American Viewpoints

Professor Mark David Hall breaks down the debate over the term "Christian Nationalism" and offers his definition of what that is. The term is generally used against conservative politics and activsm when those involved are Christians, although some on the Right embrace the term. Hall discusses whether that is a fair description and why understanding this part of conservatism in America is important. https://www.markdavidhall.org/

Filmmaker Meg Smaker's new documentary, Jihad Rehab,is both praised as a provocative look into the lives and circumstances of former Guantanamo terrorism suspects/detainees and panned because, among other reasons, Smaker is white. Some critics argue that her background and what they call a lack of representation among the ducumentary team are among the reasons they called for the film to be withdrawn from film festivals and not shown in other settings. In this discussion, t Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism's Angel Educardo argues that the content of the film should the be only thing used to judge it. https://www.fairforall.org/

In a recent article, Eric Cervone explains why some members of Congress are pushing back against the practice of law enforcement agencies buying location tracking data from cell phone providers. The information can provide locations of where someone has been (or possibly is) without a warrant. The discussion looks at the conflict between privacy rights and the extent of police surveillance and information gathering on any person. Read his article here: https://www.theblaze.com/news/senators-seeking-to-reign-in-law-enforcements-cell-phone-tracking-abilities

The Pacific Legal Foundation filed a federal lawsuit agains the Biden Administration's program to forgive billions of dollars' worth of student loan debt, potentially affecting millions of borrowers. PLF's Alison Somin explains why they and their client chose to challenge the program and she describes their legal strategy. Somin says PCF isn't challenging the policy goal per se but rather the way the policy was implemented, arguing that it it unconstitutional and sets a precedent for Executive Branch overreach.

Laura Zorc from the FreedomWorks explains the process being used to update Title IX regulations on both K-12 and higher education. She explains why her organization and many other conservative ones, oppose the changes. The Biden Administration is proposing new rules that would, among other things, add gender identity to protected classes, affecting several aspects of education.

Mike O'Neil from the Landmark Legal Foundation argues that the American Federation of Teachers is likely violating tax laws by claiming on their tax returns that they do not engange in political activities. Similar unions that conduct similar operations on behalf of candidates file their tax returns differently and disclose that they are politically active. O'Neil says the AFT's way of completing the tax forms could be saving them a significant amount of money because, otherwise, they would have to pay some taxes on funds raised and used for political activity.

Competitive Enterprise Institute analyst Ryan Young explains how the Federal Researve's decision to raise the interest rate again affects many Americans' budgets. He also looks ahead to the next (likely) interest rate hike and offers some observations on how Congress could help alleviate some of the effect being felt by businesses and familes around the nation.

The debate over public education policy and content has, of course, intensified over the past couple of years as parents around the country found controversial materials about race, politics, and sex/gender. Heritage Foundation Vice President of Communications Rob Bluey, who is also the Executive Editor ofThe Daily Signal, discusses the role education could have in themid term elections. In addition to the content itself, Bluey also addresses the reaction to parents' growing activism with local school boards.

The Family Research Center's Director of their Center For Family Studies, Dr. Jennifer Bauwens, details a bill passed by the California State Assembly that allows the state government to take custody of minors seeking what some call "gender affirming care". If/when the state takes custody of the minors, government approval could be granted for hormonal and even potentially surgical transgender treatments even if the child's parents disagree and object. Governor Gavin Newsome has until September 30th to sign or veto the bill. More information about the bill and opposition to it can be found here: https://washingtonstand.com/news/california-passes-bill-to-strip-custody-from-parents-of-minors-seeking-trans-surgeries And here: https://www.californiafamily.org/2022/08/victory-and-defeat-for-parental-rights-in-sacramento/

Andrew Beckwith from the Massachussets Family Institute describes the frustration his organization and other pro life groups have with some in the criminal justice system and with some politicians and other policy makers. MFI, along with First Liberty, is asking the state's Attorney General to both stop opposing their work and put effort into investigating and prosecuting the recent attacks on pregnancy resource centers in the state. The attacks in Massachusetts and across the country range from vandalism with threatening messages to firebombs thrown into buildings. Learn more: https://www.mafamily.org/2022/09/12/civil-rights-protections-of-pregnancy-resource-centers/ * Image courtesy of the Massachusetts Family Institute.

Bankrate.com senior analyst Mark Hamrick responds to the latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) report showing a slight increase in inflation for the month of August. That report surprised many analysts and policymakers. Hamrick discusses the cause, assesses the current state of the economy, and offers advice on what to consider when making financial decisions for your household.

Jason Snead, Executive Director of the Honest Elections Project, gives an overview of the trends and proposals that he says could undermine the accuracy and integrity of our voting process. Among those are proposed legislation to essentially put all elections under federal oversight, expansion of drop off ballot boxes outside of polling places, increased mail in voting, and a lack of a photo ID requirement in many areas. Learn more at https://www.honestelections.org/

Pastor Stephen Mannion explains why a growing coalition of churches is signing on to the Acts 5:29 Statement, which pledges to continue religious services/worship if governments order shutdowns in the future. The statement and coalition is in response to the recent government orders around the country that, under the guise of protecting public health, demanded that houses of worship not hold in-person services. Learn more at https://acts529.com/

David Maulsby, Executive Director of the PTSD Foundation of America, discusses the reasons many veterans struggle with the challenge and the importance of providing resources for them. The resources the Foundation offers include Camp Hope in Texas, which offers couseling and housing. The organization is non profit, not a government program. Learn more at PTSDUSA.org

Bankrate.com's Cate Deventer explains the link between the current inflation we're all dealing with and your insurance. In short, the increasing cost to replace what you have insured and the dollar limits on your policy could leave your family in a bad position if something bad happens.

Institute For Justice lawyer Josh Windham describes two similar cases that involve law enforcement (conservation agents, in this case) going on to privaye property for patrol purposes. In one case, the agents st up cameras on the private property without any warrants involved. Windham explains why IJ, on Fourth Amendment grounds, got involved and sued the state.

Note: this segment was originally broadcast in July of 2021 Americans For Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist offers his thoughts on proposed changes to the US tax code by the Biden Administration. He also explains the economics of changing tax rates.

Tina Meier from the Megan Meier Foundation provides information for parents regarding cyber bullying and sexual predators who use the internet to harm their victims. Tina’s daughter, Megan, was one of the first known victims of cyber bullying and took her own life after ongoing harassment online. The discussion offers advice for parents and others involved in the lives of children, teens, and young adults.

Amy Vandevelte from the Oasis Foundation discusses their free and low cost educational materials for adults, specifically senior adults. The goal is to provide programs to teach life skills (operating current technology, health education, etc) and more traditional courses for continuing education. The focus is to provide learning material for improve healthy aging.

Note: this was originally broadcast in July of 2021 Rick Manning from Americans For Limited Government discusses the inflation that is happening throughout the nation. He assesses the basic data, discusses the causes, and explains the real effect the increasing prices are having on most people.

Charles Murray from the Competitive Enterprise Institute discusses his new controversial book, Facing Reality: Two Truths About Race In America. The work examines disparities in outcomes of economic, educational, safety and crime, and health measurements between and among racial groups.

Chris Arps, Project 21 member and NewsMax News contributor, discusses why it’s difficult for many people to discuss matters involving race. And why some people don/t want controversial opinions expressed or heard. Arps promotes an academic freedom and free speech approach to controversies. (part 2 of 2)

Chris Arps, Project 21 member and NewsMax News contributor, discusses why it’s difficult for many people to discuss matters involving race. And why some people don't want controversial opinions expressed or heard. Arps promotes an academic freedom and free speech approach to controversies.

Corey DeAngelis, education choice advocate, discusses the politics of labor unions in public education. Teacher union activism opposes most or all proposals to expand school choice. DeAngelis argues for expanded school choice, especially following the year (or more) of schools being online-only in response to the COVID shutdowns.

Melissa Venable from BestColleges.com provides information on a survey that says Americans are shifting their thinking on the importance of a traditional college education. The survey shows more interest in community colleges, trade schools, internships and apprenticeships, and directly entering the workforce and less in a traditional four-year degree program.

Townhall.com Managing Editor Spencer Brown reports on inflation that’s affecting prices of common needs that are particularly important when travelling. The price increases affect fuel, food, and typical household needs. Brown also discusses some of the fiscal and energy policies that are effecting the prices in question, including government payments to discourage people from working. Original air date: July, 2021

Bankrate.com’s Greg McBride discusses new research that shows how Americans are changing our savings and investment strategies. Increasingly, real estate is being purchased as an investment strategy. Cash is also being relied on more often. Last year, stock market investing was the most popular strategy. McBride presents the strengths and possible weaknesses of different personal savings options.

Jacob Sullem from Reason Magazine discusses the CDC’s eviction moratorium order that bans most evictions in the US. Sullem explains the law that the CDC is using to claim the authority to issue the order and the possible results and unintended effects of it.

Scott Shepard from the Free Enterprise Project argues that social media and technology/web companies (including Twitter, Facebook, Google, etc) violate the First Amendment rights of people when they coordinate with government to decide which opinions and news may be posted online. The conversation focuses on social media's blocking of opinions and references to the origins of COVID-19.

Edward Long from the American Consumer Institute explains the push for more regulation on "Big Tech", specifically regarding the tracking and promotion of some products over others online. The conversation informs about the links between search engines, web services, social media, digital tracking of consumers, and proposals by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D) and Josh Hawley (R) to regulate the companies via antitrust reforms.

Crime Prevention Research Center President John Lott responds to President Biden's call for more gun control laws across the nation. The President made an address focused on violent crime in America's major urban areas, saying part of the problem is guns being brought in from outside areas with strict gun control ordinances or laws. Lott argues that more laws are both ineffective and add to the danger many urban community residents (where violent crime rates tend to be higher) face.

Crime Prevention Research Center President John Lott responds to President Biden's call for more gun control laws across the nation. The President made an address focused on violent crime in America's major urban areas, saying part of the problem is guns being brought in from outside areas with strict gun control ordinances or laws. Lott argues that more laws are both ineffective and add to the danger many urban community residents (where violent crime rates tend to be higher) face.

Lindsey Burke from the Heritage Foundation discusses the increasing conflict about K-12 curriculum and the ideologies public schools are accused of pushing in the classroom. Burke is the Director of Heritage’s Center For Education Policy. The conversation includes the results of a survey of both parents and teachers about ideological activism in schools.

Art Sackler, who represents the Coalition For A 21st Century Postal Service, explains why they are pushing for both reforms and more financial support to benefit the US Postal Service, which currently loses massive amounts of money each year. Sackler argues that the USPS is essential to the nation’s economy despite the presence of private sector competition.

Increasingly, businesses are bringing their employees back into the office. Still, one pandemic-influenced change is likely to remain: virtual meetings. Whether that’s due to more hybrid, work-from-home schedules or some other reason, Zoom meetings are probably here to stay. Andres Lares from the Shapiro Negotiations Institute provides advice on how to avoid “Zoom fatigue” and get the most productivity from online meetings.

ConsumerAffairs.com’s Mark Huffman explains what happened in a recent hack that acquired millions of logins and passwords from a variety of online platforms worldwide. More importantly, Huffman explains the risk this poses to everyone when it comes to possible identity theft and risk to personal finances. He also offers advice on how to secure any accounts that may be compromised.

Erica Komisar, a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst, discusses the declining birth rate in the United States. She discusses some of the possible economic and social effects if that continues. While Komisar considers herself a feminist, she argues that feminism and a prevailing “me first” attitude are contributing to the disparaging of motherhood in our culture. Erica Komisar is the author of Being There: Why Prioritizing In The First Three Years Matters.

A recent US Supreme Court ruling reinforced limits on many immigrants who entered the country illegally. Christopher Hajac from the Immigration Reform Law Institute explains the decision and the implications it has on other illegal immigrants.

The R Street Institute’s Tatiana Bolton explains how hackers disrupted a data system in the US House of Representatives. She also discusses the damage this, and other, kinds of hacking could pose to government, businesses, and individuals. She also offers basic advice to protect personal and financial information online.

Guy Bentley from the Reason Foundation critiques laws and other regulations that are designed to prevent smoking and vaping, particularly among young people. Among the aspects of the discussion are the costs to public health, public monies, and unintended consequences of the rules.

Huntington College history professor Marcus Witcher discusses the shift in political and cultural thinking within America’s conservative moment. Witcher is a co-editor of the new book, Conversations On Conservatism, which presents various speeches delivered at the Philadelphia Society.

Nick Proctor from the US Public Interest Research Group explains their “Right To Repair” campaign. That effort addresses an increasing number of products that lock owners out of the technology needed to repair them. These products range from phones to farm equipment. The blocks, often software-based, limit owners to only repair services provided by the manufacturer or those specifically allowed by the manufacturer. Proctor argues that consumers should be allowed access to repair the items themselves or go to any repair provider they want. The “Right To Repair” proposal would require manufacturers to open up some of their technology to allow more competition in the repair market.

Davis Soderberg from the Free Enterprise Project (part of the National Center For Public Policy Research) discusses his oped, “Hard Work, Competition, and Self-Reliance: Martyrs In The Quest For Equity. Davis argues that laws, policies, and other programs created with the stated goals of achieving equity in the US are, instead, causing more reliance on government and less reliance on a strong work ethic at the personal level. https://nationalcenter.org/ncppr/2021/05/31/hard-work-competition-and-self-reliance-martyrs-in-the-quest-for-equity/

Zinberg assesses those claims and the accusations against Dr. Anthony Fauci after thousands of his emails were released due to a Freedom Of Information Act request. The conversation also includes the politicization of the virus, possibly at the expense of people’s health. Dr. Zinberg also discusses the slowing number of new vaccinations around the country and explains why he does not feel that should be a cause for alarm. https://cei.org/opeds_articles/following-the-politics-not-the-science/ https://cei.org/opeds_articles/vaccine-slowdown-isnt-cause-for-alarm/

Gretchen Smith, founder of Code Of Vets, describes their mission and how they quickly meet financial needs of veterans in crisis. The situations COV helps alleviate range from simple needs, like car repairs to help a vet get to work or groceries for unemployed vets, to more complex situations like housing needs and help with medical bills. Smith explains how the requests are vetted, how the money is raised through social media crowd sourcing, and how the funds are sent. COV provides documentation of each expense covered.

Citizens Against Government Waste Vice President of Government Affairs Deborah Collier discusses the increasing ownership governments at different levels are taking over internet access. CAGW argues that consumers are best served when governments own as little of the broadband market as possible and private sector providers own as much as possible. The conversation includes economic development, security, consumer protection, and education.

Melanie Lieberman, Senior Travel Editor for ThePointsGuy.com, provides advice for those who plan to travel over the summer. Among the considerations she urges people to consider is the rising cost of oil and, as a result, higher gas prices. Lieberman also gives tips on finding less expensive vacations and areas that may not be as crowded now that travel is resuming at near normal levels.

Glenn Roper from the Pacific Legal Foundation represents a Florida farmer who is suing the Biden Administration, claiming racial discrimination. The farmer, Scott Wynn, accepted a loan from the American Rescue Plan. He is required to repay the loan although farmers who are racial minorities are now – their loans are forgivable. Wynn is white. Roper argues that the difference in forgivable vs not forgivable loans based on the race of the recipient in unconstitutional.

Jonathan Bydlak, Director of the Governance program at the R Street Institute, assesses the proposal to create a January 6th Commission to investigate the causes and actions of the riots at the US Capitol on that date. Bydlak supports the idea and explains why he thinks it can be done without politics interfering in an investigation. * Image from the FBI

Retired Seattle Police officer Steve Pomper, now with the National Police Association, discusses his new book, The Obama Gang: How Barak Obama, Through His Post-Presidency Foundation, Assembled, Launched, and Wages The New Assault on American Law Enforcement. Pomper explains why he blames the former president for much of today’s anti-law enforcement sentiment and argues against political efforts such as the “defund the police” movement.