American Viewpoints

Dr. Bonner Cohen from the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) comments on the State of California's lawsuit against multiple oil companies and a trade group. The claim is that their production of petroleum is to blame for a varierty of environmental and economic problems. Cohen responds to the claims and argues that bad policy in California is responsible for their problems.

RedState.com writer Mike Miller discusses a recent RealClearPolitics.com survey that asked voters about freedom of speech and, in some ways, personal freedom overall. The survey shows that a surprising percentage of Americans say there's too much freedom of speech, especially on social media. While self-described Democratic voters are more likely than others to say government should do more to hinder speech they find problematic, sizeable percentages of Independent and Republican voters agreed with that premise.

American Firearms Association president Chris Dorr assesses the announcement that President Biden has established a Presidential Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In his view, the office is just another effort by the Administration to push gun control legislation that's unconstotutional. * this conversation originially airs on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis.

A last-minute deal in Congress keeps the federal government functioning for the time being. The spending plan passed shortly after this conversation occured keeps the proverbial lights on for another 45 days. Bankrate.com senior analyst Mark Hamrick discusses the effect the instability in Congress can have on other aspects of the economy. This isn't the first time a government shutdown has been a risk and even though another short term shutdown isn't likely to be catastrophic, Hamrick points out that the runaway debt and deficits that are not being fixed is unsustainable.

The Heartland Institute's Samantha Fillmore takes note of the rising number of Covid infections being reported and recalls the authoritarian reaction to the illness over the past few years. In many states, state law allows governors to act unilaterally - or allow local office holders - to restrict individual freedoms. Fillmore argues that pressure should be put on state lawmakers to reform the laws that allow governors to declare emergencies and allow the same thing to happen again.

The competition for the GOP's presidential nomination moves into the next phase of the campaign following the second debate. In this discussion, FreeThePeople.org writer Dr. Aaron Pomerantz discusses his recent article challenging the party and the candidates on what they are bringing to our national discussion. In other words, what do they stand FOR? Here's the article: https://freethepeople.org/the-republican-party-doesnt-stand-for-anything/ * image courtesy of FreeThePeople.org

The R Street Institute's James Wallner explains how our national government has gotten to the point - again - where funding to run government operations could expire and cause a partial shutdown. He also discusses how a shutdown would affect most Americans.

Remnants of the Green New Deal ended up in the Inflation Reducation Act. Among those are incentives for electric vehicle production. The Biden Administration is adding to those incentives with a push for vehicle mandates that, eventually, will make it difficult to produce gas combustion engines in compliance with increased fuel efficiency and other standards. In this discussion, Phil Kerpen from American Commitment argues that the mandates and incentives are not only about which vehicles are on the road. He believes that are also about which vehicles we'll eventually be allowed to buy and that could be part of a bigger push for more control over our lives as part of an environmental, big-government agenda.

Earlier this month, New Mexico Gov Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a public health emergency in part of her state. The emergency she declared claimed gun violence was the health emergency and then she cited that declaration as the basis of an executive order to suspend the right to keep and bear arms in the affected area. Tom Knighton from BearingArms.com responds to the decision, which was quickly struck down by a judge, and discusses the recent trend of suspending rights in the name of dealing with an emergency.

John Tamny, president of the Parkview Institute and editor or RealClearMarkets.com, discusses the possibility of health and/or elected officials trying to bring back Covid-era lockdowns, restrictions, and mandates. He argues for noncompliance with any orders, and there have been some issued in recent months. Tamny also argues that the use of government force during declared emergenies is counterproductive.

Former Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA) was a House manager in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. In this converstion, he assesses the decision to move forward with an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden, explains why he feels is is justified, and offers advice to Congress on how to handle the upcoming events.

In a new short documentary, the Heritage Foundation - through their Daily Signal news outlet - tells the story of the Tambunga family in Texas. They lost Maria and Amelia, a grandmother and granddaughter, in a car wreck caused by a human trafficking smuggler. The smuggler had crossed the southern border and was being pursued by local police. Heritage's Lora Reiss discusses the video, the story being told, and the policies allowing these risks to develop in the US. https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/09/11/killed-human-smuggler-mother-grandfather-mourn-death-family-lost-border-crisis/

William and Mary University professor Chris Freiman argues that, at least for many people, less political engagement can be better for them, their families, and their community. He's the author of the book Why It's OK To Ignore Politics.

Former Utah State Representative Eric Hutchings discusses his state's adoption of a "clean slate" law to automatically expunge some criminal convictions from offenders' records. He explains why he hopes this approach will reduce crime by allowing more opportunities for some convicts over time.

Gretchen Smith, founder and CEO of Code of Vets, explains the non profit's mission to help veterans who are struggling after their time in uniform ends. The organization's help ranges from providing financial assistance to pay utility and rent, to providing help for life obstacles like car repairs, to helping vets navigate health care and other systems. The group usually accomplishes the task of vetting the person in need, assessing the need, raising the funds on social media, and delivering the assistance within a day or two. CodeOfVets.com

Gumption. Entrepreneurial thinking. Entrepreneur, business consultant, and author Clifton Taulbert (Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored, Who Owns The Icehouse?) offers a perspective on how the disciplines and mindsets of business and entrepreneurialsm can lead to personal success and the ability to overcome systemic obstacles.

Mark Mix from the Right To Work Foundation discusses the debate over labor unions, worker freedom , and right to work laws around the country.

American Conservative magazine writer Frank DeVito discusses the key points of his recent article, Not On Their Terms. The op-ed focuses on how important terms and definitions are in the debates. For example: Devito argues that "gender affirming care" should not be accepted as a valid term. Instead, something like "altering healthy bodies" is more accurate and doesn't cede any intellectual space in the discussion. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/not-on-their-terms/ * Image courtesy of The American Conservative

Former police chief Joel Shults discusses his article written for the National Police Association's blog that promotes the use of "less lethal" weapons when possible. He explains what that means, why more options should be available, and why "less lethal" options aren't always the right choice for an officer. https://nationalpolice.org/main/less-lethal-options-can-save-lives/

Mark Schmitz, father of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, discusses his frustration with the lack of information he and other Gold Star Families are getting from the Biden Administration and the US military ragarding the 2021 bombing that claimed the lives of 13 US military personnel. Lace Corporal Jared Schmitz was among this killed. This conversation was recorded as Mark Schmitz was preparing to testify at a US House hearing that is investigating the decisions and events that led to the failures and loss of life. * image courtesy of CSPAN

Bankrate.com's Sarah Foster reviews the results of a survey about attitudes toward forgiveness of student loan debt. While the US Supreme Court ruled President Biden's unilateral plan unconstitutional, the ruling does not stop Congress from addressing the outstanding debt through forgiveness or any other approach.

The Center For Equal Opportunity's Devon Westhill looks ahead to how higher education can still work to provide opportunities for those in underserved communities without making race a factor. Westhill agrees with the recent US Supreme Court ruling that bans the use of race in the admissions process.

Host Mike Ferguson gives a brief overview of the recent Republican presidential debate held in Milwaukee.

The Heritage Foundation's James Bacon argues that the "administrative state" - bureaucrats in government - have become so powerful that they can affect or even stop policy agendas of presidents. Bacon explains how these unelected positions have become so strong and why he says reforms have to be made to put the authority back in the hands of the elected. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/dislodging-the-real-threat-to-democracy-the-administrative-state

Dr. Miriam Grossman is a child psychologist. Her new book, Lost In Trans-Nation, challenges some of the prevailing political, cultural, philosophical, and even medical trends and narratives regarding gender dysphoria and "transgender" issues. Her argument is that biological realities should be reaffirmed, not gender or sexual identifies that conflict with the body.

Dr Devid Beito from the Independent Institute discusses the findings for his new book, The New Deal's War On The Bill Of Rights. Beito compares the reverence many, especially on today's Left, have for Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal with the immediate and long-lasting effect that law had/has on government's respect for our individual rights.

Tirzah Duren from the American Consumer Institute provides an update on the realities of inflation in America right now - especially regarding how it's affecting food prices. Duren points to some federal policies that are moving inflation higher through bad incentives that limit free market economics.

Over 100,000 signatures support the Native American Guardians Association's effort to convince the owners of the Washington Commanders to returnt the football teams' name back to the Redskins. What surprised many people is that NAGA is a Native American advocacy group that says team names, like Redskins and Indians, should be used to honor those communities. NAGA's Bill Diekman argues that removing the names and logos, even as an effort to be culturally sensitive, is actually erasing references to his culture.

Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is now the national co-chair of No Labels. That organization seeks is working to build a political movement outside of the two dominant parties that combines perspectives from both the Left and the Right. He discusses the current polarization in our politics and the dissatisfaction surveys indicte voters have with both parties right now.

Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is now the national co-chair of No Labels. That organization seeks is working to build a political movement outside of the two dominant parties that combines perspectives from both the Left and the Right. He discusses the current polarization in our politics and the dissatisfaction surveys indicte voters have with both parties right now.

Given the intense news coverage of Donald Trump's legal situations, the other Republican candidates for President are not getting as much coverage. Host Mike Ferguson provides a brief update on those candidates and offers thoughts on the possibility that Trump may not participate in the first Republican presidential debate.

Chris Chmielenski, Vice President of Numbers USA, discusses recent survey results indicating that President Joe Biden is losing support from Hispanic/Latino voters. The reason for that may surprise some people in that the reason for that includes his administration's failure to secure the southern US border.

Dr. Marion Mass, co-founder of Practicing Physicians of America and a fellow at the Independent Women's Forum, critiques the typical system used to deliver prescription drugs to consumers in the US. She focuses on prescription benefit managers (PBMs) and their relationships with other parts of the system. Mass explains why she believes the system incentivizes kickbacks drives up costs, and doesn't allow market pressures to hold prices down.

Dr Everett Piper, in a recent Washington Times opinion column, challenges us with a question: how will we react if government takes the same approach to the next viral outbreak - whatever that is - as it did with COVID. He's referring to the shutdowns stay at home orders, mask orders, vaccine mandates, and other restrictions in the name of stopping the COVID virus. Dr Piper argues that personal freedom should be prioritized over these measures.

CNET.com's Nick Wolny assesses how high inflation and high interest rates are affecting back to school shopping - and the impact that's having on many household budgets - this year. The discussion also includes advice on how to get the best deal on higg-dollar items like electronics.

Former Virginia Deputy Attorney General Ken Davis comments on the Departmant of Energy's rule that bans incandescent light bulbs in the US. As of August 1st, it became illegal - by regulation - to manufacture or sell the traditional bulbs. The Biden Administration says the rule is needed as part of new efficiency standards. Davis argues the new regulations are government overreach. This conversation happened on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis.

The Heritage Foundation's Emma Waters discusses multiple policy and cultural issues that she says contribute to human trafficking. She also addresses some myths that are part of the discussion. The contributing issues include the unsecured southern US border, illicit use of social media by predators, the growth of demand for pornography, and the number of broken families.

Phil Kerpen from American Commitment discusses the results of a new survey they commissioned that shows older Americans believe the cost of medications will go up. That's despite promises made by supporters of the "Inflation Reducation Act", who said the Act would reduce costs.

Devin Watkins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute comments on a case before the US Supreme Court involving regulations on commercial fishing businesses in the Northeast. The case challenges requirements that administrative agencies put on the businesses requiring them to pay for monitors to watch them to ensure compliance. The case challenges the "Chevron Standard" in law.

Professor Andrew Cohen of Georgia State University comments on the tribalistic division we are seeing in our culture over controversial topics. Those include politics and cultural issues. This discussion covers the ways those on different sides of these divides can reach a common understanding, even in disagreement, and why Dr. Cohen believes that's important to our country and culture.

Scott Huesing from Save The Brave discusses their mission to prevent suicide among military veterans. This converstion happened during his cross country ride to raise awareness of the tragedy and to promote their work to offer resources to veterans who are struggling. SaveTheBrave.org * Thumbnail image courtesy of Save The Brave

Government regulations are affecting the way faith-based hospitals are allowed to operate. Some argue that proposed regulations from the Biden Administration could violate freedom of religion of medical professionals. Chris Faddis, President of Solidarity HealthShare, addresses the concerns and explains why some healthcare facilities and insurance providers are concerned about the rules.

A recent court ruling blocks the Securities and Exchange Commission's effort to regulate the sale of cryptocurrency in a similar way stocks and other security products are regulated. The Competitive Enterprise Institute's John Berlau explains the decision and how it affects crypto sellers and users, and why he agrees with the ruling.

Daily Signal White House Correspondent Fred Lucas describes changes coming to the media covering the White House. The changes, Lucas says, affect conservative media more than other news sources. As a result of the new policies, Lucas' credentials are being downgraded, which could affect his ability to cover the newsmakers in the White House. He also discusses the larger picture of government officials preferring some media outlets over others when it comes to allowing full access.

Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell explains the details of a bill moving through the Michigan Legislature that would criminalize certain speech under the guise of combating "hate speech". The bill, if passed into law, would allow prosectution for speech that causes someone to feel threatened or harrassed. Critics say the idea could allow liberal prosecutors to file charges subjectively when they oppose political or cultural statements.

Kenny Xu, president of Color Us United, reacts to the Supreme Court's ruling that bans the use of race in college and university admissions. Xu discusses why he agrees with the ruling and how he hopes the change affects the future of the nation. Xu's new book is School Of Woke.

A Twitter dispute between two Missouri lawmakers led to a larger discussion over how those in need should be helped and what the role of government shou;d (and should not be). State Representative Doug Richey, who is also a pastor, was criticized by a Democratic colleague after he posted a compliment to his youth group after they served thousands of meals to those in need in their community.

Pacific Legal Foundation's Caleb Kruchknberg breaks down what the US Supreme Court decided - and didn't decide - in its ruling that stuck down the Biden Administration's program to forgive billions of dollards in student loan debt.

Gabe Nadales from Our America assesses the uptick in violent crime in many US cities and some of the criminal justice reforms being proposed and tried to address it.

Professor Derek Muller from the University of Iowa assesses the US Supreme Court's Moore vs Harper decision. That decision upheld the role of courts in the process to draw district lines. At issue was a dispute over whether the North Carolina Supreme Court can check the State Legislature's authority to draw congressional and state legislative districts.