplies in preparation for disasters like this and tries to shuttle in relief workers as well.  She says this storm is very personal for some of their volunteers.

"We have employees and volunteers who are in the impacted area year-round.  We don't pack up and go home.  This is our home," said McGovern.

While well-prepared, McGovern says there are pressing needs.

"The roads have debris on them, the power is out, communication is challenging because some of the cell towers are out.  It's been quite a challenge on the ground," said McGovern.

To date, the Red Cross is operating 27 shelters in the Florida panhandle.  At the peak, 10,000 people were staying in them.  More than 125,000 meals and snacks have already been given out.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more about the challenges in Florida and other areas devastated by Hurricane Michael and find out the various ways you can help those in need.]]>355devastation,florida,michael,redcross,relieffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/american-pastor-freed-from-turkey--15948575
And a leading organization assisting persecuted Christians is applauding the Trump administration for its handling of the Brunson case while warning that religious freedom is eroding in Turkey.

Brunson was actually convicted in a Turkish court Friday and sentenced to three years and one and a half months of prison. However, the judge released him because the years in detention amounted to "time served."

A tearful Brunson thanked the court. Earlier he made an emotional plea for release.

"I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," said Brunson.

Open Doors USA President and CEO Dr. David Curry says these were bogus charges from the start, trying to tie Brunson to the failed coup against Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

"(Brunson) has been a part of Turkey for over 20 years.  He been a faithful pastor there, great part of the community, good citizen.  This was a political issue.  They tried to use him as a pawn in a larger political game that did not work.  We're grateful that the administration really held the line on this and was able to get him released," said Curry.

Curry says the prosecution of Brunson was over politics and the pastor's Christian faith, and the obvious mistreatment allowed for many different nations and groups to pressure Turkey for Brunson's release.

He also says the Trump administration's refusal to hand over another figure allegedly tied to the failed coup attempt is a major win.

"We can't send a signal that hostage diplomacy is going to work.  It was a very good move not to give into that," said Curry.

Since the failed coup in 2016, Erdogan has shown far less tolerance for Christianity.

"The increased raids on churches and these kinds of things that are happening in Turkey are sending signals that the environment is changing there," said Curry.

However, Curry is most gratified that Brunson remains firm in his faith after this difficult ordeal.

"I think we take encouragement in that.  I think it is also a signal to us to really take the lessons of people who go through harder things than we do when we face discouragement or opposition or even  some sort of resistance or persecution.  Stand in Jesus.  It is the solution.  It's the medicine we need for a broken heart.  I think Pastor Brunson is an example of that quite well.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Dr. Curry's analysis of the Brunson case, the reality for believers in Turkey and more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15948575Fri, 12 Oct 2018 21:44:24 +0000Radio AmericaAmerican pastor Andrew Brunson is headed home after two years of detention over what his family and the U.S. government say are trumped up charges of espionage and terrorism. And a leading organization assisting persecuted Christians is applauding...
And a leading organization assisting persecuted Christians is applauding the Trump administration for its handling of the Brunson case while warning that religious freedom is eroding in Turkey.

Brunson was actually convicted in a Turkish court Friday and sentenced to three years and one and a half months of prison. However, the judge released him because the years in detention amounted to "time served."

A tearful Brunson thanked the court. Earlier he made an emotional plea for release.

"I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," said Brunson.

Open Doors USA President and CEO Dr. David Curry says these were bogus charges from the start, trying to tie Brunson to the failed coup against Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

"(Brunson) has been a part of Turkey for over 20 years.  He been a faithful pastor there, great part of the community, good citizen.  This was a political issue.  They tried to use him as a pawn in a larger political game that did not work.  We're grateful that the administration really held the line on this and was able to get him released," said Curry.

Curry says the prosecution of Brunson was over politics and the pastor's Christian faith, and the obvious mistreatment allowed for many different nations and groups to pressure Turkey for Brunson's release.

He also says the Trump administration's refusal to hand over another figure allegedly tied to the failed coup attempt is a major win.

"We can't send a signal that hostage diplomacy is going to work.  It was a very good move not to give into that," said Curry.

Since the failed coup in 2016, Erdogan has shown far less tolerance for Christianity.

"The increased raids on churches and these kinds of things that are happening in Turkey are sending signals that the environment is changing there," said Curry.

However, Curry is most gratified that Brunson remains firm in his faith after this difficult ordeal.

"I think we take encouragement in that.  I think it is also a signal to us to really take the lessons of people who go through harder things than we do when we face discouragement or opposition or even  some sort of resistance or persecution.  Stand in Jesus.  It is the solution.  It's the medicine we need for a broken heart.  I think Pastor Brunson is an example of that quite well.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Dr. Curry's analysis of the Brunson case, the reality for believers in Turkey and more.]]>427brunson,trump,turkeyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-next-at-the-un--15948419
Haley announced this week that she will step down at the end of 2018. Trump says he hopes to nominate a successor within the next few weeks.

Haley says the great accomplishment of the past two years is winning back respect, noting that other nations may not like our policies but they know we will keep our word.

Gaffney says Haley's tenure at the UN reflected the Trump agenda very well.

"She has been a tireless defender of America against all attacks. She has been a catalyst for really tough love for the United Nations and its various corrupt and malfeasant entities," said Gaffney.

"She's very much in the mold of some of the truly great UN ambassadors from the United States: Jeane Kirkpatrick, Daniel Patrick Moynihan (and) John Bolton come to mind," added Gaffney.

"I would hope very much that the president will replace her with someone with both a similar capability and in terms of clarity of their admiration and, indeed, love for our country and vigor in willing to defend her," said Gaffney.

Gaffney says it is imperative for Trump to find a successor who shares his vision for the world. He says hiring someone who clashes with Trump on policy will be counterproductive.

Former Deputy National Security Adviser Dina Powell was widely touted for the job until removing her name from consideration on Thursday. Gaffney is relieved Powell is off the short list given her performance at her previous job.

You don't want somebody as an ambassador representing out government, representing this administration, representing this president who is at odds with the policies of the president.

"That was certainly true of Dina Powell during the time she served under H.R. McMaster, the National Security Adviser. I called them the insubordinate subordinates," said Gaffney.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gaffney's assessment of how important the UN ambassador is and the three names he hopes are being considered to replace Haley.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15948419Fri, 12 Oct 2018 21:19:09 +0000Radio AmericaCenter for Security Policy President Frank Gaffney says Nikki Haley is cut from the same mold as the most successful American ambassadors to the United Nations and says President Trump must find a successor who truly believes in his foreign policy....
Haley announced this week that she will step down at the end of 2018. Trump says he hopes to nominate a successor within the next few weeks.

Haley says the great accomplishment of the past two years is winning back respect, noting that other nations may not like our policies but they know we will keep our word.

Gaffney says Haley's tenure at the UN reflected the Trump agenda very well.

"She has been a tireless defender of America against all attacks. She has been a catalyst for really tough love for the United Nations and its various corrupt and malfeasant entities," said Gaffney.

"She's very much in the mold of some of the truly great UN ambassadors from the United States: Jeane Kirkpatrick, Daniel Patrick Moynihan (and) John Bolton come to mind," added Gaffney.

"I would hope very much that the president will replace her with someone with both a similar capability and in terms of clarity of their admiration and, indeed, love for our country and vigor in willing to defend her," said Gaffney.

Gaffney says it is imperative for Trump to find a successor who shares his vision for the world. He says hiring someone who clashes with Trump on policy will be counterproductive.

Former Deputy National Security Adviser Dina Powell was widely touted for the job until removing her name from consideration on Thursday. Gaffney is relieved Powell is off the short list given her performance at her previous job.

You don't want somebody as an ambassador representing out government, representing this administration, representing this president who is at odds with the policies of the president.

"That was certainly true of Dina Powell during the time she served under H.R. McMaster, the National Security Adviser. I called them the insubordinate subordinates," said Gaffney.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Gaffney's assessment of how important the UN ambassador is and the three names he hopes are being considered to replace Haley.]]>531ambassador,haley,powell,trump,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brat-sees-momentum-in-tough-race--15939721
Brat shot to stardom in June 2014, when he stunned sitting House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the seventh district's Republican congressional primary.  But after two smooth general election victories, Democrats see Brat as vulnerable in a district that stretches from near Fredericksburg south of Richmond.

Former CIA operative Abigail Spanberger won the Democratic nomination earlier this year and a recent New York Times poll showed Brat ahead 47-43 percent but the margin of error was as big as his lead.

Nonetheless, Brat says momentum is on his side after the intense confirmation fight that concluded last week.

"After the Kavanaugh hearings, I think it's four (points) plus a big upward bump.  The American people are finally zooming in.  They're noticing that my opponent doesn't have a platform.  She's not running on any issues whatsoever," said Brat.

Brat says the strong economy is better than any ad he could run.

"My district is booming.  The jobs are doing great.  There's more job openings than people searching," said Brat.

Spanberger is attacking Brat for trying to end mandates that insurance providers extend coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.  Brat says the charge is ludicrous.

"The mainstream media doesn't do news anymore.  If everybody missed the memo, that was the biggest debate of the year.  We had the health care vote and we all voted for pre-existing conditions.  That shows you how the Democrats are hurting.  We're ahead.  They're losing, so they have to spread total pants-on-fire falsehoods," said Brat.

Listen here for the full interview as Brat reacts to House Republicans promising to vote on legislation to fund the border wall after the midterms and he discusses a controversial element of Spanberger's past.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15939721Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:32:47 +0000Radio AmericaConservative Virginia Rep. Dave Brat is facing his toughest Democratic challenge since coming to Congress but says clarity on the issues and a reinvigorated GOP base have him peaking at the right time. Brat shot to stardom in June 2014, when he...
Brat shot to stardom in June 2014, when he stunned sitting House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the seventh district's Republican congressional primary.  But after two smooth general election victories, Democrats see Brat as vulnerable in a district that stretches from near Fredericksburg south of Richmond.

Former CIA operative Abigail Spanberger won the Democratic nomination earlier this year and a recent New York Times poll showed Brat ahead 47-43 percent but the margin of error was as big as his lead.

Nonetheless, Brat says momentum is on his side after the intense confirmation fight that concluded last week.

"After the Kavanaugh hearings, I think it's four (points) plus a big upward bump.  The American people are finally zooming in.  They're noticing that my opponent doesn't have a platform.  She's not running on any issues whatsoever," said Brat.

Brat says the strong economy is better than any ad he could run.

"My district is booming.  The jobs are doing great.  There's more job openings than people searching," said Brat.

Spanberger is attacking Brat for trying to end mandates that insurance providers extend coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.  Brat says the charge is ludicrous.

"The mainstream media doesn't do news anymore.  If everybody missed the memo, that was the biggest debate of the year.  We had the health care vote and we all voted for pre-existing conditions.  That shows you how the Democrats are hurting.  We're ahead.  They're losing, so they have to spread total pants-on-fire falsehoods," said Brat.

Listen here for the full interview as Brat reacts to House Republicans promising to vote on legislation to fund the border wall after the midterms and he discusses a controversial element of Spanberger's past.]]>414brat,congress,midterms,spanberger,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/expert-rips-un-climate-warning-it-s-basically-fear-mongering--15919271
The IPCC report says the planet is on pace to warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030.  That figure chronicles warming of the Earth since the pre-industrial era.  The solution, according to the IPCC, is for the world to spend $2.5 trillion in capturing and reducing carbon emissions and eliminating them worldwide by 2050.

Dr. Roy Spencer is a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and says the new report is basically alarmism wrapped in bad science.

"There's just so many things that are wrong with this report," said Spencer.  "It's basically fear-mongering."

"The less people listen to the IPCC, it seems like the louder they have to scream, because this report is even more alarmist than previous reports," added Spencer.  "The science doesn't support the idea that we are even going to warm by that much, let alone that we could prevent that warming from occuring."

Spencer believes the planet is getting warmer and that human activity contributes to it, but he says the IPCC greatly exaggerates how much warmer the Earth is getting, arbitrarily declares critical benchmarks like a 1.5 degree increase to be hugely significant, and, most significantly, assumes that any warming is due entirely to human activity.

He estimates that the warming is about half of what the IPCC says it is and that even if the planet were 1.5 or two degrees warmer than a century ago, we should not have much problem adapting.  Spencer says higher carbon dioxide levels have brought about good things like a greening of the Earth, and that so far he doesn't see any downsides.

The IPCC counters by saying natural disasters like flooding, hurricanes, droughts, and forest fires, are all getting worse because of the warming.  Spencer says the facts don't back that up at all.

"I hate to say it, but I think they are just making things up.  Just because something bad happened, like wildfires in Northern California, that doesn't prove anything.  Globally, wildfires are down substantially.  Wildfires in the western U.S. are down substantially," said Spencer, noting that there's no discernible change in hurricane activity either.

But Spencer is most concerned by the impact of the "solution" pushed by the IPCC and others to prevent the warming from going 1.5 degrees Celsius to two degrees.  

"The cost of preventing half a degree C of warming...would require such a huge cutback in fossil fuel use that it would greatly exacerbate poverty around the world.  Already, tens of thousands of people are dying from energy poverty during the winter and that's going to get massively worse.

"What the IPCC wants to do and what the United Nations wants to do is tax carbon-based fuels - coal, natural gas, petroleum - at such a large extent that we will only have access to very expensive fuel sources, wind and solar, which are still quite a bit more expensive than carbon based fuels.

"Every single thing humans do requires energy.  It's going to make all of humanity poorer and poverty kills," said Spencer.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Dr. Spencer's scientific rebuttal to the IPCC, his contention that what the UN wants to do is not even possible and how he responds to those who say the human impact in climate change is settled science.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15919271Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:43:54 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this week, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC,  issued a dire warning, arguing that unless world leaders take sweeping action to drastically reduce carbon emissions, our planet could be irreparably changed...
The IPCC report says the planet is on pace to warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030.  That figure chronicles warming of the Earth since the pre-industrial era.  The solution, according to the IPCC, is for the world to spend $2.5 trillion in capturing and reducing carbon emissions and eliminating them worldwide by 2050.

Dr. Roy Spencer is a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and says the new report is basically alarmism wrapped in bad science.

"There's just so many things that are wrong with this report," said Spencer.  "It's basically fear-mongering."

"The less people listen to the IPCC, it seems like the louder they have to scream, because this report is even more alarmist than previous reports," added Spencer.  "The science doesn't support the idea that we are even going to warm by that much, let alone that we could prevent that warming from occuring."

Spencer believes the planet is getting warmer and that human activity contributes to it, but he says the IPCC greatly exaggerates how much warmer the Earth is getting, arbitrarily declares critical benchmarks like a 1.5 degree increase to be hugely significant, and, most significantly, assumes that any warming is due entirely to human activity.

He estimates that the warming is about half of what the IPCC says it is and that even if the planet were 1.5 or two degrees warmer than a century ago, we should not have much problem adapting.  Spencer says higher carbon dioxide levels have brought about good things like a greening of the Earth, and that so far he doesn't see any downsides.

The IPCC counters by saying natural disasters like flooding, hurricanes, droughts, and forest fires, are all getting worse because of the warming.  Spencer says the facts don't back that up at all.

"I hate to say it, but I think they are just making things up.  Just because something bad happened, like wildfires in Northern California, that doesn't prove anything.  Globally, wildfires are down substantially.  Wildfires in the western U.S. are down substantially," said Spencer, noting that there's no discernible change in hurricane activity either.

But Spencer is most concerned by the impact of the "solution" pushed by the IPCC and others to prevent the warming from going 1.5 degrees Celsius to two degrees.  

"The cost of preventing half a degree C of warming...would require such a huge cutback in fossil fuel use that it would greatly exacerbate poverty around the world.  Already, tens of thousands of people are dying from energy poverty during the winter and that's going to get massively worse.

"What the IPCC wants to do and what the United Nations wants to do is tax carbon-based fuels - coal, natural gas, petroleum - at such a large extent that we will only have access to very expensive fuel sources, wind and solar, which are still quite a bit more expensive than carbon based fuels.

"Every single thing humans do requires energy.  It's going to make all of humanity poorer and poverty kills," said Spencer.

Listen to the full podcast to hear more of Dr. Spencer's scientific rebuttal to the IPCC, his contention that what the UN wants to do is not even possible and how he responds to those who say the human impact in climate change is settled science.]]>723climate,ipcc,spencer,unfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-columbus-a-hero-or-a-villain-the-answer-matters--15910297
In a piece for "The Daily Signal," contributor Jarrett Stepman vigorously defends Columbus and explains why he believes critics are unfair in their denunciation of Columbus.

Until the past couple of decades, Columbus Day was seen as a minor holiday commemorating a man that most Americans admired.  Stepman says the most notable criticism of the explorer came from communists like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 1800's and last century, when white nationalists protested Columbus for being Catholic and an immigrant.

But from the earliest days of our republic, Columbus was widely admired.

"The founders liked him because he stood for science.  He stood for discovery.  He stood for what America would become.  He was a very hopeful figure and I think that's why he became such a widely popular figure in America," said Stepman.

In 1992, on the five-hundredth anniversary of Columbus, protesters at Berkeley held the first "Indigenous People's Day" to criticize Columbus for allegedly exploiting and brutalizing the natives he encountered in the West.  

That protest was largely a dud, but the effort to cast Columbus in a different light has only grown since.  Now, even Columbus, Ohio, is refusing to observe Columbus Day.

"In the past 20-30 years, it's gotten much, much worse.  So today, where you have statues coming down, you have people attacking Columbus very frequently.  So there's been a snowball effect in which Columbus, who used to be universally admired, is universally attacked or simply dismissed as a bad person we should do away with and just let disappear from the American pantheon," said Stepman.

As a result, Columbus becomes a flash point for both sides of our cultural divide.  Some see him embodying the best of the American spirit and others see him as a symbol of oppression

"This is what America's about.  When you think of a man going to the moon, that is the spirit of Columbus.  There are a lot of people, especially in modern society on the very far left, who don't like the seeds of American civilization.  They think it's rotten to the core.  They think root and branch it just needs to be pulled up and we need to start again," said Stepman.

Stepman believes simply understanding what Columbus and his crew were willing to do is worthy of admiration, taking boats - none of them longer than 60 feet - across an ocean without knowing what they would find on the other side.

"Nobody had done this before.  He did this on three ships.  He did this with a sometimes mutinous crew that wasn't always favorable to him.  He went through incredible hardship.  That really requires incredible foresight and boldness.  Don't we want future Americans to have that kind of boldness?" said Stepman.

But did Columbus brutalize the indigenous peoples?  Stepman says the evidence shows Columbus was not the wealth-gobbling predator that liberal historians portray him to be.  Instead, he was actually removed as governor in the New World for punishing Spaniards who mistreated the natives. 

That's not to say there was no brutality.  Stepman says the world in general was much more brutal then and Columbus did respond when warring tribes attacked his people.

He also had a higher mission than making Spain wealthy.

"Certainly he was a man who wanted the recognition for what he did, but he wanted to spread Christianity.  He wasn't just a man driven entirely by greed.  He was an explorer who wanted to bring his religion and he wanted to save souls in a new land.  That is a primary motivation of Columbus," said Stepman.

So why does the answer to whether Columbus is a hero or a villain matter so much?  Stepman says the relentless effort to redefine our past will have a major impact future generations.

"We should believe in an America in which we continue to build statues to more individuals, more people who are bold and daring that accomplish great things in our time.

"If we're destroying our past, we're really wiping out our future too.  We'll be a nation with no past and no future.  I think that's a very dangerous moment in this country's history and I think it's an unfortunate one," said Stepman.

Listen here for the full interview.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15910297Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:53:21 +0000Radio AmericaMonday is Columbus Day.  It was 526 years ago this month that Christopher Columbus and his group of small ships crossed the Atlantic and discovered the "New World," a feat admired by centuries of Americans but demonized by academics and activists for...
In a piece for "The Daily Signal," contributor Jarrett Stepman vigorously defends Columbus and explains why he believes critics are unfair in their denunciation of Columbus.

Until the past couple of decades, Columbus Day was seen as a minor holiday commemorating a man that most Americans admired.  Stepman says the most notable criticism of the explorer came from communists like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 1800's and last century, when white nationalists protested Columbus for being Catholic and an immigrant.

But from the earliest days of our republic, Columbus was widely admired.

"The founders liked him because he stood for science.  He stood for discovery.  He stood for what America would become.  He was a very hopeful figure and I think that's why he became such a widely popular figure in America," said Stepman.

In 1992, on the five-hundredth anniversary of Columbus, protesters at Berkeley held the first "Indigenous People's Day" to criticize Columbus for allegedly exploiting and brutalizing the natives he encountered in the West.  

That protest was largely a dud, but the effort to cast Columbus in a different light has only grown since.  Now, even Columbus, Ohio, is refusing to observe Columbus Day.

"In the past 20-30 years, it's gotten much, much worse.  So today, where you have statues coming down, you have people attacking Columbus very frequently.  So there's been a snowball effect in which Columbus, who used to be universally admired, is universally attacked or simply dismissed as a bad person we should do away with and just let disappear from the American pantheon," said Stepman.

As a result, Columbus becomes a flash point for both sides of our cultural divide.  Some see him embodying the best of the American spirit and others see him as a symbol of oppression

"This is what America's about.  When you think of a man going to the moon, that is the spirit of Columbus.  There are a lot of people, especially in modern society on the very far left, who don't like the seeds of American civilization.  They think it's rotten to the core.  They think root and branch it just needs to be pulled up and we need to start again," said Stepman.

Stepman believes simply understanding what Columbus and his crew were willing to do is worthy of admiration, taking boats - none of them longer than 60 feet - across an ocean without knowing what they would find on the other side.

"Nobody had done this before.  He did this on three ships.  He did this with a sometimes mutinous crew that wasn't always favorable to him.  He went through incredible hardship.  That really requires incredible foresight and boldness.  Don't we want future Americans to have that kind of boldness?" said Stepman.

But did Columbus brutalize the indigenous peoples?  Stepman says the evidence shows Columbus was not the wealth-gobbling predator that liberal historians portray him to be.  Instead, he was actually removed as governor in the New World for punishing Spaniards who mistreated the natives. 

That's not to say there was no brutality.  Stepman says the world in general was much more brutal then and Columbus did respond when warring tribes attacked his people.

He also had a higher mission than making Spain wealthy.

"Certainly he was a man who wanted the recognition for what he did, but he wanted to spread Christianity.  He wasn't just a man driven entirely by greed.  He was an explorer who wanted to bring his religion and he wanted to save souls...]]>819columbus,controversy,founders,hero,indigenous,villainfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-students-led-astray-by-history-book-bias--15890877
ERI is sponsoring "The American History Book Project," to point out and correct major factual errors and ideological bias in some of the most commonly used textbooks.  The first one in the cross hairs is "The American Pageant" by David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas A. Bailey.

ERI Chairman Daniel Oliver says "The American Pageant" is the first target because of how widely it is used, especially in high school advanced placement classes.

"So the best students are getting a very warped view of American history," said Oliver.

And even when the details of history fade from memory, Oliver fears the bias in the textbooks lingers in the minds of students and informs their worldviews.

"They have a sense after reading textbooks like this that business is bad and government is good.  Government will protect you against greedy businessmen," said Oliver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Oliver sees as the most egregious bias in "The American Pageant" and what he hopes to achieve by calling attention to the indoctrination he believes is going on in our schools.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15890877Fri, 05 Oct 2018 21:30:17 +0000Radio AmericaHistory textbooks for high school and college students increasingly show a bias that is impacting how teenagers and young adults view America and it's role in the world, according to the Education and Research Institute. ERI is sponsoring "The...
ERI is sponsoring "The American History Book Project," to point out and correct major factual errors and ideological bias in some of the most commonly used textbooks.  The first one in the cross hairs is "The American Pageant" by David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas A. Bailey.

ERI Chairman Daniel Oliver says "The American Pageant" is the first target because of how widely it is used, especially in high school advanced placement classes.

"So the best students are getting a very warped view of American history," said Oliver.

And even when the details of history fade from memory, Oliver fears the bias in the textbooks lingers in the minds of students and informs their worldviews.

"They have a sense after reading textbooks like this that business is bad and government is good.  Government will protect you against greedy businessmen," said Oliver.

Listen to the full podcast to hear what Oliver sees as the most egregious bias in "The American Pageant" and what he hopes to achieve by calling attention to the indoctrination he believes is going on in our schools.]]>648bias,business,government,textbooksfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/collins-backs-kavanaugh--15890875
In her speech, Sen. Collins discussed Judge Kavanaugh's judicial history and why she believes liberal concerns about Kavanaugh's approach to health care, birth control, abortion, and executive power were not well-founded.

She also slammed the partisanship among lawmakers and outrage of special interest groups in the confirmation process. Collins also explained how she sorted through the allegations against Kavanaugh in the past few weeks.

Listen here for the full speech.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15890875Fri, 05 Oct 2018 21:05:32 +0000Radio AmericaFriday afternoon, Maine Sen. Susan Collins gave an extensive explanation for her decision to support the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Collins became the 50th vote in favor of Kavanaugh's confirmation. In her...
In her speech, Sen. Collins discussed Judge Kavanaugh's judicial history and why she believes liberal concerns about Kavanaugh's approach to health care, birth control, abortion, and executive power were not well-founded.

She also slammed the partisanship among lawmakers and outrage of special interest groups in the confirmation process. Collins also explained how she sorted through the allegations against Kavanaugh in the past few weeks.

Listen here for the full speech.]]>2603collins,confirmation,kavanaugh,supremecourtfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-commerce-secretary-assesses-new-trade-deal--15881030
Barbara Hackman Franklin served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce for President George H.W. Bush and was heavily involved in the original NAFTA negotiations.  She is very pleased to see the three countries reach a deal.

"I'm delighted that this negotiation is now done because I think the process of it was unsettling to investors, businesses, consumers.  Some of the rhetoric surrounding it was not real helpful so I think it's a good thing that we got this done," said Franklin, who is now president and CEO of Barbara Franklin Enterprises.

The biggest changes to the deal, known as USMCA, would impact the auto and dairy industries.  Franklin says the agreement could be very good news for American dairy exporters.

"Canada agreed to open its dairy market by eliminating some of the quotas and the pricing system that has been in place and has been problematic our dairy farmer.  Hopefully, our dairy farmers will be able to send more butter, milk, and cheese to Canada under this agreement," said Franklin.

The changes for the auto industry could be very good for manufacturers and their employees.  Wages would be set at a minimum of $16 per hour and a significant majority of auto parts would be made in North America.  Some economists fear a wage floor would mean higher prices for consumers, but Franklin says it's too soon to tell.

The major U.S. concession is maintaining the NAFTA provision on dispute resolution.

"Under this mechanism, it means that disputes can be solved by national panels, in other words panels of the two countries together, rather than going through the U.S. judicial process having to do with anti-dumping and countervailing duty," said Franklin.

Trump badly wanted to change the policy but it appears to have been a deal-killer for Canada.

The deal is still not done and the clock is ticking.  The leaders of all three nations must sign the USMCA and Congress must ratify it.  Franklin says it is critical for Mexico to approve it before a change in its presidency on December 1.  She also says the midterm elections here could influence the fate of the agreement.

While Franklin is not a fan of Trump's approach to trade negotiations and the uncertainty it creates, she is still hopeful that the USMCA and negotiations with China and the European Union end up boosting our economy.

"I certainly hope we're going to end up in a better spot.  With all of these agreements, the proof is in the pudding and how it actually works," said Franklin.

"My hope, always, is that whatever we do stimulates more trade because I believe that trade does help economic growth," she added.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15881030Thu, 04 Oct 2018 19:49:18 +0000Radio AmericaEarlier this week, President Trump hailed a new trade agreement with our Canadian and Mexican neighbors, but is the agreement a good one for the U.S. and is it better than the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which Trump has railed...
Barbara Hackman Franklin served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce for President George H.W. Bush and was heavily involved in the original NAFTA negotiations.  She is very pleased to see the three countries reach a deal.

"I'm delighted that this negotiation is now done because I think the process of it was unsettling to investors, businesses, consumers.  Some of the rhetoric surrounding it was not real helpful so I think it's a good thing that we got this done," said Franklin, who is now president and CEO of Barbara Franklin Enterprises.

The biggest changes to the deal, known as USMCA, would impact the auto and dairy industries.  Franklin says the agreement could be very good news for American dairy exporters.

"Canada agreed to open its dairy market by eliminating some of the quotas and the pricing system that has been in place and has been problematic our dairy farmer.  Hopefully, our dairy farmers will be able to send more butter, milk, and cheese to Canada under this agreement," said Franklin.

The changes for the auto industry could be very good for manufacturers and their employees.  Wages would be set at a minimum of $16 per hour and a significant majority of auto parts would be made in North America.  Some economists fear a wage floor would mean higher prices for consumers, but Franklin says it's too soon to tell.

The major U.S. concession is maintaining the NAFTA provision on dispute resolution.

"Under this mechanism, it means that disputes can be solved by national panels, in other words panels of the two countries together, rather than going through the U.S. judicial process having to do with anti-dumping and countervailing duty," said Franklin.

Trump badly wanted to change the policy but it appears to have been a deal-killer for Canada.

The deal is still not done and the clock is ticking.  The leaders of all three nations must sign the USMCA and Congress must ratify it.  Franklin says it is critical for Mexico to approve it before a change in its presidency on December 1.  She also says the midterm elections here could influence the fate of the agreement.

While Franklin is not a fan of Trump's approach to trade negotiations and the uncertainty it creates, she is still hopeful that the USMCA and negotiations with China and the European Union end up boosting our economy.

"I certainly hope we're going to end up in a better spot.  With all of these agreements, the proof is in the pudding and how it actually works," said Franklin.

"My hope, always, is that whatever we do stimulates more trade because I believe that trade does help economic growth," she added.]]>712canada,mexico,nafta,trade,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kavanaugh-fight-fires-up-gop-voters--15872941
Predictions of a blue wave have dominated political chatter even though the Senate map strongly favors Republicans.  Ten incumbent Democrats are running for re-election in state won by President Trump and pickups in Missouri, North Dakota, Indiana and even Montana and West Virginia are possible.

Democrats are champing at the bit to elect Democratic majorities to challenge President Trump and special elections show Republicans have struggled mightily to match the passion on the left.

Cuccinelli says the Kavanaugh fight seems to be changing that.

"The Democrat base was already fired up, so the enthusiasm gap is closing and that's a very good thing for Patrick Morrisey (West Virginia) and Matt Rosendale (Montana), really all the conservatives running," said Cuccinelli, whose group is actively supporting Morrisey, Rosendale and Missouri Senate hopeful Josh Hawley.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says there will be a vote this week on the Kavanaugh nomination, leading some Republicans to fear enthusiasm among the base might ebb before Election Day.  but Cuccinelli says Democrats are doing a good job of making sure that doesn't happen.

"They're now saying things like, 'Even if he gets on the court, this isn't over.  We're going to try to impeach him,'" said Cuccinelli.  "It lets the Republican base know, including apathetic voters who may or may not show up, that there's still more at stake on this subject, even after the guy gets to the Supreme Court," said Cuccinelli.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why red state Democrats who waffle on the Kavanaugh vote might be in more trouble than those who adamantly vote against him.  He also breaks down the tough fights facing Republicans in seats they already hold.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15872941Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:05:04 +0000Radio AmericaWhile the fate of the Brett Kavanaugh nomination remains up in the air, Senate Conservatives Fund President Ken Cuccinelli says the fight is uniting Republicans in a way that he thinks will dramatically boost GOP enthusiasm heading into the midterm...
Predictions of a blue wave have dominated political chatter even though the Senate map strongly favors Republicans.  Ten incumbent Democrats are running for re-election in state won by President Trump and pickups in Missouri, North Dakota, Indiana and even Montana and West Virginia are possible.

Democrats are champing at the bit to elect Democratic majorities to challenge President Trump and special elections show Republicans have struggled mightily to match the passion on the left.

Cuccinelli says the Kavanaugh fight seems to be changing that.

"The Democrat base was already fired up, so the enthusiasm gap is closing and that's a very good thing for Patrick Morrisey (West Virginia) and Matt Rosendale (Montana), really all the conservatives running," said Cuccinelli, whose group is actively supporting Morrisey, Rosendale and Missouri Senate hopeful Josh Hawley.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says there will be a vote this week on the Kavanaugh nomination, leading some Republicans to fear enthusiasm among the base might ebb before Election Day.  but Cuccinelli says Democrats are doing a good job of making sure that doesn't happen.

"They're now saying things like, 'Even if he gets on the court, this isn't over.  We're going to try to impeach him,'" said Cuccinelli.  "It lets the Republican base know, including apathetic voters who may or may not show up, that there's still more at stake on this subject, even after the guy gets to the Supreme Court," said Cuccinelli.

Listen to the full podcast to hear why red state Democrats who waffle on the Kavanaugh vote might be in more trouble than those who adamantly vote against him.  He also breaks down the tough fights facing Republicans in seats they already hold.]]>8682018,democrats,kavanaugh,midterms,republicansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fmr-u-s-civil-rights-commissioner-feinstein-played-ford-like-a-pawn--15863866
Jennifer Braceras is an attorney and a senior fellow at the Independent Women's Forum.  She says California Sen. Dianne Feinstein's decision to hold onto Ford's letter for weeks rather than bring the matter to the full committee betrays her real motivation.

"It's not just a procedural mistake.  It was a deliberate act on Sen. Feinstein's part.  What that tells me is that is not a woman who is concerned about the possibility of a serial predator taking a seat on the Supreme Court.

"She didn't care if Dr. Ford was telling the truth or if she was making the whole thing up.  Feinstein's objective was not to protect the court from a potential rapist or to protect the court from Brett Kavanaugh.  Her goal was to protect the court from any Trump nominee, which is why she held it," said Braceras.

Braceras says the right thing to do would have been to ask the FBI to investigate to allegation without going public with it, and that if she deemed the accusation to be true, that she could have urged Republicans to join her in asking Trump to name another nominee.

"That's what I would have done, but Dianne Feinstein wasn't concerned about that, because she didn't believe that," said Braceras.

In addition, Braceras says the Democrats are doing the bidding of Planned Parenthood and other pro-choice groups because Kavanaugh could tilt the balance of the court in a way Neil Gorsuch could not by replacing Antonin Scalia last year.

"The left has long believed that the only thing that stands between women and the back alley is Anthony Kennedy.  That's why when Kennedy retired, they became hysterical," said Braceras.  "So they were going to fight tooth and nail to stop any jurisprudential conservative from filling that seat.  They made that clear from the beginning."

Braceras does worry that confirming Kavanaugh under such a cloud - even without any corroborating evidence - could stain the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, but she says that is Plan B for the Democrats if Kavanaugh is confirmed.

She says eroding the legitimacy of the court is the the long game for the Democrats and Republicans need to play their own long game.

"We need to double down on teaching basic American civics.  The reason that we're always caught playing defense in these battles is because most Americans don't understand the proper role of the court," said Braceras.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15863866Tue, 02 Oct 2018 21:09:44 +0000Radio AmericaA former commissioner of the U.S. Civil Right Commission believes the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee played Dr. Christine Ford "like a pawn" and did not really care if the allegation was true so long as it helped to derail President...
Jennifer Braceras is an attorney and a senior fellow at the Independent Women's Forum.  She says California Sen. Dianne Feinstein's decision to hold onto Ford's letter for weeks rather than bring the matter to the full committee betrays her real motivation.

"It's not just a procedural mistake.  It was a deliberate act on Sen. Feinstein's part.  What that tells me is that is not a woman who is concerned about the possibility of a serial predator taking a seat on the Supreme Court.

"She didn't care if Dr. Ford was telling the truth or if she was making the whole thing up.  Feinstein's objective was not to protect the court from a potential rapist or to protect the court from Brett Kavanaugh.  Her goal was to protect the court from any Trump nominee, which is why she held it," said Braceras.

Braceras says the right thing to do would have been to ask the FBI to investigate to allegation without going public with it, and that if she deemed the accusation to be true, that she could have urged Republicans to join her in asking Trump to name another nominee.

"That's what I would have done, but Dianne Feinstein wasn't concerned about that, because she didn't believe that," said Braceras.

In addition, Braceras says the Democrats are doing the bidding of Planned Parenthood and other pro-choice groups because Kavanaugh could tilt the balance of the court in a way Neil Gorsuch could not by replacing Antonin Scalia last year.

"The left has long believed that the only thing that stands between women and the back alley is Anthony Kennedy.  That's why when Kennedy retired, they became hysterical," said Braceras.  "So they were going to fight tooth and nail to stop any jurisprudential conservative from filling that seat.  They made that clear from the beginning."

Braceras does worry that confirming Kavanaugh under such a cloud - even without any corroborating evidence - could stain the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, but she says that is Plan B for the Democrats if Kavanaugh is confirmed.

She says eroding the legitimacy of the court is the the long game for the Democrats and Republicans need to play their own long game.

"We need to double down on teaching basic American civics.  The reason that we're always caught playing defense in these battles is because most Americans don't understand the proper role of the court," said Braceras.]]>777feinstein,ford,kavanaughfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gop-pushes-tax-cut-bill-punts-on-spending--15834589
On Friday, the House approved what Republicans call Tax Cut 2.0, the centerpiece of which is to make the individual tax cuts permanent from last year's tax cut legislation.  At the same time, the House approved a temporary spending bill of more than $700 billion to cover government operations until December 7. 

Spending remains largely at the same levels established in February when Republicans beefed up military spending and Democrats got their way on discretionary spending.  President Trump did get $1.6 billion for his border wall but that's just a fraction of what he wanted.  

On taxes, making those cuts permanent for families won't have the same impact as the corporate tax reductions, but experts still believe families will appreciate the certainty of stable rates.

"That changes a lot of calculations as you're budgeting for the future as an individual of what those tax rates are going to be.  As we know from previous experiences with temporary tax cuts like the Bush tax cuts, you don't change your spending habits or your savings habits as much as you would had those tax cuts been permanent," said Vance Ginn, senior economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

However, on spending, Ginn gives Congress a thumbs down.

"We must get control of spending.  As Reagan used to say, wee don't have a revenue problem.  We have a spending problem.  I think that's the same situation here," said Ginn.

"Passing a bill that's just going to punt the ball for a couple more months down the road and then have to go through this again, is not an appropriate form of budgeting," said Ginn.

This year alone, the U.S. is piling up $800 billion in deficits, which in turn grows our massive debt.

"If you have a debt to (Gross Domestic Product) ratio, meaning debt as a measure of economic activity above 80 percent, you have slower economic growth.  We are currently above 100 percent of debt to GDP.

"That is telling me that we are having slower economic growth than we otherwise would have even as the economy looks to be doing pretty well right now.  Just think about how much more growth and prosperity we could have overall," said Ginn.

Listen here for the full conversation, including Ginn's suggestions for reining in federal spending.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15834589Mon, 01 Oct 2018 21:07:18 +0000Radio AmericaHouse Republicans approved a tax cut bill that faces a bleak future in the Senate and both chamber pushed off any real debate on spending until December in order to avert a government shutdown. On Friday, the House approved what Republicans call Tax...
On Friday, the House approved what Republicans call Tax Cut 2.0, the centerpiece of which is to make the individual tax cuts permanent from last year's tax cut legislation.  At the same time, the House approved a temporary spending bill of more than $700 billion to cover government operations until December 7. 

Spending remains largely at the same levels established in February when Republicans beefed up military spending and Democrats got their way on discretionary spending.  President Trump did get $1.6 billion for his border wall but that's just a fraction of what he wanted.  

On taxes, making those cuts permanent for families won't have the same impact as the corporate tax reductions, but experts still believe families will appreciate the certainty of stable rates.

"That changes a lot of calculations as you're budgeting for the future as an individual of what those tax rates are going to be.  As we know from previous experiences with temporary tax cuts like the Bush tax cuts, you don't change your spending habits or your savings habits as much as you would had those tax cuts been permanent," said Vance Ginn, senior economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

However, on spending, Ginn gives Congress a thumbs down.

"We must get control of spending.  As Reagan used to say, wee don't have a revenue problem.  We have a spending problem.  I think that's the same situation here," said Ginn.

"Passing a bill that's just going to punt the ball for a couple more months down the road and then have to go through this again, is not an appropriate form of budgeting," said Ginn.

This year alone, the U.S. is piling up $800 billion in deficits, which in turn grows our massive debt.

"If you have a debt to (Gross Domestic Product) ratio, meaning debt as a measure of economic activity above 80 percent, you have slower economic growth.  We are currently above 100 percent of debt to GDP.

"That is telling me that we are having slower economic growth than we otherwise would have even as the economy looks to be doing pretty well right now.  Just think about how much more growth and prosperity we could have overall," said Ginn.

Listen here for the full conversation, including Ginn's suggestions for reining in federal spending.]]>492falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toensing-fbi-probe-pointless--15834398
On Friday, just hours after announcing he would support Kavanaugh's confirmation, Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake announced he would vote the nomination out of committee but not support it on the Senate floor unless an FBI investigation lasting no more than one week examines Ford's allegations.

But will the FBI probe accomplish anything more than the Senate Judiciary Committee did in gathering statements from all the supposed witnesses?

"Nothing.  They're going to repeat what the committee has already done," said former federal prosecutor and Justice Department official Victoria Toensing.

Toensing says the FBI will simply interview the witnesses and write down their responses.  Agents will provide no analysis.

"They don't ever make a decision about whether this person is credible or not credible.  They just write down the words they are told and they give it and they give it to the committee then.  It's the committee that decides whether it's truthful or the allegation is serious or not serious," said Toensing.

She says this is how the confirmation process is supposed to play out and the Senate Judiciary Committee is supposed to investigate any allegations confidentially.  Toensing blasted California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, for her handling of Ford's allegation, including assisting Ford behind the scenes prior to an eleventh hour publicizing of the accusation.

She says Feinstein is being rewarded by Flake for bad behavior.

"What Dianne Feinstein did was outrageous and I'm sorry that she's getting rewarded for it by getting this extra time but the Republicans didn't have any choice," said Toensing, who says Flake's compromise is just the latest example in how the two parties operate.

"The Republicans just aren't very good at fighting.  They're not.  Democrats know how to kill.  Republicans bring a little lasso to the gunfight," said Toensing.

Toensing says all of this is a ploy from Democrats to delay confirmation, pointing out that for weeks Democrats groused about not getting enough paperwork from Kavanaugh's background.  Now they demand an FBI investigation and already some are publicly wondering whether a week is enough time.

Toensing says we'll see the same talking points a week from now.

"I predict that next Thursday night or Friday morning, when this week is up, that the Democrats will find reasons to say, 'We can't just go ahead now.  Look at this.'  They're going to ask for another postponement.  They're like a drowning person, grabbing for anything just to stay afloat," said Toensing.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15834398Fri, 28 Sep 2018 21:09:00 +0000Radio AmericaWashington is abuzz this weekend over news that will most likely result in learning nothing new about Dr. Christine Ford's sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. On Friday, just hours after announcing he would...
On Friday, just hours after announcing he would support Kavanaugh's confirmation, Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake announced he would vote the nomination out of committee but not support it on the Senate floor unless an FBI investigation lasting no more than one week examines Ford's allegations.

But will the FBI probe accomplish anything more than the Senate Judiciary Committee did in gathering statements from all the supposed witnesses?

"Nothing.  They're going to repeat what the committee has already done," said former federal prosecutor and Justice Department official Victoria Toensing.

Toensing says the FBI will simply interview the witnesses and write down their responses.  Agents will provide no analysis.

"They don't ever make a decision about whether this person is credible or not credible.  They just write down the words they are told and they give it and they give it to the committee then.  It's the committee that decides whether it's truthful or the allegation is serious or not serious," said Toensing.

She says this is how the confirmation process is supposed to play out and the Senate Judiciary Committee is supposed to investigate any allegations confidentially.  Toensing blasted California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, for her handling of Ford's allegation, including assisting Ford behind the scenes prior to an eleventh hour publicizing of the accusation.

She says Feinstein is being rewarded by Flake for bad behavior.

"What Dianne Feinstein did was outrageous and I'm sorry that she's getting rewarded for it by getting this extra time but the Republicans didn't have any choice," said Toensing, who says Flake's compromise is just the latest example in how the two parties operate.

"The Republicans just aren't very good at fighting.  They're not.  Democrats know how to kill.  Republicans bring a little lasso to the gunfight," said Toensing.

Toensing says all of this is a ploy from Democrats to delay confirmation, pointing out that for weeks Democrats groused about not getting enough paperwork from Kavanaugh's background.  Now they demand an FBI investigation and already some are publicly wondering whether a week is enough time.

Toensing says we'll see the same talking points a week from now.

"I predict that next Thursday night or Friday morning, when this week is up, that the Democrats will find reasons to say, 'We can't just go ahead now.  Look at this.'  They're going to ask for another postponement.  They're like a drowning person, grabbing for anything just to stay afloat," said Toensing.]]>453fbi,flake,ford,kavanaugh,supremecourtfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-saw-the-real-brett-kavanaugh-today--15825155
For more than 30 minutes, Kavanaugh excoriated Democrats for turning "advise and consent into search and destroy" and painstakingly described why the allegations are in complete contrast to a lifetime of high character and rave reviews from classmates and professional colleagues.

"It was so powerful.  I think you really saw the real Brett Kavanaugh today," said Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino, who says Kavanaugh is not only concerned about his future on the judiciary but whether he can continue other passionate pursuits such as teaching and coaching.

Severino says the most gut-wrenching moment was when Kavanaugh relayed the story of his young daughter's reaction to the sexual assault allegations by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

"His ten-year-old daughter, as they were saying their evening prayers together, was saying that we should be praying for Dr. Ford as well," said Severino.

Many liberal reporters castigated Kavanaugh's opening statement as angry and unhinged.  Severino says it was understandable.

"I think that's a reaction most of us can identify with.  If you thought, 'How would I feel if I was being falsely accused of something.'  Judge Kavanaugh says he's absolutely being falsely accused.  He says, 'I never had anything to do with this,'" said Severino.

Ultimately, Severino says lawmakers should weigh the evidence, primarily that no person or evidence exists to corroborate Ford's claim.

And she says lawmakers should confirm Kavanaugh.

"I think very few senators at this point are going to want to vote against such a qualified, universally respected judge in favor of what's ever more looking like a partisan smear job," said Severino.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15825155Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:49:08 +0000Radio AmericaSupreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh defended himself with passion and emotion Thursday, blasting Democrats for their handling of his nomination and describing the pain that sexual assault allegations have had upon his family. For more than 30...
For more than 30 minutes, Kavanaugh excoriated Democrats for turning "advise and consent into search and destroy" and painstakingly described why the allegations are in complete contrast to a lifetime of high character and rave reviews from classmates and professional colleagues.

"It was so powerful.  I think you really saw the real Brett Kavanaugh today," said Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino, who says Kavanaugh is not only concerned about his future on the judiciary but whether he can continue other passionate pursuits such as teaching and coaching.

Severino says the most gut-wrenching moment was when Kavanaugh relayed the story of his young daughter's reaction to the sexual assault allegations by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

"His ten-year-old daughter, as they were saying their evening prayers together, was saying that we should be praying for Dr. Ford as well," said Severino.

Many liberal reporters castigated Kavanaugh's opening statement as angry and unhinged.  Severino says it was understandable.

"I think that's a reaction most of us can identify with.  If you thought, 'How would I feel if I was being falsely accused of something.'  Judge Kavanaugh says he's absolutely being falsely accused.  He says, 'I never had anything to do with this,'" said Severino.

Ultimately, Severino says lawmakers should weigh the evidence, primarily that no person or evidence exists to corroborate Ford's claim.

And she says lawmakers should confirm Kavanaugh.

"I think very few senators at this point are going to want to vote against such a qualified, universally respected judge in favor of what's ever more looking like a partisan smear job," said Severino.]]>618court,ford,kavanaugh,supremefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gop-s-missed-opportunity-at-ford-hearing--15824921
McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review, spoke after Ford's testimony and before Kavanaugh's impassioned rebuttal.  McCarthy says sex crimes prosecutor Rachel Mitchell did not make good use of her time.

"Mitchell seemed to think she was conducting a deposition and gathering a bunch of information that could be used later on.  In a proceeding like this, you have to go right to the point," said McCarthy.

He says there are many holes in Ford's story understands Republicans deferring to Mitchell since Democrats were ready to pounce with their narrative of eleven white men harassing an alleged sexual assault victim, but he says Mitchell was more focused on being kind than getting the facts.

"She need a ride home somebody.  Yet, she can't remember how she got to the party.  She can't remember how she got back.  She doesn't remember what she said to the first person she saw who would have been the first friendly person there to give her a ride home after she had been through this terrible incident.

"None of those aspects of her story make sense.  And the way that a lawyer would normally handle that at a trial or at a hearing would be to ask her pointed, leading questions about that.  Instead what Mitchell did was ask these sort of open-ended questions.  We got a lot about the topography of Montgomery County and the etiology of PTSD, but we didn't find out a lot about what went on in that room," said McCarthy.

McCarthy says the consequences of not challenging Ford's story are significant.

"If you get to the end, and you haven't laid a glove on her version of events, then what you're asking these wobbly senators to do is confirm somebody who there's good reason to believe attempted to commit a rape," said McCarthy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15824921Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:15:01 +0000Radio AmericaFormer federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy says Dr. Christine Ford came off as a compelling witness Thursday, but he also says major problems exist with her a account but the Republican-hired counsel failed to ask about them properly. McCarthy, who...
McCarthy, who is now a contributing editor and columnist at National Review, spoke after Ford's testimony and before Kavanaugh's impassioned rebuttal.  McCarthy says sex crimes prosecutor Rachel Mitchell did not make good use of her time.

"Mitchell seemed to think she was conducting a deposition and gathering a bunch of information that could be used later on.  In a proceeding like this, you have to go right to the point," said McCarthy.

He says there are many holes in Ford's story understands Republicans deferring to Mitchell since Democrats were ready to pounce with their narrative of eleven white men harassing an alleged sexual assault victim, but he says Mitchell was more focused on being kind than getting the facts.

"She need a ride home somebody.  Yet, she can't remember how she got to the party.  She can't remember how she got back.  She doesn't remember what she said to the first person she saw who would have been the first friendly person there to give her a ride home after she had been through this terrible incident.

"None of those aspects of her story make sense.  And the way that a lawyer would normally handle that at a trial or at a hearing would be to ask her pointed, leading questions about that.  Instead what Mitchell did was ask these sort of open-ended questions.  We got a lot about the topography of Montgomery County and the etiology of PTSD, but we didn't find out a lot about what went on in that room," said McCarthy.

McCarthy says the consequences of not challenging Ford's story are significant.

"If you get to the end, and you haven't laid a glove on her version of events, then what you're asking these wobbly senators to do is confirm somebody who there's good reason to believe attempted to commit a rape," said McCarthy.]]>535ford,kavanaugh,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-is-an-attack-on-what-it-means-to-be-a-free-people--15815519
Schlichter is a senior columnist at townhall.com and author of the forthcoming book "Militant Normals: How Regular Americans are Rebelling Against the Elite to Reclaim Our Democracy."

The latest allegation against Kavanaugh comes from Michael Avenatti, attorney for Stormy Daniels, whose client claims Kavanaugh spiked the punch at high school parties in the early 1980's and then helped orchestrate gang rapes of incapacitated women.

Schlichter says the onslaught of eleventh hour allegations against Kavanaugh from more than 35 years ago is a blatant smear campaign that must be defeated.

"It's critical.  The Democrats have to lose.  They cannot win.  This cannot stand," said Schlichter, predicting that if Kavanaugh were to withdraw the Democrats would bring forth similar tactics against any other nominee.

Instead, he says the GOP must plow through as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to do and let Democrats know they'll do it again when and if a liberal justice retires while Republicans control the Senate and the White House.

But Schlichter says this is actually about principles far bigger than which party has the majority on Capitol Hill.  Schlichter, who is also a trial lawyer, says Democrats are perfectly happy to cast aside the hallmarks of our justice system.

"For cheap political advantage, you have Democrats getting rid of concepts like the right to confront your accuser, the right to cross-examine your accuser, the right to a presumption of innocence.  All that out the window for cheap political advantage.

"This isn't just a judicial seat.  This is the most basic foundations of our Anglo-American jurisprudence.  This is an attack on what it means to be a free people that embraces liberty," said Schlichter.

While some on the right wonder if Kavanaugh should withdraw because he would have such a tarnished reputation on the court, Schlichter says it's more important to defeat the Democrats and allies like Avenatti in their efforts to take down Kavanaugh.

"We must say no.  No to these last-minute attacks, no to these manifest lies.  No to Stripper Matlock (Avenatti).  Does Stripper Matlock sound like the guy you'd go to if you really, really believed you had a meritorious case.

"I'm a trial lawyer in Los Angeles.  I know about guys like this.  I deal with guys like this.  You don't go to guys like this if you are serious.  You go to guys like this if you're trying to get on MSNBC.  You go to guys like this if you have a bogus claim that you know he'll scream and yell about," said Schlichter.

In our conversation, Schlichter also dismissed the accuser for supposedly knowing about regular drugging and gang rape and yet continuing to attend such parties.

As for this week, Schlichter says it's a 50-50 proposition that the initial accuser, Dr. Christine Ford appears at all for Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.  He says the Democrats and media will laud Ford as compelling and brilliant regardless of her performance.

He expects Kavanaugh to do well but not change the minds of any Democrats because their only motivation is to protect abortion.

"I think Kavanaugh will be objectively compelling. I think the Democrats don't care what he says and are willing to sacrifice him, his reputation, and his family on the altar of killing babies," said Schlichter.

He says getting Kavanaugh confirmed is imperative, but if Democrats peel off two Republicans to defeat the nomination, he hopes Trump and the Republicans make this fight the central message of the midterm election season.

"You, the American people, will decide.  If you vote Republican, you are going to take the side of justice and truth and if you vote Democrat, you're going to take the side of lies," said Schlichter.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15815519Wed, 26 Sep 2018 21:12:25 +0000Radio AmericaThree women now accuse Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of serious sexual misconduct, but with no corroborating witnesses or evidence for any allegations, prominent conservative columnist and author Kurt Schlichter says Democrats must be defeated...
Schlichter is a senior columnist at townhall.com and author of the forthcoming book "Militant Normals: How Regular Americans are Rebelling Against the Elite to Reclaim Our Democracy."

The latest allegation against Kavanaugh comes from Michael Avenatti, attorney for Stormy Daniels, whose client claims Kavanaugh spiked the punch at high school parties in the early 1980's and then helped orchestrate gang rapes of incapacitated women.

Schlichter says the onslaught of eleventh hour allegations against Kavanaugh from more than 35 years ago is a blatant smear campaign that must be defeated.

"It's critical.  The Democrats have to lose.  They cannot win.  This cannot stand," said Schlichter, predicting that if Kavanaugh were to withdraw the Democrats would bring forth similar tactics against any other nominee.

Instead, he says the GOP must plow through as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to do and let Democrats know they'll do it again when and if a liberal justice retires while Republicans control the Senate and the White House.

But Schlichter says this is actually about principles far bigger than which party has the majority on Capitol Hill.  Schlichter, who is also a trial lawyer, says Democrats are perfectly happy to cast aside the hallmarks of our justice system.

"For cheap political advantage, you have Democrats getting rid of concepts like the right to confront your accuser, the right to cross-examine your accuser, the right to a presumption of innocence.  All that out the window for cheap political advantage.

"This isn't just a judicial seat.  This is the most basic foundations of our Anglo-American jurisprudence.  This is an attack on what it means to be a free people that embraces liberty," said Schlichter.

While some on the right wonder if Kavanaugh should withdraw because he would have such a tarnished reputation on the court, Schlichter says it's more important to defeat the Democrats and allies like Avenatti in their efforts to take down Kavanaugh.

"We must say no.  No to these last-minute attacks, no to these manifest lies.  No to Stripper Matlock (Avenatti).  Does Stripper Matlock sound like the guy you'd go to if you really, really believed you had a meritorious case.

"I'm a trial lawyer in Los Angeles.  I know about guys like this.  I deal with guys like this.  You don't go to guys like this if you are serious.  You go to guys like this if you're trying to get on MSNBC.  You go to guys like this if you have a bogus claim that you know he'll scream and yell about," said Schlichter.

In our conversation, Schlichter also dismissed the accuser for supposedly knowing about regular drugging and gang rape and yet continuing to attend such parties.

As for this week, Schlichter says it's a 50-50 proposition that the initial accuser, Dr. Christine Ford appears at all for Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.  He says the Democrats and media will laud Ford as compelling and brilliant regardless of her performance.

He expects Kavanaugh to do well but not change the minds of any Democrats because their only motivation is to protect abortion.

"I think Kavanaugh will be objectively compelling. I think the Democrats don't care what he says and are willing to sacrifice him, his reputation, and his family on the altar of killing babies," said Schlichter.

He says getting Kavanaugh confirmed is imperative, but if Democrats peel off two Republicans to defeat the nomination, he hopes Trump and the Republicans make...]]>498avenatti,kavanaugh,rape,scotusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mac-donald-dissects-the-metoo-mess--15805773
Mac Donald is author of "The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture."  She says the uproar over the allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have further exposed the effort to divide Americans by their identities.

Last week, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono slammed men in general for the problem of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Guess who's perpetuating (sic) all of these kinds of actions?  It's the men in this country.  And I just want to say to the men in this country, just shut up and step up.  Do the right thing for a change," said Hirono.

Mac Donald says this is a perfect example of gender pandering being shoehorned into our national politics.

"It's a direct conveyor belt," said Mac Donald.  "We're just seeing a mirror image from the notions that the so-called survivors must always be believed, the claims that have been made that (Kavanaugh accuser Dr. Christine Ford shouldn't have to testify.  That would just be too traumatic."

She says the problem is much broader.

"There's a war on men in this country.  That's the bottom line.  If you're a white male, from here on out, good luck getting hired or promoted.  You're going to have to be twice as good as everybody else because the obsession with diversity, the push to hire by race and gender is now accelerating in every mainstream institution in the country.  And it all comes out of the academy," said Mac Donald.

And when it comes to diversity, Mac Donald says the political left has no interest in championing the notion that true strength in diversity comes from people of all races and either sex extolling the liberties, opportunities, and ideals that made America great.

"They have no interest in American ideals.  Diversity for them is skin deep.  It's what's between your legs, things that I think are trivial that are now being used to destroy the extraordinary legacy of Western Civilization - the literature, music, art, architecture, philosophy," said Mac Donald.

Mac Donald's book focuses primarily in the explosion of race and gender victimhood claims on college campuses.  We examined the racial component in the first part of our conversation. 

When it comes to gender, Mac Donald says the liberals are simply reaping what they've sown in sexual liberation.

"What we know for sure is there is a drunken hook-up culture that is the product of sexual liberation that says there's no difference between the male and female libido, that there should be no constraints on the male libido such as chivalry or respect - that females should no exercise modesty and prudence.  They should be as sexually aggressive as males," said Mac Donald.

She says that is a massive lie and simply biology shows that men are more predisposed to that behavior while women desire much more of an emotional connection and therefore suffer from the notion they are empowered by the hook-up culture.

And because of how women are hard-wired, Mac Donald says bad decisions suddenly become cause for retribution and dubious allegations on campus.

"Sometimes they are trying to cover up infidelity to a boyfriend.  They are encouraged to translate regret into rape accusations," said Mac Donald.

She says the one in five statistic is badly flawed, both because of many allegations that aren't actually assault as well as the fact that nowhere near that many assault reports are filed.

"If the numbers put forward by the campus rape industrial complex were correct, that would signify a crime epidemic that's really never been seen anywhere, not in the worst African civil wars and not in Detroit," said Mac Donald.  

Mac Donald says if the rapes and sexual assaults were as high as the activists suggest, then parents would be clamoring for same-sex institutions instead of working feverishly to send their daughters to schools where this "epidemic" exists.

"I conclude that this is one big hoax," said Mac Donald.

She also says the combination of a hook-up culture and concern over being accused of assault is leading to the bizarre spectacle of college administrators defining what sex and consent are.

Mac Donald says it is imperative for Americans to fight back against the identity politics onslaught targeting colleges and our culture.

"Every one of us has to rebut the victim narrative.  As long as the central claim about America is that it is  endemically and inevitably and invariably racist and sexist, the demands to shut down free speech are going to continue," she said.

"We are an open and tolerant society.  Most Americans just want to get along.  They don't care about race.  They see people on the quality of their character.  It is the left that is wanting to pigeon-hole everybody by divisive identity politics.  We have to stand up against this accusation of ubiquitous racism and sexism," said Mac Donald.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15805773Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:58:27 +0000Radio AmericaThe #MeToo movement has revealed some horrifically lecherous behavior but it also leads to people being considered guilty just for being accused and allegations that one in five women are sexually assaulted on college campuses, but best-selling author...
Mac Donald is author of "The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture."  She says the uproar over the allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have further exposed the effort to divide Americans by their identities.

Last week, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono slammed men in general for the problem of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Guess who's perpetuating (sic) all of these kinds of actions?  It's the men in this country.  And I just want to say to the men in this country, just shut up and step up.  Do the right thing for a change," said Hirono.

Mac Donald says this is a perfect example of gender pandering being shoehorned into our national politics.

"It's a direct conveyor belt," said Mac Donald.  "We're just seeing a mirror image from the notions that the so-called survivors must always be believed, the claims that have been made that (Kavanaugh accuser Dr. Christine Ford shouldn't have to testify.  That would just be too traumatic."

She says the problem is much broader.

"There's a war on men in this country.  That's the bottom line.  If you're a white male, from here on out, good luck getting hired or promoted.  You're going to have to be twice as good as everybody else because the obsession with diversity, the push to hire by race and gender is now accelerating in every mainstream institution in the country.  And it all comes out of the academy," said Mac Donald.

And when it comes to diversity, Mac Donald says the political left has no interest in championing the notion that true strength in diversity comes from people of all races and either sex extolling the liberties, opportunities, and ideals that made America great.

"They have no interest in American ideals.  Diversity for them is skin deep.  It's what's between your legs, things that I think are trivial that are now being used to destroy the extraordinary legacy of Western Civilization - the literature, music, art, architecture, philosophy," said Mac Donald.

Mac Donald's book focuses primarily in the explosion of race and gender victimhood claims on college campuses.  We examined the racial component in the first part of our conversation. 

When it comes to gender, Mac Donald says the liberals are simply reaping what they've sown in sexual liberation.

"What we know for sure is there is a drunken hook-up culture that is the product of sexual liberation that says there's no difference between the male and female libido, that there should be no constraints on the male libido such as chivalry or respect - that females should no exercise modesty and prudence.  They should be as sexually aggressive as males," said Mac Donald.

She says that is a massive lie and simply biology shows that men are more predisposed to that behavior while women desire much more of an emotional connection and therefore suffer from the notion they are empowered by the hook-up culture.

And because of how women are hard-wired, Mac Donald says bad decisions suddenly become cause for retribution and dubious allegations on campus.

"Sometimes they are trying to cover up infidelity to a boyfriend.  They are encouraged to translate regret into rape accusations," said Mac Donald.

She says the one in five statistic is badly flawed, both because of many allegations that aren't actually assault as well as the fact that nowhere near that many assault reports...]]>890campus,kavanaugh,macdonald,sexismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kavanaugh-fallout-they-can-do-that-to-any-man-in-any-business--15796966
"If this is allowed to stand and they can just make whatever allegation they want to wreck someone's career they can do that to any man in any business, any office, any company, any organization anywhere in our country.  That's allowing mob rule," said Cleta Mitchell, a longtime Washington-based attorney who is a partner in the office of Foley and Lardner.

Mitchell has been involved in plenty of politically charged legal fights.  She represented conservative organizations harassed by the Internal Revenue Service after applying for non-profit status.  She says the Democrats' talking point that all women accusers must be believed is absurd.

"This feminist notion that just because a woman makes an accusation, she must be believed, that just can't be our practice and we can't allow this  to continue.  This is a nightmare scenario that these left-wing activists have put our confirmation process into because they cannot find a credible reason to oppose Judge Kavanaugh on the merits," said Mitchell.

Last week, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford went public with her allegation that Kavanaugh tried to force himself on her at a house party in Maryland in the early 1980's while the two were in high school.  Ford mentioned three people in addition to Kavanaugh who were allegedly there.  All of them deny knowing anything about the incident.

On Sunday, Kavanaugh's Yale classmate, Deborah Ramirez, accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her at a party their freshmen year.  Every alleged witness to that story also claims to have no knowledge although one person said he remembered hearing something about it shortly afterwards.

Mitchell says the dearth of corroboration in the allegations against Kavanaugh is staggering.

"They've offered nothing in the way of substantiation.  I think this is just desperation on the part of partisan Democrats who never had any intention of supporting Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation in the first place, who are angry all these years later that they weren't able to stop Clarence Thomas's confirmation with their Anita Hill concocted story," said Mitchell.

"Neither of these people remember much about anything other than they have been able to find Democratic activist attorneys who are trotting them out as a desperation tactic in my view, but as a means of literally assassinating the character of this fine judge," added Mitchell.

Mitchell says the hearings scheduled for this week that include testimony from Kavanaugh and Ford are nothing like a courtroom trial and will likely not change the debate much at all.  To begin, she says there's not a single impartial juror, since all Democrats on the committee have opposed the Kavanaugh nomination from the start and all Republicans seem to support him.

She says Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., was even planning to hold a fundraiser featuring the liberal activist attorneys for Dr. Ford but that event had to be scuttled once it became public.

Mitchell says Democrats are trying to impose the Obama administration's policy on campus sexual assault allegations onto the rest of the nation.  And it's a policy Mitchell says was horrifically un-American.

"[The Obama-era rules] essentially required colleges and universities to establish these kangaroo courts in the event there was any allegation of sexual assault, where the accused would have no due process rights and they could be expelled without every being given an opportunity to defend themselves," said Mitchell.

She says convicting people - even in the court of public opinion - without due process would send American down a very dark path.

"We need to be very leery, very leery, of any situation where we allow some unfounded allegation to stampede people into criticizing, or firing, or terminating, or blocking somebody without any shred of evidence .

"We better be very careful we don't allow our country to get in that situation.  That reminds of the former Soviet Union and totalitarianism.  I don't think we want to go there," said Mitchell.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15796966Mon, 24 Sep 2018 20:15:37 +0000Radio AmericaA prominent Washington attorney is blasting liberals for trying to sink the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh on the basis of two decades-old allegations that have no witnesses and no corroborating evidence, and she says if Democrats get...
"If this is allowed to stand and they can just make whatever allegation they want to wreck someone's career they can do that to any man in any business, any office, any company, any organization anywhere in our country.  That's allowing mob rule," said Cleta Mitchell, a longtime Washington-based attorney who is a partner in the office of Foley and Lardner.

Mitchell has been involved in plenty of politically charged legal fights.  She represented conservative organizations harassed by the Internal Revenue Service after applying for non-profit status.  She says the Democrats' talking point that all women accusers must be believed is absurd.

"This feminist notion that just because a woman makes an accusation, she must be believed, that just can't be our practice and we can't allow this  to continue.  This is a nightmare scenario that these left-wing activists have put our confirmation process into because they cannot find a credible reason to oppose Judge Kavanaugh on the merits," said Mitchell.

Last week, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford went public with her allegation that Kavanaugh tried to force himself on her at a house party in Maryland in the early 1980's while the two were in high school.  Ford mentioned three people in addition to Kavanaugh who were allegedly there.  All of them deny knowing anything about the incident.

On Sunday, Kavanaugh's Yale classmate, Deborah Ramirez, accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her at a party their freshmen year.  Every alleged witness to that story also claims to have no knowledge although one person said he remembered hearing something about it shortly afterwards.

Mitchell says the dearth of corroboration in the allegations against Kavanaugh is staggering.

"They've offered nothing in the way of substantiation.  I think this is just desperation on the part of partisan Democrats who never had any intention of supporting Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation in the first place, who are angry all these years later that they weren't able to stop Clarence Thomas's confirmation with their Anita Hill concocted story," said Mitchell.

"Neither of these people remember much about anything other than they have been able to find Democratic activist attorneys who are trotting them out as a desperation tactic in my view, but as a means of literally assassinating the character of this fine judge," added Mitchell.

Mitchell says the hearings scheduled for this week that include testimony from Kavanaugh and Ford are nothing like a courtroom trial and will likely not change the debate much at all.  To begin, she says there's not a single impartial juror, since all Democrats on the committee have opposed the Kavanaugh nomination from the start and all Republicans seem to support him.

She says Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., was even planning to hold a fundraiser featuring the liberal activist attorneys for Dr. Ford but that event had to be scuttled once it became public.

Mitchell says Democrats are trying to impose the Obama administration's policy on campus sexual assault allegations onto the rest of the nation.  And it's a policy Mitchell says was horrifically un-American.

"[The Obama-era rules] essentially required colleges and universities to establish these kangaroo courts in the event there was any allegation of sexual assault, where the accused would have no due process rights and they could be expelled without every being given an opportunity to defend themselves," said Mitchell.

She says convicting people - even in the court of public opinion - without due process...]]>559ford,kavanaugh,ramirez,sexualassaultfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/texas-sized-optimism-for-gop--15776877
On Tuesday, Republican Pete Flores stunned Democrat Pete Gallego in the Lone Star State's Senate District 19.  It's the first time Republicans have held the seat since 1879.  And one of the top GOP consultants working on the race suggests it could provide a solid road map for other Republicans in tight races.

"I think this narrative that Republicans have no hope, the [House] is gone and they may lose the Senate, and they're gonna lose seats all over the place.  This shows that in a district that was 60-40 Democrat, if you have a good candidate and you have a good message, if you work hard and invest in your field effort (you can win)," said Potomac Strategy Group President Matt Mackowiak.

He says the first step for Republicans is to stop moping about the tough political winds and get to work.

"There's no reason to despair.  No race has been lost already.  If you put a strategy together, you execute, you stay focused, you go after the votes, you make the arguments, Republicans can succeed in this election cycle," said Mackowiak, who says the math actually bodes well for Republicans, even in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Just look at the map.  [Democrats] need 23 seats.  There are probably 35 House seats that are truly competitive.  That means Democrats have to pick up two-thirds of the competitive seats.  You cannot tell me that Republicans cannot prevent them from doing that," added Mackowiak.

One of the big problems for Republicans in special elections for the House and Senate has been turnout.  Democrats are getting close to 2016 presidential election turnout while the GOP sometimes fails to get even the half the number of votes it did two years ago.

Mackowiak says that's not what happened in the special election in Texas.  He says 24,000 people voted in the initial round of voting in July, but 45,000 turned out on Tuesday.  Even in a Democratic-leaning district, Flores was able to win.  

And Mackowiak says the same thing can happen to Republicans across America if they work hard, knock on doors, and give people a reason to show up on Election Day.  He says getting every last Republican to vote was a major factor in Flores winning.

"We had a candidate who was supported by the Republican Party and conservative organizations and unified the Republican Party.  He had a conservative message.  He ran on issues that people cared about: property taxes, pro-life, second amendment, and we fired up Republicans," said Mackowiak.

One of the top priorities for Texas Republicans is to keep Sen. Ted Cruz in office and fend off a tough challenge from Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke.  Polls are not conclusive.  One released this week shows a nine-point lead for Cruz and another shows a two-point edge for O'Rourke.  

Mackowiak thinks Cruz will probably win by five to seven points in the end but stresses that complacency is the biggest enemy for Republicans in this race.  He says Cruz has a good opportunity in three debates to show that O'Rourke is far left on issues ranging from gun control to health care to immigration.

Listen here for the full interview with Matt Mackowiak to learn how he expects the high profile House races to turn out in Texas as well.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15776877Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:12:44 +0000Radio AmericaThe conventional wisdom is that Democrats are poised to win big in the November elections, but Republicans believe a stunning GOP victory in a Texas legislative race this week means they can do just fine if they fire up their base and articulate a...
On Tuesday, Republican Pete Flores stunned Democrat Pete Gallego in the Lone Star State's Senate District 19.  It's the first time Republicans have held the seat since 1879.  And one of the top GOP consultants working on the race suggests it could provide a solid road map for other Republicans in tight races.

"I think this narrative that Republicans have no hope, the [House] is gone and they may lose the Senate, and they're gonna lose seats all over the place.  This shows that in a district that was 60-40 Democrat, if you have a good candidate and you have a good message, if you work hard and invest in your field effort (you can win)," said Potomac Strategy Group President Matt Mackowiak.

He says the first step for Republicans is to stop moping about the tough political winds and get to work.

"There's no reason to despair.  No race has been lost already.  If you put a strategy together, you execute, you stay focused, you go after the votes, you make the arguments, Republicans can succeed in this election cycle," said Mackowiak, who says the math actually bodes well for Republicans, even in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Just look at the map.  [Democrats] need 23 seats.  There are probably 35 House seats that are truly competitive.  That means Democrats have to pick up two-thirds of the competitive seats.  You cannot tell me that Republicans cannot prevent them from doing that," added Mackowiak.

One of the big problems for Republicans in special elections for the House and Senate has been turnout.  Democrats are getting close to 2016 presidential election turnout while the GOP sometimes fails to get even the half the number of votes it did two years ago.

Mackowiak says that's not what happened in the special election in Texas.  He says 24,000 people voted in the initial round of voting in July, but 45,000 turned out on Tuesday.  Even in a Democratic-leaning district, Flores was able to win.  

And Mackowiak says the same thing can happen to Republicans across America if they work hard, knock on doors, and give people a reason to show up on Election Day.  He says getting every last Republican to vote was a major factor in Flores winning.

"We had a candidate who was supported by the Republican Party and conservative organizations and unified the Republican Party.  He had a conservative message.  He ran on issues that people cared about: property taxes, pro-life, second amendment, and we fired up Republicans," said Mackowiak.

One of the top priorities for Texas Republicans is to keep Sen. Ted Cruz in office and fend off a tough challenge from Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke.  Polls are not conclusive.  One released this week shows a nine-point lead for Cruz and another shows a two-point edge for O'Rourke.  

Mackowiak thinks Cruz will probably win by five to seven points in the end but stresses that complacency is the biggest enemy for Republicans in this race.  He says Cruz has a good opportunity in three debates to show that O'Rourke is far left on issues ranging from gun control to health care to immigration.

Listen here for the full interview with Matt Mackowiak to learn how he expects the high profile House races to turn out in Texas as well.]]>732base,cruz,midterms,texasfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-plague-of-victim-breeding-from-campus-to-our-culture--15768606
That's the thesis of "The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture" by best-selling author and Manhattan Institute scholar Heather Mac Donald.

Liberal administrators and faculty have dominated most American campuses for decades, but Mac Donald says the initial effort to convince students to shift their politics to the left has now given way to intolerance for any contrary opinions.  How did we get here?

"It's because we have now experienced 40 years of oppression studies that have cultivated in students a conviction in the power of victimhood and a delusional belief that to be on a college campus is to be the subject of life-threatening bigotry," said Mac Donald.

And she says that leads to students being told they are victims based on skin color and sex.

"We are breeding students who have no understanding of civil discourse,  Even worse than that, they are being taught to think of themselves as victims of ubiquitous racism and sexism.  That's a lie but they're bringing that perspective into the world with them and they're transforming virtually all of our mainstream institutions accordingly," said Mac Donald.

This is not just theoretical for Mac Donald.  Last year, she gave many talks in connection with her best-selling book "The War on Cops."  While in California, Mac Donald had to have security escort her from the stage at UCLA.  The next stop was even worse, when hundreds of students at Claremont McKenna College prevented her from giving her speech in the same room as her audience.

A few students got suspended at Claremont KcKenna, leading to professors around the nation condemning the school for punishing the students at all.  Mac Donald says she was guilty of the new and moving definition of hate speech, which now encompasses mainstream thought as opposed to speech usually linked to the likes of the KKK or Nazis.

"I am viewed as a white supremacist and perpetrator of hate speech simply because I have argued that there is unacknowledged but significant support for the police in high-crime minority communities.  That is seen as a form of hate speech," she said.

But she says even mainstream speech must be crushed if it conflicts with the victimhood culture.

"The equation is hate speech equals behavior that threatens minorities and women and, therefore, as conduct and as behavior, it must be silenced with force if necessary," said Mac Donald.

That's what happened to her in California, and Mac Donald says the only surprise is that there was any punishment for those shutting her event down.  She says like-minded and weak-willed administrators usually reward such behavior if it is perpetrated by the right people.

"Students who get to check off multiple boxes of victimhood on a college campus get to break every rule of civility and now respect (for such protests) is absolutely standard.  The faculty are enabling this outbreak of boorish violence and thuggery.  The administrators enable it," said Mac Donald.

"Presidents have actually thanked the students for making them feel proud of their student body.  At Yale, after one of the most egregious incidents of fascist behavior, Yale conferred a racial reconciliation prize on two of the participants," said Mac Donald.

And she says this victimhood mentality is not confined to campus.  It's permeating many aspects of our culture, as witnessed in 2017, when Google engineer James Damore was fired after explaining in an open letter that the gender gap at the company was not a result of sexism but that men in general were more inclined to abstract and numerical disciplines and women gravitated to fields where they could directly help people.

Damore specifically noted those were general observations and not true of each male and female individual.  But Google didn't want to hear it.

"This contradicted Google's own feminist orthodoxy, which said that the only possible explanation for why there weren't 50 percent female engineers at Google was Google's own sexism.  Google would rather blame itself for sexism than acknowledge any alternative explanation.  That got Damore fired," said Mac Donald.

Listen here for the first part of our conversation with Heather Mac Donald.  In our next installment, we'll look more closely at the diversity delusion over sex and gender on campus.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15768606Thu, 20 Sep 2018 21:06:49 +0000Radio AmericaMost college campuses don't just support students claiming victim status over their race or sex, but they deliberately reward victimhood in an effort to create a monopoly of thought throughout our society. That's the thesis of "The Diversity...
That's the thesis of "The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture" by best-selling author and Manhattan Institute scholar Heather Mac Donald.

Liberal administrators and faculty have dominated most American campuses for decades, but Mac Donald says the initial effort to convince students to shift their politics to the left has now given way to intolerance for any contrary opinions.  How did we get here?

"It's because we have now experienced 40 years of oppression studies that have cultivated in students a conviction in the power of victimhood and a delusional belief that to be on a college campus is to be the subject of life-threatening bigotry," said Mac Donald.

And she says that leads to students being told they are victims based on skin color and sex.

"We are breeding students who have no understanding of civil discourse,  Even worse than that, they are being taught to think of themselves as victims of ubiquitous racism and sexism.  That's a lie but they're bringing that perspective into the world with them and they're transforming virtually all of our mainstream institutions accordingly," said Mac Donald.

This is not just theoretical for Mac Donald.  Last year, she gave many talks in connection with her best-selling book "The War on Cops."  While in California, Mac Donald had to have security escort her from the stage at UCLA.  The next stop was even worse, when hundreds of students at Claremont McKenna College prevented her from giving her speech in the same room as her audience.

A few students got suspended at Claremont KcKenna, leading to professors around the nation condemning the school for punishing the students at all.  Mac Donald says she was guilty of the new and moving definition of hate speech, which now encompasses mainstream thought as opposed to speech usually linked to the likes of the KKK or Nazis.

"I am viewed as a white supremacist and perpetrator of hate speech simply because I have argued that there is unacknowledged but significant support for the police in high-crime minority communities.  That is seen as a form of hate speech," she said.

But she says even mainstream speech must be crushed if it conflicts with the victimhood culture.

"The equation is hate speech equals behavior that threatens minorities and women and, therefore, as conduct and as behavior, it must be silenced with force if necessary," said Mac Donald.

That's what happened to her in California, and Mac Donald says the only surprise is that there was any punishment for those shutting her event down.  She says like-minded and weak-willed administrators usually reward such behavior if it is perpetrated by the right people.

"Students who get to check off multiple boxes of victimhood on a college campus get to break every rule of civility and now respect (for such protests) is absolutely standard.  The faculty are enabling this outbreak of boorish violence and thuggery.  The administrators enable it," said Mac Donald.

"Presidents have actually thanked the students for making them feel proud of their student body.  At Yale, after one of the most egregious incidents of fascist behavior, Yale conferred a racial reconciliation prize on two of the participants," said Mac Donald.

And she says this victimhood mentality is not confined to campus.  It's permeating many aspects of our culture, as witnessed in 2017, when Google engineer James Damore was fired after explaining in an open letter that the gender gap at the company was not a result of sexism but that men in general were more inclined to abstract and numerical disciplines and...]]>629colleges,diversitydelusion,macdonald,victimhoodfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dems-trash-men-in-effort-to-sink-kavanaugh--15758323
After days of silence on the allegation lodged by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the early 1980's, Senate Democrats are pushing the twin messages that this accusation must be thoroughly investigated by the FBI but also that they believe Ford is telling the truth.

ABC News Chief Political Analyst Matthew Dowd, who worked on the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush, even tweeted out that the woman should always be believed in these situations.

"Enough with the he said, she said' story line," tweeted Dowd this week.  "If this is he said, she said, then let’s believe the she in these scenarios. She has nothing to gain, and everything to lose. For 250 years we have believed the he in these scenarios. Enough is enough."

Trotter says that is not how our system works.

"These Democrats and many in the media are equating 'she must be taken seriously,' which everyone agrees with 'he's presumed guilty until proven innocent.'  I think it's really dangerous and sad that wee turned one of the very foundations of American law on it's head," said Trotter.

Trotter is also a practicing attorney and says while Democrats keep labeling Ford's allegation as "credible," there is a legal expectation for credibility that is lacking thus far in this case.

"Usually credibility means that it's verified.  It's corroborated.  There are similar attestations around the same time that the allegation was said to occur, that there are pertinent details that can be offered," said Trotter.

Trotter says the timing of this allegation, when Sen. Dianne Feinstein possessed the letter for more than a month, reveals two things about the Democrats on this issue.  First, the failure of Feinstein to inform anyone else on the committee proves there's little interest in the truth as opposed to the political benefit.

Moreover, Trotter says it's pretty clear the Democrats themselves are dubious about the allegation.  She says members of the Judiciary Committee had two background calls with Kavanaugh, along with a closed session detailing his background check, 32 hours of public testimony, and 1,300 written questions.  Not once in that process did anyone bring up the allegation.

Meanwhile, Trotter says dozens women who have known Kavanaugh from high school to college and law school to his career at the White House and on the bench vouch for his character.

But Democrats are taking the issue beyond Kavanaugh and Ford.  On Tuesday, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono told American men to "shut up and step up."

"Guess who's perpetuating (sic) all these kinds of actions?  It's the men in this country and I just want to say to the men in this country, just shut up and step up.  Do the right thing for a change," said Hirono, who also admitted in another interview that Democrats would be fine keeping the court seat vacant until 2021.

Trotter is appalled.

"I can't believe she would say something so outrageous and offensive to American men.  Does she forget that American men and women built this country and they absolutely have a first amendment right to speak their minds and their opinions.

"To try to shame them into being quiet on something as consequential as the next Supreme Court nomination and confirmation process is truly just outrageous," said Trotter.

She says the intentional division based on sex is very damaging to our society.

"We know as women that men are our fathers, our brothers, our co-workers, our neighbors.  They are an important part of building our American society and helping to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans.  They are shoulder-to-shoulder with the American women," said Trotter.

She says the the effort to divide men and women politically is nothing new, pointing to the Democrats alleging during the 2012 campaign that the GOP wanted to wage a war on women.

"Perhaps that is part of the strategy of all of this going into the midterm elections." she said.

Trotter suspects the move could backfire this time, because while Americans may be polarized, they also have an innate sense of fairness, especially on something like the Kavanaugh-Ford controversy.

"I think Americans can see that while they want both parties to be heard in this set of allegations, they understand that the fundamental right of an accused and the fundamental right of a person to not have their character smeared or their reputation destroyed because of politics is a bridge too far," said Trotter.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15758323Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:43:40 +0000Radio AmericaFrom insisting female accusers must always be believed to telling men in general to "shut up," Senate Democrats are needlessly dividing the nation while also demonstrating they really don't believe the woman claiming Supreme Court nominee Brett...
After days of silence on the allegation lodged by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the early 1980's, Senate Democrats are pushing the twin messages that this accusation must be thoroughly investigated by the FBI but also that they believe Ford is telling the truth.

ABC News Chief Political Analyst Matthew Dowd, who worked on the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush, even tweeted out that the woman should always be believed in these situations.

"Enough with the he said, she said' story line," tweeted Dowd this week.  "If this is he said, she said, then let’s believe the she in these scenarios. She has nothing to gain, and everything to lose. For 250 years we have believed the he in these scenarios. Enough is enough."

Trotter says that is not how our system works.

"These Democrats and many in the media are equating 'she must be taken seriously,' which everyone agrees with 'he's presumed guilty until proven innocent.'  I think it's really dangerous and sad that wee turned one of the very foundations of American law on it's head," said Trotter.

Trotter is also a practicing attorney and says while Democrats keep labeling Ford's allegation as "credible," there is a legal expectation for credibility that is lacking thus far in this case.

"Usually credibility means that it's verified.  It's corroborated.  There are similar attestations around the same time that the allegation was said to occur, that there are pertinent details that can be offered," said Trotter.

Trotter says the timing of this allegation, when Sen. Dianne Feinstein possessed the letter for more than a month, reveals two things about the Democrats on this issue.  First, the failure of Feinstein to inform anyone else on the committee proves there's little interest in the truth as opposed to the political benefit.

Moreover, Trotter says it's pretty clear the Democrats themselves are dubious about the allegation.  She says members of the Judiciary Committee had two background calls with Kavanaugh, along with a closed session detailing his background check, 32 hours of public testimony, and 1,300 written questions.  Not once in that process did anyone bring up the allegation.

Meanwhile, Trotter says dozens women who have known Kavanaugh from high school to college and law school to his career at the White House and on the bench vouch for his character.

But Democrats are taking the issue beyond Kavanaugh and Ford.  On Tuesday, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono told American men to "shut up and step up."

"Guess who's perpetuating (sic) all these kinds of actions?  It's the men in this country and I just want to say to the men in this country, just shut up and step up.  Do the right thing for a change," said Hirono, who also admitted in another interview that Democrats would be fine keeping the court seat vacant until 2021.

Trotter is appalled.

"I can't believe she would say something so outrageous and offensive to American men.  Does she forget that American men and women built this country and they absolutely have a first amendment right to speak their minds and their opinions.

"To try to shame them into being quiet on something as consequential as the next Supreme Court nomination and confirmation process is truly just outrageous," said Trotter.

She says the intentional division based on sex is very damaging to our society.

"We know as women that men are our fathers, our brothers, our co-workers, our neighbors.  They are an important part of...]]>617credibility,ford,hirono,kavanaugh,men,metoofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/north-korea-full-steam-ahead-on-nukes-missiles--15749411
"North Korea is making nuclear fuel and building weapons as actively as ever, the publicly available evidence suggests. But he now appears to be borrowing a page from Israel, Pakistan and India: He is keeping quiet about it, conducting no public nuclear demonstrations and creating no crises, allowing Mr. Trump to portray a denuclearization effort as on track," the Times reported.

"Current and former intelligence officials say new assessments suggest that Mr. Kim has carefully read Mr. Trump and concluded that as long as the optics are good, and the exchanges between the two leaders are warm, he can hold off demands for progress toward disarmament," the report continued.

Gordon Chang is an East Asian policy expert.  He is author of "Nuclear Showdown:  North Korea Takes on the World" and "The Coming Collapse of China."  He says the reports are spot on.

"The New York Times is correct.  The North Koreans are continuing to produce fissile material.  They're continuing to work on their reactor at Yongbin, which has no peaceful purposes.  And it's continuing to build facilities where they actually construct ballistic missiles," said Chang.

He says the world is getting complacent because external relations between the U.S. and North Korea are much warmer.

"The intelligence is showing one direction.  The North Koreans are going full steam ahead.  The only thing they're not doing is they're not detonating nukes and they're not launching missiles, but they don't really need to do that to make progress," said Chang.

Contrary to Trump administration promises to keep the maximum pressure campaign of sanctions and other penalties in place, those punishments did ease just before the Trump-Kim summit in June.  

Chang says the U.S. stopped going after North Korean front companies in June and July and did not punish China, South Korea, or Russia for violating remaining sanctions.

"When Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo says we haven't relented in our maximum pressure campaign, he's not exactly been candid with the American people," said Chang.

Worse yet, Chang says North Korea sees any effort to find common ground, whether the easing of penalties or even holding a summit, as a sign of weakness and feels emboldened to continue its bad behavior.

Chang also says Trump can change this pattern immediately.  With the stroke of a pen he could snap back to the maximum pressure campaign and slap penalties on China, South Korea, and Russia for violating the sanctions.

"He should do so immediately," said Chang.  "He's allowed the situation to continue for too long."

Listen here for the full interview with Gordon Chang and learn why he thinks Trump will get tough on North Korea again soon.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15749411Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:08:13 +0000Radio AmericaThe New York Times reports that North Korea is quietly continuing its nuclear weapons and missile programs without any pause despite agreeing in June to move towards denuclearization, and one of the leading experts on the region says the reports are...
"North Korea is making nuclear fuel and building weapons as actively as ever, the publicly available evidence suggests. But he now appears to be borrowing a page from Israel, Pakistan and India: He is keeping quiet about it, conducting no public nuclear demonstrations and creating no crises, allowing Mr. Trump to portray a denuclearization effort as on track," the Times reported.

"Current and former intelligence officials say new assessments suggest that Mr. Kim has carefully read Mr. Trump and concluded that as long as the optics are good, and the exchanges between the two leaders are warm, he can hold off demands for progress toward disarmament," the report continued.

Gordon Chang is an East Asian policy expert.  He is author of "Nuclear Showdown:  North Korea Takes on the World" and "The Coming Collapse of China."  He says the reports are spot on.

"The New York Times is correct.  The North Koreans are continuing to produce fissile material.  They're continuing to work on their reactor at Yongbin, which has no peaceful purposes.  And it's continuing to build facilities where they actually construct ballistic missiles," said Chang.

He says the world is getting complacent because external relations between the U.S. and North Korea are much warmer.

"The intelligence is showing one direction.  The North Koreans are going full steam ahead.  The only thing they're not doing is they're not detonating nukes and they're not launching missiles, but they don't really need to do that to make progress," said Chang.

Contrary to Trump administration promises to keep the maximum pressure campaign of sanctions and other penalties in place, those punishments did ease just before the Trump-Kim summit in June.  

Chang says the U.S. stopped going after North Korean front companies in June and July and did not punish China, South Korea, or Russia for violating remaining sanctions.

"When Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo says we haven't relented in our maximum pressure campaign, he's not exactly been candid with the American people," said Chang.

Worse yet, Chang says North Korea sees any effort to find common ground, whether the easing of penalties or even holding a summit, as a sign of weakness and feels emboldened to continue its bad behavior.

Chang also says Trump can change this pattern immediately.  With the stroke of a pen he could snap back to the maximum pressure campaign and slap penalties on China, South Korea, and Russia for violating the sanctions.

"He should do so immediately," said Chang.  "He's allowed the situation to continue for too long."

Listen here for the full interview with Gordon Chang and learn why he thinks Trump will get tough on North Korea again soon.]]>486falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mccarthy-talks-kavanaugh-accusation-manafort-plea--15740269
He's also weighing in on the significance of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort pleading guilty to felony charges and agreeing to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Kavanaugh seemed to be on a smooth path to confirmation until the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein released a vague letter about an allegation against Kavanaugh. 

In recent days, we know that Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of forcing himself upon her at a 1982 party when both were teenagers.  Kavanaugh categorically denies any wrongdoing with respect to Ford or anyone else.

McCarthy says Feinstein's approach stinks.

"I think it's really a disgrace that this came out the way that it did.  Sen. Feinstein knew about this in July, sat down and had face-to-face interviews with this guy.  She questioned him at a public hearing, questioned him at a private hearing.  They never mentioned a word of it. 

"They spring this at the last minute, at the moment the guy is about to get a committee vote," said McCarthy.

Kavanaugh seemed on track to secure all Republican votes in the Senate, but now at least four of them are demanding more hearings to get more information from Ford and Kavanaugh.  

Some GOP politicos are suggesting Trump drop the Kavanaugh nomination since he'd be tarnished for decades even if none of this is true.  McCarthy says that instinct is exactly why Trump got elected.

"He urges that you fight the way the Democrats fight.  You fight aggressively the way the Democrats fight.  You break the rules if you have to, the way the Democrats do.  I hate that that's the way our politics are, but it sure looks to me that that's exactly the way they are," said McCarthy.

Listen here to hear all of McCarthy's comments on the Kavanaugh controversy, and why he does not think Manafort's plea deal is as significant as some partisans hope or fear it will be.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15740269Mon, 17 Sep 2018 21:05:57 +0000Radio AmericaFormer federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy is blasting Senate Democrats for launching a last-minute sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh and noting that such tactics by the left and uncertainty by Republicans...
He's also weighing in on the significance of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort pleading guilty to felony charges and agreeing to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Kavanaugh seemed to be on a smooth path to confirmation until the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein released a vague letter about an allegation against Kavanaugh. 

In recent days, we know that Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of forcing himself upon her at a 1982 party when both were teenagers.  Kavanaugh categorically denies any wrongdoing with respect to Ford or anyone else.

McCarthy says Feinstein's approach stinks.

"I think it's really a disgrace that this came out the way that it did.  Sen. Feinstein knew about this in July, sat down and had face-to-face interviews with this guy.  She questioned him at a public hearing, questioned him at a private hearing.  They never mentioned a word of it. 

"They spring this at the last minute, at the moment the guy is about to get a committee vote," said McCarthy.

Kavanaugh seemed on track to secure all Republican votes in the Senate, but now at least four of them are demanding more hearings to get more information from Ford and Kavanaugh.  

Some GOP politicos are suggesting Trump drop the Kavanaugh nomination since he'd be tarnished for decades even if none of this is true.  McCarthy says that instinct is exactly why Trump got elected.

"He urges that you fight the way the Democrats fight.  You fight aggressively the way the Democrats fight.  You break the rules if you have to, the way the Democrats do.  I hate that that's the way our politics are, but it sure looks to me that that's exactly the way they are," said McCarthy.

Listen here to hear all of McCarthy's comments on the Kavanaugh controversy, and why he does not think Manafort's plea deal is as significant as some partisans hope or fear it will be.]]>666ford,kavanaugh,manafort,mueller,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/they-will-use-any-excuse-they-can-to-delay-this-nomination--15720400
However, a prominent defender of Judge Kavanaugh says the timing and vagueness of the allegation all smell of political opportunism by Democrats. 

In a piece for the New Yorker, Ronan Farrow writes that the unnamed accuser alleges that a teenage Kavanaugh tried to force himself on a female high school student and at least temporarily tried to prevent her from leaving a room at a party where he had been drinking.

In a statement, Kavanaugh said, “I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time.”

No Senate Democrats are speaking publicly on the matter, other than Sen. Dianne Feinstein's statement referring the matter to the FBI.  Feinstein reportedly knew of the allegation since July.

Judicial Confirmation Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino says Feinstein had ample opportunity to address the issue in public or in private with Kavanaugh in recent weeks, so the timing of this revelation seems awfully suspicious to her.

"If Sen. Feinstein truly thought that this was a credible claim that needed to be looked into, you'd expect her to talk about it during her personal interview with him or during the hearings," said Severino, who notes that Kavanaugh responded to more than 1,200 questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee.  That's more than any other Supreme Court nominee.

"The story is still very murky about what went on.  I think what's clear here is that politically we know exactly where it's coming from.  (Senate Minority Leader) Chuck Schumer said, 'I'm going to do everything I can in my power to stop this nomination.  This is really just making good on that promise," said Severino.

After a week of confirmation hearings that included consistent disruptions by protesters and various allegations by Democrats on the committee, Severino says this is just one more bit of ugliness in a very undignified performance from liberals.

"It's just another one of those ugly moments that we've seen from protesters to threats against Sen. (Susan) Collins' staff, bribery efforts that may be campaign finance violations," said Severino.

Without a named accuser and without many specifics in the allegation, Severino says it's hard to know what, if anything, actually happened 36 years ago.  But she says the fact that 65 women who went to school with Kavanaugh immediately vouched for his character then and now and that the FBI sees no reason to investigate the claim lends credibility to Kavanaugh's denial.

Severino says the bottom line is that Democrats are desperate for any reason to delay Kavanaugh's confirmation.

"I'm surprised they haven't said, 'There's a hurricane going on.  We can't have a vote until the end of hurricane season.'  They will use any excuse they can to delay this nomination.  It's really a last ditch effort because they hope against hope that maybe in the process of delaying it they can win the Senate or find something else to distract people.  

"It's simply not going to work.  They have to face up to the facts that they don't have the votes," said Severino.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15720400Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:08:16 +0000Radio AmericaThe top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary injected a new twist to the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation battle by publicizing an anonymous accusation that Kavanaugh engaged in misconduct, which is now described as an attempted sexual assault when Kavanaugh...
However, a prominent defender of Judge Kavanaugh says the timing and vagueness of the allegation all smell of political opportunism by Democrats. 

In a piece for the New Yorker, Ronan Farrow writes that the unnamed accuser alleges that a teenage Kavanaugh tried to force himself on a female high school student and at least temporarily tried to prevent her from leaving a room at a party where he had been drinking.

In a statement, Kavanaugh said, “I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time.”

No Senate Democrats are speaking publicly on the matter, other than Sen. Dianne Feinstein's statement referring the matter to the FBI.  Feinstein reportedly knew of the allegation since July.

Judicial Confirmation Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino says Feinstein had ample opportunity to address the issue in public or in private with Kavanaugh in recent weeks, so the timing of this revelation seems awfully suspicious to her.

"If Sen. Feinstein truly thought that this was a credible claim that needed to be looked into, you'd expect her to talk about it during her personal interview with him or during the hearings," said Severino, who notes that Kavanaugh responded to more than 1,200 questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee.  That's more than any other Supreme Court nominee.

"The story is still very murky about what went on.  I think what's clear here is that politically we know exactly where it's coming from.  (Senate Minority Leader) Chuck Schumer said, 'I'm going to do everything I can in my power to stop this nomination.  This is really just making good on that promise," said Severino.

After a week of confirmation hearings that included consistent disruptions by protesters and various allegations by Democrats on the committee, Severino says this is just one more bit of ugliness in a very undignified performance from liberals.

"It's just another one of those ugly moments that we've seen from protesters to threats against Sen. (Susan) Collins' staff, bribery efforts that may be campaign finance violations," said Severino.

Without a named accuser and without many specifics in the allegation, Severino says it's hard to know what, if anything, actually happened 36 years ago.  But she says the fact that 65 women who went to school with Kavanaugh immediately vouched for his character then and now and that the FBI sees no reason to investigate the claim lends credibility to Kavanaugh's denial.

Severino says the bottom line is that Democrats are desperate for any reason to delay Kavanaugh's confirmation.

"I'm surprised they haven't said, 'There's a hurricane going on.  We can't have a vote until the end of hurricane season.'  They will use any excuse they can to delay this nomination.  It's really a last ditch effort because they hope against hope that maybe in the process of delaying it they can win the Senate or find something else to distract people.  

"It's simply not going to work.  They have to face up to the facts that they don't have the votes," said Severino.]]>614allegations,feinstein,kavanaugh,ronanfarrow,supremecourtfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-facts-about-florence--15712520
Dr. Tim Ball taught climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also the author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."  Two days ago, forecasters expected Florence to come ashore as a Category Four hurricane, meaning maximum sustained winds were thought to be 130-156 miles per hour.

Florence is now a Category 2 storm, with wind speeds now expected to be between 100-110 miles per hour.  That's still capable of causing plenty of destruction, but how did forecasters miss the downgrade?

Dr. Ball says they shouldn't have.  He says as the storm moved north in the Atlantic Ocean, it was guaranteed to hit colder water, which weakens the power of hurricanes.  

"Hurricanes are driven by the water that's evaporated off the surface, and the heat energy that's used to evaporate that water is released back into the storm when it condenses.  That's called the latent heat of condensation," said Ball.

He also says the storm is further hampered moving north by the tropopause, the layer of our atmosphere between the troposphere and the stratosphere.  The tropopause is twice as big at the equator than it is at either pole, so a reduced tropopause going north also weakens Florence.

"As they move north, these systems get squeezed, get flattened out.  As they get flattened out, that means that they spin less rapidly, which  reduces the wind speed," said Ball.

He also says while the storm surge may cause significant peril along the coast and even further inland, that too will likely be less significant than advertised.

Ball says atmospheric pressure pushes down on the ocean but the low pressure accompanying hurricanes allows the ocean to bulge up and surge into land.  It can get even worse if the storm strikes at high tide and depending how the wind from the hurricane is acting at landfall.

However, Ball says the 955 millibars (the measure of atmospheric pressure) is not particularly low, so that ocean bulge will hopefully be less catastrophic than most are reporting.

Listen here for more of Dr. Ball's hurricane analysis, his explanations of why the the forecast is now shifting, and his larger thoughts on the climate debate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15712520Thu, 13 Sep 2018 21:10:30 +0000Radio AmericaHurricane Florence may do a great deal of damage and bring major flooding, but the system has weakened some in the days before hitting the east coast and even the storm surge may not be as devastating as advertised. Dr. Tim Ball taught climatology...
Dr. Tim Ball taught climatology at the University of Winnipeg.  He is also the author of "The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science."  Two days ago, forecasters expected Florence to come ashore as a Category Four hurricane, meaning maximum sustained winds were thought to be 130-156 miles per hour.

Florence is now a Category 2 storm, with wind speeds now expected to be between 100-110 miles per hour.  That's still capable of causing plenty of destruction, but how did forecasters miss the downgrade?

Dr. Ball says they shouldn't have.  He says as the storm moved north in the Atlantic Ocean, it was guaranteed to hit colder water, which weakens the power of hurricanes.  

"Hurricanes are driven by the water that's evaporated off the surface, and the heat energy that's used to evaporate that water is released back into the storm when it condenses.  That's called the latent heat of condensation," said Ball.

He also says the storm is further hampered moving north by the tropopause, the layer of our atmosphere between the troposphere and the stratosphere.  The tropopause is twice as big at the equator than it is at either pole, so a reduced tropopause going north also weakens Florence.

"As they move north, these systems get squeezed, get flattened out.  As they get flattened out, that means that they spin less rapidly, which  reduces the wind speed," said Ball.

He also says while the storm surge may cause significant peril along the coast and even further inland, that too will likely be less significant than advertised.

Ball says atmospheric pressure pushes down on the ocean but the low pressure accompanying hurricanes allows the ocean to bulge up and surge into land.  It can get even worse if the storm strikes at high tide and depending how the wind from the hurricane is acting at landfall.

However, Ball says the 955 millibars (the measure of atmospheric pressure) is not particularly low, so that ocean bulge will hopefully be less catastrophic than most are reporting.

Listen here for more of Dr. Ball's hurricane analysis, his explanations of why the the forecast is now shifting, and his larger thoughts on the climate debate.]]>743florence,hurricane,stormsurgefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bernard-kerik-s-gripping-9-11-memories--15703302
Bernard Kerik served as NYPD commissioner from August 2000 until the end of 2001.  He is now the author of the fictional thrilled, "The Grave Above the Grave," which is about a New York City Police Commissioner dealing with a future terrorist attack.

Seventeen years ago on 9/11, Kerik has just completed a workout when his chief of staff told him a plane had hit one of the World Trade center towers.  Early speculation was that a small private plane had gone off course, but Kerik knew that wasn't right as he looked out the window at the burning skyscraper just a quarter mile away.

Kerik immediate called Mayor Rudy Giuliani and they planned to meet at 7 World Trade Center.  Kerik arrived first and personally witness the desperation of the people trapped in the tower.  When his driver attempted to turn onto Vesey Street, an officer stopped them to explain why they couldn't continue.

"A police sergeant came up to my vehicle and said, 'Look, you can't turn into the block.  They're jumping.'  Immediately, I didn't grasp what he was talking about.  I stepped out of the vehicle and for the next several minutes I watched people jump from the top of Tower 1.  They were landing on Vesey and they were landing in the courtyard between the two buildings," said Kerik.

Giuliani arrived about five minutes later, but just before he arrived, the second plane hit the south tower.  Kerik immediately knew that meant the city was under attack.  Not knowing how many more planes may be coming, he ordered officers to evacuate high profile targets like city hall, the Empire State Building and the United Nations.  

"We basically shut down the city and I think that was the first time in the city's history that it was actually closed," said Kerik.

The towers were attacked just 17 minutes apart.  For the next hour, first responders raced through the building to get people out.  He considers that the greates rescue operation in American history.

"They took 20,000-25,000 people out of those buildings and the immediate surrounding area.  But they also evacuated more than a million people out of Manhattan and into the four other boroughs and into New Jersey," said Kerik.

Kerik and Giuliani were in 7 World Trade Center when Giuliani learned from the White House that a plane had struck the Pentagon.  At that same moment, the south tower imploded.

"It felt like a freight train was coming through the side of it.  The door slammed open and my chief of department, Joe Esposito, came in and yelled, 'Everybody get down.  The building's coming down'  That was Tower 2.  It imploded just about on top of us," said Kerik.

What Kerik saw police and firefighters do next exceeds the definition of bravery.  He says every officer who didn't die in the Tower 2 collapse rushed into Tower 1 to save as many lives as possible.  Tower 1 imploded less than 30 minutes later, taking more lives of New York City's finest.

Kerik is now active in two ways in the wake of 9/11.  First, he is pleading with Congress to fund efforts to support more than 10,000 Ground Zero personnel who contracted life-threatening illnesses from the toxic air on site.  

He is also urging political leaders and the public to stay vigilant.  He says terrorists flying planes into buildings is unlikely to happen again, but the threat of five or six groups of terrorists targeting an elementary school or some other soft target would "put this country into a manic depression."

"The threat is still here," said Kerik.  "The threat is something we have to deal with.

Listen to the full interview with Bernard Kerik to hear more of his first-person account of 9/11 and the fight that still continues.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15703302Wed, 12 Sep 2018 21:07:59 +0000Radio AmericaOn Tuesday, Americans paused to remember the horrors and heroism seen on September 11, 2001, and now the man who led the NYPD through that harrowing day and the days that followed is sharing his vivid memories of that day. Bernard Kerik served as...
Bernard Kerik served as NYPD commissioner from August 2000 until the end of 2001.  He is now the author of the fictional thrilled, "The Grave Above the Grave," which is about a New York City Police Commissioner dealing with a future terrorist attack.

Seventeen years ago on 9/11, Kerik has just completed a workout when his chief of staff told him a plane had hit one of the World Trade center towers.  Early speculation was that a small private plane had gone off course, but Kerik knew that wasn't right as he looked out the window at the burning skyscraper just a quarter mile away.

Kerik immediate called Mayor Rudy Giuliani and they planned to meet at 7 World Trade Center.  Kerik arrived first and personally witness the desperation of the people trapped in the tower.  When his driver attempted to turn onto Vesey Street, an officer stopped them to explain why they couldn't continue.

"A police sergeant came up to my vehicle and said, 'Look, you can't turn into the block.  They're jumping.'  Immediately, I didn't grasp what he was talking about.  I stepped out of the vehicle and for the next several minutes I watched people jump from the top of Tower 1.  They were landing on Vesey and they were landing in the courtyard between the two buildings," said Kerik.

Giuliani arrived about five minutes later, but just before he arrived, the second plane hit the south tower.  Kerik immediately knew that meant the city was under attack.  Not knowing how many more planes may be coming, he ordered officers to evacuate high profile targets like city hall, the Empire State Building and the United Nations.  

"We basically shut down the city and I think that was the first time in the city's history that it was actually closed," said Kerik.

The towers were attacked just 17 minutes apart.  For the next hour, first responders raced through the building to get people out.  He considers that the greates rescue operation in American history.

"They took 20,000-25,000 people out of those buildings and the immediate surrounding area.  But they also evacuated more than a million people out of Manhattan and into the four other boroughs and into New Jersey," said Kerik.

Kerik and Giuliani were in 7 World Trade Center when Giuliani learned from the White House that a plane had struck the Pentagon.  At that same moment, the south tower imploded.

"It felt like a freight train was coming through the side of it.  The door slammed open and my chief of department, Joe Esposito, came in and yelled, 'Everybody get down.  The building's coming down'  That was Tower 2.  It imploded just about on top of us," said Kerik.

What Kerik saw police and firefighters do next exceeds the definition of bravery.  He says every officer who didn't die in the Tower 2 collapse rushed into Tower 1 to save as many lives as possible.  Tower 1 imploded less than 30 minutes later, taking more lives of New York City's finest.

Kerik is now active in two ways in the wake of 9/11.  First, he is pleading with Congress to fund efforts to support more than 10,000 Ground Zero personnel who contracted life-threatening illnesses from the toxic air on site.  

He is also urging political leaders and the public to stay vigilant.  He says terrorists flying planes into buildings is unlikely to happen again, but the threat of five or six groups of terrorists targeting an elementary school or some other soft target would "put this country into a manic depression."

"The threat is still here," said Kerik.  "The threat is something we have to deal with.

Listen to the full interview with Bernard Kerik to hear more of his...]]>9099/11,kerik,police,terrorismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-plays-hardball-with-palestinians--15685793https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15685793Mon, 10 Sep 2018 20:19:45 +0000Radio AmericaOn Monday, the Trump administration announced it was closing the Washington office of the Palestine Liberation Organization and reducing aid to the Palestinians by $25 million. So why is Trump doing this now? Is it a smart move in principle or in...527israel,plo,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/club-for-growth-gears-up-for-midterms--15664492https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15664492Fri, 07 Sep 2018 15:32:28 +0000Radio AmericaClub for Growth Vice President Andy Roth joins me to discuss the 2018 midterms. Roth explains why the economy is good for Republicans but not as good as it could be. He also names the Senate hopefuls the Club for Growth is most excited about whether...728clubforgrowth,economy,midterms,senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brat-legislative-success-will-mean-midterm-success--15658023
Rep. Dave Brat, R-Virginia, stunned the political world by toppling then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the 2014 Republican primary.  This year Brat finds himself in a toss-up race against Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger.

The race leaves voters in the Old Dominion's seventh congressional district with a stark contrast between the free market-oriented Brat and a staunch liberal challenger in Spanberger, who favors sanctuary cities and government-run health care.

Brat says the venom of the far left is up close and personal in his campaign.

"The last town hall I had, this hard left fringe is swearing at the pastor while he's giving the opening prayer.  It's all on tape.  Abigail Spanberger was in the front row and didn't do anything about it," said Brat.

But before November 6 arrives, Brat and his congressional colleagues hope to pass major legislation that proves to voters that they can still be entrusted with the majority.  Brat says getting the spending bills done is at the top of the list, but he also wants to see action on health care, immigration, opioid addiction treatment funding and more.

In holding town halls, Brat says the one thing that transcends party is that frustration everyone has with the health care system.

"I had Democrats, independents, and Republicans.  They would sit down with horror stories.  'I've got one insurance company.  I've got one prescription drug.  I have no alternatives.  I can't choose another company.  I can't choose another prescription.  I have to pay whatever price they have.  My doctor's not involved in it in any way shape or form,'" reported Brat.

He's hearing the same stress from small business owners, who either can't afford to hire skilled workers or offer health benefits at all.

Brat points out that the Senate has not done a budget resolution yet for this year so leaders could still pursue budget reconciliation, which would allow a health care bill to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.

Brat thinks turning around major repeal legislation in two months is a tall order but that it would also send a powerful message to voters that Republicans will do what they promise to do.

"That would be a home run if we could accomplish that.  The election would be over," said Brat.

While not diving too much into what would have to be included in a GOP plan to win his support, Brat says Spanberger and the Democrats want government to have complete control over health care, even though "Medicare for all" carries a 10-year price tag of $32 trillion.

Brat says the Richmond Times-Dispatch ran the numbers and discovered that both personal and corporate income taxes would have to be doubled to pay for that.

"That would not put you into a recession.  That would put you into a depression," he said.

The alternative of course is bigger deficits, which Brat condemns, but Democrats can now say that Republican leadership is producing trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see.  Brat says that's true but not because of the tax cuts passed last year.

He says three percent growth is enough to offset the tax cuts and anything greater, like the 4.2 percent growth posted in the second quarter of this year, will lead to a net positive.  Brat says the real culprit is the $400 billion in new spending agreed to back in February in both chambers of Congress.

Brat is also hoping to see progress on immigration policy through the budgetary process.  He wants to see funding for President Trump's border wall and also hopes to see Congress approve mandatory E-Verify programs, by which all employers must confirm that their employees are in the country legally.

"That would be a huge component.  E-Verify goes a long way to making sure we have a legal workforce," said Brat, who says rooting out illegal hires would lead to higher wages for citizens and legal residents and help the country see what areas of the economy need help through legal immigration.

He says immigration enforcement is another clear difference in his campaign, pointing out that prominent Democrats who endorse Spanberger, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, want to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

"I want to defend ICE.  I want to help them keep our country safe.  The left wants to prosecute the ICE agents who work every day, put their life on the line to keep us safe," said Brat.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15658023Thu, 06 Sep 2018 21:02:27 +0000Radio AmericaCongress still has time to accomplish major legislative goals this year and one embattled incumbent believes success in Washington will lead to success back home in November. Rep. Dave Brat, R-Virginia, stunned the political world by toppling...
Rep. Dave Brat, R-Virginia, stunned the political world by toppling then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the 2014 Republican primary.  This year Brat finds himself in a toss-up race against Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger.

The race leaves voters in the Old Dominion's seventh congressional district with a stark contrast between the free market-oriented Brat and a staunch liberal challenger in Spanberger, who favors sanctuary cities and government-run health care.

Brat says the venom of the far left is up close and personal in his campaign.

"The last town hall I had, this hard left fringe is swearing at the pastor while he's giving the opening prayer.  It's all on tape.  Abigail Spanberger was in the front row and didn't do anything about it," said Brat.

But before November 6 arrives, Brat and his congressional colleagues hope to pass major legislation that proves to voters that they can still be entrusted with the majority.  Brat says getting the spending bills done is at the top of the list, but he also wants to see action on health care, immigration, opioid addiction treatment funding and more.

In holding town halls, Brat says the one thing that transcends party is that frustration everyone has with the health care system.

"I had Democrats, independents, and Republicans.  They would sit down with horror stories.  'I've got one insurance company.  I've got one prescription drug.  I have no alternatives.  I can't choose another company.  I can't choose another prescription.  I have to pay whatever price they have.  My doctor's not involved in it in any way shape or form,'" reported Brat.

He's hearing the same stress from small business owners, who either can't afford to hire skilled workers or offer health benefits at all.

Brat points out that the Senate has not done a budget resolution yet for this year so leaders could still pursue budget reconciliation, which would allow a health care bill to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.

Brat thinks turning around major repeal legislation in two months is a tall order but that it would also send a powerful message to voters that Republicans will do what they promise to do.

"That would be a home run if we could accomplish that.  The election would be over," said Brat.

While not diving too much into what would have to be included in a GOP plan to win his support, Brat says Spanberger and the Democrats want government to have complete control over health care, even though "Medicare for all" carries a 10-year price tag of $32 trillion.

Brat says the Richmond Times-Dispatch ran the numbers and discovered that both personal and corporate income taxes would have to be doubled to pay for that.

"That would not put you into a recession.  That would put you into a depression," he said.

The alternative of course is bigger deficits, which Brat condemns, but Democrats can now say that Republican leadership is producing trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see.  Brat says that's true but not because of the tax cuts passed last year.

He says three percent growth is enough to offset the tax cuts and anything greater, like the 4.2 percent growth posted in the second quarter of this year, will lead to a net positive.  Brat says the real culprit is the $400 billion in new spending agreed to back in February in both chambers of Congress.

Brat is also hoping to see progress on immigration policy through the budgetary process.  He wants to see funding for President Trump's border wall and also hopes to see Congress approve mandatory E-Verify programs, by which all employers must confirm that their employees are in the...]]>704brat,congress,midterms,spanberger,virginiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kavanaugh-shines-dems-embarrass-themselves--15650062
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding three days of hearings this week.  Before the proceedings began, more than forty Senate Democrats announced their opposition to the Kavanaugh nomination.  Severino agrees with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C, about how that makes Democrats look.

"If this were 20 years earlier, he would have gotten 90-plus votes.  Judge Kavanaugh is someone who has a dozen years on the bench, 300-plus opinions to his name.  He's so smart that he's recognized as being one of the leading federal judges by litigators across the spectrum," said Severino.

On Tuesday, Democrats on the committee interrupted Republicans dozens of times to protest the late release of more than 40,000 pages of documents.  Severino says Americans need to realize the documents have nothing to do with why Democrats are trying to stall.

"Don't be confused.  This is not the reason they want to postpone it.  They had a conference call earlier in the day that Sen. (Richard) Durbin admitted to, talking about what they were going to do.  'Are we going to walk out of the hearings?'  Ultimately, they decided to disrupt the hearings.

"It's actually been really shameful.  There were 70 people arrested yesterday for disrupting the hearings, not just the senators interrupting 44 times.  These are people standing up, shouting, being dragged out of the room.  You even had some of the senators encouraging them and rooting them on.  This is so disrespectful to the process," said Severino.

She says the Democrats are making a spectacle about ancillary issues because they have no good reason to oppose Kavanaugh and some are trying to boost their own political ambitions.

"They're going for ratings.  They're going for get out the vote efforts.  Three of the people on the committee are running for president in 2020.  They're interested in cutting campaign video, not in finding out about the nominee," said Severino.

Even when Democrats got down to asking questions Wednesday, Severino says it was clear that many were looking to grandstand than listen to Kavanaugh's responses.

"Especially Democrat senators, they just want to ask the question and then go, 'Mic drop' and walk away.  You can't just do that.  [Kavanaugh] was saying, 'No, there's an answer to that question.  You might think that was quite witty, but there really is an answer,'" said Severino.

In fact, Severino was most impressed by Kavanaugh's thoughtful and thorough explanations about the various cases he has considered.

"I think he really shines when he's explaining his logic.  He doesn't try to hide and tell them what he thinks they want to hear.  He's happy to explain carefully," said Severino.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Carrie Severino's analysis of how Kavanaugh handled Democrats trying to pin him down on various issues and what she thinks the vote on Kavanaugh is likely to be at this point.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15650062Wed, 05 Sep 2018 20:51:36 +0000Radio AmericaTwo days into confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Judicial Crisis Network Chief Counsel Carrie Severino believes Kavanaugh is proving himself to be a brilliant, thoughtful jurist while Democrats look ridiculous by trying...
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding three days of hearings this week.  Before the proceedings began, more than forty Senate Democrats announced their opposition to the Kavanaugh nomination.  Severino agrees with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C, about how that makes Democrats look.

"If this were 20 years earlier, he would have gotten 90-plus votes.  Judge Kavanaugh is someone who has a dozen years on the bench, 300-plus opinions to his name.  He's so smart that he's recognized as being one of the leading federal judges by litigators across the spectrum," said Severino.

On Tuesday, Democrats on the committee interrupted Republicans dozens of times to protest the late release of more than 40,000 pages of documents.  Severino says Americans need to realize the documents have nothing to do with why Democrats are trying to stall.

"Don't be confused.  This is not the reason they want to postpone it.  They had a conference call earlier in the day that Sen. (Richard) Durbin admitted to, talking about what they were going to do.  'Are we going to walk out of the hearings?'  Ultimately, they decided to disrupt the hearings.

"It's actually been really shameful.  There were 70 people arrested yesterday for disrupting the hearings, not just the senators interrupting 44 times.  These are people standing up, shouting, being dragged out of the room.  You even had some of the senators encouraging them and rooting them on.  This is so disrespectful to the process," said Severino.

She says the Democrats are making a spectacle about ancillary issues because they have no good reason to oppose Kavanaugh and some are trying to boost their own political ambitions.

"They're going for ratings.  They're going for get out the vote efforts.  Three of the people on the committee are running for president in 2020.  They're interested in cutting campaign video, not in finding out about the nominee," said Severino.

Even when Democrats got down to asking questions Wednesday, Severino says it was clear that many were looking to grandstand than listen to Kavanaugh's responses.

"Especially Democrat senators, they just want to ask the question and then go, 'Mic drop' and walk away.  You can't just do that.  [Kavanaugh] was saying, 'No, there's an answer to that question.  You might think that was quite witty, but there really is an answer,'" said Severino.

In fact, Severino was most impressed by Kavanaugh's thoughtful and thorough explanations about the various cases he has considered.

"I think he really shines when he's explaining his logic.  He doesn't try to hide and tell them what he thinks they want to hear.  He's happy to explain carefully," said Severino.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Carrie Severino's analysis of how Kavanaugh handled Democrats trying to pin him down on various issues and what she thinks the vote on Kavanaugh is likely to be at this point.]]>590democrats,kavanaugh,protesters,supremecourtfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-kyl-appointment-revive-obamacare-repeal--15641740
On Tuesday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tapped former Sen. Jon Kyl to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created by the death of Sen. John McCain, bringing a staunch conservative back to the Senate perhaps the decisive vote on repeal legislation.

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner is part of a coalition pleading with Congress to take up the issue again - specifically on a plan to send power out of Washington and back to the states to establish their own rules for their own health systems.

She says many lawmakers like the idea but are reluctant to bring it up just two months before Election Day.

"They're so frightened of bringing health care up again after the failed vote in July of last year," said Turner.  They're afraid of bringing it up again and failing."

However, Turner says they might have more to fear from doing nothing based on the scolding lawmakers are getting from voters this campaign season.

"Members are getting hammered on the campaign trail because they haven't done anything to give people relief from the high costs and the limited choices of Obamacare," said Turner.

She cited one Virginia voter who makes over $100,000 per year but is saddled with monthly health insurance payments of more than $4,000 per month because the Obamacare exchange only offers one plan.  The rising costs are more than eating up the raises and extra income from the recent tax cuts.

"That's what they're hearing on the campaign trail: people trying to do the right thing and the costs just go up and up and up," said Turner.  "The markets are really imploding.  The pools are not stable."

In giving power back to the states, Turner says Republicans would once again be trumpeting what most Americans have always known.

"One of the things we've learned is that the federal government just cannot manage anything as complex and diverse as health insurance markets in the fifty states.  We need to give them not only more power but new resources to begin to give people more choices of more affordable coverage," said Turner.

Turner says 46-47 Republican senators are on board with the prescribed legislation while a handful of others are diving into the specifics.  She says Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, want specific provisions for their states.  Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, wants a bigger focus on health savings accounts, and other conservatives want regulatory relief.

Listen to the rest of the interview with Grace-Marie Turner to hear all of her thoughts on the health care debate, the midterm elections, and how the liberal and media push for single payer is a tacit admission from the left that Obamacare is a failure.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15641740Tue, 04 Sep 2018 21:09:19 +0000Radio AmericaA leading health care policy expert is imploring congressional Republicans to renew the push for an Obamacare repeal or risk the full wrath of many of their constituents, and timing for such a move just got better. On Tuesday, Arizona Gov. Doug...
On Tuesday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tapped former Sen. Jon Kyl to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created by the death of Sen. John McCain, bringing a staunch conservative back to the Senate perhaps the decisive vote on repeal legislation.

Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner is part of a coalition pleading with Congress to take up the issue again - specifically on a plan to send power out of Washington and back to the states to establish their own rules for their own health systems.

She says many lawmakers like the idea but are reluctant to bring it up just two months before Election Day.

"They're so frightened of bringing health care up again after the failed vote in July of last year," said Turner.  They're afraid of bringing it up again and failing."

However, Turner says they might have more to fear from doing nothing based on the scolding lawmakers are getting from voters this campaign season.

"Members are getting hammered on the campaign trail because they haven't done anything to give people relief from the high costs and the limited choices of Obamacare," said Turner.

She cited one Virginia voter who makes over $100,000 per year but is saddled with monthly health insurance payments of more than $4,000 per month because the Obamacare exchange only offers one plan.  The rising costs are more than eating up the raises and extra income from the recent tax cuts.

"That's what they're hearing on the campaign trail: people trying to do the right thing and the costs just go up and up and up," said Turner.  "The markets are really imploding.  The pools are not stable."

In giving power back to the states, Turner says Republicans would once again be trumpeting what most Americans have always known.

"One of the things we've learned is that the federal government just cannot manage anything as complex and diverse as health insurance markets in the fifty states.  We need to give them not only more power but new resources to begin to give people more choices of more affordable coverage," said Turner.

Turner says 46-47 Republican senators are on board with the prescribed legislation while a handful of others are diving into the specifics.  She says Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, want specific provisions for their states.  Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, wants a bigger focus on health savings accounts, and other conservatives want regulatory relief.

Listen to the rest of the interview with Grace-Marie Turner to hear all of her thoughts on the health care debate, the midterm elections, and how the liberal and media push for single payer is a tacit admission from the left that Obamacare is a failure.]]>4502018midterms,grahamcassidy,jonkyl,obamacarefalsefull