American Viewpoints

Bankrate.com analyst James Royal assesses the recent swings in cryptocurrency values and provides a basic description of what the currency is. He also offers basic information on crypto as an investment, pointing out that it is a high-risk option right now.

Project 21’s Emery McClendon discusses his recent op-ed, “Reclaiming America’s Virtue”. In the article, he argues that part of the reason for the division and conflict in our politics and society is a loss of civic virtue. While addressing some political topics, McClendon focuses on his encouragement to think in a less partisan manner and more in a greater good mindset.

Huntingdon College Professor Blake Ball discusses his new book, Charlie Brown’s America, and the subtle political and social commentary Charles Shultz embedded in the cartoon series Peanuts.

Phil Kerpen of both American Commitment and the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, argues that governments at all levels should learn from the past year’s COVID-related shutdowns. The lesson in his view is that they did not protect Americans and resulted in devastating economic, education, and personal health damages.

Rebecca Jackson from Brain Balance offers advice for parents who want to keep their children in a mindset of learning over the summer. Jackson says that, in addition to the normal regression that happens with many children over the summer, the added challenge of not being in classrooms full time over the past year adds to the urgency of helping kids retain and learn new information. Jackson also compares other options for parents, including the sue of tutors.

Heritage Foundation Research Fellow Dustin Carmack discusses the cyberattack on the Colonial Oil Pipeline that caused gas shortages throughout parts of the southeast and northeast United States.Carmack, who specializes in technology policy, addresses the national security aspect of the attack by a group calling itself “The Darkside” and what both public officials and private companies should learn from the situation. He also discusses what needs to improve to make our national infrastructure more secure from future attacks.

Mike O’Neil from the Landmark Legal Foundation voices concerns about political efforts to affect the judicial process in the US. In addition to the so-called “court packing” proposal, O’Neil takes issue with an idea to require donor information and other disclosures from advocacy groups that file amicus briefs in court cases.

Former White House Economist Diana Furchtgott Roth, who served in senior roles under four presidents, discusses the Biden Administration’s push to require app-based employers to hire workers traditionally, as opposed to hiring them as contractors. Furchtgott Roth is now a professor of economics at George Washington University and believes this opposition to “gig work” would limit or end opportunities for millions of people who need or want gig jobs like Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and other work through similar companies.

Jeff Ostrowski from Bankrate.com assesses the current housing market. He looks at comparisons to the housing bubble burst of the early 2000’s that contributed to a recession and explains what is similar and what is different from that time period. The conversation includes useful information for those involved in the housing market right now, including buyers and sellers, and for everyone else because this part of the economy affects many other parts of it.

Right Forge cofounder Aron Wagner reacts to the Facebook Oversight Board’s decision that continues a ban on former President Donald Trump. Wagner discusses the conflict between a private company’s right to monitor content on their platform and the argument that social media companies have a responsibility to allow freedom of speech.

Gary Nolan, nationally-syndicated host of the Gary On Guns radio show, explains the case – and possible ramifications of it – going before the US Supreme Court this year involving concealed weapons permits. The challenge is to a New York law that requires applicants for a permit to carry a concealed weapon to explain why they need one and still gives local governments the right to deny the request for subjective reasons.

Philanthropy Roundtable Senior Fellow Patrice Onwuka discusses a case heading to the US Supreme Court that centers on donor privacy for non profit organizations, think tanks, and some other advocacy groups. The case at hand involves the State of California’s demands that non profit organizations disclose personal information of donors. * image courtesy of The Philanthropy Roundtable

The American Institute For Economic Research’s Peter Earle gives us his perspective on the push for digital currency and the effects that could bring to society. Digital currency – which is different from cryptocurrency – could be manipulated by governments seeking to micromanage economies, according to Earle. A specific example of this possibility is the idea that governments could put expiration dates on monies in order to stimulate spending. That’s actually been done before.

Kerry McDonald, Sr. Education Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, discusses the trend of using public (and sometimes private) school curriculum to promote specific political ideologies. The conversation includes references to the politically-charged 1619 Project, the promotion of specific social and cultural value perspectives on race, sexuality, religion, and other points of contention. McDonald also addresses “wokeism” and liberal activism being taught in schools and promoted by the Biden Administration.

Kimberly Hermann from the Southeastern Legal Foundation provides a perspective on proposals to add justices to the US Supreme Court. SLF opposes the idea. Hermann explains why and also discusses the areas of US law, politics, and culture that could be affected if the effort were to be successful.

Dr. Derek Cohen from Right On Crime discusses some of the proposals for police and criminal justice reform in the US. Cohen also talks about ways conservatives could lead the effort.

Criminal defense attorney Jennifer Bukowsky provides a legal analysis of the recent criminal trial against former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. She also explains the appeals process and some possible factors that could be used to argue for a new trial for Chauvin, who is now convicted of murdering George Floyd.

Freedom Works’ Stephen Moore, a former economic adviser to President Trump, discusses the economic efforts of the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats. Moore, an economist, explains why he disagrees with their broad definition of “infrastructure” that includes many social policies. Moore also addresses his disagreement with congressional Republicans, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley in particular, and their push to break up Big Tech and other corporations that have shown bias toward conservatives.

Daniel Woislaw, a constitutional attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, explains why PLF decided to enter a brief into a Fourth Amendment case being heard by the US Supreme Court. The case, Caniglia v. Strom, deals with an instance of police entering a home, and removing firearms without a court order or warrant.

Project 21’s Donna Jackson discusses the concept of Critical Race Theory and it’s use in academia, media, and politics. Jackson argues against the use of CRT on factual and moral grounds.

R. Street Institute Research Fellow Chelsea Boyd addresses the “pause” on distributing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19. Boyd explains why governments and medical professionals pause the usage of a pharmaceutical even if there’s no direct evidence the drug is harmful. She also addresses some of the concerns mentioned by those who choose not to get the vaccine.

Reason Magazine writer Billy Binion reacts to the shooting death of Daunte Wright in Minnesota. While it turns out that Wright was wanted on a warrant connected to a violent crime, Binion looks at the broader discussion of conflict between citizens and law enforcement.

Peggy Grande was Ronald Reagan’s executive assistant for ten years immediately following his tenure as President. She discusses working with him and the accounts of that time that are included in her book, The President Will See You Now. The segment also includes a report from Public News Service about post-COVID mental health concerns, especially in young people.

Daily Signal White House correspondent Fred Lucas assesses and critiques Major League Baseball’s decision to relocate the 2021 All Star Game and related festivities from Atlanta to Denver. MLB says the decision is in protest of a new election reform law that some claim harms minority voters’ ability to participate in elections. Lucas points out what he calls hypocrisy of the organization by comparing the demographic makeups of the two cities and by comparing Colorado’s voting laws with the new Georgia one. In some aspects, the Colorado laws are more stringent.

Economist Victor Claar, PhD, discusses his recent Discourse.com article about minimum wage policy. Claar, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, argues against any federal minimum wage law. The conversation includes both an overall economic look at the issue and an examination of the current minimum wage debate. Here's his article on the topic: https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2021/03/74720/

Rick Manning, president of Americans For Limited Government, discusses a new center-right coalition his organization joined in response to recent corporate political activism. The campaign, called “Back To Neutral”, calls for businesses to reject pressures to get involved in partisan politics. Manning explains why the coalition says broad corporate political activism is bad for the country and their businesses. * image courtesy of the National Center for Public Policy Research

Prager University’s Director of Outreach for the PREP program, Jill Simonian, explains why the conservative organization created a program to provide parents and teachers with educational resources they say gives a balance to biased programs and curriculum being used in K-12 schools now. PREP stands for PragerU Resources for Educators and Parents.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is one of several Attorneys General who are suing the Biden Administration over executive orders that, he says, exceed presidential authority when it comes to policy decisions. Specifically, the lawsuits deal with the stoppage of the Keystone XL pipeline and the moratorium on drilling for oil and natural gas on federal lands. Schmitt also addresses a lawsuit pertaining to a part of the American Rescue Plan (COVID relief spending bill) that seems to ban states from cutting taxes in some areas.

CreditCards.com analyst and reporter Ted Rossman provides advice for those who have unused airline or other travel credits due to trips cancelled during the COVID pandemic. For some airlines, the credits may expire without refund soon. Rossman explains how to get clarification from the airline or credit card companies and provides tips on ways to preserve the availability of the credits. Rossman also discusses ways some financial companies have expanded their rewards programs to include more than just travel. In some cases, normal weekly purchases could also earn rewards.

Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker discusses “The Long Game” project of the Young America’s Foundation, of which he is now president. The project focuses on countering left-leaning and left-wing bias in education, media, and culture through messaging focused on college students, high school, students and younger students. The project includes issue and ideological-based content on social media, speakers on college/university campuses, and legal actions against efforts to block conservative speakers, organizations, and ideas on campuses.

Mike McShane, PhD, the National Director of Research for Ed Choice, discusses his new book, Hybrid Homeschooling, which argues for more flexible K-12 education. McShane’s research started prior to the COVID pandemic and related school closures and includes lessons learned from both data, case studies, and the impact of the shutdowns. McShane suggests a system that blends parental and school control, more educational choice, and fewer days in the physical classroom.

Sean Higgins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute compares two labor law proposals in Congress: the National Right To Work Act and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Among those impacted if either of these bills becomes law are employers, labor unions, non-union workers, and freelance “gig” workers (including ride share drivers, photographers, and entertainers). *image from CEI.org

National Taxpayers Union president Pete Sepp discusses the potential long-term effects of the massive COVID relief spending plan that is behind payments going to most US households now. He also critiques the idea of another multi-trillion dollar infrastructure spending plan with no specific mechanism to deal with the resulting debt. Sepp argues for limited support to some households and businesses while also saying spending should be reduced in other areas. He also explains why he hopes to see recent tax cuts kept in place.

Convention of States president Mark Meckler argues for an Article V Convention of States to be called in order to amend the United States Constitution. His effort has already been approved by 15 states, butting the campaign near the halfway point of what is needed. Meckler explains the process as outlined in the Constitution, the specific areas his group wants to see addressed with constitutional amendments, and answers objections raised by opponents. * image from ConventionOfStates.com

Bankrate.com Senior Analyst Mark Hamrick assesses the recently passed stimulus spending plan. He discusses both the short term and long term economic effects but, more importantly, how the stimulus payments to households and additional subsidies of businesses could change current job conditions.

Religious freedom and LQBT rights are colliding in many aspects of the law, the courts, and in culture. World Magazine reporter Steve West discusses the conflicts and two approaches to public policy that seem to be competing. One would make exceptions for religious organizations to LGBT rights laws and policies. The other would not allow for religious objections or exemptions from local, state, or federal nondiscrimination standards, which could result in forcing some faith-based groups to violate their conscience.

Chris Arps from Project 21 (a national network of black conservatives) discusses the “For The People Act” and other efforts to reform elections in the US. Arps disagrees with the assertion that many liberal proposals are needed as part of making voting more accessible to minorities. He also pushes back against the argument that changes including universal mail in voting, automatic voter registration, and ballot harvesting are part of achieving racial equity.

Amity Shlaes from the Coolidge Foundation relates the content of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge, which she co-edited, to today’s political climate. The conversation includes discussion of changing mindsets of those in (or who pursue) political power, partisan dynamics, and a lack of clear messaging of party platforms in today’s politics.

Consumer Affairs’ Mark Huffman discusses recent increases in gas prices and explains why those prices are likely to continue to go up over the spring and summer. He also provides an update on the stimulus payments recently approved by Congress and President Biden. Huffman provides consumer advice regarding credit card costs and potential taxes as well.

Landmark Legal Foundation’s Mike O’Neill discusses the politics behind the decisions to keep schools partially or completely closed to in-person learning in many parts of the country. O’Neill focuses on the political power of teachers’ unions and their work to keep classes online or not happening at all.

Dr. Roger Klein, a clinical pathologist and former advisor to the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services, comments on the updated CDC guidelines for those who have received COVID vaccinations or have recovered from the virus. Klein, now with the Regulatory Transparency Project, argues that many of the precautions still being promoted (and, in some cases, mandated) may not be necessary still and also says there could be unintended consequences of continuing the current policies.

National Center for Public Policy Research Vice President David Almasi discusses his brief exchange with Disney CEO Bob Chapek over what Almasi says are cultural and business double standards. Almasi asked Chapek about Disney’s decision to fire conservative actress Gina Carano after she posted controversial statements on social media but did not respond to controversial posts & tweets from liberal actors. The exchange was part of a Disney shareholder meeting. Almasi the addresses the trend of businesses, particularly culture-influencing ones, taking political and social positions. He explains why he believes businesses should “get back to neutral” and how consumers can help push back against corporate activism with which they disagree.

American Legislative Exchange Council Chief Economist Jonathan Williams reviews recent government spending designed to address hardships caused during the COVID19 pandemic. He discusses the current debate over another COVID relief bill and other economic proposals being debated in Congress.

Can you have too many choices to get news coverage and opinions to consider? In this segment, the Free Enterprise Project’s Scott Shepard discusses efforts by some members of Congress to pressure media companies into dropping specific news and opinion programming based on which viewpoints are shared. The Members of Congress specifically called for conservative channels, including FOX News, One American News Network, and Newsmax TV to be discontinued by private cable and streaming carriers. Shepard argues that pressure is an affront to the idea of the free exchange of ideas and shows a troubling trend in both our political and media industries.

Prof. Hunter Baker of Union University assesses the state of the conservative movement in America. Dr. Baker evaluates the ideological changes happening within conservative and Republican ranks and the challenges that face them. Baker comments on the history of the voter bases of both major parties and assesses the role Donald Trump could still have within the GOP regardless of whether he runs for president again or not.

The Heritage Foundation’s manager of their Election Law Reform Initiative, Hans Von Spakovsky, discusses the “For The People Act” proposed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several other Congressional Democrats. Spakovsky, a former member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, assesses the changes the bill would make and the effect those could have on elections and politics in the US.

Washington Examiner columnist Brad Polumbo assesses the “cancel culture” controversy of actress Gina Carano being fired from Disney’s The Mandalorian after reaction to her social media postings. Polumbo explains why not all “cancels” are First Amendment issues but they are likely cultural and free market issues. The discussion includes the trend of politization of businesses.

The data from many, maybe most, parts of the US indicate that the rate of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are all decreasing. American Commitment’s Phil Kerpen discusses some of the responses to the virus that resulted in job losses, negative economic effects on many areas, a hiatus on education for children, and the emotional tolls on individuals. Kerpen argues that lessons learned from the fight against coronavirus should include avoiding overreach by government into the private sector.

Institute for Energy Research Director Kenny Stein assesses the situation that led to millions of Americans being without power in Texas during a recent winter storm. Among the topics discussed are the region’s reliance on renewable energy, federal regulations that slowed down the response to the increased demand for electricity, and accusations of the utilities and government being unprepared.

Code of Vets is a non profit that provides emergency funding to veterans who are at risk of eviction and/or have other immediate financial needs. Those needs could include utility payments to avoid shutoff, auto repairs, or money for groceries. Gretchen Smith explains how the organization vets the applicants and quickly raises the funds to meet the immediate physical needs online, mostly through Twitter. She also discusses why veterans are often in need of help once they return to civilian life.