The Lean to the Left Podcast

There are some 600,000 so-called “dreamers” in this country and many more waiting to obtain that special status currently afforded the children of illegal immigrants, brought to the U.S., often as infants, and who Donald Trump tried to send back to the country of their birth.The Biden administration has just announced a new rule to protect those recipients of protection under the 2012 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, or DACA.Reacting to a decision by federal district judge Andrew Hanen in Texas in July, which ruled that the (DACA) policy violated federal law, the Department of Homeland Security said its new rule will "preserve and fortify" the DACA program by addressing objections to how it was implemented.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urged Congress to include immigration reform in the reconciliation bill currently being debated and "provide the Dreamers the legal status they need and deserve."The Texas federal district court ruling left the program's benefits intact for DACA recipients who have been unable to obtain legal status after being brought to the U.S. as children, but it blocked future applications by some 50,000 young immigrants who need the protection. The Biden administration has appealed that decision as it seeks a pathway to citizen for Dreamers in Congress.Today we’re speaking with Tahmina Watson, a Seattle-based immigration attorney whose law firm focuses exclusively on U.S. immigration and naturalization law.Tahmina is an experienced and passionate attorney who focuses on employment-based, family-based and investor immigration law. She hosts a radio show turned podcast, “Tahmina Talks Immigration”, on which she discusses immigration news updates and interviews immigrants and people who are making an impact.She’s also the author of the book, “The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economy Prosperity in America, which advocates for a new visa category for entrepreneurs and startup founders. Joining me on the podcast is legal thriller author Mark M. Bello, who has just published a new book, Betrayal at the Border.So with that, Tahmina Watson, have these DACA folks not made a huge contribution to this country in the years that they’ve been here?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re with Mark M. Bello, host of the Justice Counts podcast and author of a gripping series of legal thrillers ripped from the headlines.A retired social justice attorney, Mark has just finished his seventh book in his “Betrayal” series. It’s called Betrayal at the Border in which he tackles two cases that strike at the heart of our nation’s contentious immigration debate.Mark has an uncanny knack for homing in on an issue in the news and turning it into a page-turning novel, always providing insight while entertaining the reader at the same time. Betrayal at the Border is no different.I might add that Mark also is an occasional host of this podcast, always providing great depth to our interviews.So, Mark, welcome to Lean to the Left. Today, you’re the featured guest, so let’s get started.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

If you’re a senior paying exorbitant prices for prescription drugs, the news out of Washington is not very good.That’s because legislation that would help lower those drug prices appears to be stuck, apparently the victim of intense lobbying by the pharmaceutical industry, which reportedly has lured a number of Democratic legislators into its camp. And there is very little, if any Republican support.So, the forecast for this proposal, a priority of President Biden, is mostly cloudy at best. Today, we’re with Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius, an expert on financial health, long term care, and retirement issues. Considered a political insider and senior issues advocate, Chris is a former Washington, D.C. lobbyist who has worked at the White House and for the Senate Majority Leader on Capitol Hill.He’s author of two books, “Help on the Way” and “A Survival Guide to Aging” and has a third book, “Retire Like a Genius” on the way. He’s been speaking for two-decades across the country about senior finance and the secrets to aging with financial and physical health and dignity.Chris lays out for us how a small group of lawmakers are doing the bidding of Big Pharma and blocking legislation that would provide prescription drug price relief, and steps seniors can take to help reduce their own Rx expenditures.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Following up on our most recent episode, Killer Drugs during which we spoke with a South Carolina man who has seen three family members die from overdoses of drugs apparently spiked with carfentanil, today we’re with Dr. Bill O’Connor, who treats such patients.Dr. O’Connor is a family physician and works at the Little River Medical Center in South Carolina, a community health facility, that serves everyone – including the homeless, migrant farm workers, and others with little or no financial resources.He tells me that currently there are 140 people currently on Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorder in his medical center. We’re going to learn more about that problem and how it’s affecting peoples’ lives. And, we’ll also learn about community health facilities and their need for financial support.“Opioid use disorder is pretty evil,” Dr. O’Connor says. “It gets to the point where it isn’t a personal choice. You are driven.”Welcome, Dr. O’Connor, to Lean to the Left.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Buster Hatcher is a 73-year-old man who lives in South Carolina. Within the last three months, three members of his family have died from drug overdoses that Hatcher blames on Carfentanil, a powerful derivative of fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic analgesic produced from morphine. It’s 10,000- times more potent than morphine and it’s not approved for use in humans in any capacity. It’s typically used in veterinary medicine to sedate large animals – like elephants.For the past few years carfentanil has been used to cut heroin, and in some cases it’s killing its unsuspecting victims almost instantly.Listen to a human side to this story.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Medical workers protesting vaccination and mask requirements is mind boggling. Doctors advising patients against masks is unthinkable.Whatever happened to the Hippocratic oath?Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What does MAGA really mean? Where did it come from? Check out this commentary by CJ Waldron from https://notfakenews.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re with Samuel Goodman, an author, speaker, and scientist who uses his education and experience to bring the confluence of science and engineering to important issues of public policy, like climate change.Who is this guy? Is he just another climate change nerd? Or does he have something important to say? We’re about to find out.Dr. Goodman has a phD in chemical engineering and has just written a new book, “Beyond Carbon Neutral – How We Fix the Climate Crisis Now.” Climate change, he says, “is the defining challenge of our age”. At best, he says, “It threatens to disrupt everything about our society, while at worst it could destroy everything we’ve worked to build.”“Beyond Carbon Neutral” lays out a complete strategy for reversing climate change by presenting three key areas of activity that are essential to averting catastrophe. Is that hyperbole, or fact? Let’s find out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Smelling blood, the Republican Party is readying a midterm election salvo blasting President Biden for mandating vaccinations, and the Republican National Committee is now trying to fundraise with emotional appeals on that issue.But not all Republicans are playing that cynical game.Take a listen...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Holland, a sociology professor at Horry Georgetown Technical College in Conway, SC, discusses an effort by The Debt Collective and others to eliminate the onerous burden of student debt that millions of Americans are struggling with each day.Dr. Holland contends that such an action could be taken without increasing the tax burden on most Americans, proposing that the cost should be covered with higher taxes on the top one percent in our society.Agree or disagree, it's a fascinating discussion, so check it out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Will our nation ever come together again as it did following the attacks of September 11, 2001? And who are the final casualties of that tragic day? Take a listen to two pieces of commentary from Bob Gatty and CJ Waldron of Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

President Biden has stopped pussyfooting around with Covid 19 and took tough action to stop the spread of the deadly virus. It's about time.He said said Americans who refuse to get Covid-19 shots are causing "a lot of damage," are "keeping us from turning the corner," and cannot be permitted to "stand in the way." It's about time. Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Women’s right to control their own bodies is under attack like never before now that the Trump-stacked U.S. Supreme Court has sanctioned a draconian Texas law that creates a system of vigilante injustice for women seeking an abortion. The law posts a $10,000 bounty on women, clinicians, doctors, even cab drivers who in any way help a woman in Texas terminate her pregnancy, no matter the cause And the Supreme Court, now dominated by conservatives and three justices appointed by Donald Trump said, hey, that’s just fine, folks.Now, it looks like several other Republican-controlled states are planning to copy that Texas law, including Arkansas, Florida, South Dakota, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Ohio, and South Carolina. In fact, the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports access to reproductive health, predicts that about a quarter of states will introduce legislation mirroring Texas’ abortion ban.At the same time, the Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case in Which Mississippi has asked it to overrule Roe v. Wade, the decision that established a woman’s right to an abortion. Countering that, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to call for a vote on legislation to cement the right to an abortion into federal law.But remember this. Republicans in the Senate will likely block any such legislation with their favorite tool, the filibuster. Attorney General Merrick Garland, meanwhile, says the Justice Department will “continue to protect those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services.” Whatever that means. Democrats in Congress aren’t so sure, so those serving on the House Judiciary Committee have urged Garland to criminally prosecute those who try to enforce the Texas law.All of this is background to introduce our guest, Vicki Ringer, public affairs director for Planned parenthood Votes South Atlantic, who is preparing to help fight any effort in South Carolina to pass a Texas copycat abortion law.There, state Sen. Larry Grooms is readying such legislation. He sponsored a “fetal heartbeat” bill that just recently was affirmed as unconstitutional by a U.S. Court of Appeals.Take a listen to our interview, during which Vicki Ringer warns that the attack on abortion could be just the opening salvo by many of its opponents. Listen, learn...and take action.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Imagine living in a place where religious fanatics make the rules. Imagine a place where women’s rights are suppressed and they are told what they can do with their bodies. Add to that a government that says it represents the people, but suppresses the votes of those who disagree with them, while a fanatical former leader threatens anyone who disagrees with him.Any idea where that is? Take a listen to find out. (Or just look at the image with this episode!)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re with Morris Pearl. He’s a rich guy. A millionaire, probably many times over. But get this, he thinks rich people like him should pay higher taxes.Why, pray tell does he think that? Why, in fact, has he even co-authored a book that calls for “lessening inequality by taxing rich people?” The book is called “Tax the Rich! How Lies, Loopholes, and Lobbyists Make the Rich Even Richer.” Who is this guy?In his book, he writes, “I plan to do everything I can to ensure we tax people like me as substantially and effectively as possible. Because I don’t want to be a rich man in a poor country. It’s just that simple.”Morris Pearl chairs a group called Patriotic Millionaires, a group of hundreds of high-net-worth Americans who are committed to making all Americans, including themselves, better off by building a more prosperous, stable, and inclusive nation. The group’s president and founder, Erica Payne, is co-author of the book.Mr. Pearl is former managing director at BlackRock, one of the largest investment firms in the world, and he’s worth a lot of money.So, take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

This episode is narration of Chris Waldron's commentary on NotFakeNews.biz, "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot."The term Whiskey Tango Foxtrot derives from a military term describing circumstances gone completely awry (what the f*ck). This would certainly apply to the state of our country at this present time. With half the population believing lies over facts, a pandemic that has a means of prevention that almost 50 percent of the country won’t accept, rampant wildfires, a stifling heat wave, catastrophic flooding and powerful hurricanes spurred on by climate change, and a whacko wannabe despot stirring the pot at every turn, this is definitely a WTF moment in our history.The thing is, if this continues, we are going to destroy ourselves as a nation, Chris says. Check it out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our nation has been experiencing the impact of extreme weather conditions…fires in California…extreme heat and drought in the West…and now Hurricane Ida ripping through Louisiana and other southern states…and who knows what else is in store for us.After all, the Earth just experienced its hottest month on record.The other day, climate scientists released a new report on the roasting of the planet. It was a dramatic reminder of the need to slash the use of fossil fuels just as soon as humanly possible. We really can’t wait another 30 years or so to get this done, they say.So today we’re speaking with our go-to energy expert, Jack Kerfoot, about all of this. About what is needed, the consequences of inaction, and how President Biden’s infrastructure plan will play into it all.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode, Lean to the Left rips Biden's critics, especially the Republicans, a new one for jumping all over the president for the evacuation of Afghanistan.Bottom line: He got us out of that ugly war as promised, and he deserves credit, not incoming flak.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

“America is not a racist country”. It is a sentiment expressed by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris. Pretty much everyone agrees that, despite many having racist beliefs, our country, by and large, does not support racism. So, why is right wing media ramping up the racist rhetoric?In a word: Fear.That's the view of Not Fake News.biz writer Chris Waldron in commentary narrated by Bob Gatty. Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Republican slimebalms in Congress are crawling all over Joe Biden, calling for him to resign or be impeached over the Afghanistan tragedy. The hypocrisy is incredible, says Not Fake News writer Chris Waldron, in this episode. Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

A right wing South Carolina politician says President Biden should name Donald Trump as his special envoy to manage the Afghanistan pullout. The guy's name is Russell Fry. He's a SC state representative who is challenging Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC-7) in the Republican primary. He's going after the pretty much do-nothing Congressman because he had pangs of conscience and voted to impeach Trump for inciting the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol.Actually, sending Trump to Afghanistan isn't a bad idea. They'd deal with him there when he tries to import hookers and Playboy Bunnies or tries to take over as Supreme Leader. He could take his whole crime family with him. That would be good.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We’re speaking with Matt Nisenoff, founder of Politipod, a cool, funny and informative podcast that focuses on politics. And so, in this episode, Matt and Lean to the Left's Bob Gatty take a somewhat irreverent look at key developments in today's news.The discussion ranges from the tragedy of Afghanistan, to Covid and the anti-vaxers, Trump, the Jan. 6th insurrection, pandering senators, nutcase members of Congress, and much more.Matt is a former political staffer and non-profit organization v.p, who decided a few years ago that it was time to have some fun with politics.Since January 2016, he's been running the Politipod podcast, which provides valuable information – and a laugh – every two weeks. Now, Politipod has dozens of contributors across the country, so it’s not just Matt.It's a fun and interesting conversation, and informative too. So take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What if you're a registered sex offender for acts you did many years ago and now, you're elderly and infirm. You've been in the hospital for more than two months with Covid, and your hospitalization has run out. The doctors want to discharge you, but you have no place to go. That's where Timothy Poore and his company, ATP HealthCare in Florida, come in. And he's our guest on this show.Timothy’s firm works with hospitals to find placement options for hard-to-place patients. It’s a firm that works with patients and their families to answer the question, “What do I do now?”I thought it would be interesting to talk with Timothy about that, about some of the problems faced by many seniors, especially those suffering from dementia. But I also want to speak with him about the challenges faced by elderly patients as the Delta variant spreads in an atmosphere of mixed signals (at best) regarding mitigation.Timothy lives and works in a state where the governor practically turns school administrators into criminals for mandating masks for teachers and students, even as Covid cases – and deaths – skyrocket.And he also works in an industry that cares for the elderly, and that means nursing homes. The Biden administration is ordering those facilities to require staff to be vaccinated, but there is resistance, and the industry says that will only make current staff shortages worse and end up harming patients.We cover all that, and more, in this conversation with Timothy Poore.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The other day in a Not Fake News blog and subsequent podcast, I blasted Trump for suggesting that Biden is pushing for booster shots because that would help the pharm companies make a lot of money.I said then that his message is exactly what the anti-vaxers want to hear and you can bet that it’ll be added to their excuses for not getting their shots and for putting everybody else’s health at risk.Since then, there has been an ongoing discussion on that article on Not Fake News.biz, largely prompted by an anti-vaxer who says it’s his personal right to decide whether to get a “jab” or not.Well, yesterday the FDA had to tell Trumpers (mostly) not to use a horse dewormer to deal with Covid instead of getting the shot.“You are not a horse,” it said. “You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.”So, I decided to help those anti-vaxers with their choices, since they are so much into making their own decisions for themselves, the hell with everybody else.Here goes. Take a listen to Freedom of Choice: Clorox or Horse Dewormer from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

New Jersey climate expert Dr. Marjorie Kaplan, in this episode co-hosted by former NJ Gov. and U.S. Rep. Jim Florio, stresses the urgency of action to combat climate change, responding to the recent UN Report that warns that time is running out.Dr. Kaplan manages the portfolio of the Rutgers Climate Institute, developing and managing research, outreach and education on understanding the climate system and the impacts of a changing climate across the natural, social and policy sciences.During the podcast, Dr. Kaplan discusses the New Jersey Climate Change Alliance, a statewide network of organizations that work to advance science-informed climate change strategies at the state and local levels in the Garden State. She says the Alliance provides a great example that can be duplicated in other regions of the country.She also discusses the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, established by the state to "create and support the use of impartial and actionable science to advance government, public, private, and nongovernamental sector efforts to adapt to, and mitigate, a changing climate."There is little time to waste, Dr. Kaplan says, stressing that an "all hands on deck" approach is needed to ease the negative consequences of climate change, involving the federal, state and local governments, as well as aligned private and nongovernmental organizations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I read today that Donald Trump said he is very proud of the Covid-19 vaccinations, of course taking credit for them, and that he would “love it” if more people got vaccinated. But then, typical Trump, he went on to suggest that the reason President Biden is calling for booster shots eight months after people received their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations is just so the pharmaceutical companies can make more money.Of course, that message is exactly what the anti-vaxers want to hear and you can bet that it’ll be added to their excuses for not getting their shots and for putting everybody else’s health at risk.I covered that in this commentary from Not Fake News.biz. Take a listen…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re addressing the horrific situation in Afghanistan with two pieces of commentary from two different writers at Not Fake News.biz.In the first, author Mark M. Bello points out that the origin of the American troop pullout that is taking place was with defeated President Donald Trump, but now the Republican politicians are jumping all over President Biden for following through.Then, we’ll switch to commentator Seth Mendelson, who writes about the tragic consequences of a war that never should have happened and expresses outrage at the horrific cost in human life, including our American service personnel who fought there, many not to return home.I’ll be narrating both pieces for these two fine writers.First, here’s “A tragedy 20 years in the making” by Mark Bello. Then, I’ll follow with “Angry about Afghanistan” by Seth Mendelson.Take a listen…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The topic today is “Critical Race Theory,” or CRT, and the controversy surrounding the teaching of the true history of our country and its racist past.White parents are rebelling, some red states and school districts are banning the teaching of CRT, and on social media the comments are vitriolic.Several facebook groups have been established to protest CRT teaching, with total membership of those showing up with a CRT search at close to 10,000 people. On one of those pages, called “Stop Critical Race Theory,” Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas posted this:“Why are you so threatened by CRT? It’s just an academic exercise in thinking outside the mainstream!”“Yea, well we don’t teach kids the earth is flat either. Why? Because it isn’t true. The earth isn’t flat, and our institutions aren’t secretly racist. Stop teaching CRT.”Many of the comments and back and forth on this page were much more pointed and obviously racist than that. There were comments that expressed concern about the White race losing its majority status, perhaps revealing the true fears harbored by CRT opponents.For example, on the site, “No Critical Race Theory in School,” John LaChance shared a post headlined:“Blue-eyed Whites will be Extinct by 2087.”Here’s part of that post:“If you continue to abide race politics, you're the problem. If you allow yourself to be shamed for being white, you're the problem. Stop being an apologist for our glorious stand in history, which raised the living standards and prospects for all people in the world.“Beginning with those who are blue-eyed, the White race is on the way to becoming extinct. We've been shamed into it. Soon, all White children will be fully indoctrinated in a school curriculum wrapped around "Critical Race Theory," whose bottom line reads: "Good riddance to White rubbish."Good God! These people actually walk among us.All of this is simply to introduce Stacy Fitzgerald, who just published a post on Not Fake News.biz entitled “Daring to Teach the Racism Truth.”Here’s Stacy…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, I’ve got a double header, a twin killing, for you today, both from blogs on Not Fake News.biz written by my pal, Chris Waldron.The first is “Donald Trump Returns to the White House—Not,” which points out that today, August 13, is the day that the conspiracy theorists said Biden would be removed from the White House in handcuffs and Trump would be “reinstated” as president.Well, My Pillow Guy Mike Lindell, last time we checked Biden was still running the show and Trump was still whining and feeling sorry for himself.Then, we’ll turn to Waldron’s piece, “Code Red for Planet Earth,” in which he stresses the importance of taking prompt action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the earth is to survive. Sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, right? Well, those folks suffering record heat waves, devastating fires, and increasingly severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, don’t think so.So take a listen…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Welcome. I’m Bob Gatty with Mark M. Bello, renowned social justice lawyer and author of riveting ripped-from-the-headline novels covering some of the major issues of our times.we’re speaking with Minnesota trial lawyer Mike Bryant, and a major focus of the episode involved sexual abuse cases involving the Catholic Church in which he’s been involved as an attorney.One of Mark’s novels, Betrayal of Faith, deals with this subject and during our interview Mike Bryant compares the plot in that book to real life cases in which he’s represented clients against the church.Bryant reveals the extent to which the Catholic Church is going to minimize the scandal involving its clergy and sex abuse, how it moves priests from parish to parish to protect them, and its use of bankruptcy to avoid or minimize payments to victims.Most of the questioning is by Bello, who, as an attorney, has represented similar clients and as an author has written extensively about this tragic topic.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With Republican leaders in Covid-19 hotspots crusading against vaccination and mask mandates and cheering low vax rates, what may have been dismissed as simple political opportunism has become much worse than that. It's become deadly.Here are four examples of Republican leaders who can be held responsible. They represent many others who continue to play politics with this deadly virus.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

This is the kickoff episode of Lean to the Left, the new name for our previous podcast, NFN Radio News. Thanks for checking us out.You know, the Republicans have been trying to blame President Biden for the recent surge in gasoline prices, so I figured we needed to see if that was really true. Could the president and his policies be to blame? So, who better to turn to than Jack Kerfoot, a scientist, energy expert and author of FUELING AMERICA: An Insider’s Journey. We previously talked with Jack about alternative energy and wind power, and that episode is now available for listening.I’m all about getting the facts and finding out what’s true and what’s not. Once again, it's important to trust the science and ignore the political rhetoric.So what about it Jack, should be blame President Byden for the fact that we’re paying more at the pump?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today's episode, Trump's Dirty Secret, comes to us from a blog written by Chris Waldron on NotFakeNews.biz. Secrets are no stranger to Trumpworld. There are his tax returns, his payoffs to mistresses, his non-disclosure agreements, and even his buy-offs of negative stories. The one secret he has been keeping under wraps is that he may not even believe the Big Lie.Yes, this is Trump’s dirty secret.Take a listen...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With more than 350 episodes now streaming online, the NFN Radio News podcast is getting a new name to help better identify exactly what we're about. The new name: "Lean to the Left".When I launched NFN Radio News several months ago, my plan was to simply provide narrations of Not Fake News articles for the convenience of those who prefer to listen rather than read while they are relaxing or multitasking, which so many of us do in our busy lives.Then, after suggestions by listeners, I decided to expand the podcast's content to include interviews with newsmakers, experts, and people with interesting stories to tell. Those interviews have proven to be popular, and they have allowed me to return to my communications roots as a reporter, which I love. I thoroughly enjoy talking with interesting, smart people who have something meaningful to say and who can help us understand the important issues of our times.As I narrated these podcasts, I often used the phrase, "...with a little lean to the left" in closing remarks to describe our approach to politics and social issues. Again, upon the advice of listeners, I decided to rebrand the entire show. And so, "Lean to the Left" was born.Listen for more...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today attorney/author Mark Bello and I are speaking with Jesus “Eddie” Campa, author of a new book, “Unmasking Leadership: What They Don’t Tell You.” He’s a former police chief who lectures frequently on “Leading Through Diversity.”We’ll talk about those leadership topics, and we’ll also tap into Eddie’s background in law enforcement to get his view about the current debate over the need for police reform. Eddie Campa was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. After 27 years of law enforcement experience, he retired from the public service, and transitioned his experience and expertise into the private sector as a mentor, consultant, and sounding board. Eddie served as a Chief Deputy and Chief of Police on two different occasions throughout his career. As a result of his last tour in a city impacted by racial divisions, Eddie created and implemented the innovative No Colors No Labels Initiative. It was designed to remove the preconceived notion that the police were racially motivated. In 2017 Eddie was named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian of the Year by the NAACP. He’s a leader who believes in diversity and that a workforce should mirror the community they serve. Eddie holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Security Administration and is currently working on a PH.D. in Public Service Leadership. He is a strong supporter of leadership development, strategic planning, customer service, crisis communication, 21st Century Policing, and Procedural Justice.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I’m with Jim Florio today, and we’re talking politics. The episode actually was recorded on Tuesday, July 27, following the riveting testimony of four police officers who were seriously injured during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.Florio, a former Congressman and governor of New Jersey, talks about what he believes will be the consequences for those Republican lawmakers who have minimized the attack and continue to support Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the election.Some of the highlights:•Trump supporters in Congress who are backing Trump and his election fraud lies will not be treated kindly by history.•Vladimir Putin undoubtedly wanted Trump elected because he knew he was unstable and could be easily manipulated.•Trump’s opposition to wind energy because turbines “cause cancer” was ridiculous.•Water “is the new oil” and we need to husband those resources in the battle against climate change.Here’s our conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On July 27, two Republican members of the House of Representatives stood up to their own party and defended our Constitution and the rule of law.And just before Reps. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) did that during the opening of the first House select committee hearing into the January 6 attack on the Capitol, House GOP leaders tried to shift the blame for the insurrection to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), ignoring the fact that the attacking mob had been urged on by Donald Trump.That effort was despicable, but not surprising. And it undoubtedly will continue.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today Author/lawyer and podcaster Mark Bello and I are with Yvener Duroseau, author of “Alike Regardless: This is Where it Began.” His mission is to encourage us to challenge the status quo, fight for social justice, and seek to challenge the norm of division that’s present in humankind.Yvener was born in Haiti before moving to the United States. He grew up learning Haiti’s profound history as the first nation in which a group of enslaved Africans came together to fight and win their independence. Yvener is a creative writer, Diversity and inclusion consultant, author, and motivational speaker on diversity and inclusion. His debut book, Alike Regardless, challenges the norm of division present in humankind. It is a call to action for people to recognize the beauty and uniqueness throughout the human race and cease wearing the blinders of bigotry and hate. In his book, to be published in August, Yvener pours out his soul, reveals the dreams he has for a more diverse and socially just world, and prompts readers to think more deeply about these issues.On the podcast, Yvener challenges us to look inward, assess the reasons for racist or discriminatory thoughts, and commit to putting those aside. His is a message of positivity, of optimism, of hope. It is a view of what the world could be if we all would just try.Take a listen. It's worth your time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

that takes a look at Donald Trump’s insatiable quest for power and the tragic, corruptive consequences of that quest.So, here’s “The Corruption of the Quest for Power” by Chris Waldron on Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today I’m with Kevin Hofmann, author of Growing Up Black in White, the story of a young man who by the time he turned 2 years had survived an abortion, been given away by his mother, adopted by a family of another race and woke up to a burning cross in his front yard.Kevin was born in Detroit in August 1967 two weeks after the riots that changed that city forever. It was out of these amazing circumstances his life and purpose began, and it is out of these experiences he tells his story.It’s a story of struggle and joy, pain and passion, and most of all hope. And now, because of his own life experiences, Kevin works tirelessly to unite the races that share equal parts of his DNA. Kevin presently works with k-12 school districts, universities, and organizations in the area of diversity and inclusion. From such a unique world view, Kevin works to create a place where ALL can thrive.So, we’re thrilled to have Kevin with us today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Two stories in the news today involve money in politics, one surprisingly positive and hopeful, the other, not so much. What do we learn from each?The good news?The Hill reports that all but one of the Republicans in Congress who voted to impeach President Donald Trump in January are outpacing their primary election challengers in the money-raising sweepstakes. Some by a long shot.But the not-so-good news?The bad news story showed up in The Washington Post, revealing that many of the companies who had pledged to pause or rethink political contributions after the Jan. 6 insurrection to those who voted against certifying President Biden's victory are now contributing to those lawmakers once again.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, I’m going to present a blog written by Chris Waldron of Not Fake News.biz that takes a look at history – at the Republican Party’s repeated efforts to rewrite history – and its implications for the future. So, here’s “Ignoring History: To the GOP’s Peril” by Chris Waldron on Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Get ready for $4 per gallon gasoline prices and a spike in inflation warns long-time energy expert Jack Kerfoot in this exclusive interview with the NFN Radio News podcast.Noting that oil is now at $70 per barrel, Kerfoot cited industry sources as predicting a rise to $90-$95 BBL by next year and $100/BBL by 2030, unless action to replace America's reliance on fossil fuels is successfully replaced by renewable energy, including solar and wind.“What that will mean is that if you have a gasoline vehicle, you will be seeing your fuel cost possibly double if we’re talking about transportation," Kerfoot says. "That will mean that we will see a surge in inflation. As it is, there is a concern right now, but I think that would absolutely guarantee inflation. And, having gone through the 1980s, I remember when inflation was 15-16 and 17-18 percent. The economy is not stable. It’s a very volatile economy. It’s not healthy for the worker, it’s not healthy for businesses, and it will be an even more chaotic time than we have today.”But America won't just feel the impact at the gas pump, Kerfoot cautions."The real pain from high oil prices will be for diesel for trucks transporting goods across the county, which will mean a potential spike in inflation," he says. "Although the move to electric vehicles is in the foreseeable future, the move to large trucks will take more time. Hydrogen might be a solution to fueling large trucks and machinery."On the podcast, co-hosted by former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio, Kerfoot is optimistic that action by the Biden administration and continued progress by the renewable energy industry, as well as impending improvements in electric vehicles, will help to ease those prices in the future and strengthen the economy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Donald Trump is claiming ignorance about fringe benefit tax law requirements. He's the same guy who's repeatedly claimed to be a tax genius. Those who believe his election lies probably will fall for his line, but what about the courts?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We hear a lot about ethics in business these days, but we also see a lot of greed -- a fact that seems driven home nearly every day if we simply watch the news or even just go about our everyday lives.Fortunately, though, there are companies, large and small, that do care more about doing what's right than about ringing out every penny of profit, and a friend of mine, Brad Borkhuis, is dedicated to helping them do exactly that.I first met Brad when he ran a convenience industry food distribution company in North Dakota and one of my communications clients was a Washington, DC-based trade association that served that industry. I admired Brad for his smarts, his openness, and was grateful for his willingness to share information with me that helped me do my job. Today, Brad is a business management coach and operates a company called Epitome Coaching and Consulting. He’s the author of a book on Amazon, “Eye of the Storm: Leading from Peace When All Hell is Breaking Loose,” and writes a blog called "The Greatness Garage." The philosophy that guides him in his life and his work is this: Do Right, Be Right, and Pay it Forward. I like that a lot.In this episode of NFN Radio News, Brad talks with me about what it takes to achieve business success while also doing right, being right, and paying forward. Take a listen:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, we check in with Dave Fleischer who’s just completed his Journey of Hope in memory of his daughter, Sarah, who passed away in 2018 from a horrible cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.In this episode, Dave reports in from Maine after driving more than 15,000 miles as he crisscrossed the country and visited 19 communities called Hope, numerous cholangiocarcinoma caregivers, patients and families. A major goal of the trip, which took Dave to all 48 contiguous states, was to raise money to support research into Cholangiocarcinoma and to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. At more than $50,000, exceeded the goal of $45,000 – and more donations are still being accepted.The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, included stops at hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, plus the get-togethers with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. In today’s episode, Dave reports on more of these meetings, some that proved to be especially meaningful to him. One such meetup was with Tom Lietzke, a 14-year survivor of Cholangiocarcinoma, and who prepared the image used for this episode.Cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct and is an incredibly deadly cancer, which afflicts about 8,000 people in the United States each year. Most of its victims are 65 or older, but Sarah was only 31 when she was diagnosed. She passed away at age 35.The trip was supported by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, which made the specially designed Honda SUV available for the journey. Sponsors were Incyte, Ken Garff Honda, QED Therapeutics, Servier, Taiho Oncology, Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Zymeworks. Tee shirts commemorating the trip are available by clicking on the store at https:cholangiocarcinoma.org.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleischer as he reports in after his sixth and final week on the Journey of Hope.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, we’re going to talk about the GOP’s Larry, Moe and Curly, the big shots who’s weakness and lack of conscience have enabled Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the election.Here’s “The GOP Top Three Deplorables” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, we check in with Dave Fleischer who’s just completed his fifth week of the Journey of Hope in memory of his daughter, Sarah, who passed away in 2018 from a horrible cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.In this episode, Dave reports in from Colorado Springs, Colorado after driving 13,000 miles as he’s crossed the country and visited several towns called Hope, numerous cholangiocarcinoma caregivers, patients and families. Altogether, plans call for the trip to include stops in 19 towns named Hope all across the country.A major goal of the trip, which is taking Dave to all 48 contiguous states, is to raise money to support research into Cholangiocarcinoma and to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. He’s nearly reached the goal of $45,000 – and with one week to go, is secretly hoping to raise even more. The journey is scheduled to end June 30.The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, includes stops at hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, plus the get-togethers with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. He reports on more of these in this episode.Cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct and is an incredibly deadly cancer, which afflicts about 8,000 people in the United States each year. Most of its victims are 65 or older, but Sarah was only 31 when she was diagnosed. She passed away at age 35.The trip is being supported by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, which has made the specially designed Honda SUV available for the journey. Sponsors are Incyte, Ken Garff Honda, QED Therapeutics, Servier, Taiho Oncology, Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Zymeworks. Tee shirts commemorating the trip are available by clicking on the store at https:cholangiocarcinoma.org.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleischer as he reports in after his fifth week on the Journey of Hope.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Water is the "new oil," according to former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio and attorney Lester Taylor, both of whom caution that our nation must act now to effectively husband its water resources to avoid serious consequences in the future.On a new episode of the NFN Radio News podcast, Florio declared, "Water is emerging as a major concern of this country and the world. The fact is, I’ve heard it said that water is the new oil, and what oil was to the last century water is going to be to this century – a major factor in terms of the economy, in terms of survival, and there are lots of problems that we haven’t really paid attention to. Water, of course, we don’t think about until we turn on the faucet and nothing comes out. Then we think about it."Taylor, who works with numerous organizations regarding infrastructure and natural resources, is the former mayor of East Orange, NJ, which manages and operates its own water utility. When he became mayor, he was challenged with managing that resource, and because of the lack of previous infrastructure investment, was forced to raise local water rates by about 75 percent."People tend to be reactive," said Taylor. "When you couple the business interests of the private sector with water with the political and public policy issues of elected officials and/or appointed officials, it’s really hard to make the decision to invest in infrastructure because nobody sees infrastructure. People turn on the tap, they expect water to magically appear; they don’t understand or fully appreciate the tens of millions of dollars that go into making that happen." Taylor is co-chair of New Jersey Water Works Education & Outreach Committee, which he said is "reaching out to municipalities and educational institutions K through 12 to raise awareness about sustainability of our infrastructure." He also serves on the board of Sustainable New Jersey and is a member of executive committee and chair of development committee. Taylor speaks nationally regarding environmental and infrastructure issues.Taylor pointed out that the nation faces numerous challenges. "The pandemic has shown that one ripple in the supply chain can affect every facet of our life," he said. "Who would have thought that a virus would result in there being no water or toilet paper in Costco because people were too sick and couldn’t go to work to produce the product? So it highlights how we are interdependent, and water is a source of life, and we have to protect it.”Florio pointed out that the lack of early action worsened the consequences of the pandemic. "We've paid a high price because we didn't do things early on," he said. "If we don't pay attention to things now, we'll pay a price later on."Both Florio and Taylor emphasized the importance of Washington reaching agreement on infrastructure legislation."Through investment in the infrastructure, it also will produce jobs, and so we talk about environmental justice, economic justice; those are key components to help build the infrastructure of our communities, providing clean and safe drinking water and/or electric and gas resources, but also, quite frankly, creating new fields of employment and careers for people in various communities."But the bottom line, said Taylor, is that investment -- and reinvestment -- in infrastructure is critically important."Ultimately, our resources, water, electricity, you have to invest in them and reinvest in them to make the delivery stronger," he said. "There’s no one-time fix for a pipe, an aquifer. There are so many different systems for water delivery in our state, in our country, that it requires continuous investment."It’s no different than your car. You’re got to change the oil; you’ve got to rotate the tires, and if you don’t, you’re going to run it into the ground. Our natural resources and delivery system for same are no different."Listen to the complete interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.