Plain Talk

On this episode of Plain Talk Dave Diebel, a producer who lives in Bismarck who is also a board member for the North Dakota Film and Media Association, talks about what he says is a need for production incentives in the state. Something to entice more commercials, TV shows, and movies to be filmed here. Also, how is it the signature of a DOT director was still be used to certify records even when he was on leave? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode Dustin Gawrylow talks about an initiated measure campaign he's chairing which would prohibit the Legislature from initiating a vote of the people on amending the portion of the constitution dealing with initiated measures. Yeah, it's a little confusing. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, talking about the removal of power from the state auditor's office, student loan debt, and the romance novels of North Dakota's former director of the drivers license division.

We live in an era where the 1st amendment doesn't really apply to the venues in which most of our speech takes place. As more and more people push hard to ban controversial speech online, which should we fear more? Hate speech? Or the push to silence it? Also, state Auditor Josh Gallion responds to the Legislature putting limits on his office. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions and talks about the fight over the Mueller report in Congress. "They're not interested in the truth," he says of his Democratic colleagues. "They're interested in the fight." Also, Governor Doug Burgum declines to veto a bill gutting the powers of the state auditor. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions on this episode of Plain Talk, and also answers Rob's question about whether or not President Donald Trump's proposed Space Force could protect us from an asteroid. Also, why is a construction company in Dickinson printing campaign signs for the local school district? The answer reveals something which ought to be of statewide concern. This episode is bought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions about the REINS Act, the national debt, illegal immigration, and bipartisanship. Also, state lawmakers included language in the budget for the state Auditor's Office which essentially guts that office's powers. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, state Rep. Shannon Roers Jones talks about how her efforts to decriminalize marijuana got turned into legislation which actually increases penalties. Also, a recent debate over fixing a chemistry lab at North Dakota State University revealed some ugly priorities in higher education. This episode is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

State Auditor Josh Gallion pushes back on suggestions from North Dakota State College of Science President John Richman that a recent audit contained information that wasn't true. Also, it's time for parking meters in North Dakota. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jamie Kelly, editor of the Williston Herald, talks about the struggle some western school districts face when it comes to getting funding from the state. He says things are so bad some students are going to class in closets. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Bonus audio from Rob's segment on the Jay Thomas Show.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Congressman Kelly Armstrong talks about his immediate reactions to the Mueller report. He also takes listener questions about term limits and other topics. Also, we should always ask, what is the government protecting us from? In one recent case it was farming with our second cousins. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, state Senator David Hogue (R-Minot) says Democratic lawmakers are "posturing" over ethics legislation they say has too many loopholes. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Should politicians be able to regulate people who can't vote for them? Why can local governments in North Dakota extend their regulatory reach to people who can't vote in that local government's elections? Also incoming North Dakota U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley talks about the lengthy confirmation process he faced before taking that job, as well as his priorities for doing the job now that he has it. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Governor Doug Burgum checks in on this episode of Plain Talk to react to the Legislature overriding his veto of a bill authorizing an interim committee he says has too much power. Also a graduate student and columnist from the University of Colorado says there was a protest against current UND President Mark Kennedy, and there will be more when Kennedy visits the state next week. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Audio from the Jay Thomas Show discussing an audit report revealing inappropriate activity at the North Dakota State College of Science.

A subcommittee from the Democrat-controlled House is in North Dakota this week to talk about the state's voter ID law. The ranking member on the committee - Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois, the only Republican on the committee - talks about the politics of it. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

The Legislature wants to put some checks and balances into the process for amending the constitution by way of ballot measures. It's going to be a controversial topic in the next election cycle, I think, but it's the right thing to do. Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes your questions about the national debt, the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, and other topics. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

As he prepares to exit the University of North Dakota, embattled President Mark Kennedy takes a shot at his critics, suggesting controversy over a very cushy employment arrangement he gave his special assistant was born of racism and gender bigotry. Also, Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions about the space force, tax preparation reform, the national debt, and border security. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

State Rep. Ruth Buffalo says right wing media shouldn't get to question her about her travel expenses. But shouldn't politicians have to face their critics? Also, state Senator Kristin Roers (R-Fargo) talks about her amendment bringing back the issue of decriminalizing marijuana after similar legislation was defeated earlier this session. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

State Rep. Ruth Buffalo won't answer a question about who paid for a trip she took to Tennessee to address a left wing group about, ironically enough, government transparency. Also, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread talks about a reinsurance program his department is taking public comment on. A state-level effort to fix some of the chaos Obamacare has created. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Rob talked about Stephen King and driver's education on this week's segment on the Jay Thomas Show.

An idea to use Legacy Funding earnings to reduce, and eventually eliminate, state income taxes is back in the Legislature. Some are opposed to it, but what could be more visionary and beneficial to North Dakotans across the state than reducing tax burdens? Also, we spend a lot of time talking about road safety in North Dakota, so why aren't we adequately funding driver's education in our schools? This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes audience questions, including one about demands from Democrats to release the full Mueller report, something he says is a "political stunt." Also, Democrats have embraced federalism on marijuana policy. Maybe they should embrace it in other policy areas too? This episode is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Senator Kevin Cramer takes questions from listeners on closing the border, NATO funding, and the Mueller report. Also, should there be consequences for people who refuse to vaccinate? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

A Republican lawmaker from Minot who styles himself a proponent of religious liberty is objecting to an invocation delivered by a Hindu religious leader. You can't make this stuff up. Also state Rep. Luke Simons talks about his bill, which failed in the state Senate, which would have required that cops get a warrant (or at least have probable cause or the justification of an emergency) before coming on private land and searching buildings. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Troy Coons from the Northwest Landowners Association talks about why his group opposes legislation regarding pore space. Don't worry, he also explains what pore space is. Also, some thoughts on the Legislature rejecting an expanded State Board of Higher Education. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Audio from Rob's appearance on the Jay Thomas Show 04/01/2019, talking about occupational licensing for hair braiders and the Legislature possibly overriding Governor Doug Burgum's veto of a hike to drivers license fees.

On this episode of Plain Talk, a hair braider who tried to start a business in Fargo ended up having to move her business to Minnesota because North Dakota's regulations are too strenuous. Also, Senator Jessica Unruh (R-Beulah) talks about a complicated bill concerning pore space and energy development which some are saying is an affront to property rights. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, state Representative Kim Koppelman (R-West Fargo) backed an amendment which would treat marital rape differently for the purposes of parental rights than just plain old rape. Then he lied about offering the amendment. Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions about the filibuster, the USMCA trade agreement, the Green New Deal, and funding for the Special Olympics. Also, John Swanson from Enbridge gives an update on their much-delayed Line 3 pipeline project in Minnesota. He says their company is prepared if Dakota Access-style protests happen. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

By the strictures of identity politics actor and accused hate crime hoaxer Jussie Smollett is, by dint of his demographic attributes, automatically a victim. Except, judging by what he seems to have gotten away with in Chicago, it sure seems like he has a lot of privilege. Also, state Senator Janne Myrdal talks about her legislation aimed at stopping criminal political acts against infrastructure like pipelines. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Reed Hundt, a former head of the FCC who is now heading up an organization called Make Every Vote Count, calls for an end to the Electoral College. But is that what would be best for North Dakota? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Audio from Rob's appearance on the Jay Thomas Show 03/25/2019, talking about the recently released Mueller report.

The Mueller report is out, kind of, and so far the reactions to it are predictable. Think what you want of the report, but the way the national news media went about covering it has damaged our Republic. Also Fargo businessman Don Schilling talks about North Dakota's workforce shortages and what the Legislature ought to be doing to address them. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

The North Dakota Legislature has opened the door to local governments assessing fines for things like traffic violations above state levels. That's fine, but unlike state fines, local fines flow to local government creating a financial incentive to police for profit. Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong answers questions during his weekly segment. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions on this episode of Plain Talk, including questions about the Electoral College and funding for the border wall possibly pulling money away from North Dakota military projects. Also, a bar painted a mural in Mandan, and then local government freaked out. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Rep. Corey Mock (R-Grand Forks) talks about the Legacy Fund, including his amendment to make spending its earnings harder, what we ought to do with the billions of dollars in the fund, and a little bit on initiated measure reform. Also, some thoughts on the Legislature ending North Dakota's Sunday close law. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Should the Christchurch shooting video be censored on the internet? Do we want the government and tech companies getting comfortable blocking controversial content? Also Vicki Granado from Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, talks about the project's impact on taxes and the economy in North Dakota nearly three years later. This episode of Plain Talk is sponsored by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Audio from Rob's 03/18/19 appearance on the Jay Thomas Show, talking about the Legacy Fund and anti-discrimination legislation in Bismarck.

A New York Times Magazine columnist says it's ok for people to treat other people differently based on skin color...as long as they belong to a minority group. White can't get away with it. Or maybe we shouldn't treat anyone differently based on skin color? Also, North Dakota Lt. Governor Brent Sanford joins to talk about the executive branch's dispute with the Legislature over revenue forecasts. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions, and says the amount of anti-capitalist thinking in Washington D.C. is "very, very scary." Also, are lawmakers being honest with their revenue forecasts? Governor Burgum doesn't think so, and he's probably right. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Senator Kevin Cramer takes reader questions on this episode of Plain Talk, responding to one by suggesting that socialist media darling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might actually be a plant...by Republicans. Speaking of AOC, some of her comments chastising Wells Fargo for financing the Dakota Access Pipeline recently were downright Orwellian. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Could the State of North Dakota be sued over a mistake in transferring oil tax revenues to state funds? Nich Archuleta of North Dakota United, an organization representing the state's public workers and teachers, says his group would like to avoid it but they're keep their options open. Also Senator Ray Holmberg, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, talks about revenue forecasts and finalizing the state's budget. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Rob talks about socialism and the debate over the state's prisons during a segment on the Jay Thomas Show 03-11-19.

ND House Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) joins to talk about the 2019 legislative session so far, including his sense that this session has been less partisan than past sessions. Also, why has victimhood become political currency? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

It seems like many are willing to give Rep. Ilhan Omar a pass for her comments about Jews and Israel that someone of another gender/race/religious background might not get. Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong gives an update from Washington D.C. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions this week on the green new deal, immigration policy, President Trump's emergency declaration, and other topics. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, in full excuse mode after her 2018 election loss, blames being branded a "Democrat" for her election loss. Also Jodi Smith, head of North Dakota's Department of Trust Lands, talks about what her office sees as a mistake in how state oil tax revenues were distributed. This episode of Plain Talk was brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Rob responds to some recent letters to the editor about the podcast and his articles. Also, former Grand Forks Herald publisher Mike Jacobs weighs in on the controversies at the University of North Dakota. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.