American Viewpoints

Gabe Nadales from Our America responds to a new Wall Street Journal survey that says fewer Americans consider patriotism, religion, and community to be priorities in their lives.

Dan Stein from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) assesses recent developments in both illegal immigration and in the policy debates within the US about how to deal with it.

Policy makers from both sides of the partisan divide are calling for regulation on artificial intelligence technology. The development of AI has educational, economic, governmental, and health implications and the technology is growing as a fast rate. In this discussion, the R Street Institute's Shoshana Weissmann discusses the rush to regulate and cautions against being reckless in limiting how AI can develop.

After an attack on a Christian school in Nashville this past week, the national response quickly turned into debates over guns, gay and trans issues, and mental health. In this segment, Herzog Foundation president Darrell Jones discusses the affect the attack could and likely will have on Christian education in American in the years ahead. The conversation includes the reasons why Christian schools (and other organizations) are sometimes targeted, the realities of security at all schools - especially private ones - and the response from people of faith.

Former US Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) is now the chairman of the Ronald Reagan Institute's National Leadership Council. In this discussion, he assesses the ongoing Russian offensive against Ukraine, the influence China could have on the warm and what - if any - interest the US has in the situation.

If there is a "ground zero" of the debate over activist public schools, you could argue that it's Loudoun County, Virginia. That's where many parents pushed back against a very left-of-center school board to change policies and, they say, pull the school system back from indoctrination and move it towards focusing on objective education. That conflict sparked similar pushbacks around the country. Ian Prior was/is part of that fight. He is the executive director of Fight For Schools. His new book, Parents Of The World Unite: How To Save Our Schools From The Left's Radical Agenda, Prior provides what he calls "the winning strategies for successfully fighting a radical woke agenda in your kids’ schools." https://www.amazon.com/Parents-World-Unite-Schools-Radical/dp/1546004440

President Biden issued his first veto over the past week. It was against a Congressional resolution dealing with what's known as ESG in finances. Basically, the resolution would have returned federal rules on managing investments to require making maximizing returns the goal. Under the Biden Administration, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) priorites can also be considered, meaning that pension or other investment fund managers can invest yor savings with activism in mind. Richard Morrison from the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Free The Economy podcast explains how the change could affect your investments.

After the contentious hearings by a US House committee this past week, many lawmakers showed rare bipartisan support for banning the Chinese-owned social media platform. The Heritage Foundation's Jake Denton agrees with that idea, both calling TikTok propaganda and citing the data being gathered by Bytedance (TikTok's parent company). He also objects to some of the content that, he says, is harming American youth.

Brownstone Institute writer Alan Lash discusses his recent article about the loss of trust toward medical professionals after the last few years. Lash wrote about the controversies related to COVID including mask orders and vaccine debates. The conversation expands into the broader consequences of an institution - medicine - losing trust from any significant portion of the public. https://brownstone.org/articles/can-we-still-trust-the-doctor/

Andrew Lautz from the National Taxpayers Union says the economics of controlling drug prices is complex and warns against mandates that cap those costs. Among the concerns is that a government limit on prices for consumers will likely slow down the development of new medicines.

Economist Peter Earle from the American Institute for Economic Research breaks down the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to explain how inflation is affecting us all. He also offers some advice on how to understand the economic impact on our households in order to make good personal finance decisions. Earle also addresses the two recent bank failures and the concerns over the stability of our banking system.

Christian Post writer Brandon Showalter discusses his new book, coauthored with Jeff Myers, PhD, Exposing The Gender Lie. The conversation includes the ideology, medical claims, cultural, mental health, and familial aspects of the debate over "transgender" issues in America. https://www.christianpost.com/ebook/gender-lie/

World Magazine writer Jerry Bowyer discusses the need for us, whether we are activists, policy makers, or news consumers who just want to stay informed and involved in some way, to have the right mindset and pursuit of truth. Given the polarization, division, and tribalism that sometimes overwhelm us, Bowyer offers advice on sorting through what's true and false, important and trivial, and effective instead of needlessly confrontational.

Conservative thought leaders used to include Ronald Reagan, William F. Buckley, Jr, Thomas Sowell, Russell Kirk, and Barry Goldwater. Today, conservative influencers include Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Steve Bannon and Candace Owens. In 2023, is the conservative movement in America based on the same foundations and principles as it was in previous generations? The Russell Kirk Centrer's Jeff Nelson offers an assessment of the state of the movement at this point and offers his thoughts on where it should go from here. https://kirkcenter.org/

Dr. Julie Gatza, founder of the Florida Wellness Institute, offers advice on improving your nutrition, especially when snacking throughout the day. March is, among other things, National Nutrition Month. NaturesSources.com. To try a free sample of a digestive enzyme supplement she recommends, call 800.827.7656 ad use the promotional code RADIO.

Americans For Prosperity's Missouri State Director Jeremy Cady discusses a proposal in Missouri to restore the right to vote to most felons after they complete their sentences. Similar ideas are being debated (and have already been passed) in other states. He explains why he believes this aspect of criminal justice reform could reduce recidivism and improve community safety.

Washington Stand writer Ben Johnson reviews the role "fact checkers" have had in recent years, particularly on social media. He points out that many claims and opinions argued during the COVID that were removed due to "misinformation" turned out to be true. This ranges from debates over the effectiveness of vaccines and the origin of the virus. https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/the-lies-of-the-factcheckers

Project 21's David Lowery, who lives and works in Chicago, reacts to the primary election results that mean Lori Lightfoot's tenure as Mayor will soon be over. Lightfoot was elected four years ago with around 70% of the vote. In this year's primary, she received about 16%. Lowery compares her national profile - one hailed as a leader by the Left - and what he sees as the real effect of her policies on Chicagoans, particularly black and hispanic residents. * screenshot image courtesy of YouTube/Mayor Lightfoot channel

Host Mike Ferguson assesses the state of the conservative movement in America at this point.

Robert Romano from Americans for Limited Government discusses recent news that another federal agency agrees with the claim that the first strain of COVID that hit the US likely came from a Chinese virology lab. Romano explains why determining the origin of the virus is important from both a political and public health perspective.

Jon Schwepp, Policy Director for the American Principles Project, discusses a new survey they say shows that voters- especially conservative and independent voters - want to see Republican candidates focus on cultural issues. These include parental choice in education and opposing efforts to increase acceptance of "transgender" issues.

Public Interest Research Group's Kevin O'Reilly provides an update on the debate over "right to repair" laws, that allow consumers to have their electronics (or electronic parts of machinery, including farm equipment and cars) repaired by whomever they want. That's as opposed to the current situation where manufacturers often restrict access to the softwareused in the devices.

Host Mike Ferguson assesses the current state of the race for the Republican nomination for president in 2024.

Dr. Bonner Cohen from the National Center for Public Policy Research assesses the response to the train derailment in East Palestine, OH and how politics have become part of the discussion, along with emergency response, environmental worries, andeconomic concerns.

Hackers and other cyber criminals aren't the only concerns many people have about online security. Another concern that many have is the use of our private information by social media companies, web search sites, and businesses that conduct commerce online. The R Street Institute's Brandon Pugh updates us on the debate over what a national law about online security and privacy should look like.

Washington Times reporter Sean Salai analyzes new data about how current economic trends and world events are affecting America's small businesses. He also looks at how those factors are likely to affect the businesses in the near future. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/14/small-businesses-brace-reduced-consumer-demand/

As interest rates continue to go up, those with significant credit card debt could be hit hardest. Bankrate.com's Ted Rossman provides advice on how to lower the debt, especially for those with high interest cards, as part of your overall personal finance plan.

Chloe Cole, one of the country's best known "detransitioners", works with Do No Harm to stop the hormonal, chemical, and surgical treatments that are being done to children around the country. Chloe, who lives on the autism spectrum, began "genter transitioning" as a young teen and had a double mastectomy at the age of 15 and now regrets the decision. In this NewsTalk STL discussion, she recounts her journey, the harm it's caused her, and why she doesn't want other children to go through that. https://donoharmmedicine.org/

Thomas Buckley discusses his recent op-ed published by the Brownstone Institute about the way language is being used in today's political debates. He specifically looks at the use of "-denial" as a perjorative ("climate denier/denial", "science denier/denial", etc). Buckley examines the strategy of that approach, arguing that it's designed to end debate instead of convincing someone to chage their mind. https://brownstone.org/articles/denialism-a-woke-way-to-stifle-dissent/

Sgt. Betsy Smith from the National Police Association discusses the debate over law enforcement, police reform, and relationships between police and many communities around the country following the murder of Tyre Nichols by officers in Memphis.

Presidnet Biden is asking lawmakers and regulators to limit credit card late fees to eight dollars per month. He's also piusing to outlaw what he calls "junnk fees" on multiple things including ticket purchases, resorts, hotels, and other goods and services. The Competitive Enterprise Institute's John Berlau argues against the proposals, saying they would be bad for both consumers and the economy in general. https://cei.org/news_releases/cfpb-cap-on-credit-card-late-fees-price-controls-that-raise-cost-of-credit-for-everyone/

Responding to recent internal Disney meeting footage that shows writers and other creative-centric employees discussing their plans to include more LGBT themes in their content, the Catholic League produced a film of their own. Walt's Disenchanted Kingdom addresses the company's work to lobby against Florida legislation to keep sexual content out of public school classrooms and the stated desire to influence their viewers towards more acceptance of LGBT lifestyles and issues. Catholid League president Bill Donohue explains why they made the film and describes the affect the League hopes to have with it.

Corey DeAngelis from the American Federation for Children, provides an update on efforts to expand school choice around the country. He assesses the movement's momentum and the states most likely to adopt some form of school choice (or expand it).

Most of the country has long moved past COVID. Business shutdowns are over, mask mandates are mostly a thing of the past, and many people's lives have returned to pre-coronavirus normal. Heritage Action PAC's Carson Steelman addresses the President's announcement that he plans to end two national COVID emergency declarations in May. Congressional Republicans want those neded immediately. Steelman discusses the multiple effects the declarations are having on people, government policies, and commerce.

Te recent funeral of Tyre Nichols in Memphis became the latest national focal point of the debate over law enforcement and race in America. Philip Clay from Project 21 assesses the case, what it likely means to the national conversation and policy debates, and what he hopes changes.

Jeremy Dys from the First Liberty Institute provides an overview of some of their top court cases for 2023. The cases include one before the US Supreme Court about a former US Postal Service worker who was denied a religious accomodation with his schedule. Gerald Groff requested that he not work on Sundays in observance of his religious beliefs. Dys also discusses other cases before appealate courts, including the case of military personel who object to the Department of Defense's CoVID vaccine requirement. https://firstliberty.org/news/a-spring-full-of-major-court-battles/

Pacific Research Institute Senior Director of Education Lance Izumi discusses their new book, of which he's co-author, and the education issues addressed in it. The Great Parent Revolt is described as a set profiles or ordinary people who have challenged and defeated the most divisive doctrine to ever threaten America's children. These include Critical Race Theory. https://www.amazon.com/Great-Parent-Revolt-Grassroots-Fighting-ebook/dp/B0BSS3JKJP?asin=B0BSS3JKJP&revisionId=c43c42f5&format=1&depth=1

Pacific Legal Foundation attorney David Deerson explains their case before the US Supreme Court that will decide if governments can profit from property seized over delinquent property taxes. The case at hand is Tyler v. Hennepin County, where an elderly woman was unable to keep up with the property taxes on her condo. The local government seized the home, sold it, and kept all the proceeds even though that exceeded the amount of taxes due. Currently, this practice is legal in Minnesota. https://pacificlegal.org/case/mn_home_equity_theft/

Host Mike Ferguson assesses the recent news of classified documents being found in the personal homes and, in at least one case, priate offices of both Republican and Democratic office holders. The documents in question were found in the homes of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden - who had possession of the documents while not in elected office - and former Vice President Mike Pence.

RedState.com Deputy Managing Editor Kira Davis describes the ideas she offering in her book, Drawing Lines. Davis argues that there are limits to compromise when one side refuses to discuss or debate in good faith. In her view America's Left crosses the line from that and often relies on vitriol. From her book description on Amazon: "There are times for compromise and times to draw a line in the sand; the latter has arrived. It is time to draw our lines as Christians and Conservatives."

Ian Rowe, founder of the Vertex Partnership Academies in New York and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the lessson he describes in his new book, Agency. The book outlines what Rowe calls a four-point plan for all children to overcome the victimhood narrative. This includes a different approach to education as well as emphases on family, religion, and entrepreneurship. https://templetonpress.org/books/agency/ https://www.vertexacademies.org/

Former Virginia Deputy Attorney General Ken Davis examines the recent controversy over the use of natural gas in homes and businesses. After a Biden appointee signaled a desire to phase out household and commercial use of gas stoves/ovens, the White House backtracked after a backlash. Davis believes the goal is still in place as part of the Administration's plans to "transition" the US energy sector away from fossil fuels and resources.

Reason Magazine Associate Editor Billy Binion looks back on the Republican debate over electing Kevin McCarthy to Speaker of the House. Morespecifically, he examines the debate over the debate itself. While many political pundits and insiders decried the opposition to McCarthy, which forced multiple votes, as embarassing, Binion says the debate was a healthy exercise for the process and hopes more debate/disagreement is encouraged.

Robert Romano, Vice President of Public Policy for Americans For Limited Government, assesses the nation's debt level and specifically the fact that the debt ceiling has been reached. Romano explains how a decision to raise the borrowing limit could affect American households and offers a perspective on how Congress and the President should address the spending that's led to the financial situation the country is now in.

Washington Times columnist and author, Dr. Everett Piper, discusses his recent article about adults who choose not to return to work. In addition to the economics of the situation, Piper assesses the cultural aspect of what he refers to as a "coddled culture" and why this hurt the individual as well as their families and communities. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jan/8/spoiled-adults-who-will-not-work-in-bidens-america/ Dr. Piper's books: https://dreverettpiper.com/books/

Former Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA) assesses the recent drawn-out debate over electing Rep. Kevin McCarthy to be Speaker of the House. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, Barr explains why he believes the dissenting group of GOP House members were short sighted in their efforts. He then offers advice for Republicans to move forwrd with their agenda for the remainder of the year.

Townhall.com writer Jonathan Emord explains why he believes individual states should sue the Biden Administration, using the Guarentee Clause, to compel securing the southern border.

Washington Examiner Homeland Security Reporter Anna Giaritelli provides an update from El Paso, Texas on the situation at that part of the US southern borderwhen it comes to illegal immigration. Giaritelli explains how parts of El Paso were cleaned up prior to the President's visit and how the immigration issue is affecting the community there directly.

The Heritage Foundation's Jim Carafano, one of the nation's recognized foreign policy experts, discusses the ongoing Russian invation of Ukraine. He addresses the objections some have about the aid the US is sending to help the nation defend itself and eventually repel Russia.

Greg Teufel, founder of OGC Law, discusses a challenge to Pennsylannia's mail-in voting process that is befor ethe US Supreme Court. Teufel explains why this case could have ramifications across the nation.