On his weekly radio address to the nation, President Obama called on Congress to stop handing oil companies $4 billion annually in taxpayer subsidies. America’s oil production last year reached its highest level since 2003, but we need to invest in the energy of the future, instead of subsidizing the energy of the past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIc83PWSBF4

“After the worst recession since the Great Depression, our economy is growing again, and we’ve gained almost 2 million private sector jobs over the last 13 months. But I also know that a lot of folks aren’t feeling as positive as some of those statistics might suggest. It’s still too hard to find a job. And even if you have a job, chances are you’re having a tougher time paying the rising costs of everything from groceries to gas. In some places, gas is now more than $4 a gallon, meaning that you could be paying upwards of $50 or $60 to fill up your tank.

Of course, while rising gas prices mean real pain for our families at the pump, they also mean bigger profits for oil companies. This week, the largest oil companies announced that they’d made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 – up about 30 percent from last year.

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The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by James Lankford or Oklahoma. He talked about ways the U.S. could expand energy production, reduce costs, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and create more jobs for Americans.

“Hello, my name is James Lankford, and I’m a freshman member of Congress, working for the people of Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District.

“When I listen to my constituents about the challenges they face, skyrocketing cost of gasoline is at the top of the list. Prices at the pump have nearly doubled since President Obama took office, making everyday life like driving to work, buying groceries, picking up kids at school and visiting family more expensive.

Even worse, the rising price of fuel is costing jobs and hurting our economy. Higher energy prices hit virtually every American product and industry, making it more expensive to manufacture products, more expensive to ship goods, and more expensive for farmers and ranchers. In fact, higher energy costs make everything made in the USA more expensive, and send more good-paying jobs overseas.

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White House Week in Review

This week, the President celebrated Easter, worked on short term and long term ways to get away from high gas prices, pledged support for Alabama and other states in the South hit by devastating storms and announced new key members of his National Security team.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, the first announced Republican Presidential candidate, about his campaign; Andy Roth of the Club for Growth has the Real Story on the race to replace U.S. Senator John Ensign (R-Nevada) who resigned this past week; And, Col. Frank Ryan, USMC (Ret.) has an American Radio Journal commentary on eliminating the U.S. Department of Education.

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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 is hosting the Leslie Marshall Show.

Mark uses the show to pick apart Congressman Paul Ryan’s proposed federal budget.

Mark talks about Ryan’s plan, compares and contrasts it with the President’s plan, and takes questions from live 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.

On his weekly radio address to the nation, President Obama laid out his plans to address rising gas prices over the short and the long term.  While there is no silver bullet to bring down prices right away, there are a few things we can do.  This week, the Attorney General launched a task force dedicated to rooting out fraud or manipulations in the oil markets.  The President called for finally ending the $4 billion in taxpayer money that the oil and gas companies receive annually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5nPCaKPKyk

“This is a time of year when people get together with family and friends to observe Passover and to celebrate Easter.  It’s a chance to give thanks for our blessings and reaffirm our faith, while spending time with the people we love.  We all know how important that is – especially in hard times.  And that’s what a lot of people are facing these days.

Even though the economy is growing again and we’ve seen businesses adding jobs over the past year, many are still looking for work. And even if you haven’t faced a job loss, it’s still not easy out there.  Your paycheck isn’t getting bigger, while the cost of everything from college for your kids to gas for your car keeps rising.  That’s something on a lot of people’s minds right now, with gas prices at $4 a gallon.  It’s just another burden when things were already pretty tough.

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The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. He talked about the nation’s growing debt and the role that it plays in job creation.  He said that government needs to get out of the way so that small businesses can grow.

“Hello, I’m Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska.

“With debate in Washington focused on how best to address our nation’s growing debt, it’s important to remember the role it plays in our critical priority of job creation.

Policymakers tend to toss out the term ‘job creation’ very broadly, it’s a very popular talking point. But what does it mean to create jobs?
The claim is often made that new federal policies will create jobs and paychecks for Americans.

The idea of government creating jobs, well, it simply misses the point entirely. That’s just not how we get our economic engine firing on all cylinders.

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White House Week in Review

This week, President Obama held townhall meetings in Northern Virginia, California, and Nevada, to speak directly to the American people about his vision for reducing our debt and bringing down our deficit based on the values of shared responsibility and shared prosperity.

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

On this show the panelists talk about two main topics rather than the specific current events.

The first topic they talk about is the impact of multinational corporations and their impact on American workers and the American economy.  GE comes to mind here.

Secondly, the panel talks about the role of religion in American politics.  Especially, how does it apply to the Republican presidential selection process?

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.  Ed Kilgore is sitting in for Arianna today.

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.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Congressman Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) of the House Budget Committee about the potential downgrading of the U.S. credit rating by Standard & Poors; Andy Roth of the Club for Growth has the Real Story on the potential Presidential candidacy of Donald Trump; And, Dr. Paul Kengor of the Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College has an American Radio Journal commentary on the Democrat’s Holy Grail.

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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.

As our savings plummet and our debts soar, many of us are starting to wonder not only when we’ll get back on track, but whether the track we’ve been on all these years is the right one to follow. Author, economist and former labor secretary Robert Reich asserts that rather than resuscitate an unjust and unsustainable economy, we should reinvent it to meet a wider range of needs and possibilities.

Guests:
Robert Reich

(Please click on the guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Matt Fidler, Naihma Deady
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Field Engineer: Milt Wallace
Music in this program: Open – “The Far, Lonely Cry of Trains” by Robbie Robertson – Hip-O Select; “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “El Barzon” by Eddy Lawrence; “Edge of America” by Annie Humphrey – Makoche Records; “Working on a Dream” by Bruce Springsteen – Columbia Records.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

On his weekly radio address to the nation, President Obama said that to restore fiscal responsibility, we all need to share in the sacrifice – but we don’t have to sacrifice the America we believe in. Earlier this week, the President proposed a balanced approach to cut the deficit, which matches the $4 trillion in deficit reduction put forward by House Republicans’ plan.  The President’s proposal does this by combing the entire budget for savings and asking everyone to do their part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88QAcmcxMxU

“This week, I laid out my plan for our fiscal future.  It’s a balanced plan that reduces spending and brings down the deficit, putting America back on track toward paying down our debt.

We know why this challenge is so critical.  If we don’t act, a rising tide of borrowing will damage our economy, costing us jobs and risking our future prosperity by sticking our children with the bill.

At the same time, we have to take a balanced approach to reducing our deficit – an approach that protects the middle class, our commitments to seniors, and job-creating investments in things like education and clean energy.  What’s required is an approach that draws support from both parties, and one that’s based on the values of shared responsibility and shared prosperity.

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White House Week in Review

This week, with the threat of a government shutdown averted, President Obama focused on fiscal responsibility and balancing the need to cut spending and the deficit while continuing to support education, clean energy, and other investments needed to win the future. The Amir of Qatar also visited the White House.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma.  He talked about the recent spending cuts legislation and how this represents a significant shift in the culture in Congress.  He talked about ways to fix other problems.

“Hello. I’m doctor, and U.S. Senator, Tom Coburn from Oklahoma.

“This was a historic week in Washington. For the first time in more than 15 years, Congress, under leadership of the House Republicans, is making significant spending cuts. While these cuts aren’t nearly enough, the American people should be encouraged. You have fundamentally changed the debate in Washington. Instead of increasing spending, Congress is now cutting spending. That is a monumental shift for Washington.

“Republicans have also changed the culture of Congress. Earmarks like the Bridge to Nowhere and the Woodstock Museum are a thing of the past. Just five years ago, Congress passed 14,000 pork projects worth $29 billion. This year, we’re on pace to have zero earmarks.

“These changes could not have come soon enough. Our nation is facing a $14.3 trillion national debt that our own military leaders call the greatest threat to our national security. In these challenging times, we need real leadership to bring us together. As Americans, there is not a problem that we can’t solve if we are together. And unfortunately, in his speech this week on the deficit, President Obama took us three steps backwards.

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Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine is on Battle Lines with host Alan Nathan.

Here is Mark Levine’s short summary of tonight’s podcast:  “I debate “Battle Line” host Alan Nathan on whether or not the 911 trials should be conducted in civilian trials in the USA or military tribunals in Guantanamo Bay.

The exact quote I referred to is in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution:
The Privilege of the Write of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”

Even if you believe the September 11th attacks to have been an “Invasion,” I don’t know anyone who honestly believes “the public Safety . . . requires” that anyone be tried at Guanatamo Bay.

I think our Constitution is good enough and New York City is tough enough to handle a trial.”

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.

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

Species of both plants and animals are dying out at unprecedented rates.   Overpopulation, industrialization, and mono-cropping are stressing the world’s food supply.  Now radical shifts in climate change could conceivably trigger ecological and economic collapse.  Today we’ll hear from specialists worldwide in the new science of agro-biodiversity who are combining the best of both ancient and organic agriculture and using cacao’s charismatic attraction to inspire the replanting of tropical rainforests, stabilize the climate, raise incomes for farmers, and improve human health.

This program is funded by The Christensen Fund.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to this podcast.

White House Week in Review

This week, President Obama focused on securing our nation’s clean energy future, making stops at facilities in Maryland and Pennsylvania. He also met with Congressional leadership, hoping to avoid a government shutdown in the face of budget disagreements. The President also kept his eye on foreign policy, discussing developments in the Middle East with Israeli President Shimon Peres, and hemispheric concerns with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

On his weekly radio address to the nation, President Obama discussed the importance of the bipartisan budget agreement that represents both a significant investment in the United States’ future – and the largest annual spending cut in our history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9ZCgfypZw

“Last night, after weeks of long and difficult negotiations over our national budget, leaders of both parties came together to avert a government shutdown, cut spending, and invest in our future.

This is good news for the American people.  It means that small businesses can get the loans they need, our families can get the mortgages they applied for, folks can visit our national parks and museums, and hundreds of thousands of Americans will get their paychecks on time – including our brave men and women in uniform.

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The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. He highlighted the Path to Prosperity, the Republican budget that would spur private-sector job growth, stop Washington from spending money it doesn’t have, and lift the crushing burden of debt that threatens our future. Ryan also highlighted the bipartisan agreement reached this week on the largest spending cut in history – “good news for job creators in America.” Following is the full text of the address.

“Hello. I’m Congressman Paul Ryan from Janesville, Wisconsin – and Chairman here at the House Budget Committee.

“It’s no secret our government has a spending problem – and the problem has gotten so bad it’s threatening our future and hurting our nation’s ability to create jobs.
Republicans made a pledge that we would work to change this if given the opportunity to lead. Since January, we’ve been urging President Obama to listen to the people and work with us to reduce spending. The president started this year by proposing a freeze that would make no cuts at all. But now bipartisan legislation is in sight to enact the largest spending cut in American history.

“This is good news for job creators in America – but much more has to be done to put our nation on a true path to prosperity. Earlier this week, the House Budget Committee advanced a new budget for the United States government that will move the debate in Washington from billions in spending cuts to trillions.

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This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Jack Spencer of the Heritage Foundation about the future of America’s nuclear power industry; Andy Roth has the Real Story on the proposed Balanced Budget Amendment; And, Col. Frank Ryan, USMC (Ret.) has an American Radio Journal commentary on the end of decency.

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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.