Good Politics Radio

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Scott Gottleib of the American Enterprise Institute about the upcoming congressional debate on health care; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination; and Col. Frank Ryan, USMC (ret.) unveils ‘Ryan’s Rules’ for the economy on his American Radio Journal commentary.

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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.

Indigenous peoples, living closest to nature, feel the threat of climate change first. They have a potent message to deliver to the climate treaty negotiators meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009. The climate is changing the way they’ve lived forever, so they’re adapting in order to endure. Do the rest of us have the wisdom and ingenuity to change along with the changing climate?

Guests:
Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council
Gunn-Britt Retter, Head of the Arctic and Environmental Unit, Saami Council
Mike Williams, Chairman, Alaska Intertribal Council
Sarah James, Gwich’in tribal leader, Arctic Village, Alaska; winner, Goldman Environmental Prize
Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director, Indigenous Environmental Network
Shagire Shano Shale, Gamo elder and Ethiopian mountain pastoralist; Wolde Gossa Tadesse, interpreter(TCF)

(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

Music in this program: Open – “Caribou Skin Hut Dance” – Sarah James – Soundings of Planet; “A United Earth I” – Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “Hunter” – Bjork – Pid; “Caribou Skin Hut Dance” – Sarah James – Soundings of Planet; “Crazy Horse” – John Trudell – Reincarnate Music.

Funding: The Christensen Fund.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

To listen to this podcast click here.

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 speeches given this week by President Obama and former Vice President Cheney on national security.  They talk about being anti-torture is not a left vs. right issue.  They also talk about President Obama’s new stance on these issues and how they are similar to former President Bush’s.  The question is also asked whether Dick Cheney is getting back into politics.

The panel then talks about the budget crisis in California.  Voters this week voted against new taxes, leaving Governor Schwatzeneger the only option of cutting state spending on a wide range of programs.  Safety nets for the poor may be the first programs to be heavily cut.  Perhaps the state will get federal bailout money.  Turnout for the ballot measures was unusually light.  Perhaps the proliferation of ballot measures in California has made the state largely ungovernable.

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 this week.

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 Newt Gingrich’s article about California.

Click here to read the L.A. Times article about the proposed budget cuts.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Wyoming Senator John Barrasso.  The Senator talked about the nation’s energy policy and described the cap and trade legislation as “a new tax on American energy.”

Senator Barrasso said that he hopes Republicans and Democrats can work together on effective energy legislation.  He said, “As we approach this Memorial Day it is my hope that the Democrats can work with us to develop solutions to make our energy supply clean, affordable, and reliable.”

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the Memorial Day weekend.  He talked about the sacrifices of our military personnel and about the improvements in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  He called on Americans to remember and respect the memories of all military personnel.

“This Memorial Day weekend, Americans will gather on lawns and porches, fire up the grill, and enjoy the company of family, friends, and neighbors. But this is not only a time for celebration, it is also a time to reflect on what this holiday is all about; to pay tribute to our fallen heroes; and to remember the servicemen and women who cannot be with us this year because they are standing post far from home – in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world.

On Friday, I traveled to Annapolis, where I spoke at the Commencement of the United States Naval Academy. It was an honor to address some of America’s newest sailors and Marines as their Commander-in-Chief. Looking out at all of those young men and women, I was reminded of the extraordinary service that they are rendering to our country. And I was reminded, too, of all of the sacrifices that their parents, siblings, and loved ones make each day on their behalf and on our behalf.

Our fighting men and women – and the military families who love them – embody what is best in America. And we have a responsibility to serve all of them as well as they serve all of us. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Kelly Shackelford of the Liberty Legal Institute about efforts to save the Mojave Desert Memorial from the clutches of the ACLU; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Chris Chocola of the Club for Growth on the latest California voter tax revolt; And, Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College has an American Radio Journal commentary on how President Obama has duped the religious Left on abortion.

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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.

“These are extraordinary times for our country. We are confronting an historic economic crisis. We are fighting two wars. We face a range of challenges that will define the way that Americans will live in the 21st century. There is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear.

And we have begun to make progress. Just this week, we have taken steps to protect American consumers and homeowners, and to reform our system of government contracting so that we better protect our people while spending our money more wisely. The engines of our economy are slowly beginning to turn, and we are working toward historic reform of health care and energy. I welcome the hard work that has been done by the Congress on these and other issues.

In the midst of all these challenges, however, my single most important responsibility as President is to keep the American people safe. That is the first thing that I think about when I wake up in the morning. It is the last thing that I think about when I go to sleep at night.

This responsibility is only magnified in an era when an extremist ideology threatens our people, and technology gives a handful of terrorists the potential to do us great harm. We are less than eight years removed from the deadliest attack on American soil in our history. We know that al Qaeda is actively planning to attack us again. We know that this threat will be with us for a long time, and that we must use all elements of our power to defeat it. (more…)

“Thank you all very much, and Arthur, thank you for that introduction. It’s good to be back at AEI, where we have many friends. Lynne is one of your longtime scholars, and I’m looking forward to spending more time here myself as a returning trustee. What happened was, they were looking for a new member of the board of trustees, and they asked me to head up the search committee.

I first came to AEI after serving at the Pentagon, and departed only after a very interesting job offer came along. I had no expectation of returning to public life, but my career worked out a little differently. Those eight years as vice president were quite a journey, and during a time of big events and great decisions, I don’t think I missed much.

Being the first vice president who had also served as secretary of defense, naturally my duties tended toward national security. I focused on those challenges day to day, mostly free from the usual political distractions. I had the advantage of being a vice president content with the responsibilities I had, and going about my work with no higher ambition. Today, I’m an even freer man. Your kind invitation brings me here as a private citizen – a career in politics behind me, no elections to win or lose, and no favor to seek.

The responsibilities we carried belong to others now. And though I’m not here to speak for George W. Bush, I am certain that no one wishes the current administration more success in defending the country than we do. We understand the complexities of national security decisions. We understand the pressures that confront a president and his advisers. Above all, we know what is at stake. And though administrations and policies have changed, the stakes for America have not changed. (more…)

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks about several topics before talking with his special guest.

Levine begins the show by talking about the torture pictures that the Administration has said they will not reveal at this time.

Levine then talks about Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s remarks on waterboarding.  He presents her side of the issue and plays a recording of her explanation.

Levine also talks about President Obama’s visit to Notre Dame University.  Levine discusses his views on gay rights to marriage.

Levine welcomes guest Congressman Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania, a former 3 star Admiral.  They begin by talking about Afghanistan and Pakistan and the new focus there.  They also talk about the economy and about seeing credit slowly flow back into the economy.  Lastly, they talk about Senator Arlen Specter and whether Congressman Sestak might run against him in the primaries.

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.

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 controversy surrounding Speaker Pelosi’s charge that she was misled on waterboarding.  The panel talks about whether there are questions about the Speaker’s credibility.

The panel then talks about President Obama’s new stance regarding some of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay.  The panel talks about whether military tribunals are right or wrong.

They next talk briefly about some of the financial reforms regarding credit cards, derivatives, and executive compensation.

Finally, the panel talks about upcoming health care reform.

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 Washington Post article about Speaker Pelosi’s comments on waterboarding.

Click here to read Robert Scheer’s commentary on Speaker Pelosi as an enabler.

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

The first advice given in response to any health emergency such as SARS, swine flu, etc., is to stay home if you feel yourself getting sick. But half of all working Americans can’t afford to miss work. Most work in low wage jobs where close interaction with others is constant and unavoidable. 127 countries provide at least a week of paid sick days a year – but not the United States.

Guests:
Ellen Bravo, Coordinator Family Values at Work
Rachna Choudry, Manager of Policy and Advocacy, National Partnership for Women and Children
Dr. Heidi Hartman, President, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Sherry Johnson, laid off from work for taking sick leave
Linda Meric, Executive Director, 9to5, National Association of Working Women
Saybah Russ, Member, Young Workers United
Kevin Westlye, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association

(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
Location Engineers: Nathan West, Steven Short
Music in this program:Open – “Purple Raga” – Matthew Montford – Ancient Future; “A United Earth I” – Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “I’m So Tired” – The Beatles – Capitol; “Going Down The Road Feeling Bad” – Taj Mahal, Etta Baker – Music Maker; “Summertime Blues” – Eddie Cochran – Curb Records.

Funding: The Fairness Initiative on Low-Wage Work.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

To listen to this podcast click here.

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about two main topics.  First he talked about the teamwork he has seen in working toward solutions for clean energy.  He also talked about the progress on health care reform.

“Good morning. Over the past few months, as we have put in place a plan to speed our economic recovery, I have spoken repeatedly of the need to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity; a foundation that will support good jobs and rising incomes; a foundation for economic growth where we no longer rely on excessive debt and reckless risk – but instead on skilled workers and sound investments to lead the world in the industries of the 21st century.

Two pillars of this new foundation are clean energy and health care. And while there remains a great deal of difficult work ahead, I am heartened by what we have seen these past few days: a willingness of those with different points of view and disparate interests to come together around common goals – to embrace a shared sense of responsibility and make historic progress.

Chairman Henry Waxman and members of the Energy and Commerce Committee brought together stakeholders from all corners of the country – and every sector of our economy – to reach an historic agreement on comprehensive energy legislation.  It’s another promising sign of progress, as longtime opponents are sitting together, at the same table, to help solve one of America’s most serious challenges. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Curt Levey of the Committee for Justice about the upcoming nomination for Supreme Court Justice; Ryan Shafik interviews former Congressman Chris Chocola, the new President of the Club for Growth; And Colin Hanna of Let Freedom Ring, USA has an American Radio Journal commentary on the eroding pillars of our liberty.

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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 cohosts the Washington D.C. show, Dialogue,  with Terry Kester and Garland Nixon.

Today’s show is about the banks and the mortgage bill in Congress.

The panel is critical about the behavior of the banks lately.  Kester makes the comment that we are now a “nation of the banks, by the banks, and for the banks.”

The panel proposes that if every mortgage loan that is in danger of foreclosure by a bank would be modified, that the economy would benefit greatly.  The loans could be modified with benefit to the loan holder but without detriment to the bank.

The panel answers several questions from callers.

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.

Ambassador Cheick Sidi Diarra of Mali was appointed in 2007 to the position of Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs and Small Island Developing States (SIDs). He has over 25 years of professional experience in international relations, law and development. He has been an active advocate for the cause of Africa, the least developed countries and landlocked developing countries as his country uniquely represents two of these three groups of countries. Mr. Diarra obtained masters degrees in international public law and international relations from Dakar University in Senegal. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Michael Farris, Chancellor of Patrick Henry College about implications of a treaty adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; Andy Roth of the Club for Growth has the real story on U.S. Senate races in Pennsylvania, Florida and Missouri; and Col. Frank Ryan, USMC (Ret.) has an American Radio Journal commentary on right wing extremists and the Department of Homeland Security.

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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.

The outbreak of potential pandemics has driven home the urgent need for more rapid responses to public health threats. In order to respond more effectively, we need to create a more open system for the exchange of vital health information. Medical and scientific research pioneers are laying the foundation for a global health commons to accelerate the pace and effectiveness of crucial discoveries.

Guests:
Marty Tenenbaum, Chairman and Chief Scientist, CollabRx
Joint Interview with Gavin Yamey, Senior Editor PLoS Medicine, Public Library of Science, and Peter Jerram, Chief Executive Officer, Public Library of Science

(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 Engineers: Scott Cutty, Craig Sherod

Music in this program: Open – “Afterglow” – Aaron Parks – Blue Note; “A United Earth I” – Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “Weird Science” – Oingo Boingo – MCA; “Them Bones” – Eddie Kirk – Rhino Atlantic; “She Blinded Me With Science” – Thomas Dolby – Capitol.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

To listen to this podcast click here.

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 news that David Souter will be retiring from the Supreme Court.  Is this a big deal?  A chance to place a liberal woman on the Court?  Demographics seem to be the most important criteria.

The panel then talks about Senator Arlen Specter changing from the Republican party to the Democratic party for the purposes of running for re-election.  This should make filibusters less likely.  The move may also solidify the Republican party, making it more conservative.

The panel also talks about the bankruptcy of Chrysler.  Hedge funds and credi cards are also talked about in regards to the difficult economic situations.

The panel lastly talks briefly about the swine flu pandemic and about President Obama’s first 100 days.

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.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Kansas Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins.  She criticized President Obama’s first 100 days as “spending, taxing, borrowing.”

Among her comments:

“While, like most of you, I like the President personally, I think the Democrats’ first 100 days running Washington can be summed up in three words: spending, taxing, and borrowing.”

“The plans they’ve passed in the first 100 days will add more to our nation’s public debt than all previous presidents combined in 200-plus years.”

“They’ve taken away President Obama’s promised middle-class tax cut and paved the way for a new national energy tax to be paid by every American who dares to flip on a light switch.”

“This bill was supposed to be about jobs, but it’s gone off the rails in practically no time at all.”

“It’s quickly turning into a symbol of everything wrong with Washington, D.C. — unchecked spending, no accountability and oversight.”

“Middle-class families and small businesses across America are tightening their belts and making sacrifices each and every day during this recession, and Republicans believe that it’s time for Washington to do the same.”

“We offered a budget that curbs spending, creates jobs by cutting taxes, and controls the debt.  We’ve also offered proposals to help rebuild your savings, revitalize the housing market, and create twice as many jobs as the Democrats ‘stimulus’ at half the cost.”

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the steps that the administration is taking to battle the swine flu, also called H1N1 flu virus, outbreak.  He outlines 5 steps that have been taken.

“Over the last week, my administration has taken several precautions to address the challenge posed by the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.  Today, I’d like to take a few minutes to explain why.

This is a new strain of the flu virus, and because we haven’t developed an immunity to it, it has more potential to cause us harm.  Unlike the various strains of animal flu that have emerged in the past, it’s a flu that is spreading from human to human.  This creates the potential for a pandemic, which is why we are acting quickly and aggressively.

This H1N1 flu has had its biggest impact in Mexico, where it has claimed a number of lives and infected hundreds more.  Thus far, the strain in this country that has infected people in at least nineteen states has not been as potent or as deadly.  We cannot know for certain why that is, which is why we are taking all necessary precautions in the event that the virus does turn into something worse.  (more…)