American Viewpoints

Former White House Economic Advisor (under Pres Donald Trump) assesses the state of the US economy. He also offers both his outlook about what to expect this year and advice to policy makers on how to improve economic conditions for everyone. * this conversation originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

Andy Roth leads the State Freedom Caucus Network, which is working to establish affiliate caucuses around the country. The groups are modeled after the House Freedom Caucus in Washington DC, which was founded to advocate for limmited government and free-market policies. In this discussion, Roth explains what the goals of the growing organization are and how they plan to influence policy at the state level. https://statefreedomcaucus.org/

RedState writer Bob Hoge discusses the reduction in early applications Harvard University received since the recent spike in antisemitic protests and statements happend on that campus. At Harvard, the early applications are down 17%. Hoge discusses what appears to be a market reaction to the activities and statements that happened there and on other campuses around the country. https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2023/12/17/you-reap-what-you-sow-harvard-early-admissions-applications-plunge-17-percent-n2167662

Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Caleb Trotter explains why they are suing the State of New Jersey over telehealth laws. Now that most COVID-era regulations and exceptions to some regulations have expired, conversations between doctors and patients via telehealth could be considered illegal in some areas. That's because the patient and doctor might be in different states at the time of the conversation, opening up doctors to accusations of practicing medicine without a license in the state the patient is in at the time of the call or video conference. More information: https://pacificlegal.org/30-states-telehealth-rules/

Bankrate.com Senior Analyst Greg McBride discusses the findings of their new survey showing that many Americans are pessimistic about their own personal finances in 2024. In other words, they think they might end the year in worse shape than they are in right now. McBride also offers advice on setting your personal finances and financial plan in the right direction.

LA-based Channel 1 is implementing artificial intelligence to write and broadcast news. The media outlet intends to digitally create AI news anchors to deliver the news this year. Christopher Alexander from Pioneer Development Group explains what the outlet is doing and discusses the changes in how we consume media that are likely coming in the neear future. https://www.channel1.ai/

The "holiday blues" is a real thing for many Americans. So are struggles with emotional and mental challenges this time of year in particular. In this discussion, Holly Swenson, a Registered Nurse and author, offers advice on how to spot mental or emotional stuggles within yourself or others and how to prioritize self-care. Holly's book: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Grow-Glow-Connections/dp/1950476731 Holly's website: https://liveyourglow.live/?fbclid=IwAR06UsSCdJr50qCRo0Mz7mWl0uo7tncPTQZdm4OUA1hnlUtVUZUqWPBkM2c

Landmark Legal Foundation's Mike O'Neil addresses the arguments being made in multiple states where lawsuits have been filed seeking to block Donald Trump from being on the ballot. This segment aired prior to the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling that banned Trump from thier 2024 primary ballot. That case is referenced in this segment but a ruling had not been made at the time. On NewsTalk STL in St Louis, O'Neil explained and reacted to that ruling. That conversation can be heard here: https://omny.fm/shows/newstalk-stl/mike-oneil-on-co-supreme-court-kicking-trump-off-p?in_playlist=mike-ferguson-in-the-morning

RedState writer Jeff Charles takes issue with a Republican proposal to punish some universities that are not standing up to antisemetic protests on their campuses. In some cases, protesters (student and sometimes faculty) have been part of protests calling for genocide against Israelis/Jewish people. Charles argues that the proposal in the US Senate, which would levy a tax on the endowments of offending schools, is the wrong approach. * This conversation originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

The Lion (ReadLion.com) writer Jillian Schneider discusses her recent article on what she says is a failure of the public education system that affects boys in particular. Here's the article and more information: https://readlion.com/americas-public-education-system-is-failing-boys/

Katrina McKinney-Kimble from the Men's Health Network draws attention to the unique stressors that affect men during the holiday season, especially when a difficult economy amplifies some struggles. She explains how men and women handle difficulties differently, offers advice on spotting potential struggles, and offers advice on dealing with those.

Identity Theft Resource Center president Eva Velasquez describes the year's worth of work the organization put together regarding the emergence of facial recognition, facial verification, and related biometric technology. The team and ensuing report looks at the pros and cons of facial recognition and verification when it comes to personal privacy and identity theft. Here's the full report: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/publication/itrc-biometric-working-group-discussion-paper/

Aaron Dorr from the American Firearms Association reacts to the announcement of a new "assault weapons" ban gun control bill by Sen. Chuck Shumer. Dorr also provides an overview of the legal debate over the meaning of the Second Amendment. * This conversation originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

Former Congressman and former US Ambassador Francis Rooney evaluates the war between Israel and Hamas and the performance of the Biden Administration in providing leadership as the situation grows to affect more countries.

Sean Higgins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute argues that business in America could be close to a mjor change. Specifically, he thinks the standard 40-hour work week could become a thing of the past as more workers value flexibility in hours and where they do their job. Here's his origina article on the debate: https://dcjournal.com/point-40-hour-workweek-is-under-scrutiny/

National Right To Work's Mark Mix describes a worker freedom case that's been appealed to the US Supreme Court. At issue in the Alaska vs Alaska State Employees Association case is whether the public sector union is allowed to deduct dues and any other fees from workers' paychecks without them agreeing to that or whether the Janus decision prohibits it. AS of 12/6/23, there has not been an announcement as to whether the Court has decided to take up the case for the 2024 term.

After Senator Elizabeth Warren of twas mildly mocked after posting a series of complaints about a proposed merger of two sub sandwich chains. In this discussion, Taxpayer Protection Alliance president Pat Hedger reacts to the tweets and the bigger picture of the government's role in regulating (some would say micromanaging) free market decisions. * this discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

Hudson Institute scholar Luke Coffey addresses common objections and misunderstandings of US funding for Ukraine. The money, purposed to help the nation survive Russia's invasion, is the subject of intense debate in US politics. https://www.hudson.org/foreign-policy/ten-myths-us-aid-ukraine-luke-coffey

The Free Enterprise Project's Stefan Padfield draws attention to a proposed rule that the NASDAQ stock exchange could impose on listed companies regarding board diversity. The rule, according to Padfield, is that all companies would have to either disclose the demographic makeup of their boards of directors or publicly state why they haven't disclosed that information. In addition to the regulation, Padfield argues that the rule would not be effective in increasing diversity since it specifically allows for self-identification as meeting the goals. In other words, a man who claims to be ("self identifies") a woman would count the same as an actual, biological woman. The Free Enterprise Project has filed a lawsuit against the Securities and Exchange Commission over implementation of the rule. https://nationalcenter.org/ncppr/2023/11/01/stefan-padfield-nasdaqs-absurd-diversity-rule-will-replace-women-with-men-who-identify-as-women-to-achieve-equality-for-women/

Bankrate.com Senior Analyst Ted Rossman explains why almost half of shoppers might have money available that you're not aware of. On average, those who have forgotten gift cards have $187 of useable funds, even if the gift cards are old. He explains how to confirm what's available and also provides tips on navigating this year's holiday shopping season at a time of high inflation and other economic uncertainties.

Historian Marcus Witcher from Huntingdon College provides insight into the legacy of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died at the age of 96 right before Thanksgiving. While her time at the White House was relatively short, Dr. Witcher, who is currently writing a book about President Jimmy Carter, explains that her legacy can easily be both overlooked and underestimated. Among Mrs. Carter's accomplishments was her role in changing how Americans discuss issues related to mental health. * this discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

* note: this was recorded prior to the first prisoner exchange NewsMax TV host Carl Higbie, in addition to being a political analyst, is a former Navy Seal. In this conversation, he assesses the Biden Administration's response to Hamas' attack on Israel. Carl Higbie Frontline airs weekdays at 5:00pm Eastern.

At a time when most colleges have bias hotlines, mandatory diversity training, and stated goals of multiculturalism, how is blatant antisemitism growing with, in some cases, open support from faculty members? In this discussion, Speech First's Cherise Trump explains how she thinks leftist policies have actually set up campus communities to incubate the mindset and practice of anti-Jewish discrimination. https://speechfirst.org/

Since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, election victories in "purple areas" around the country have generally moved toward Democrats with abortion being among the factors in the races. That's resulted in calls from some Republican elected officials, candidates, strategists, and pundits to call for the GOP to back off the pro life message. RedState writer Jennifer Oliver O'Connell disagrees and explains why in this conversation. https://redstate.com/jenniferoo/2023/11/09/the-pro-life-movement-and-the-republican-party-are-not-synonymous-n2166082

Mike O'Neil from the Landmark Legal Foundation explains what's in the new Code of Ethics issued by the US Supreme Court for justices and staff. *This conversation originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis

Phil Kerpen from American Commitment provides an overview of recent changes being pushed by the Biden Administration to add regulations on the internet and internet service providers. https://www.americancommitment.org/fcc-chairs-bad-wi-fi-is-not-a-reason-to-regulate-the-internet/

For many Americans, trust in public health agencies at multiple levels of government has been destroyed after years of COVID-related mistakes and dishonesty that destroyed jobs, affected the economy, and delayed the education of millions of children Dr. Scott Atlas discusses his recent article on rebuilding trust in the institutions, saying those institutions - including the CDC - have the burden of proving they are trustworthy. That can only happen, he says, if changes are made in multiple parts of the public health process. Scott W. Atlas, M.D., is a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution; co-director of the Global Liberty Institute; former advisor to the president and member, White House Coronavirus Task Force; and author of “A Plague Upon Our House: My Fight at the Trump White House to Stop COVID From Destroying America” https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2023/10/30/todays_public_health_emergency_restoring_trust_with_seven_steps_149983.html

Daily Signal editor/reporter Tyler O'Neil comments on the news that the American Accountability Foundation is being audited by the IRS. This comes after a US Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse, publicly called for the group to be targeted after opposing multiple Biden nominees for apppinted offices. https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/11/06/irs-targets-conservative-group-exposing-biden-admin/ * This discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis ** Thumbnail image is from the IRS letter to the AAF, notifying them of the audit

As a follow up to last week's preview of the third GOP Presidential debate, host Mike Ferguson reacts to what the candidates had to say and where the campaign goes from here. Note: One of the candidates, Senator Tim Scott, has since dropped out of the race. * Thumbnail image courtesy of NBC News Channel

Karla Jones, the Senior Federalism and International Relations Task Force director for the American Legislative Exchange Council, comments on the use of resultions and other statements from state and local governments that declare support for Israel. She discusses why she thinks those resolutions matter in Washington, DC. Jones also reacts to the rise of antisemitism both on US college campuses and in many other areas around the country and comments on what role the US should (and shouldn't) have in Israel's war against the Hamas terrorist group and its backers.

Dr. Merrill Matthews from the Institute for Policy Innovation discusses his recent article published in The Hill. That piece highlights the increasing number of "detransitioners" who regret the treatment, including surgeries, that altered their bodies as part of "transitioning" their gender identity. https://thehill.com/opinion/4284777-matthews-here-come-the-gender-detransitioner-lawsuits/

Around the country, courts are hearing challenges to something most of us take for granted: the ability to block trolls from annoying you on social media. The reason it's become a legal controversy is that some elected officials have done that and, as a result, they are accused of stopping constituents' ability to speak to government. Attorney Gary Lawkowski from the Dhillon Law Group explains what the courts are addressing and why it matters.

Host Mike Ferguson assesses the state of the Republican campaign for president and what each candidate should focus on.

Casey Harper, Washington DC Bureau Chief, discusses his recent article on the likelihood of US air to Gaza going to Hamas. The discussion also covers the overall approach to foreign aid the US currently uses.

This is a previously broadcast segment World magazine writer Jerry Bowyer argues that part of a healthy life is pursuit of truth and being willing to know when to NOT engage in cultural and political conflicts of the day.

This is a previously aired segment Ian Prior, author of Parents of the World, Unite!, discusses the effort to push back against a coordinated effort to silence conservative voices in public school policy. The debate in Loudon County, VA highlighted the use of public schools to indoctrinate children into leftist mindsets in addition to (or as opposed to) just educating them.

This segment is from a previous program Devin Watkins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute discusses a big-picture legal case addressing what's called the "Chevron deference doctrine". The case involves requirements forcing commercial fishing businesses to pay for monitoring of their business. Chevron basically says that when regulations are in dispute, courts must defer to how bureaucracy defines them

This is a previously aired segment Sgt Betsy Brantner Smith from the National Police Association responds to the recent headlines focused on the death of Trye Nichols at the hands of police officers, who were criminally charged in connection with the killing. She also assesses the state of law enforcement in the country and the role police should have in communities.

The Heritage Foundation's Jake Denton discusses their recent op-ed about the US' official approach to artificial intelligence technology. While the Biden Admininstration prefers a cooperative approach with China and other nations, Denton says we should look at China as a competitor and not a partner because of the influence AI will have on the entire world.

The New Civil Liberties Alliance has contributed an amicus brief in a lawsuit against the State of New York. The case challenges a state law that requires social media platforms to identify and address "hate speech" on their platforms. NCLA attorney Kaitlyn Schiraldi describes the case, why they think the law shoudl be overturned, and how government should (and should not) be involved in what's said on social media.

Bankrate.com Senior Analyst Ted Rossman examines the results of a financial survey about the way Americans are adjusting to inflation and other economic changes when making holiday plans. The survey found that inflation is affecting how we are planning to spend money but it's not necessarily decreasing travel plans. https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/survey-holiday-travel/

Craig Deluz, who is both a Congressional candidate in California and a part of Project 21, reacts to the support some Black Lives Matter groups expressed for the Hamas attacks on Israel. Project 21 is the nation's largest network of black conservatives. * thumbnail is a screenshot of a pro-Hamas/pro-Palestine social media post by a BLM group

First Liberty's Danielle Runyan discusses a case they are working on that involved a military servicemember who has been reprimanded for expressing his opinion. Jace Yarbrough offered his faith-based opinions on some issues affecting the military at a private event honoring a retiring colleague. Ms Runyan is part of First Liberty's Military Practice Group

John Tillman, CEO of the American Culture Project, argues that a return to free market principles would improve many of the challenges we face today in the US. These include inflation, workforce/labor disputes, debt, and economic growth.

Heritage Action's Ryan Walker assesses the recent comments of Homeland Security Secretary Alajandro Mayorkas about extending the construction of a wall along the southern US border. Walker argues that the Biden Administration is not actually in favor of completing the wall that was begun under the Trump Administration but, rather, is dealing with a court ruling that went against the attempt to use border wall funds in a different way.

Speech First's Cherise Trump (no relation to the former president) reacts to the almost immediate protest/rally response from so many young Americans, specifically on college and university campuses, in favor of Hamas' attack on Israel and against Israel's defense of her land citizens. While some students and other activists say the rally is in support of Palestine, others stated specific support for Hamas' terrorist attacks on the nation. Over 30 student groups on Harvard's campus alone signed on to a statement in opposition to Israel's response to the terrorist attacks on the country. Trump discusses bias in the Academy that encourages this kind of thinking and suppresses actual dialogue between those with opposing views on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Former Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY) critiques the lack of progress Congress is making in reducing the cost of health care in America. Buerkle, who is also a nurse and a former Commissioner on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, also offers suggestions on how to reduce costs in some areas, particularly prescription medicines.

Mike O'Neil from the Landmark Legal Foundation provides an overview of some key cases the US Supreme Court selected for review for the justices' next session. He also discusses how rulings in some of the cases could affect the nation.

Mark Miller from Pacific Legal Foundation discusses the push for rent control across the country and some efforts to repeal those rules. He responds to arguments that rent control rules help keep housing affordable, particulalry for the working class.

Former Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA) has been through tumultuous times in the Capitol. He was, after all, one of the House Managers of the Impeachment of President Bill Clinton. In this discussion, he reacts to the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that office by all House Democrats and eight Republicans. Barr also offers advice for the GOP Caucus on how to put a coherent gameplan together from this point. * This segment originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis