Good Politics Radio

Left, Right and Center
from KCRW

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show with a discussion of the report that Wall Street CEO’s are getting $18 billion in bonuses, comparable to bonuses they received during good years.

What direction is the stimulus package headed?  Socialism?  Nationalization?  Protectionism?  Which is the bigger risk?

They touch briefly on President Obama’s outreach to the Muslim world by appearing on Al Arabiya TV.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center.   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away in Switzerland.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

The following podcast is brought to you courtesy of A World of Possibilities and The Mainstream Media Project.

Over the decades, U.S. policies towards Latin America have lurched between intervention and apparent indifference, demonstrating its dominance while leaving a residue of resentment. Now, on both sides of the border, new hope emerges for an era of warmer relations. What have been the impacts of U.S. policy, and how are they likely to change in an era of renewed hope but severe economic distress?

Guests:
Tom Barry, Director, TransBorder Project; Americas Policy Program Fellow, Center for International Policy
Oscar Chacon, Executive Director, National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities
Luis Fernando Arias Arias, Secretary General, National Indigenous Organization of Colombia
Joy Olson, Executive Director, Washington Office on Latin America

We also interviewed Gaston Chillier, Executive Director of the Center for Legal and Social Studies located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but did not include him in the program.

(Click on a guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Naihma Deady, Matt Fidler
Translator: Naihma Deady
Credits Narrator: Gabriela Castelan
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Field Engineers: Jennifer Brandel, Paul Castro

Music in this program: Open – “Wave” by Alejandro Escovedo – Bloodshot Ltd.; “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “La Linea” by Lila Downs – Narada World; “Oye Manita” by Toto la Momposina – Putumayo World Music; “Soy Como Soy” by Fruko y sus Tesos – Putumayo World Music.

Funding: the Ford Foundation.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to this podcast.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Professor Robert P. George of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University about the constitutionality of the economic stimulus package; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Pat Toomey of the Club for Growth on the contents of the stimulus package; and Colin Hanna of Let Freedom Ring, USA has an American Radio Journal commentary on Barack Obama’s “sweet reasonableness.”

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks with Republican Mike Lane about President Obama’s first week as President.

The President had a very busy week with many accomplishments worth talking about.

Levine and Lane also talk about Rush Limbaugh’s comments about his wishes for President Obama’s success.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

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The Inside Scoop is nationally syndicated on the Head-On Radio Network and iTunes. The show can be heard on radio weekdays, 5-6 pm Eastern, and can be seen on television Monday 7-8 pm Eastern.

Since June 2003, Mark Levine has given listeners The Inside Scoop from political players inside the Beltway – news that the Media almost never reports and those in power in the Government do not want you to know about. Mark welcomes all during his talk radio hour, and he particularly values calls from folks who disagree with him.

Visit Radio Inside Scoop.com to access more information and additional podcast shows.

In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.  President Obama talks about updating the electric grid, weatherizing homes, protecting health insurance, renovating schools, and securing major ports.

“We begin this year and this Administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action. Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last twenty-six years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits. Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, which translates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four. And we could lose a generation of potential, as more young Americans are forced to forgo college dreams or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.

In short, if we do not act boldly and swiftly, a bad situation could become dramatically worse.

That is why I have proposed an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to immediately jumpstart job creation as well as long-term economic growth. I am pleased to say that both parties in Congress are already hard at work on this plan, and I hope to sign it into law in less than a month.

It’s a plan that will save or create three to four million jobs over the next few years, and one that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment – the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work even as, all around the country, there’s so much work to be done. That’s why this is not just a short-term program to boost employment. It’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.

Today I’d like to talk specifically about the progress we expect to make in each of these areas.

To accelerate the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double our capacity to generate alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, and biofuels over the next three years. We’ll begin to build a new electricity grid that lay down more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines to convey this new energy from coast to coast. We’ll save taxpayers $2 billion a year by making 75% of federal buildings more energy efficient, and save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing 2.5 million homes.

To lower health care cost, cut medical errors, and improve care, we’ll computerize the nation’s health record in five years, saving billions of dollars in health care costs and countless lives. And we’ll protect health insurance for more than 8 million Americans who are in danger of losing their coverage during this economic downturn.

To ensure our children can compete and succeed in this new economy, we’ll renovate and modernize 10,000 schools, building state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and labs to improve learning for over five million students. We’ll invest more in Pell Grants to make college affordable for seven million more students, provide a $2,500 college tax credit to four million students, and triple the number of fellowships in science to help spur the next generation of innovation.

Finally, we will rebuild and retrofit America to meet the demands of the 21st century. That means repairing and modernizing thousands of miles of America’s roadways and providing new mass transit options for millions of Americans. It means protecting America by securing 90 major ports and creating a better communications network for local law enforcement and public safety officials in the event of an emergency. And it means expanding broadband access to millions of Americans, so business can compete on a level-playing field, wherever they’re located.

I know that some are skeptical about the size and scale of this recovery plan. I understand that skepticism, which is why this recovery plan must and will include unprecedented measures that will allow the American people to hold my Administration accountable for these results. We won’t just throw money at our problems – we’ll invest in what works. Instead of politicians doling out money behind a veil of secrecy, decisions about where we invest will be made public, and informed by independent experts whenever possible. We’ll launch an unprecedented effort to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending in our government, and every American will be able to see how and where we spend taxpayer dollars by going to a new website called recovery.gov.

No one policy or program will solve the challenges we face right now, nor will this crisis recede in a short period of time. But if we act now and act boldly; if we start rewarding hard work and responsibility once more; if we act as citizens and not partisans and begin again the work of remaking America, then I have faith that we will emerge from this trying time even stronger and more prosperous than we were before. Thanks for listening.”

Left, Right and Center
from KCRW

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show with a discussion of President Obama’s Inauguration.  Ariana Huffington was on the grounds and shares her impressions.  They talk about sections of the speech that impressed them.

The panel talks about the early maneuvers of President Obama, the appointments, and the Executive Orders.

Then they talk about the bank bailouts and the bad behavior of Bank of America and Merrell Lynch.  Someone needs to represent average Americans.  Will banks or assets need to be nationalized?

Finally, what really drove Caroline Kennedy to withdraw from consideration as the NY Senator?

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article about political interference seen in bank bailout decisions.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry assesses the legacy of the Bush Administration with Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson an economist and faculty member with the Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College; Ryan Shafik gets the “Real Story” from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the politics behind spending the balance of the economic bail-out money; and Col. Frank Ryan,USMC (Ret.) has an American Radio Journal commentary on the failure of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

The following podcast is brought to you courtesy of A World of Possibilities and The Mainstream Media Project.

In hard times most of us are grateful for any job, but as we face increasing unemployment, poverty, and climate change, the Obama administration proposes to put thousands of Americans to work insulating homes and public buildings, installing solar panels, and reclaiming industrial wastelands. Majora Carter and Van Jones have helped place green collar jobs near the top of the national agenda.

Guests:
Majora Carter, President and CEO, Majora Carter Group, LLC
Van Jones, Founder and President, Green for All

(Click on a guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Naihma Deady, Matt Fidler
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Remote Engineer: Paul Ruest

Music in this program: Open – “Wade On The Water” performed by Charlie Haden and Hank Jones – Jazz Heritage; “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “Wake Up Everybody” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Sony; “This Is My Home” by Quetzal – Vanguard Records; “Living For The City” by Stevie Wonder – Tamla.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to this podcast.

Barack Obama has now taken the oath of office to become America’s 44thPresident.  Approximately 1.5 million people, a highly diverse group who braved travel and weather obstacles, attended to ceremony in person.  The size of the crowd and the amount spent to present and secure all of the events are records.

President Obama has often said that he has been inspired by the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln.  It’s been interesting to watch President Obama’s effective use of Lincoln symbolism.  For example, President Obama launched his candidacy two years ago in a speech that he gave on the steps of the capitol in Springfield, Illinois, the same location where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech prior to the Civil War.  President Obama arrived in Washington DC a few days ago by riding the train from Philadelphia, much as Lincoln had arrived in Washington by train in 1861.  Then an important celebratory concert prior to the Inauguration was performed at the Lincoln Memorial.  One of the most noted symbols was the Lincoln Bible that President Obama took his oath of office on, just as Lincoln had done in 1861.  Then later on Inauguration Day an Inauguration banquet was given featuring foods that were favorites of Lincoln.

In case you missed it, the video and text of President Obama’s inaugural speech are below.  The video is in two parts and the speech runs about 18 minutes.

“My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. (more…)

President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865, was much shorter but generally more famous than his first Address four years earlier.

In 1861 the nation was coming apart socially and politically.  Seven states had seceded, and symbolically, the Capitol was incomplete with scaffolding surrounding the unfinished dome.  In 1865 the Civil War was nearly over and President Lincoln was pointing toward the task of reconstruction of the South.  Ironically, the crowd who witnessed his Second Inaugural Address included John Wilkes Booth and several other conspirators who were involved in his assassination about six weeks later.

Click here to listen to a reading of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.  It’s only about 4-1/2 minutes long.  Listen especially to the conclusion of the speech, a brilliant section that many have memorized at some point in their life.

Here is a transcription of the speech:

“Fellow Countrymen:

At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured. (more…)

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963.  He delivered the speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as the climax of the massive March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  The audience for King and others who spoke on that day was over 250,000.  King’s speech lasted about 16 minutes.

One of the highlights of the speech occurred near the end when King delivered a section devoted to the theme “I have a dream.”  He had spoken on this theme in Detroit in June 1963, and the story is that he improvised it into the end of this speech when the singer Mahalia Jackson, standing nearby, cried out, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!”

Many have rated this speech to be the top American speech of the 20th century.

My favorite sections include:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

and also:

“Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Martin Luther King Jr. was born January 15, 1929 and died April 4, 1968.  He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the youngest person to receive that award.

The holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established in 1986.

Click here to listen to the audio of his “I Have a Dream” speech or to listen to certain sections of it.

President-Elect Obama, in his weekly radio address, spoke about the events of the next few days leading up to his Inauguration.

THE PRESIDENT-ELECT: “Good morning. On Tuesday, the world will be watching as America celebrates a rite that goes to the heart of our greatness as a nation. For the forty-third time, we will execute the peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next.

The first Inauguration took place 220 years ago. Our nation’s capital had yet to be built, so President George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. It was a spring day, just over a decade after the birth of our nation, as Washington assumed the new office that he would do so much to shape, and swore an oath to the Constitution that guides us to this very day.

Since then, Inaugurations have taken place during times of war and peace; in Depression and prosperity. Our democracy has undergone many changes, and our people have taken many steps in pursuit of a more perfect union. What has always endured is this peaceful and orderly transition of power.

For us, it is easy to take this central aspect of our democracy for granted. But we must remember that our nation was founded at a time of Kings and Queens, and even today billions of people around the world cannot imagine their leaders giving up power without strife or bloodshed.

Through the ages, many have struggled for the right to live in a land where power does not belong to one person or party, and many brave Americans have fought and died to help advance that right.  Through the long twilight struggle of the Cold War, our transitions from one President to the next provided a stark contrast to the suffocating grip of Soviet Communism. And today, the resilience of our democracy stands in opposition to the extremists who would tear it down.

Here at home, transitions also remind us that what we hold in common as Americans far outweighs our political differences. Throughout the current transition, President Bush and his Administration have extended the hand of cooperation, and provided invaluable assistance to my team as we prepare to hit the ground running on January 20th.

There is much work to be done. But now, all Americans hold within our hands the promise of a new beginning.

That is why the events of the next several days are not simply about the inauguration of an American President – they will be a celebration of the American people. We will carry the voices of ordinary Americans to Washington. We will invite people across the country to work on behalf of a common purpose through a national day of service on Monday. And we will have the most open and accessible Inauguration in history – for those who travel to the capital, and for those who choose one of the many ways to participate in the Inauguration from their own communities and their own homes.

Together, we know that this is a time of great challenge for the American people. Difficult days are upon us, and even more difficult days lie ahead. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in great turmoil. And there is so much work that must be done to restore peace and advance prosperity. But as we approach this time-honored American tradition, we are reminded that our challenges can be met if we summon the spirit that has sustained our democracy since George Washington took the first oath of office.

Addressing the nation that day, Washington explained his decision to serve, saying, “I was called by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” This Tuesday, we can reaffirm our own veneration and love for our country and our democracy. We can once again provide an example to the world, and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and progress at home.

Thanks.”

Left, Right and Center
from KCRW

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show by talking about the economy and the proposed $825 billion stimulus package.  They also discuss the Citigroup issue and now the Bank of America promises.  Also, where is the accountability for $350 billion and what did we get in return for it?  Is it likely that the stimulus package will be imperfect?

The panel talks about President Obama’s appointees Geithner and Holder.  Is it troubling to have a tax cheat be in charge of Treasury and the IRS?  Is Holder too much of a “yes” man who will let things slide?

The panelists also talk about the fighting in the Gaza strip and about President Bush’s legacy.

Finally, they discuss the high expectations of President Obama’s inauguration.  Will his speech rival Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural address?

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center.  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read Jimmy Carter’s article in the Washington Post about the situation in Gaza and why he believes that the fighting could easily have been avoided.

This week on American Radio Journal:  Ryan Shafik talks with Presidential historian Mitch Tullai about Barack Obama becoming the first President of African descent and other Presidential firsts; Pat Toomey of the Club for Growth talks about what to expect from the Obama Administration; and Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College has an American Radio Journal commentary on Democratic National Committee Chairman’s Howard Dean’s reward for leading his party back into power.

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks with Republican Mike Lane about the potential legacy of President Bush.

How will this unpopular President be viewed by history?  How might his Presidency look 10 years from now.

Lane and Levine talk about their memories of the current administration and debate its merits.

Iraq, No Child Left Behind, and Homeland Security are among the topics discussed.  Also, Deficit spending, Osama Bin Laden, and WMD’s.

Then they discuss the arrangements in Washington DC for the upcoming inauguration.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

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The Inside Scoop is nationally syndicated on the Head-On Radio Network and iTunes. The show can be heard on radio weekdays, 5-6 pm Eastern, and can be seen on television Monday 7-8 pm Eastern.

Since June 2003, Mark Levine has given listeners The Inside Scoop from political players inside the Beltway – news that the Media almost never reports and those in power in the Government do not want you to know about. Mark welcomes all during his talk radio hour, and he particularly values calls from folks who disagree with him.

Visit Radio Inside Scoop.com to access more information and additional podcast shows.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with John Gizzi, political editor and White House correspondent for Human Events about the unusual number of “open” seats in the U.S. Senate and about John’s recent interview with President George W. Bush; Ryan Shafik gets the “Real Story” from Pat Toomey of the Club for Growth on President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed economic stimulus package; and Colin Hanna of Let Freedom Ring, USA has an American Radio Journal commentary on the true historic meaning of the Obama Presidency.

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine recounts the entire history of the Gaza Strip.

Mark talks about the current events in Palestinian Gaza and relates the history of the region.

Mark makes the point that the whole world would benefit from the defeat of Hamas, but the civilian citizens of Gaza would benefit the most.

Mark talks to several listeners and discusses many interesting points with them.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

Click here to read a recent article about Hamas in the Washington Post.

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The Inside Scoop is nationally syndicated on the Head-On Radio Network and iTunes. The show can be heard on radio weekdays, 5-6 pm Eastern, and can be seen on television Monday 7-8 pm Eastern.

Since June 2003, Mark Levine has given listeners The Inside Scoop from political players inside the Beltway – news that the Media almost never reports and those in power in the Government do not want you to know about. Mark welcomes all during his talk radio hour, and he particularly values calls from folks who disagree with him.

Visit Radio Inside Scoop.com to access more information and additional podcast shows.

At a moment when most all the systems that govern our lives have lost their grip on reality, we’re forced to rethink and reinvent the way we do just about everything. Crucial to that transformation is learning how to innovate faster and better than ever before. In this weeks show, two leading students of innovation consider the pivotal role that experimentation plays in achieving eventual success.

Guests:
Gifford Pinchot III, President Bainbridge Graduate Institute
Andrew Hargadon, Associate Professor of Management; Director, Technology Management Programs; Director, UC Davis Center for Entrepreneurship

(Click on a guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Naihma Deady, Matt Fidler
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
UC Davis Production Engineer: Michael Luthi
KUOW Production Engineer: Douglas Paterson
Music in this program: Open – “Hike The Lake” by Marco Mahler – Marco Mahler; “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “After The Rain Has Fallen” by Sting – A&M Records; “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” by The Doors – Rhino / Elektra; “Florentine Pogen” by Frank Zappa – Zappa Records.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center
from KCRW

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The four panelists begin the show by talking about the renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip.  A good question is to ask why is this happening at this time?  It may be politically motivated with elections pending and with the change in US administration.  They discuss what Palestine’s goal and what Israel’s goals may be.  It seems that both Hamas and Israel have rejected a two nation solution to the conflict.

The panel talks about President Obama being back from his Hawaii vacation.  The panel talks about the new stimulus package and with the bailout money.  What accountability?  Where is the loan money from the banks?

Regarding waste, fraud, and abuse, the panel points out that our governments have historically been inefficient when dealing with large programs and large sums of money.

The panel also talks about the inauguration coming up.  President Obama plans to mimic President Lincoln by arriving in Washington by train from Baltimore and by using Lincoln’s Bible when he is sworn in.

Finally, they discuss the spectacle of Governor Blagojevich’s appointment of Roland Burris to the US Senate.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to be taken to the Washington Post article by Charles Krauthammer on Gaza.