The Lean to the Left Podcast

With Senate Republicans blocking the voting rights bill, the people must vote no matter what, and when they do, they must remember who tried tried to stop them. There is only one solution to voter suppression: Voting -- no matter the roadblocks the Republicans try to impose.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 narrate commentary by Not Fake News writer Chris Waldron as he discusses why today's Republican Party, the GOP, the Party of Lincoln, can no longer be called "American". Chris offers five reasons why this is the case.So take a listen to "The Un-American Republican Party" by Chris 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.

The politicians in Congress, many of them facing reelection in 2022, wasted no time in declaring Juneteenth, the day enslaved people in Galveston, TX, learned that they were free, a national holiday. For many, particularly most Republicans, it was the easy way out-- as well as an act of hypocrisy. Take a listen to the comments at a Juneteenth commemoration in South Carolina.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What if Donald Trump, the disgraced, twice impeached former president, decided to run for Congress in 2022 with the intention of taking over as Speaker of the House and launching impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden?Is that crazy? Would Trump really put aside his ego and run for the lowly House of Representatives? Is he that vindictive?What do you think?Take a listen...to Speaker Trump.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, thanks for stopping by the NFN Radio News podcast. Today, we check in with Dave Fleischer who’s just completed his fourth 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 Hershey, PA after driving 10,000 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 17, maybe 18 towns named Hope all across the country.A major goal of the trip, which will take Dave to all 48 contiguous states, is to help raise money to support research into this disease and during which they hope to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. He’s closing in on the goal of $45,000 – and the trip has two weeks to go. The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, includes stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, in addition to the get-togethers with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. He says those visits are remarkable.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 fourth week on the Journey of Hope, during which he’ll share with us what he’s been thinking about while driving all those miles by himself. Some of it’s funny. Some pretty meaningful.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, welcome to the podcast. Today we’ll be hearing about an atrocity in China, where innocent people are reportedly being murdered for profit – so their organs can be sold and used for transplant.It’s an unbelievably brutal practice that has been described as a New kind of evil that has not existed on this planet before.”It’s hard to believe that this kind of evil is going on, so today we’ll hear from Mitchell Gerber, who has dedicated nearly two decades exposing these practices.First, here are some resources to check for yourself.https://faluninfo.net/http://faluninfo.net/why-persecution/ http://www.stoporganharvesting.org/ https://endtransplantabuse.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIiVlIkJcJU&t=1228sBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, thanks for stopping by the NFN Radio News podcast. Today, we check in with Dave Fleisher who’s just completed his third 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 South Carolina, after crossing the country and visiting several towns called Hope, several cholangiocarcinoma caregivers, patients and families. Altogether, plans call for the trip to include stops in 17, maybe 18 towns named Hope all across the country.A major goal of the trip, which will take Dave to all 48 contiguous states, is to help raise money to support research into this disease and during which they hope to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. He reports that after three weeks of the Journey, he’s closing in on the goal of $45,000 – and the trip is only about half-way completed. The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.“That’s pretty cool,” Dave says. The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, includes stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, in addition to the get-togethers with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. He says those visits are remarkable.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 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.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleisher as he reports in after his third week on the Journey of Hope, during which he’ll tell us about conversations with the “unknowings.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today’s topic is higher education and former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio and I are speaking with attorney Steven Weinstein who has extensive experience in both education and government relations. He joined the New Jersey law firm of Connell Foley in April 2021 after serving as general counsel and executive vice president for government relations at Rowan University.Steve built an outstanding team that helped New Jersey’s Rowan University become a unique major research university. His advocacy and government relations efforts helped make Rowan the 4th fastest growing public research university in the country.Today, Governor Florio and I will talk with Steve about the higher education challenges that are facing students, as well as colleges and universities across the nation.We’ll talk about the skyrocketing costs, how changing demographics are affecting colleges and universities, the potential entry of big tech into the higher education arena, funding, and much more.So welcome Steve. We’re looking forward to this discussion.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WVA), who is driving Democrats crazy by blocking their major voter reform bill because he wants it to be more "bipartisan", is exactly the tool Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell need to execute their strategy to regain control of the U.S. Senate.Whether what he is doing is a deliberate attempt to satisfy Trump supporters in his home state and act like a "semi-Republican," or because he is truly committed to the ideal of bipartisanship, is now being debated. Regardless, his refusal to support the For the People Act, the Democrats' critically important election reform bill, is unconscionable.Manchin is playing directly into the hands of Donald Trump and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who already hold the filibuster card, and Manchin opposes any effort to take that card away. With a 50-50 tie in the Senate and only Vice President Harris as the deciding vote, Democrats have no margin for lost party-line votes.Listen for more...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Justin Long never felt comfortable in his own skin. After years of physical and psychological abuse from his parents, he was a self-loathing stranger to love. But at thirty-two, he faced up to the fact that his existence had become a downward spiral of alcoholism and despair.Knowing something had to change, Justin sought help and got sober. But defeating addiction was just the start of his journey of endurance and revelation. Committed to becoming whole, he fought through his cynicism about men and counseling in order to resolve his underlying pain and rise above his past.Now, he’s written a book about those experiences. It’s called The Righteous Rage of a Ten-Year-Old Boy…a Journey of Self-Discovery. It’s a raw narrative of Justin’s battle, unflinchingly honest, offering encouragement to those who face similar challenges every day.Justin is our guest in this episode of the NFN Radio News podcast.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 for you commentary by Not Fake News writer Chris Waldron as he traces the history of racism in America, the influence of Donald Trump, and a word of caution for all of us.Here’s America’s Racist History by Chris Waldron of 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.

Dave Fleischer has now traveled almost 6,000 miles on 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 New England, after crossing the country and visiting several towns called Hope, several cholangiocarcinoma caregivers, patients and families. Altogether, plans call for the trip to include stops in 17 towns named Hope all across the country.A major goal of the trip, which will take Dave to all 48 contiguous states, is to help raise money to support research into this disease and during which they hope to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. He reports that two weeks of the Journey, more than $30,000 has been raised – an astonishing amount, as the original goal for the entire trip was $15,000. There is now a new goal of $45,000.“That’s pretty cool,” Dave says. The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, includes stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, and get-togethers with other patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. Last week, Dave and his wife, Linda, visited the Mayo Clinic. 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.Linda flew home last Sunday after 10 days on the road with Dave, so he’s now on his own – except for the many well-wishers and supporters he is meeting along the way. The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.The trip is being supported by the 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.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleisher as he reports in after his second 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.

Donald Trump, a failed president who was twice impeached and could face criminal charges for some of his misdeeds, failed at something else: turning America into a totalitarian society.That's the view of Simon Chadwick, born in South Africa the son of an exiled anti-apartheid activist, who grew up in a totalitarian society that suppressed opposition, oppressed large segments of the population, and where politicians engineered society to their own advantage.In a new episode of the NFN Radio News podcast, Chadwick says the similarities to what Trump tried to achieve in the U.S. and apartheid South African were many, and began even before he won the 2016 election.Chadwick says Trump's rise to power and subsequent actions prompted him to write the book, "For the People: A Citizen's Manifesto to Shaping Our Nation's Future." For more, take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

For more than 20 years, Miko Pickett made her mark in corporate IT, and today, this native of New Jersey is making a big time difference in her mostly African American community in South Carolina, where nearly 25 percent live in poverty.This whirlwind of a woman, who ran for the South Carolina state House of Representatives in 2020 just four years after moving to the Palmetto State, is determined to change her community for the better and help those who are struggling. But she's doesn't just talk a good game; she's in the trenches, doing the work, and making it happen.On this week's episode of the NFN Radio News Podcast, co-hosted by former Gov. Jim Florio, Miko emphasizes the importance of voting and how her organization is informing individuals in her community about the importance of voting and then helping them exercise that precious right.She talks about her battle to increase the minimum wage, noting that at $7.25 -- the rate in South Carolina that hasn't changed in 13 years -- people are left in poverty and can't possibly make ends meet. She says she has no sympathy for corporations with high stock prices that refuse to pay a living wage.During our interview with Miko, in which she tells Florio that her father worked in one of his campaigns and that she considers him "New Jersey royalty," she says another run for office could be in her future, adding that she's "just waiting for the call."Take a listen to the complete interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I could be wrong, been wrong before, but I’m pretty sure Trump and the Republicans who opposed creating the bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection have shot themselves in the foot.That commission was being established as bipartisan, with equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, and it was designed to be politically independent as well.But Trump didn ‘t want to expose himself to what he must know would be devastating conclusions and Mitch McConnell wanted to protect Senate Republicans from political nastiness that he feared would result.Well, Senator…just wait. Because if Nancy Pelosi creates a Select Committee to conduct such an investigation, it will be stacked with Democrats and it’ll be used to raise hell with Trump and the Republicans well into the 2022 election season. Just like the Republicans did with Benghazi and Hilary Clinton.That’s our topic for today from Not Fake News. Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Dave and Linda Fleischer are well underway on their Journey of Hope in memory of their daughter, Sarah, who passed away in 2018 from a horrible cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.In this episode, Dave reports in from South Dakota, after visiting several western states, three towns called Hope, and several colangiocarcinoma patients and families. All together, plans call for the trip to include stops in 18 towns named Hope all across the country.A major goal of the trip, which will take Dave to all 48 contiguous states, is to help raise money to support research into this disease and during which they hope to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way. He reports that in the first week of the Journey, $20,000 has been raised – an astonishing amount, as the original goal for the entire trip was $15,000.“That’s pretty cool,” Dave says. The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, will include stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, and get-togethers with other patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life. This coming week, Dave and Linda will visit the Mayo Clinic.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.Linda will be flying home next Sunday after 10 days on the road with Dave, and then he will be on his own – except for the many well-wishers and supporters he is meeting along the way. The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.The trip is being supported by the 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.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleisher as he reports in after his first 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.

For many parents, watching their child head out to their school's football field, proudly wearing their uniforms with their names emblazoned on their back, is a proud moment. But for many, it also is filled with trepidation. What happens if he gets hurt? What happens if he suffers a concussion? How do I handle this?Traumatic brain injuries, unfortunately, are a part of life -- whether they're suffered playing sports, from a fall, an automobile accident, or whatever. They happen, and they can have serious consequences.In this episode, attorney/author Mark M. Bello and I interview Michael V. Kaplen, senior partner in the New York personal injury law firm, De Caro & Kaplen. His practice focuses on personal injury and medical malpractice with an emphasis on representing individuals who have sustained a traumatic or acquired brain injury and other catastrophic injuries.The conversation covers the many ways brain injuries can occur, what parents might consider when confronted with allowing a child to play sports, what some of the legal ramifications are when an injury occurs, and efforts by some special interest groups to limit an individual's right to achieve proper redress through litigation.Take a listen to "Traumatic Brain Injuries and the Law" from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Not Fake News contributing writer Chris Waldron has some pointed comments to make about today’s Republican Party. In this blog from Not Fake News.biz, which I narrate, Waldron puts the GOP’s current decline into the darkness of Trumpism into perspective, noting that cowardice is nothing new for many Republican politicians.He brings back the memories of Richard Nixon and Watergate and Sen. Joe McCarthy and his Red Scare crusade against Communism as examples, and brings it all into focus with the January 6th insurrection and the Republicans’ current effort to rewrite that ever-so-recent history.Take a listen to “The Party of Cowards” by Chris Waldron from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We’re all living with the Covid 19 pandemic in one way or another, and whether we realize it or not, it’s having an impact on our lives, in addition to just our physical health.Studies show that one in every three survivors of the virus experience mental health conditions, the majority being anxiety and mood disorders. And it’s not just those who actually have experienced the virus directly who experience mental health issues because of it.Clinical psychologist Avantika Dixit, who founded an organization called Woke Hero, says that with anxiety and depression on the increase, it’s critically important to inspire people to take action to protect their own mental health.To explore this further, NFN Radio News spoke with Avantika from India, where she lives and works. So please excuse occasional audio glitches which were the result of a sometimes iffy internet connection. Take a listen to ‘Mental Health in the Age of Covid” with Avantika Dixit from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Dave and Linda Fleischer are ready to hit the road for a Journey of Hope in memory of their daughter, Sarah, who passed away in 2018 from a horrible cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.Today, they embark on what, for Dave, will be a 15,000 mile road trip across the nation and back to help raise money to support research into this disease and during which they hope to spread awareness and bring hope to patients, caregivers, and others along the way.The road trip, in a car with a specially designed wrap promoting cholangiocarcinoma awareness, will feature visits to 15 towns named Hope, stops at various hospitals and healthcare institutions that specialize in research and treatment of the disease, and get-togethers with other patients, caregivers and healthcare providers who were important in Sarah's life.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 30 when she was diagnosed. She passed away at age 35.And so, as they also commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Fleischer is embarking on a 15,000 mile journey up and down and across the 48 contiguous United States.Linda will be with Dave for the first 10 days of the trip, and then he will be on his own – except for the thousands of well-wishers and supporters he is bound to meet along the way.“I intend to honor the memory of my daughter, Sarah,” says Dave. “Sarah would have loved to do this trip with me.” The journey is scheduled to end June 29 or July 1, depending on circumstances.The trip is being supported by the 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.And now, let’s talk with Dave Fleisher as he gets set for the Journey of Hope.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

There’s an insurrection taking place in America. It was not just limited to a single day when, on January 6th supporters of the losing candidate, Donald Trump, egged on by social media and roused into a frenzy by a series of speeches, launched an assault against the Capitol, and against Democracy. It began years before and continues to this very day as Republicans continue to attempt to re-write history and push the Big Lie about a stolen election.Not Fake News.biz contributing writer Chris Waldron takes a look at all of this in this commentary. Take a listen to “The Ongoing Insurrection” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It’s amazing to me how unoriginal Republicans typically are. I guess there’s a reason why most creative people are Democrats – or at least it seems that way.Anyway, what brought that insightful thought to mind is the recent blitz by Trumpsters claiming that President Biden’s administration is simply filled with chaos – that they don’t know what they’re doing and that’s why the gas stations were closed and why immigrants are still trying to get into the U.S. along the border with Mexico.Holy cow! As the famous baseball broadcaster Harry Caray used to say. That’s incredible.First off, it was the Trump administration that was riven with chaos. He went through government appointees like it was nothing, firing many via Twitter. He was impeached twice because of election chaos the first time around and because of insurrection chaos the second time around.His denial of the pandemic led to healthcare chaos. And it took the election of Joe Biden to get that straightened out and shots in peoples arms.And now, the Republican Party itself is filled with chaos – who’s on first? Nobody knows.We take a look at all of this in this commentary from Not Fake News.biz. So take a listen to “Republicans Call Chaos: They Should Know.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of NFN Radio News, former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio and host Bob Gatty speak with Kiki Jamieson, president of The Fund for New Jersey, which supports good public policy decision-making on the issues most important to the people of the state and the region.Increasingly, non-profit organizations across the nation play ever more important roles with respect to the development of public policy, and Dr. Jamieson’s organization is no exception. We discuss with her why that is and why organizations like The Fund for New Jersey play such a valuable role.Then, we hone in on several key issues like immigration and school funding, with which Dr. Jamieson has considerable expertise. The Fund for New Jersey's mission is to help educate voters about such important issues so they can make informed decisions.Take a listen to "Helping the Public Raise its Voice."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Looks to me like the Republican right-wing nutcases that targeted Rep. Liz Cheney, a true Conservative, because she refused to shut up about Trump’s Big Lie are going to have some competition going forward.Cheney has Trump in her proverbial gunsights and has no intention of letting up, and now there’s a fledgling movement by some Republicans with some sense that actually could end up in a third political party.That’s the topic of today’s podcast, so take a listen to “The GOP: Confronting the Big Lie” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Republicans, led by Donald Trump, keep complaining about cancel culture this and cancel culture that.When pressure is on to remove statues honoring racists from the confederacy, Republican white supremicists cry cancel culture.When QAnon Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was stripped of her House committee assignments, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan said it was all about “cancel culture.” I’m not sure what culture Jordan was saying was being cancelled, though, unless it was the QAnon and conspiracy theory culture, and if so, I say it should be cancelled!As NPR wrote recently, “The phrase is so pervasive that it's arguably background noise in American politics now — just part of the wallpaper, a pair of words you might easily (or, depending on your feelings, happily) breeze past every day without paying it any attention.”But now, it is the Republicans who are guilty of cancel culture, as Not Fake News writer CJ Waldron contends in this commentary, which I’ll narrate. Take a listen to “The GOP’s Own ‘Cancel Culture’ from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It seems to me that the Republican Party is determined to send itself into oblivion as it is allowing the defeated and discredited former president, Donald Trump, to call the shots.The latest example is the determination of right wing House Republicans to remove Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) as chair of the House Republican Conference, the party’s third most powerful leadership position, and replace here with Trump acolyte Rep. Elise Stefanik, of New York.Even though this is a matter for Republicans in the House of Representatives to decide, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has expressed his opposition to Cheney and says the GOP simply can’t live without Trump.So, take a listen to “GOP: The ‘Batshit Crazy’ Political Party”, today’s commentary from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

As we’ve been stuck at home during this long pandemic, a lot of us have experienced changes in our mental outlook, in our moods – if for no other reason than simply being frustrated and bored.’There’s a research company called the NPD group that actually has looked at all of this and found that a whole bunch of us have turned to snacking as a way to fill the voids created by sadness, boredom, stress, and other moods.In fact, NPD reports that the average U.S. consumer ate more than 37 percent more snack foods and treats while feeling sad or depressed during the pandemidc than they did in 2019.That’s incredible, and it can’t be good for us from a nutritional health standpoint.So for this episode of the NFN Radio News podcast, I’m talking with Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst, a guy who makes it his business to track trends like this so the food companies know how to respond.Take a listen to “Snacking Through the Pandemic” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Why is it that some Republicans insist on denying the reality of racism? Why is it that there are still those who apparently believe slavery wasn’t all that bad? How can that be?Now, there are at least two GOP state legislators who are saying that the “Three-Fifths Compromise,” which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person back in 1787, really was a good thing for Blacks.Really? Sounds like another big GOP lie to me.So, that’s the topic of today’s podcast written by Not Fake News writer Stacy Fitzgerald. Take a listen to “The Big Lie of the Three-Fifths Compromise” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Am I crazy, or do you agree with me?It’s my opinion, that the Republican Party’s continued buy-in to Donald Trump’s claims that he was cheated out of the presidency can only end in their undoing.Yes, his hold on most members of the GOP is unquestioned, despite his defeat, and he is continuing his quest to remain the titular head of the party.But we all know what happens when something is built on a lie. It generally falls apart.That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Take a listen to “The Big Lie and the Sad Truth” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Mark M. Bello is a trial lawyer and prolific author of headline inspired legal thrillers, the most recent of which is Supreme Betrayal, a gripping novel about a Supreme Court nominee who is a sexual predator.He's the latest guest on today's podcast.In our conversation, Bello discusses his books, of course, but also the conflicts of police violence and he need for reform, some of the consequences of the Trump presidency, continued efforts to take away Constitutionally guaranteed rights, and much, much more.I’m also pleased to report that Mark will be a frequent contributor to our Not Fake News.biz blog site, and his first contribution, "Another Young Black Man," which is focused on police killings such as that of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, is now on line. So take a listen to our interview with attorney and author Mark M. Bello.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Some of us thought, at least I did, that when America elected its first Black president with Barack Obama that racism in our country was at least beginning to wane.But then came the election of 2016 and Donald J. Trump, who made it seem OK for the millions of Americans who harbored racist attitudes that had actually hardened during the Obama years to come out of the closet, so to speak.Trump, a world class racist in his own right, made it OK to be racist again.Now, the Republican Party is dealing with that, and many have chosen either to ignore the reality of racism within their own ranks, or to pretend it doesn’t even exist.Apparently, Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, is in that last group. At least that what he said on TV the other night.Take a listen to Steve Hamelman’s piece from Not Fake News.biz. It’s called “American Racism: Republican Denial Continues.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It’s becoming increasingly apparent that Republicans have little or nothing to offer, other than obstructionism and self preservation.Their determination to block the House-passed voting rights bill that seeks to ensure that every American is able to cast a ballot, even as Republican-controlled states pass restrictive laws, is an example of that focus on self preservation.They appear to becoming desperate. The more success President Biden has, and the better he is received by the American people, the more they resort to all manner of lies and deflection.The run up to Biden’s address to Congress April 28 is a great example, and then the aftermath, even more so.And then, today, it was reported by CBS News that 89 percent of speech watchers thought he was presidential and the same number said he was caring. 84 percent said he was inspiring and 80 percent said he was bold. And, overall, 85 percent of Americans who watched approved of his speech, while only 15 percent disapproved.Meanwhile, Americans have more money in their pockets because of Biden and they are beginning to emerge from the scourge of the pandemic. And much more has been promised.With that in mind, it’s no wonder Republicans are running scared.Take a listen to “Biden Goes Big: Republicans Act Like Toddlers” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Remember the song from the ‘60s, “Secret Agent Man” with Johnny Rivers? The opening chorus went like this…I can’t sing, so I’ll just read the lyrics…you’re welcome…There's a man who leads a life of dangerTo everyone he meets he stays a strangerOh, with every move he makes another chance he takesThe odds are he won't live to see tomorrowSecret Agent ManSecret Agent ManWell, looks like Russia has its own secret agent right here in the United States, and for four years he occupied the highest, most powerful seat in the land.His name was Donald J. Trump, and he had a lot of help from certain segments of the media in accomplishing his mission on behalf of Vladimir Putin.Take a listen to “Putin’s Man in America” 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’re speaking with Lisa Skinner, a behavior expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia. Lisa has been a community counselor, a regional director of senior care facilities, a trainer, speaker and private adviser helping thousands of families and caregivers understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. She holds a degree in Human Behavior.In our conversation, Lisa offers counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease, using some real-life examples to help increase understanding. Lisa is the author of the two-times best selling book, “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” available on Amazon, and she regularly writes a blog under the same title on Facebook.So, take a listen…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I have two commentaries for you today from Not Fake News focused on the aftermath of the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.First, writer Stacy Fitzgerald points out that Chauvin’s conviction amounted to “accountability”, but not really “justice.” Had justice been served, she writes, Floyd would still be alive. However, she points out that much was different in this case from others involving police killings of Black people suspected of minor offenses. And, she says, there were several heroes who helped hold Chauvin accountable for his actions.Then, we’ll turn to C.J. Walderon’s piece in which he asks if America safer now in the aftermath of that verdict, in which he says justice was served.So take a listen, first to “At Last…Accountability” by Stacy Fitzgerald and then “Is America Safer Now?” by C.J. Waldron. Both from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It was just reported that the feds have stopped a shipment of over 170,000 counterfeit N95 masks from China, masks that actually are putting the health of many American healthcare workers and other frontline personnel at risk.According to the report, Customs and Border Protection officers on April 7 intercepted the shipment of 171,460 masks at Houston Seaport. They carried the logo of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, but a check with the agency found that the shipment was not licensed.They were fake, and they were headed to White Plains, NY.Paul Hickey is co-founder and president of Utah-based PuraVita Medical, a manufacturer of medical grade face masks for the healthcare industry and the general public. He’s been leading a mission to inform the American public that their lives are at risk by using these fake masks from China, 60 percent of which fail to meet the specs on the box, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The feds’ action to confiscate those 170,000 counterfeit N95 masks are just the tip of the iceberg, says Hickey, adding that some 20 U.S.-based mask manufacturers have banded together to convince the Biden administration and Congress to take strong action against Chinese companies that are dumping those masks in the U.S.Hickey explains all of this in this episode of NFN Radio News. Take a listen to our interview with Paul…and if you stay to the end, he has a special offer just for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Thanks to the Trump administration, the intelligence community is in disarray. The cooperation that we once shared with other agencies throughout the world has been shattered. This lack of a reliable intelligence network has left America open to another 9/11 style attack, cautions Not Fake News contributing writer C.J. Waldron.Take a listen to “Are We Headed for Another 9/11” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Ever want to get a law passed or even just changed, but you have no idea how to go about it? Best selling author John Thibault has developed an "app" for that, well sort of.Thibault, who is our guest on this episode, explains how his I Lobby platform makes it possible for the everyday person to generate support for an idea for a new law or a law change and to actually have a chance for success.Thibault's book, "How to Change a Law," walks the reader through that process and makes a real contribution to our participatory democracy.Take a listen...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

I want to tell you about our latest episode of Tempo and the Times, our sister podcast, in which we take a look at the news media today and some of the issues surrounding it.Our guest on the podcast is Guy Reel, a veteran journalist and now college journalism professor, who talks about the good old days when grizzled, hard-drinking reporters sat around the newsroom comparing notes about their stories and then headed out to the nearest bar to continue after work.The goal of many was to ferret out the facts and the truth and if that meant exposing wrong doing, so be it.But today, Reel says, times have changed. Newsrooms have thinned out, the rattle of typewriters and teletype machines have been replaced with the quiet tapping on computer keyboards, and a big focus is on gaining social media followers and recognition.Reel talks about the impact of fake news and about the new crop of reporters that he’s teaching, and has some interesting observations.Here’s more from my commentary today at Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, thanks for checking in on the NFN Radio News podcast, brought to you by Not Fake News.biz. I’m Bob Gatty, editor and publisher of Not Fake News. What is an "angry mob?" It depends upon whose version of the truth you accept: Donald Trump's and his enablers', or those who understand the facts.In just the past year, let alone the totality of the Trump administration, we’ve had all too many examples of angry mobs acting and reacting to events, not the least of which was the January 6th attack on the Capitol as Trump supporters protested Joe Biden’s election.Perhaps these actions by angry mobs are simply a symptom of our broken nation. Consider that we had a brutal murder play out on camera in front of millions of viewers, but the perp could go free. And, we had an election where losers are now trying to fix future elections. In this podcast, I’ll present two blogs by C.J. Waldron on Not Fake News.biz. First, will be “The Angry Mob,” followed by “Our Broken America”.So take a listen … from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, thanks for dropping by the NFN Radio News podcast, where we talk a little politics with a little lean to the left, and where we interview interesting guests who can add to our dialogue.Today we have with us Kim Curry, author of The Death of Fairness, a book that explores the aftermath of the 1986 decision by the Federal Communications Commission to rescind the Fairness Doctrine. With that action, broadcasters no longer are required to present “contrasting points of view” on their airwaves, and Curry believes that’s one reason why our nation is so politically and socially divided today.So welcome, Kim. Thanks for joining us today. Tell us a little about yourself, Kim, and about The Death of Fairness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Earth Day 2021 is two weeks from today, April 22, so I thought it would be a great idea to look at some of the major developments that are taking place that will help to conserve our environment and protect our planet.One such development is the utilization of wind energy, something that Donald Trump belittled, saying windmills kill birds and can cause cancer.But President Biden, unlike Trump, recognizes the importance of our society moving away from reliance on fossil fuels and is willing to embrace technologies that can provide clean, renewable energy, and that includes wind power.And so, late last month he announced a major push to expand offshore wind, something that Europe has done for three decades now. We explored the potential and implications of this in our companion Tempo and the Times podcast, which streams starting tomorrow. That podcast is the debut episode of former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio as guest host with Scott Ramminger and me, and we interview a top expert in wind energy who is leading a special initiative designed to help the U.S. achieve its offshore wind potential.So take a listen to this preview from Not Fake News.biz. You can listen to the entire podcast starting tomorrow on all major podcast channels. Just go to Tempo and the Times and you’ll find it. So take a listen to Harnessing the Ocean’s Wind, Power for America from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Can’t tell you when I’ve laughed harder than this morning when I read that Mitch McConnell is threatening big business because some companies have had the nerve to stand up against election fraud and fakery.Who’s he kidding? Republicans are actually going to cross corporations who they’ve been serving for centuries and upon whom they depend for financial largesse for their campaigns?It really was pretty funny.Oh yea, also what was funny is how McConnell and Trump are using the term “woke” to describe how nasty Democrats are. They simply sound stupid.So take a listen to my take on all of this in today’s commentary from Not Fake News.biz. Check out “Repubs Angry at Corporations: What a Twist!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The decision by Major League Baseball to take the July All-Star Game away from the city of Atlanta is causing reverberations, both on Capitol Hill and in Trumpland where the defeated former president was true to form, making veiled threats against those who cross him.But MLB’s decision was the right one. They did it because the state’s governor, Brian Kemp, signed a new law designed specifically to make it harder for people to vote. The law targets people who are likely to vote for Democrats. I.E., African Americans.The thing is that Georgia’s new voter suppression law is just part of what’s going on around the nation today as GOP politicians react to losing the Presidency and control of the U.S. Senate, and to Donald Trump’s unconstitutional challenge to the 2020 election that he lost in a landslide to Joe Biden.If Georgia voters don’t like it, they need to know who to blame. Trump. And the Republican butt kissers who helped him spread his Big Lie about the election being stolen.That’s our topic for today so listen to “The Trump Big Lie Fallout Continues” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

You know the old saying, Money Talks and Bullshit walks.Well, today Major League Baseball hit the state of Georgia where it hurts. In the freaking pocket book. They did it because the state’s governor just signed a new law designed specifically to make it harder for people to vote. The law targets people who are likely to vote for Democrats. I.E., African Americans.What did MLB do? They yanked the July Allstar Game from the city of Atlanta, that’s what they did. Now, those Republican politicians and Gov. Kemp can just suck it up, because what they have done is not only racist and despicable, but it cost the state millions of dollars and a ton of publicity and prestige that comes along with hosting the annual classic.But that law is just part of what’s going on around the nation today as GOP politicians react to losing the Presidency and control of the U.S. Senate, and to Donald Trump’s unconstitutional challenge to the 2020 election that he lost in a landslide to Joe Biden.That’s our topic for today so listen to “Voting Restrictions: What are They Afraid of?” From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio will co-host on Tempo and the Times, a podcast that explores the collision of popular culture with news, politics, and business.Tempo and the Times was launched in February by Bob Gatty, Myrtle Beach, SC, editor and publisher of Not Fake News, who was Florio’s Congressional office chief of staff from 1976-78, and musician/writer Scott Ramminger, Nashville, TN. It is hosted on Spreaker and available on most major podcast streaming services.It's a "sister" podcast to NFN Radio News.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, you’re going to hear from Chief Harold Hatcher of the Waccamaw Indian People, a small tribe of Native Americans that is indigenous to South Carolina.Better known as Buster, Chief Hatcher is fighting against what he calls “document genocide,” actions by people in power that he believes have served to deny his people many of their rights.He’s been waging a battle to convince the federal government to recognize the Waccamaws as an official Indian tribe, something the state of South Carolina did several years ago. But documentation requirements make this virtually impossible.The result is that the Waccamaws are unable to benefit from many of the same rights accorded to federal recognized tribes, including such basic things as religious practices and even the ability to profit from the sale of jewelry that they make. Take a listen to this conversation with Chief Hatcher. He talks about what it was like growing up in the South as an Indian, neither White nor Black, and about his tribe’s traditions and ongoing fight for recognition.Take a listen to “Fighting Against Documentry Genocide” from Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It was a beautiful spring evening March 24 when some 50 students, educators, and others gathered on the lawn at Coastal Carolina University to express solidarity with their Asian brothers and sisters who have been so tragically targeted since the Covid 19 pandemic struck America just about one year ago.Prompted by the murders of eight people at three Asian spas in Atlanta, including six Asian women, the vigil was led by two professors from the school’s Social Justice Research Initiative and Women's and Gender Studies, and supported by Grand Strand Action Together (GSAT). Leading the event were Deborah Perkins, associate professor of sociology and founder and director of the Social Justice Research Initiative, and Jaime McCauley, assistant professor of sociology at CCU and program director of the Social Justice Research Initiative.Here are their comments:Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Ex-Reagan cabinet member John R. Block talks about his experiences serving under Ronald Reagan, how he got there from the one-room school house where it all began, and what he thinks about politics and the Republican Party post-Donald Trump. Check it out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, I want to talk about guns and needless, tragic deaths. Why is it that we as a nation must continually suffer through more gun violence?Why is it that when mass shootings occur, regardless of whether it’s little school children, people praying in church, going to a concert, or even just to the spa or the grocery store that nothing ever happens?The anti-gun people clamor for action and raise money for their campaigns. The pro-gun people say don’t talk about it now, emotions are too high, and restrictions are unconstitutional.The politicians offer condolences, claim their hearts are broken with sadness, say their thoughts and prayers are with the victims.But nothing happens.The House of Representatives has passed legislation that would help, strengthening background checks to keep guns away from dangerous people, and closing loopholes. But the Senate, where Republicans still have enormous power even though they no longer have the majority, is still the roadblock.Meanwhile, nothing happens, and it won’t until the next tragedy occurs. And then, we’ll go through all of this all over again.In this commentary from Not Fake News.biz, we take a look at all of this. So,here’s “Shootings: Will Light Ever Shine Through the Darkness?”. Take a listen. From Not Fake News.biz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.