Good Politics Radio

Ambassador Byron Blake, Jamaican, is currently Senior Adviser to the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
He was twice responsible for the economic and environmental negotations for the Group of 77 and China (a negotiation group for 131 developing countries, members states of the United Nations).
His interests include regional integration, development economics, environmental issues as well as international trade and the role of business in national development.
As a former Assistant Secretary General of CARICOM, he maintains an avid interest in international negotiations especially for small countries. For more informatin on his work in CARICOM is http://caricom.org; and for the G-77 see http://G77.org (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Dick Patten of the American Family Business Association about how the estate or death tax is costing America jobs; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on why the public is growing skeptical of Obama’s health care plan. And, Col. Frank Ryan has an American Radio Journal commentary on how health care reform will limit your individual freedoms.

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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

On today’s Dialogue show Garland Nixon, Terry D Kester, and Mark Levine talk about President Obama’s first six months in office.

July 2, 2009 marks the 6 month mark since President Obama took office.  The three panelists have a dialogue about the successes and failures of the first 6 months of President Obama’s administration.

Mark Levine said that the President deserves a B+ to this point.  He says the President is hitting the ground running.  He had a huge hole, represented by the sagging economy, to dig out of.  Levine says that there have been some missteps and some areas where the administration and Congress haven’t moved as fast as expected.

Terry Kester said that he has hopes for President Obama but he is worried.  He said that the President has not led as strongly as needed.  Congress has bogged down trying to create change without strong leadership from President Obama.

Garland Nixon said that the President is trying to hit a home run the first time out, which is unrealistic.

Levine pointed out that the current health reform bills from the House and the Senate represent only the first round, not a finished product.  There are many rounds to come before a final bill is presented.

The panel had a lively discussion on these points and then took calls from the audience.  Audience members talked about health care and several other topics.

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

The panel talks about the health insurance reform measures before Congress.  They talk about the probability that legislation will not pass before the Congress resesses in August and the problem this creates for legislators who will hear plenty of discussion from constituents, both good and bad.  The panel has a good discussion of the single payer system.  The panel debates the administrative costs, which currently run 31%, vouchers, employer-based systems, fraud and waste, and the Wyden-Bennett plan.  The panel also talks about the Republicans and the Democrats who are opposing current legislation.

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 about the Wyden-Bennett healthcare bill.

Click here to read about physicians for a national healthcare reform.

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the impact of health insurance reform on businesses.  He refers to a new report released by the Council of Economic Advisors.

“I recently heard from a small business owner from New Jersey who wrote that he employs eight people and provides health insurance for all of them.  But his policy goes up at least 20 percent each year, and today, it costs almost $1,400 per family per month – his highest business expense besides his employees’ salaries.  He’s already had to let two of them go, and he may be forced to eliminate health insurance altogether.

He wrote, simply: “I am not looking for free health care, I would just like to get my premiums reduced enough to be able to afford it.”

Day after day, I hear from people just like him.  Workers worried they may lose their coverage if they become too sick, or lose their job, or change jobs.  Families who fear they may not be able to get insurance, or change insurance, if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition.  And small business owners trying to make a living and do right by the people they employ.

These are the mom and pop stores and restaurants, beauty shops and construction companies that support families and sustain communities.  They’re the tiny startups with big ideas, hoping to become the next Google or Apple or HP.  And, as shown in a new report released today by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, right now they are getting crushed by skyrocketing health care costs.

Because they lack the bargaining power that large businesses have and face higher administrative costs per person, small businesses pay up to 18 percent more for the very same health insurance plans – costs that eat into their profits and get passed on to their employees.

As a result, small businesses are much less likely to offer health insurance.  Those that do tend to have less generous plans.  In a recent survey, one third of small businesses reported cutting benefits.  Many have dropped coverage altogether.  And many have shed jobs, or shut their doors entirely.

This is unsustainable, it’s unacceptable, and it’s going to change when I sign health insurance reform into law. (more…)

Shakoor Manraj was born in Georgetown, Guyana, (formerly British Guyana) and received part of his education in Guyana. After earning the London University Matriculation Diploma, he then went on to Universities in the United States, England, France and Canada to pursue his studies in Law. He also holds the Diploma in International Jurisprudence and the B.A. (Hons), and LLB (Hons) Degrees.

He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple Law School in London, England, on 9th February, 1954. He developed a very successful practice in both the criminal and civil law jurisdictions. In 1969, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel by Her Majesty the Queen, for distinguished service to the legal profession.

During his 50 years, Shakoor has practiced in over 35 different jurisdictions in the various Caribbean Islands, Canada, Europe and Asia. He excelled as a criminal defence attorney and successfully defended 330 murder trials. He also appeared on several occasions before the Privy Council, the Highest Court of Appeal, in England. He has also practiced in Canada and the U.S.A., with great success. (more…)

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington.  She talked about the Republican plan to make health care more affordable and accessible.

“This is Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington state, vice-chair of the House Republican Conference.

Like millions of parents, the health of my young son is our family’s top priority. When he’s sick, my husband and I take him to the doctor and expect the doctor not to just do something, but to do the right thing to help our son get better.

This is the same philosophy I’ve brought to the ongoing health care debate in Washington, DC. Some politicians – including the President and Democratic leaders in Congress – are demanding that we do something to change our system.

I believe it’s much more important to do the right thing, which means reducing skyrocketing health care costs while protecting patients ability to choose the right treatments.

Unfortunately, the Democrats’ health care plan – crafted largely behind closed doors – isn’t the right thing.It’s a prescription for disaster – one that will put Washington bureaucrats in charge of your family’s personal medical decisions. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Kellyanne Conway of The Polling Company about the President’s loss of support for his policy agenda; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the politics of the health care debate; and Colin Hanna of Let Freedom Ring, USA has an American Radio Journal commentary on results of a campaign to get Congressmen to agree to read bills before voting on them.

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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.

On both land and sea, human activities are inflicting damage on a scale that may well be irreversible. Our future is imperiled by the heedless pursuit of energy and development to feed a civilization that has still to learn to conserve as well as consume. Two winners of the prestigious TED Prize examine our impacts and urge us to embrace a conservation ethic to return vitality and diversity.

Guests:
Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, Explorer in Residence, National Geographic Society
Edward Burtynsky, Photographer Toronto, Canada

(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: “When the Music’s Over” – The Doors – Rhino/Wea; “A United Earth I” – Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “Oceanic Part 2″ – Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale – Manhattan Records; “Dancers in the Land of Po” – Keola Beamer – Windham Hill Records; “Unspoken” – Katia Labeque – Unspeakable.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks about human rights issues in Venezuela.  He points out that some dictatorships in South America come disguised as democracies.

Levine’s guest on the program is Gonzalo Himiob Santome, an active human rights lawyer in Venezuela.  Himiob has been called a “traitor to the nation” by the Venezuelan government because of his investigations of human rights violations in the country.  Himiob is a criminal law professor, writer, and lecturer.

Levine and Himiob discuss the history of the democratic process in Venezuela since 1958.  Hugo Chavez, as leader of the Bolivarian Revolution, was elected in 1998 and reelected in 2006.  Levine points out that progressives originally cheered when Chavez came to power because it was believed that he would look out for the interests of poor people of his country.  Unfortunately human rights violations have been an issue throughout his presidency.

Levine asks many questions of Himiob in an effort to understand how Chavez can be acting like a dictator yet be democratically elected.  Himiob talks about the history and results of the Constitutional Assembly that Chavez called, which overturned the previous Constitution.

There was a recall election to take Chavez out of office but the recall election failed.  Two years later he was elected to a second term.  Himiob talks about how this happened.

You’ll enjoy this podcast as Levine and Himiob create clarity about how the current government of Venezuela came to be.

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.

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the urgency of passing health care reform.  He said that this opportunity may not be available again for decades.  He stressed that families and businesses urgently need this reform.

“Right now in Washington, our Senate and House of Representatives are both debating proposals for health insurance reform. Today, I want to speak with you about the stakes of this debate, for our people and for the future of our nation.

This is an issue that affects the health and financial well-being of every single American and the stability of our entire economy.

It’s about every family unable to keep up with soaring out of pocket costs and premiums rising three times faster than wages. Every worker afraid of losing health insurance if they lose their job, or change jobs. Everyone who’s worried that they may not be able to get insurance or change insurance if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition.

It’s about a woman in Colorado who told us that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her insurance company – the one she’d paid over $700 a month to – refused to pay for her treatment. She had to use up her retirement funds to save her own life.

It’s about a man from Maryland who sent us his story – a middle class college graduate whose health insurance expired when he changed jobs. During that time, he needed emergency surgery, and woke up $10,000 in debt – debt that has left him unable to save, buy a home, or make a career change.

It’s about every business forced to shut their doors, or shed jobs, or ship them overseas. It’s about state governments overwhelmed by Medicaid, federal budgets consumed by Medicare, and deficits piling higher year after year. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Ryan Shafik talks with former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum about the first week of the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings; Lowman Henry gets the Real Story from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the reasons why President Obama is pushing for a quick vote on health care reform; and Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College has an American Radio Journal commentary on Al Gore’s recent radical rhetoric on climate change.

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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.

Imagine living in a world where no one complains, criticizes, or gossips. It may sound impossible but Will Bowen, and those that donate their time to help him, have a vision that it is possible. Will is the founder of AComplaintFreeWorld.org and during this interview he explains how wearing a simple purple wrist band and taking the 21-day challenge can make a positive difference in a person’s quotient of happiness. Are you ready for the challenge?

The sponsor for this show is GoodPoliticsRadio.com, a communication revolution.

Post your comments and questions for Will at LifeStyleYak.Groupsites.com. Go to the discussion area and look for YakBak AComplaintFreeWorld. We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve already taken the 21-day challenge, let us know how you are doing and how it made a difference in your life!

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

Most of us feel powerless before the vast, unaccountable institutions that govern our lives; but, we may hold in our wallets and purses a power that, if properly applied, could transform the global economy. Harnessing the power of the purchase through buycotts as well as the more familiar boycotts could save ourselves and the planet.

Guests:
Alisa Gravitz, executive director, Co-op America
Gifford Pinchot, co-founder, Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Washington State
Betsy Taylor, founder, Center for a New American Dream; co-founder, 1Sky

Credits: Music in this program: open- “Doctone” by Branford Marsalis, Columbia; welcome- “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell with Youssou N’Dour; Putumayo World Music; break 1- “Doctone” by Branford Marsalis, Columbia; break 2- “#34” by the Dave Matthews Band, RCA; bottom of the hour billboard- “Trieste” by Branford Marsalis, Columbia; break 3- “Doctone” by Branford Marsalis, Columbia; close and credits- “#34” by the Dave Matthews Band, RCA.

Funding: The Merck Family Fund

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

“I have appreciated the opportunity to share with you some facets of my service to Guyana to the international community through my various vocations/interests. It has been a privilege and a source of pride to watch people like you, Muriel, and many others go out into the world through the portals of Bishops’ High school, have outstanding careers and make sterling contributions to society.

I hope that my presentation on the benefits of membership in the Olive Baden-Powell Society of the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) will be successful in encouraging Caribbean Girl Guide “alumnae” to seek more information and to consider either joining, or sponsoring someone from their country to join. Go to UnitedNationsYak.groupsite.com and leave a message or question for Carmen Jarvis or for more information go to: WesternWagggsWorld.  Thank you again.” (more…)

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia. He talked about the trillion dollar economic spending bill that was passed and which he explains is not working as planned.  He talked about the Republican proposals to get the economy going.

“Hello. I’m House Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I have the great privilege of representing the hardworking people of Virginia’s seventh district.

American families and small businesses today are struggling. Republicans have put forth thoughtful, serious and comprehensive plans of action that put jobs first. We offered an economic recovery plan that would have revitalized struggling small businesses and helped middle-class families by putting Americans back to work. Yet, the President, in tandem with Democrats in Congress, have pushed through a $787 billion dollar bill full of pork barrel spending, government waste, and massive borrowing cleverly called ‘stimulus.’

There is no doubt that our nation faces many challenges, but the plain truth is that President Obama’s economic decisions have not produced jobs, have not produced prosperity, and simply have not worked. President Obama has already asked you to borrow trillions of dollars, and so far nearly 3 million jobs have been lost alone this year.

Remember the promises? They promised you that if you paid for their stimulus, jobs would be created immediately. In fact, they said that unemployment would stay under eight percent. Yet just months later, they are telling us to brace for unemployment to climb over ten percent. They promised jobs created. Now they scramble to find a way to play games with government numbers by claiming jobs saved. (more…)

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the Recovery Act.  He explained how his proposals have helped to stop the free fall of the economy.  He talked about health reforms, energy reforms, and jobs creation.  He talked about specific examples.

“This week, we’ve made important progress toward the goal of bringing about change abroad and change at home.  During my visit to Russia, we began the process of resetting relations so that we can address key national priorities like the threat of nuclear weapons and extremism.  At the G8 summit, leaders from nearly thirty nations met to discuss how we will collectively confront the urgent challenges of our time, from managing the global recession to fighting global warming to addressing global hunger and poverty.  And in Ghana, I laid out my agenda for supporting democracy and development in Africa and around the world.

But even as we make progress on these challenges abroad, my thoughts are on the state of our economy at home.  And that’s what I want to talk to you about today.

We came into office facing the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression.  At the time, we were losing, on average 700,000 jobs a month.  And many feared that our financial system was on the verge of collapse. (more…)

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

Matt Miller and Robert Scheer have a discussion about the Democratic party while Tony and Arianna are on vacation.

They talk about the divisions within the Democratic party.  Both are worried about where the country is currently.  They spend much time on health care.  They agree that we need reforms to bring down the cost of health as a percent of GDP.  He likes the models of Holland and Switzerland.  Bob explains why we need a good public option.  He says that the best program we have is Medicare.  Matt likes the universal coverage offered by Massachusetts, modeled after Holland and Switzerland.  The two talk about other interesting ideas.

They also talk about the union influence on health care and education.  Again, more interesting ideas are exchanged.

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.

Carmen Jarvis: Member of the Olive Baden Powell Society. Part 1

“I have appreciated the opportunity to share with you some facets of my service to Guyana to the international community through my various vocations/interests. It has been a privilege and a source of pride to watch people like you, Muriel, and many others go out into the world through the portals of Bishops’ High school, have outstanding careers and make sterling contributions to society.
I hope that my presentation on the benefits of membership in the Olive Baden-Powell Society of the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) will be successful in encouraging Caribbean Girl Guide “alumnae” to seek more information and to consider either joining, or sponsoring someone from their country to join. Go to UnitedNationsYak.groupsite.com and leave a message or question for Carmen Jarvis or for more information go to: WesternWagggsWorld.

Thank you again.” (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal –Lowman Henry talks with Human Events political editor John Gizzi about the Sarah Palin resignation and the 2012 Presidential race; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story on President Obama’s plummeting job approval rating from Chris Chocola of the Club for Growth; and Col. Frank Ryan has an American Radio Journal commentary on why government should start treating taxpayers like customers.

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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.