The Lean to the Left Podcast

On October 13, the January 6th House Committee made it crystal clear that Donald Trump knew he had lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, but still deliberately pushed the lie that he had really won because the election was rigged.And so, he spawned the riotous insurrection that resulted in the U.S. Capitol being ransacked, several deaths, and delays in the eventual certification of the election results that made Biden's election official.It was all an attempt by Trump to grab power that he had lost by using supporters whom he had duped to force his way back into the presidency. It was no different than the vicious tactics such dictators as Putin employ to maintain ironclad control over their countries.While that hearing was underway, political philosopher and author Douglas Giles, on the Lean to the Left podcast, discussed in some detail the driving force behind the Republican Party and its right-wing supporters today: the concentration of power in the hands of the few.In fact, Giles acknowledged that perhaps the biggest lie of all is the contention by Republicans that they are the party of individual liberty and small government. Because, he argued, their ultimate goal is to expand governmental control over our daily lives. He used the GOP's effort to restrict abortion as an example of such governmental overreach."It's about power, and if you look at what the right wing is trying to do, it is trying to say that all of the power over the decision as to whether or not to have an abortion or to have a child rests in the power of the state, whereas the pro-choice position says no, the power should be broadly circulated to every single woman who is actually facing the question."Trump, he said, "is just coming from the social political dualism that is inherent in conservatism, that there should be a small set of people that are the 'haves', and everyone else is a 'have-not', and that's the good and proper way to run a society."Giles agreed that Trump is "very similar in a lot of respects" to Putin because of his determination to gain and expand his power. "Totalitarian governments are all about, by definition, concentrating power within the hands of a very small (group) or even just one person, and I would say that Trump and Putin are identical in that desire," he said.Giles, is the author of the new book, “What Left and Right Mean: Clarifying the Political Spectrum.” As a philosophy professor at Elmhurst University, he researches and writes on political philosophy and social justice issues. Giles was born and raised in the U.S., but has lived in Europe for the past 10 years, which he says has provided important insights into the natures of political ideologies and the causes of injustice. You can find his book here: https://amzn.to/3yFOTUgTake a listen to the podcast:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Kim Sorrelle and her husband Richard were happily married, successful in business, and parents of terrific kids. Then one day it all fell apart.First, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer, but four months later the doctors told Richard that he had pancreatic cancer, and within six weeks, he was gone.Kim is our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast, where she tells her story with great sensitivity and wonderful humor. "Losing my husband made me question love," she says, "So, I dedicated a whole year to search for the true meaning of love and how to live it. I spent most of the year in Haiti, where I made life-changing discoveries that rocked my world."I was chased by a motorcycle gang, slept on the ground where snakes and tarantulas roam, got lost on a mile-high mountain, and so much more." The "much more" includes how she was sleeping on an air mattress outside when she was awakened by something crawling on her. It was a chicken. It happened twice. Then, Kim and her colleagues had chicken for dinner.All of that led to Kim writing "Love Is," an award-winning best-seller that tells the sometimes scary, sometimes funny, always enlightening stories leading to revelations about love."The things I learned about love, living, breathing, walking, and talking love, can change the world," says Kim.Here are key questions we asked Kim:1.You were hit with a sledge hammer twice. First, your breast cancer diagnosis, then the loss of Steve. How did you navigate all of that? Weren’t you angry?2.What about your cancer. Are you OK now?3.“Love Is” is your second book. The first was Cry Until You Laugh, about your journey with Steve after his cancer diagnosis. What did that do for you, writing that book?4.How old were your children when this all happened?5.I understand that your youngest son, Noah, is a cancer researcher with a focus on breast cancer. I presume it was those back to back diagnosis that led him to do that?6.Your bio says you spent a year after Steve died searching for the true meaning of love. Why? Didn’t you already know that? Where did that search take you and what did you discover?7.Why Haiti? Your book description says that while you were there, you met people who both tested and displayed love to its limits, from irritating employees to sexist short-term missionaries to curse-wielding women, to kind nuns…tell us more.8.Did you do all of that as research for Love Is? Or did the decision to write that book come out of that experience?9.With the great political divide that is in our country, you told me that people from both parties can actually have dinner together without breaking into a fistfight? How would that happen? Do you just simply ignore the elephant in the room – say Trump – and talk about anything else?10.So that raises this question: You say real love changes everything. How? MAGA Republicans absolutely despise liberals and Democrats. And people who despite Trump feel the same way about his supporters. They each call each other evil. Where is there room for even tolerance, let alone love?11.You’ve done a lot more in your life than write a couple books and search out the true meaning of love, right? Business entrepreneur, basketball and volleyball coach, tell us more.12.What is your bottom line message to our listeners about love and its power?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Healthcare seems to be getting more and more complicated. In fact, sometimes it’s as though we, as patients, must do our own research to make sure what our doctor is recommending is the right approach. Should that be? Do we have the tools to do that?We’re going to talk about that with Harry Glorikian, a global business expert, healthcare entrepreneur, podcaster and author. Glorikian is a General Partner at Scientia Ventures, which invests in tech companies involved in healthcare. The company works with entrepreneurs with big ideas to build companies with the potential of transforming healthcare.Besides that Glorikian is on the boards of StageZero Life Sciences, a publicly traded healthcare technology business dedicated to the early detection of cancer and multiple disease states through whole blood, and Drumroll Health, which develops AI technologies to foster closer partnerships between patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare companies.On his podcast, The Harry Glorikian Show, he speaks with leaders in the healthcare and life sciences industry about the ongoing data-driven transformation of their industry.“From new ways to diagnose & treat patients, bring down costs & creating new value, all the way to AI algorithms that increase efficiency & accuracy, better data is revolutionizing healthcare,” Glorikian says. He holds an MBA from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.He is the author of a new book "The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer." We are going to talk about that today.Welcome, Harry, to the Lean to the Left podcast.Q. Let’s start with a big question: How is technology changing everything we know about healthcare today? Do you have an elevator speech type response for that one?Q. Most people like to think they can rely on their doctor to guide them through whatever their ailment might be, serious or not. Is that true? Can they really do that?Q. You did an episode about E-Patient Dave, a patient who had a brush with cancer and ended up doing his own research to find the medication that ultimately saved his life. It was in the late 2000s and the healthcare system was unprepared to help patients like him who wanted to access and understand their own information. Has that changed?Q. So that means that for many people, it’s on us to find the best solution to our medical problems?Q. You say that new technologies and standards have the potential to open up a new era of participatory medicine – if patients are willing to do a little more work to understand their health data, if innovators can get better access to that data, and if doctors are willing to create a partnership with the patients over the process of diagnosis and treatment. That sounds like a lot. Q. Shouldn’t we as patients be able to count on our healthcare providers to find the right answer? Why should we have to do our own research and wade into data?Q. Is all of this addressed in your book?Q. Also, I see you and a co-author previously did a book called Moneyball Medicine.” Great title. What’s that about? Q. In Moneyball, you map out many of the changes taking place, their impact, and outline some predictions in healthcare for the future. What are some of those predictions?Q. I have a smart watch and it can measure my heart rate, do an ECG, track my cycle if I was a woman, and even tell me when to pause to breath. Is this stuff really useful?Q. New drugs, of course, are a critical component of our healthcare system, and there was a big fight on Capitol Hill that culminated in legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies. They complained, of course, that this would impede research – their constant argument. What’s your take on this? Website(s): glorikian.com Instagram: harryglorikian Twitter: @HGlorikianBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On April 16, 2009, Kim Hamer watched her 44-yr-old husband take his last breath. During his illness and after his death, she was amazed by the helpful ways their coworkers, bosses, friends, and family supported them. Kim started calling their kind actions "acts of love".After the death of her husband, Kim, an HR leader, noticed how little guidance leaders received when navigating cancer, health crisis, or death on their team. She knew their lack of knowledge negatively affected morale, employee engagement, and productivity. She set out to change that. Combining her personal experience with her professional knowledge and leadership skills, Kim launched her business to support leaders and coworkers when cancer (or any health crisis) affects a team member.Kim Hamer is the author of 100 Acts of Love: A Girlfriend's Guide to Loving Your Friend through Cancer or Loss, an easy-to-read book filled with 100 practical, quick, and effective ways to support a friend or coworker. She’s also an HR leader and speaker who lives in Los Angeles where she tries not to bother her relatively well-behaved college-aged children."I'm here because of the hundreds of acts of love that people did for us," Hamer says. "I'm here because every single time, because all these people showed up in our doorstep with lasagna to the point where my kids were like, Mom, no more lasagna.""I'm here Because people picked up my kids after school and said, We're not bringing him home till nine o'clock. We're gonna take him to dinner in a movie. I'm here because my husband's college basketball. Teammates came, and the coach drove, flew cross country to spend 24 hours with him in a hotel room. He was so sick at this point. He died like three weeks afterwards. That's why I'm here, and I'm here because I want people to know everything that they do really matters. And it doesn't have to be the big stuff, right? It's the card I got with $10 in it from an anonymous person who've been reading my blog and who said, I don't know what to do for you."That's just a sample of what you'll hear from Kim Hamer as she shares with us what she believes are some perfect ways to help Your friend with cancer and ways that they can get the support they need.Joining me in this episode is legal thriller author & attorney Mark M. Bello, host of the Justice Counts podcast. This episode will also stream on that show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Ernest Carson, the Democratic candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 68, is a man of long experience who brings fresh approaches to solving the problems that affect our communities."Wake up, Everybody" is his campaign slogan, and he means it. He says it's the duty of all citizens to serve their communities, and that's why he's stepping up to seek election to the SC House.On this special South Carolina edition of the Lean to the Left podcast, Carson talks about the need for a fully-funded public education system, affordable healthcare, political accountability, and more.In fact, Carson advocates taking advantage of the energy, determination, and imagination of our young people."Get it to the kids and let them figure it out," he says. "Coastal Carolina has some great students there. They're smart, energetic, and they got a brain that's wide open. Let's use those people. Let's use those smart people to get the rest of us outta trouble."Carson says children in early grades should automatically be taught a foreign language. "Why is it that we're the only nation in the world that only speaks one language?" he asks. "Let's try something different."Blasting Republicans for constantly criticizing, Carson asks "What is their plan?" He challenges his opponent to show up and debate. "I give you my ideas on education and on infrastructure and on the environment," he says. "What is yours?"Carson is a Vietnam War-era US Army veteran, education, youth corrections officer, and a former union leader. He's lived a life full of service to his community, and he's not done yet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Alan Hesse is a climate biologist living in Ecuador, and he's now focusing much of his work on educating young people about climate change. A writer and illustrator. Alan's creation, Captain Polo is working to preserve the future of our earth for our youth, The generations who will be increasingly impacted by climate change for years to come.Captain Polo is a polar bear that was introduced in novels, written and illustrated by Allen and aimed at middle school kids. Now he's developed a school projects approach under his Captain Polo Climate Academy brand. The Captain Polo's Climate Academy creates resources and projects to help children and adults learn about the climate crisis and what needs to be done about it.Captain Polo was not just any old polar bear. He can speak most human languages for one thing, but mostly he's worried about the Arctic, his native habitat, which is melting twice as fast as anywhere else because of global warming caused by humans. So Captain Polo was on a mission . He wants to keep on learning more about climate change and possible solutions, and he means to pass everything he learns onto as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.Take a listen…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In February 2020, attorney Joseph Fawbush wrote a piece for Findlaw.com entitled “Good News! People Think Lawyers Have an Average Amount of Integrity Now.”Just average?It's an old cliche. We often deride lawyers, often calling them "ambulance chasers," and it's no wonder given the seemingly never ending plethora of ads for law firms promising big payoffs if you're in an accident or are mistreated in a nursing home.But what's the inside story? Do lawyers really abuse the system when there's a lawsuit that results in a big judgement for the plaintiffs? Do they walk away with most of the money instead of the victims? Remember the famous Blockbuster case in which millions of customers who unfairly had been charged late fees received coupons instead of cash, while the lawyers who presented the case received millions? Filthy rich lawyers, indeed!In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, which also appeared on the Justice Counts podcast, legal thriller author/attorney Mark M. Bello and I take a look at this issue. It comes in an interview with attorney Brian Felgoise and co-author David Tabatsky who collaborated to write a new book, "Filthy Rich Lawyers, the Education of Ryan Coleman." It’s a sometimes hilarious novel, and the opening scene sets the stage when a young, ambitious lawyer, Coleman, decked out in his best suit and fancy shoes, is dressed down by the judge for falsely claiming that his $250,000 share of a settlement would not come out of the plaintiff’s piece of the pie. That scene draws you in, and as a reader, you’re hooked.The attorney author, Brian Felgoise, is a graduate of Temple University Law School and has been practicing class-action law for more than 25 years, including cases where billions of dollars have been recovered for class members who lost a significant amount of money.David Tabatsky has authored, co-authored and edited many novels, including The Boy Behind the Door, Friends Like These, The Marijuana Project, The Battle of Zig Zag Pass and Drunk Log. His memoir, American Misfit, was published in 2017. Tabatsky was consulting editor for Marlo Thomas and her New York Times bestseller, The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2. Here's a sample of some of the questions asked and answered during the interview:Mark: There are a lot of great one-liners in the book. Here’s one that sums the whole thing up: “It’s a dirty job, and someone’s got to do it.” Does this book play into every terrible stereotype of lawyers, or does it have something complimentary to say?Bob: In the book, there are multiple examples of lawyers receiving fees way out of proportion to the plaintiffs’ recoveries. I remember the Blockbuster litigation where the litigants each got a 5 buck coupon and the lawyer’s made millions. Are lawyers paid fairly in these cases or does the system need a fix?Mark: On the other side of the equation, as the book points out, you have multiple evil companies, Enron, Halliburton, Charel, Perdue Pharma, FenPhen, Big tobacco, and others, that kill, make sick, or screw people or the government out of billions. With lives and billions of dollars at stake in these cases, fees should be large for all that hard work and the recovery of all that money? A class action is really the most expedient way to resolve cases like this, true?Mark: I loved the Haliburton no-bid contract whistle-blower story in the book. That is a true story, right? Lawyers did a good job on that one, didn’t they? Then you’ve got Enron, where lawyers received $688 million, 5 times their billable hours. Shouldn’t a judge check that, as the book points out? In the book, you use the example where a painter quotes $400 to paint the house. The homeowner offers him $2,000. Should he refuse the money? Who would refuse? Should lawyers police themselves? Bob: Here’s one of those quotes Mark talked about, from a big shot lawyer in the book: “I do not give a shit about Class Members. You hear me? I am only concerned with the riches I develop from the practice of law.” Is this a stereotype or true? Are there any lawyers out there who do what they do to help people or is it all just a money grab? Mark: The book is very funny. I went to David’s website. As a Jewish boy myself, I enjoyed all his schtick, especially the fact that he performed magic and comedy at bar mitzvahs. I presume he’s the one with the sense of humor, but is Brian funny too?Bob: Here’s another big shot quote in the book: “I have the greatest practice of law in the world because I have no clients.” How can you have a practice with no clients? Is that possible in real life? Mark: Coleman and Waterman (one of the experienced guys) share an older lawyer, younger lawyer moment. The same thing happens with Coleman and Smalley, later in the book. The quote I want to point out is: “Do not speak unless spoken to.” Also, Smalley calls Coleman “son” in one of the scenes. I remember, early in my legal career, I’ve got a small case with this older hotshot, and he says to me:

Ryan Thompson, Democratic candidate for State House of Representatives, District 106, kicked off his election campaign celebrating his 22nd birthday, on July 6, 2022 in Myrtle Beach, SC.He's our guest on this special South Carolina Elections Edition of the Lean to the Left podcast, and during our conversation is candid about the challenges and the uphill battle he's facing, demonstrating a "never quit" spirit that is sure to take him a long way in his career.Ryan grew up as a gay kid subjected to the bullying and disrespect that came with that. When he was just 11, his father passed away and despite his grief, he pitched in to support his family, creating handmade pet toys and selling them online and at a local flea market. Ironically, when he was old enough, he landed a job at a Chick Filet, not exactly a bastion of sexual tolerance, but one that eventually got him a scholarship for college. Ryan was born and raised in Murrells Inlet, S.C., and has called Horry County his home for his entire life. He graduated from St. James High School in 2018 and recently graduated from the College of Charleston Honors College with a degree in Political Science. Now, Ryan faces another big challenge -- seeking public office as a gay Democrat in a deep red South Carolina Republican stronghold. But, he is passionate about his hometown and is convinced he has a real shot. And, if he succeeds, he plans to make a real difference as a state legislator with zero ties to special interests. Every bit of his modest campaign war chest comes from individual donors, not developers or others with a financial stake in legislative decisions.In fact, Ryan has been involved with local politics since he was 17, working on campaigns across the state, meeting with voters and listening to their needs. In high school he was involved in theater, swim team, student government, and future business leaders of America, and then, in his senior year in college, this budding young politician was elected Student Body President. Ryan also was a student representative on the Council for Higher Education and is passionate about ensuring all South Carolinians have access to a quality education. He will be an unyielding advocate for educators in the state and is currently pursuing teaching opportunities in the community.I am sharing this story with Lean to the Left readers, listeners and viewers because Ryan Thompson represents the type of individual we so badly need in public service today. We need his youth, his enthusiasm, his determination, his caring, and his practical common sense that was developed during those tough times on Medicaid and food stamps.Here are some of the questions we posed to Ryan on the podcast:Q. Tell us why you are running for the state legislature at such a young age and in an area where the odds so heavily favor the Republicans.Q. You’ve fought the odds all your life, right?Q. What is it about politics and the opportunity to serve that attracts you?Q. Do you feel that your youth is an advantage or disadvantage – and why?Q. Same question about being gay. Running for office here in SC, is that an obstacle for you, or doesn’t it matter?Q. If you’re elected, what do you want to achieve?Q. What do you see for your future? Even higher office?Q. Are you enjoying your experience as a candidate?Q. It costs money to run for office. You clearly do not come from a wealthy family. Where is the money coming from?Q. Are you being taken seriously by your opponent?Q. What’s your elevator speech to the voters of your district? Why should they elect you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Meet Dan Balmer. He’s a self-proclaimed “racist in recovery,” who once hid behind the comfortable claim that he was “not racist.”Then, one day he had an epiphany and posted this on TikTok:"Hi, my name is Dan and I'm a racist. I have been in recovery for 30-plus years. Would anyone else like to share?"Now Dan is doing what he can to help others understand what racism really is and how they can overcome those feelings. He’s developing online workshops focused on “racial bias deconstruction”, has launched a blog, and is doing what he can to help ease the scourge of racism. And, he's our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast.Who is this middle aged White guy who claims he's a "racist in recovery?"Dan Balmer is a teacher with a master’s degree in education. His master’s thesis was a simplified model of learning theory focused on addressing barriers to learning. Understanding these concepts has helped him create non-traditional approaches to his instruction.Throughout his career, Dan has needed to adapt his teaching style to meet the needs of doctors, nurses, billing, registration, and transport staff. These skills were utilized in other industries, including as a financial advisor and traveling trainer of retirement benefits for a variety of clients. Dan, welcome to The Lean to the Left Podcast. Tell us what brought you to this mission. And why is it so important?Q. Why did you question yourself about racism? Did you have occasion to overtly claim that you were not racist? Q. How do you know if you are really racist? What qualifies a person as not racist? Q. Have you ever heard an obviously racist person describe themselves at not racist? Q. For many people, they don’t even think about whether they are racist or not, perhaps not until they are confronted with a situation that tests them. Do you agree? Q. What should people do if they come to realize that, gee, maybe they are a little bit racist. Is there such a thing as “a little bit racist?”Q. Let’s talk about your workshop. It covers concepts that you say prevent growth and change. Take a minute to tell us about them.Q. You wrote a blog entitled “The Luxurious Illusion of being Not Racist.” Tell us about that.To learn more about Dan Balmer, please visit https://danielbalmer.org/. Check out his workshop for racial bias deconstruction at https://racistsinrecovery.thinkific.com/courses/first-steps-toward-racial-bias-deconstruction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Political pundits Bob Gatty, South Carolina; Robert Thompson, Georgia; and Arthur Hill, North Carolina talk about gains Democrats are making as Republican candidates sputter, including those hand-picked by Trump. Will some red seats turn blue in those states, shocking as that may seem? Arthur is communications chair of the Brunswick County, North Carolina, Democratic party. He and I both worked in PR and as freelance writers in Washington, DC. And, we both worked on Capitol Hill, back in the day.Robert Thompson is based in Atlanta and founded Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals. It’s an awesome podcast, and he takes no prisoners. In our last episode, we revealed how he has a fettish with some blonde wacko from Georgia named Marjorie.So, welcome guys. There’s a lot going on here in South Carolina, and a lot of it has to do with Republicans making news, like only the Horry County Republican Party can. For those of you who don’t know, Horry County is home to the resort area of Myrtle Beach, but to the west there’s a lot of rural area. And, for years, it's been dominated by Republicans.But today, those guys are in disarray, squabbling with the state GOP over its effort to prevent the MAGA crowd from taking over. This week, the entire county GOP leadership team resigned, including QAnon influencer Tracy “Beanz” Diaz, who was one of the five top-ranking members of the local party. Diaz’s time with the HCGOP was plagued by drama, including infighting and a lawsuit against it by a local man who said he was assaulted at a QAnon event.The county GOP leadership complained that the state GOP was trying to silence “the true America First patriots,” and they promised to continue to fight to “expose the truth.”Meanwhile, the county Democratic party is working in unison on behalf of some great candidates for the state legislature, especially, Ashlyn Preaux, Ryan Thompson, and Ernest Carson. Against some strong odds, I think they have a real shot, and that would really shake things up.The county party is holding its biggest fundraiser, called the SHORE Dinner, later this month, and the proceeds will be used to help support Democratic candidates.And, then, of course, there is Sen. Lindsey Graham with his new bill to impose a nationwide abortion ban after 15 weeks – a proposal that the pundits say is doing nothing but divide the Republicans. We can talk about that later. Unfortunately, Graham is not up for reelection this time around.So, What’s happening in North Carolina and Georgia? How about in other areas of the country where the Republicans have "crummy" candidates?Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Ever wonder what it would be like to work at a job where you would actually be helping the environment and fighting climate change? That’s our topic on the Lean to the Left podcast.Our guest is Joseph Gelfer, founder of Ecotopian Careers, a company that helps people become part of the solution to climate change, instead of part of the problem – while at work. Ecotopian Careers helps people who want to make climate change the focus of their working week overcome obstacles that often prevent them from transitioning to more desirable green jobs.Gelfer is a member of the Climate Coaching Alliance where he works with the Work and Careers group, and he’s also an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador.On the podcast, Gelfer predicts that climate and environmental protection will offer major career opportunities, that already are opening up. He explains how individuals who want to take advantage can switch from their current jobs to one that will have long-term environmental benefits.“The green transformation is coming whether we like it or not” says Gelfer. If you care…it has to be part of your working week. Then you’re making a huge impact.”Gelfer discusses some of the factors that are harmful to our climate, and lists agriculture at the top of the list. In fact, he predicts we all will be consuming artificially produced meat because naturally produced meat will simply become too expensive. A “meat tax” will likely be imposed, he says.Ecotopian Careers offers online courses, and Gelfer is offering a discount to Lean to the Left listeners who sign up for his course “How to Make a Mid-Career Transition to a Green Job.” Just use the discount code lttl15.Here are some of the questions covered on the podcast:Q. Tell us about you – what led you to starting Ectopian Careers? What were you doing before?Q. What are some of the obstacles that people face when trying to switch to a green job?Q. Really, what are green jobs, anyway? Q. What is the future for green jobs?Q. Will the new Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a big investment in energy security and climate change, result in more of these jobs becoming available?Q. Any idea how many clean energy jobs will be created over the next decade or so?Q. What kind of jobs will they be? Are they all high tech jobs? Q. Generally, what do they pay?Q. What kind of education is needed to get a green job?Q. Where can you find these jobs? Will some people have to move if they want to do this? Is it worth it?Q. What are some resources for people who are interested in getting a green job?Q. Tell us about the work of Ecotopian Careers. Exactly what do you guys do?Q. By the way, why do you call it “Ecotopian?”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, welcome.Our guest today is another podcaster…Alex Wait…he’s a lot younger than me (of course most people are)…but he’s dedicated his show to giving people who are different from him a platform to be heard.Alex describes himself as a straight white guy with a lot to learn. And that’s the reason he launched Epics Podcast and is helping people tell their stories.I love this idea. In fact, in many ways it’s a lot like how this Lean to the Left podcast has evolved – from being a forum for progressive political discussion to a place where the major social issues of our times can be explored – sometimes by highly credentialed experts, but other times simply by everyday people with interesting stories to tell.As I like to say, you never know who’ll show up at Lean to the Left.On this episode, we spend a lot of time talking about homelessness and other social concerns. Alex spent some time working for a homeless shelter, where he experienced first-hand the difficulties that so many people face when, for whatever reason, they lose their home and have virtually nowhere to turn.Alex says he feels called to serve others, and working in the shelter was one way he could do that. Now, it's his podcast, which gives voice to people who are different, who have "epic" stories to tell about their lives and their activities.So today, we welcome we welcome Alex Wait…let’s hear what he’s all about.Here are some of the questions we covered in the show...Q. Besides being a straight white guy with a lot to learn, tell us a little bit about yourself.Q. Why did you launch Epics Podcast?Q. You told me before that After spending a career in non profits you saw the amazing work that an organization can do providing help and hope to so many. But you also witnessed and experienced burnout when your efforts on the frontlines of a cause were being misunderstood, undervalued or at the worst, unseen. Can you talk about that? I bet a lot of people feel that way at work.Q. Did the hate and division that seems to be so prevalent in our nation have anything to do with this?Q. What have you learned so far?Q. How many episodes have you done? How frequent do you stream?Q. Why did you want to be on Lean to the Left?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hate speech. Divisive rhetoric. Insurrection. Today Americans are divided, perhaps more than ever...at least since the civil war. But how did the country get this way? In The Second Civil War: A citizens’ guide to healing our fractured nation, bestselling author Peter Montoya dissects how fear-based messaging and highly accessible technology have resulted in what he says is the early stages of a second civil war. Now, Montoya, the founder of the multi-million dollar company, Marketing Pro, is building a new tech startup, called Urth, designed to address all of that. It’s a community-driven social media platform that has a big mission: “To empower humanity with the technology to perpetuate the survival of our species.” Not a modest goal!In the interview, Montoya is not shy about saying that Urth will go after Facebook by providing a platform that is much more secure and free of bots and fake accounts that foster division and hate.That’s what we talk about today as we have Peter Montoya with us on the Lean to the Left podcast. Let’s get right to it.1.Are saying that social media is at the root of the divisions within our country today?2.Why are people so addicted to social media? 3.What’s wrong with traditional social media? Sometimes it makes me crazy.4.What is this conflict about and why do you think we’re in a second civil war? 5.Why do we hear so much about Cancel Culture: What’s that about? 6.Does shaming and shunning those with whom we disagree change their behavior? Have you seen that backfire? 7.Tell us about Urth, where does the name come from and what’s Urth’s mission?8.How it will Urth be different from what we’re using today, and why it will be better?9.The website’s home page…at www.urth.cc, says “We are a mission disguised as a technology. Then it adds: Urth is a civil media network empowering real-world action to solve global problems.” How so? Please explain.10.Does Urth lean one way or the other politically? Why? Why not?11.I understand listeners can get involved in the early stages of Urth. How can they become Beta Testers? And what does that mean, what would they do?12.What’s your ultimate vision for Urth? Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Spencer Bishins, a former Social Security Administration attorney, says administrative law judges often are "incentivized" to decline disability claims in order to keep the agency's "pay rate" low resulting in only about 50 percent of disability requests being approved.On the Lean to the Left podcast, Bishins reveals the common practices used by the agency to discourage approval of disability claims, and says that intervention by members of Congress on behalf of constituents requesting help is generally meaningless."The administrative law judges are federal employees, so they have supervisors," Bishins points out. Those supervisors are under pressure to keep costs down, so they encourage the judges to deny claims, often by requiring them to take additional training or denying their ability to telework. Or, they may be "encouraged" to retire or accept a transfer."They are training them or incentivizing them to get their pay rates down. It is happening and the statistics show that it's happening," Bishins says.What Bishins describes seems like a near scandal. Think about who is filing claims for Social Security disability: it is people who, for one reason or another, cannot work. Perhaps they have a serious illness, were injured. Whatever, if they can't work they cannot earn a living. And if they can't do that, how are they supposed to care for their families? That's why we have the Social Security disability program in the first place, and why it is paid for by the SSA taxes that we all fork over with every paycheck.Bishins has a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA’s complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it’s so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.Written in 2022, Bishins reveals the inner workings of the disability system, explains how the system works – and doesn’t. He breaks down the complicated disability rules, timelines, jargon, and processes, so his book is for claimants, representatives, family, friends, counselors, caregivers, social workers, case workers, advocates, and anyone who interacts with disability applicants. More info at www.bishinspublishing.com.Listen to the episode.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With us today is Dr. John DeGarmo, leading expert in foster care and parenting, and director of The Foster Care Institute.Dr. DeGarmo conducts seminars across the world on foster care, child sex trafficking, adoption, and child welfare related issues. He also is author of several books, including The Foster Care Survival Guide, Keeping Foster Children Safe Online, and Fostering Love: One Foster Parent's Journey. As a parent -- eirther biological, adoptive, foster he has had over 60 children come live with him and his family, and currently has 10 kids in his house.Good Lord!This is an interesting guy, too. He’s worked in professional wrestling, traveled the world performing in the international super group Up With People, married an Australian, lived on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef for a year, was awarded the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award, and even appeared on Wife Swap. What was that all about!Here are some questions we posed to Dr. DeGarmo:Q. Why do you do what you do? And where do you find the time?Q. Tell us about The Foster Care Institute and what you do there.Q. I’m certain that dealing with children who have been abused is one of the major aspects of your work there. How serious of a problem is domestic violence and child abuse today?Q. Let’s talk about that what are some ways that we can all help stop domestic violence against children?Q. What about foster care? Is there a shortage of foster parents for kids in crisis?Q. What are some things that people interested in becoming a foster parent should consider?Q. You wrote a blog earlier this year listing 15 ways to fix foster care. What are they?Q. You are someone who walks the talk, if ever I’ve seen an example of that. You work on behalf of children who need foster care, and you’ve parented more than 60 yourself? And you and your wife are caring for 10 kids now? Why? How?Q. How can you possibly provide the individual attention that these children deserve?Q. The Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell saga was shocking and disgusting. What were your thoughts with how that case played out? Epstein being found dead in his jail cell and Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking in support of Epstein’s sex enterprise.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re with Kyle Roedler. He’s a father of two baby girls, a husband and a dog owner living in Atlanta, GA.And he’s determined to push the government to create a safe learning environment for children. It is unacceptable, he says, that children should be endangered when they go to school, supposedly a haven of safety and learning.So, Kyle is taking action. He’s launched a new organization called the Parents Safety Alliance, and is looking to establish chapters in every town across America, which is holding a meeting for concerned parents tomorrow evening, 6-8 pm, at the historic courthouse in downtown Decatur, GA. Everyone is invited and you can join online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85199580507?pwd=aVRodFFNTjlJeXc4TG9YbzJ6UHhPZz09You can also learn more at https://www.facebook.com/ParentsSafetyAlliance.During the interview, Roedler discusses some innovative ideas on how to keep schools, churches, and other public venues safe from would-be shooters, including the development of a new ap that would help bring off-duty police officers to help with security.Roedler's movement is not about gun control, he stresses, it's about keeping our children safe when they go to school.Here are some questions we asked during the show:So welcome to the podcast, Kyle. Tell us about what you’re up to – and why.Q. What prompted you to step out and take action?Q. Your kids go to a private, religious school, not a public school. Does that make any difference when it comes to risks and safety?Q. What would you like to see happen in terms of actions to keep kids safe at school?Q. What were your thoughts about the law enforcement response to the Uvalde, TX massacre of 19 children and two teachers? I see that law suits have been filed seeking $27 billion from government agencies and the school district to compensate families of the victims.Q. How is the Alliance doing? You’re in DeKalb County, Atlanta, GA now. How many parents are involved?Q. What are your plans for growth?Q. What are your thoughts about the availability of such weapons as AR-15s to the average person…weapons like this have been used in school shootings.Q. Should schools be required to have armed guards on site at all times? Q. What are your thoughts about arming teachers and expecting them to defend their students against shooters?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Something different today on the Lean to the Left podcast. No politics. No Trump or Republican bashing. Instead, we're going to learn how to make love, not war, and goodness knows, this country needs a lot more love.We're going to learn how to have "magical sex" and our instructor is a former Vietnam War fighter pilot who now coaches people on how to have a fulfilling sex life.In fact, Frank Wiegers and his wife have written a book about the topic, and operate a website called www.TopGunLove.com. Frank was a "top gun" fighter pilot, get it?This is a guy who not only flew fighters, but also raced sports cars and formula 2 cars in Europe, skippered a winning yacht racing crew, taught stunt flying and won the Arizona State aerobatics championship. But his life was missing something: a fulfilling, loving relationship. So, he attacked that with a vengeance, learning everything he could about love, sex, and relationships. With degrees in business, aero-engineering, and law, Frank knew how to study, so he sought out teachers from around the world, worked with a native American shaman for over 15 years, and read everything he could find on love, sex and relationships. Wiegers began working with men in the early nineties and in 2004 met his wife, Judith, a successful personal, career and relationship counselor for over 40 years. Together they have written two books. Their latest, is The Magical Sex Book. So, on the episode, Wiegers tells us how we can put magic into our relationships. One of the points he makes is that surveys show that most guys -- like 85 percent of us -- think we are great lovers. However, only 15 percent of their mates agree. Damn!Here's a sample of our questions for Wiegers:I have to say, You are the true-life example of the old adage, “Make Love, not War.”What is magical sex?You say men believe they’re good at love making, which means they don’t now what they don’t know. Explain, please. Are you saying sex is spiritual?What’s intimacy got to do with magical sex? How do you go about making that connection deeper?What do you mean by rituals?What are the four steps?What do you mean by Pre-Play? Is that different from Fore-Play? What’s different about The-Play?So what is After-Play?What is sex magick? Why does a woman have to coach their man?How does a woman start a conversation about her sex life?What if you’re not feeling any desire for sex?What about Sex for those over 50? How about 60? 70? Even 80? Are you kidding me?Do men really need orgasm training?Final ThoughtsDo you do coaching, and how do people get in touch with you?Listen to the episode:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Political Analyst Dr. Frank Sorrentino is with us today to discuss the FBI raid of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, from a historical perspective, and its potential political impact going forward.On the podcast, Dr. Sorrentino questions the seriousness of the FBI's investigation of classified documents taken to Mar-a-Lago by former President Donald Trump, saying that the Justice Department appeared to be in no hurry to recover the documents.However, he agrees that the important question is what those documents contain and what Trump planned to do with them.However, he agrees that the important question is what those documents contain and what Trump planned to do with them -- and that an investigation into the episode is needed. During the episode, Sorrentino criticizes the Justice Department for becoming embroiled in a political dispute, even though Attorney General Merrick Garland has pledged that will not happen during the Biden Administration. The FBI, he says, has a long history of being used for political purposes.In his latest book, “Presidential Power and The American Political System,” Dr. Sorrentino analyzes the history of the FBI, from the Palmer Raids in the Woodrow Wilson administration up to Watergate and the Richard Nixon Administration. He’s a nationally recognized constitutional scholar, widely quoted and relied upon for his insight regarding the major political developments of our time. He received both his PhD and Master's Degree in Politics from New York University and has spent time on the faculty of NYU, Long Island University and Kean College, and has been honored several times by The National Political Science Honor Society. Once again, his book is "Presidential Power and The American Political System," published by the Archway, Division of Simon & Schuster.Dr. Sorrentino, thanks for joining us on the Lean to the Left podcast.Q. How serious is it that Trump apparently took highly classified and sensitive documents home to Mar a Lago after he left the White House?Q. According to the warrant for the raid, the search was related to potential violations of the Espionage Act, which has been used to prosecute both foreign spies and domestic leakers, including Daniel Ellsberg. This is pretty serious, right?Q. You’ve been quoted as saying that "The FBI has been political since its inception.” Why is that? I thought the FBI was supposed to be above reproach.Q. You also said that "This incident may be a most significant event." That seems to be somewhat of an understatement, but why do you say that?Q. News reports indicate that classified documents Trump took to Mar a Lago involved nuclear weapons among other highly sensitive and top secret documents. Of course, Trump says the “nuclear weapons issue is a hoax.” But, if that is true, what should happen to Trump?Q. How are potential violations of classified materials normally handled? Q. What is the political impact of this event? Q. One thing we know is Trump is raking in big money in contributions, over $1 million a day last week, according to published reports. Is this right?Q. What do you think of Trump’s many false and misleading claims about the raid, such as that Biden played a role and that the FBI may have planted evidence during the raid? Q. What do you make of so many top Republicans making excuses for Trump and accusing the FBI of “gastapo” tactics, etc. Do you think this might come back to bite them?Q. Have raids like this happened to other former Presidents? Q. Tell us about your book and where people can find it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Many political pundits today predict that Democrats face a serious blood bath in the November Congressional elections, and that the party will be on the ropes for the foreseeable future. But nationally recognized political analyst Michael P. McDonald doesn't see it that way.Interviewed on the Lean to the Left podcast, McDonald suggests that because of several "crummy" Trump-endorsed candidates, Democrats could actually add at least two seats to their existing razor thin majority and be in a position to overturn the filibuster on specific legislation, such as voting rights reform.In fact, McDonald points to a recent poll showing that Democrat Rep. Val Demings currently leads Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as an example of one senate seat that could be flipped. As for retired football star Hershel Walker's bid in Georgia to unseat Sen. Raphael Warnock (D), McDonald describes Walker as "a really bad candidate who obviously has been knocked in the head quite a few times."McDonald says former President Donald Trump is "so wedded to the Big Lie" and GOP candidates "giving him fealty" to gain his support, that it is damaging the Republican Party to the point that its opportunity to win control of the Senate is in serious danger and that taking over the House of Representatives is less certain than it was just a few months ago.If Republicans do take over the House, however, opportunities for Democrats to enact meaningful legislation will be gone and the nation will be treated to more politically-inspired investigations, which will do nothing but worsen the political polarization that exists in America today. However, McDonald says there is an obvious way for that to be cured: for Trump to acknowledge that he lost the election and for Republicans, who have been spreading lies about voter fraud for years, to admit that elections in the U.S. today are secure and well run.Professor of political science at the University of Florida and a leading resource on American elections, McDonald is author of the new book, “From Pandemic to Insurrection: Voting in the 2020 US Presidential Election.”In his book, Michael tells the story of voting in the 2020 election in context with the Covid 19 pandemic, the Big Lie, the January 6 hearings, and more. It takes a look at new voting laws that have emerged since the election, several designed to benefit Republicans while making it harder for many people to vote. It is a thorough, well-researched analysis that includes over 800 footnoted references that are clickable in the digital version. The book is due to be published September 5.McDonald's website, www.electproject.org, disseminates election statistics and is widely used as an authoritative source by media, scholars, and others. He also participates on the decision desk that calls elections after the polls close.Listen to the interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What if you could help the environment, help fight climate change, and make money on your investments at the same time? Our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast has launched a new investment company, Balanced Capital Investments, that lets you do just that, and it sounds like a real winner.Corey Noyes loves to run and hike in his home state of Utah, and while he’s doing that, he’s often thinking up ways to build Balanced Capital and help his clients succeed.Corey used to work for one of the large wealth management companies in the financial services industry, but he decided that, not only didn’t he want to wear a suit to work anymore, he also wanted to do better, both for his customers and the world in which we all live.So Balanced Capital Investments was born and one of its main objectives is to offer clients the greenest, most environmentally friendly portfolios available. That’s an interesting concept: invest for future success while supporting companies that are working to make our world better.Here are some questions addressed on the podcast:Q. Can you tell us a little more about yourself and Balanced Capital?Q. What’s the criteria for equities and funds to be included in your Green Series portfolios?Q. How is that balanced with those companies’ performance to make sure they are a good investment for your clients?Q. Are companies involved in the production and distribution of fossil fuels included in the Green Series portfolios? Q. If not, why not?Q. Can a client sign up for your green investment program, but also invest in a fossil fuel company if they feel it would be a good financial opportunity?Q. Your website says investments in Green Series portfolios place a high emphasis on companies that make efforts to use renewable energy. What does that mean?Q. You have a chart on your website Us vs Them, showing Carbon Emissions, number of fossil fuel companies, and a 2049 carbon neutral target year. Can you please explain what this means?Q. By bringing green investing to more people, how will that actually improve the environment? Do you think it will change the way companies behave? Q. When did you launch Balanced Capital? How is it going? Looks like you had a little over $13 million in discretionary assets under management as of January. Q. How much of that is in the Green Series?Q. You also have a tax prep company and an insurance company. Where do you find time to do all of that? What kind of team do you have at Balanced Capital?Q. What’s the plan for the future?Note: Learn more about Balanced Capital Investing at https://balanced-capital.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Host Bob Gatty and author/attorney Mark M. Bello once again explore issues involving child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. While that's been in the headlines for decades, author Tom Hogan's "The Empty Confessional" explores the issue in a unique way—the author goes inside the head of a young priest who has decided to become an avenger. From archaeological digs in Israel, to life in both Protestant and Catholic seminaries, to launching tech startups in Silicon Valley, Tom Hogan has led a fascinating life. He’s worked with a team at the Harvard Semitic Museum to decipher the Dead Sea Scrolls, developed one of the first programs for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula, and has lectured, extensively in Holocaust studies. He also found time to be a venture capitalist, founding Crowded Ocean, which has launched 51 startups, with 17 either going public or being acquired. And he brings this diverse and rich experience to his writing, both fiction and non-fiction. His new book, The Empty Confessional, answers the question:What If an Avenger Priest Came After Catholic Predator-Priests?Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we welcome Roger Canaff, an award winning legal thriller author whose writing is influenced by his experiences as a child protection and anti-violence against women advocate, legal expert, and speaker. He has devoted his legal career to the eradication of violence against women and children, first as a prosecutor in Alexandria, Virginia, then as a Special Victims ADA in the Bronx. Roger also was president of the Board of Directors of End Violence Against Women International, an organization that provides training, technical assistance, research and advocacy. He now teaches undergraduate and law school classes, and trains and consults privately, both nationally and internationally. Canaff is a charter member of CounterQuo, an organization of allied professionals challenging the way our culture responds to sexual violence.Most recently he became a consultant with Justice3D.com, a leading educator in issues related to investigating and prosecuting sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence cases.Roger Canaff is the author of four novels, the latest of which is "City Dark," a police thriller set in New York City, which will be published October 1. Canaff lives and works in New York City.Some of the questions we asked Canaff:Q. What prompted you to focus your work on violence against women and children?Q. What were some of the experiences in your life, in your work, that informed the four novels that you’ve written?Q. Tell us about your books, especially City Dark, which is due out on October 1.Q. I did a podcast interview with an author, Sandy Phillips Kirkham, whose book, “Let Me Prey Upon You,” describes how as a teenager she was seduced and eventually raped by the youth pastor of her church, a fundamental protestant denomination. She said she had been “groomed” by this pastor.I noticed in my research that you’ve given a presentation with Justice3D.com entitled “Introducing evidence of grooming and dynamics of victimization in child sex abuse cases.” Can you explain what that’s all about?Q. Another talk you’ve given focuses on holding offenders accountable. What are some of the challenges and opportunities that arise with respect to that? Kirkham said her abuser was protected by his church, while she was virtually kicked out.Q. All of this also can be related to sex abuse within the Catholic Church.. You’ve done some work in this area?Q. What did you think of the sex abuse accusations against Judge Kavanaugh when he was being considered for the Supreme Court and how they were handled by the Senate Committee? You said on CNN that you had never seen a witness more compelling than Christine Blasey Ford, who testified that as a teenager in the early 1980s Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her during a party, which, of course, Kavanaugh denied. Should Kavanaugh be on the Supreme Court today?Q. What’s next for you? Another book?Q. Just curious, where do you get the names and descriptions of the characters in your books?Q. Where can listeners find your books or reach out to you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, thanks for joining us on Lean to the Left. Today we welcome Jason Merchey, author of a new book, “Wisdom: A very Valuable Virtue that Cannot be Bought.”If there is one thing we need today in this very divided country, it is leaders with the wisdom to find solutions for the good of our people, not leaders who stoke division and discord for their own political gains.But it goes beyond political leadership. Today, so many of us find ourselves stymied by the struggles of daily life that perhaps we don’t take enough time to reflect about what we need to do to reduce stress and simply be happy.Jason is author of The Values of the Wise Book Series. In this new book, his fourth, he provides a compass to help readers navigate toward more personal growth, happiness, and fulfillment in life.Welcome, Jason, and thanks for joining us on Lean to the Left.1.What’s the key theme of your book and how can it help people achieve personal growth, happiness and fulfillment in their lives?2. You say that anyone aiming to build a life of value, one that yields purpose and happiness, should consider wisdom to be their blueprint for success. Please explain what you mean and how people can do that.3.Your promo material says that you’ve had mental illness most of your life, but that you’ve earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology and practiced as a psychotherapist. How have you overcome that illness to achieve all of that?4.What are some ways that we could all be wiser in our choices, and how would that benefit our communities and even our nation?5.You founded something called Values of the Wise in 2004. What is that all about?6.Today our country is beset by division among our people. It was reflected perhaps most vividly in the January 6th attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters, and continues to this day. What needs to be done to ease these tensions and find solutions to the many important problems that face our nation?7.Abortion is one of those divisive issues, and the Trump supreme court has made it even more so, with some states now trying to criminalize the act of transporting a woman to another state to have her abortion. What are your thoughts about all of this?8.What are your thoughts about the determination of conservatives to protect the lives of the unborn, but then to abandon them once they have taken their first breath outside the womb?9.You wrote in a blog that the modern Republican Party is a clear and present danger to the fabric of American society, and that we must not take this lightly or be cowed into silence. Explain.10.With that point of view, how do the principles espoused in your book relate to the political realities of today?11.Where can people find your book and get in touch with you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today our guest is Terry Livingston, the founder of Grand Strand Pride, an LGBTQ+ rights organization located in the coastal area of South Carolina, an ultra conservative state.Terry and his team are fighting to protect the rights of those in the LGBT+ community, and they constantly face challenges from the Republican-controlled state legislature, having to beat back harmful proposals that threaten basic freedoms that we all have a right to enjoy.Terry’s a Myrtle Beach CPA and he’s the husband of another local CPA, Steve. Terry, thanks for joining us on the Lean to the Left podcast. Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do.1.What’s it like advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in a conservative area like South Carolina?2.What are some of the challenges you’ve been facing with state and local governments? Wasn’t there a county resolution declaring June Pride Month that was rescinded after some people complained?3.What are your thoughts about the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect interracial marriage and repeal previous law defining marriage as between one man and one woman?4.While more than 40 Republicans in the House joined Democrats to vote for that bill, Republicans in the Senate seem to be ducking and dodging, some claiming they haven’t read it yet – even though it’s only 4 pages long. Will there be enough GOP votes to avoid a filibuster? Your thoughts about that?5.With the Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade, and subsequent comments by Justice Clarence Thomas that seem to threaten same sex marriage, are you concerned about what might come next?6.A lot of Democrats are saying that freedom is on the ballot in the November election. Do you agree?7.How concerned are you about Monkeypox? Is a vaccine available in South Carolina? If so, who should get that vaccine?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Check out this episode of the Dixie Dems on The Lean to the Left Podcast, which is crashed by 'Marjorie," an impersonation of wacko Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene by Robert Thompson, who also hosts the Got Damn Liberals podcast.If you are confused by Thompson, who parrots MTG during the episode but also comments as the Democratic liberal that he is, you'll have an opportunity to get it all straight once the video version of this episode is finished and streamed on YouTube. That must be a comforting thought.As usual the Dixie Dems episode also features Arthur Hill, communications chair of the Brunswick County, North Carolina, Democratic party, who also contributes articles to this blog site. Arthur's blogs generally focus on various scams that he wants readers to be aware of, but he writes about politics as well. Arthur is the most serious of the Dixie Dems cast, as you can tell by his glasses.This episode of the Dixie Dems "covers" key aspects of the January 6 insurrection investigation, such as when a Trump staffer had to clean catsup off the wall because an angry 45 tossed his lunch; political developments in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida; and the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights and related issues.So despite the craziness that seems to always infect the Dixie Dems when they get together, the episode actually has some content worth listening to -- if you can manage to avoid confusion caused by Thompson's be-wigged "Marjorie".Take a listen:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Could political fanaticism propel the U.S. into an authoritarian form of government as has occurred in other countries, including Nazi Germany?That's a possibility that should concern all Americans, regardless of political party, says novelist Tom Davis, a retired Operation Desert Storm commander who served as a key advisor to a Secretary of the Army and several Army Chiefs of Staff."The common theme of extreme ends of the political spectrum is violence and authoritarianism," says Davis, author of "Empty Quiver," on The Lean to the Left Podcast. "I think at this point we all need to be concerned about political fanaticism, at the moment on the right as opposed to the left."“Empty Quiver” is a novel about the threat of nuclear weapons in the 1980s that is all too real as we live through the challenges of today with Russia attacking Ukraine.While Davis says that the Russian invasion of Ukraine "has shown the Red Army to be inept," he worries that Vladimir Putin might resort to using some form of nuclear weapons as a last resort."This is a large army that was unable to take two cities that were a four hour drive away," he says on the podcast, worrying that the vaunted Red Army's failures could push a frustrated Putin into more dangerous actions, including the use of nuclear weapons.Listen to the interview:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

"If Republicans gain control of the House and the Senate, God help us." Those are the words of Democratic activist and political author Bill Kuhn on The Lean to the Left Podcast, where he warns that today's Republican Party is a clear and present danger to America.Kuhn is author of a new book, "Facts & Fury…An Unapologetic Primer on How the GOP has Destroyed American Democracy," and co-founder of Fight for a Better America, an organization that invests in key battleground districts and states throughout the US, with the goal of either flipping them blue or maintaining Democratic incumbents. Through his travels with the organization, Bill has made hundreds of contacts with folks in local civic and Democratic clubs throughout the country―primarily in California, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and New Jersey―and organized hundreds of volunteers on the ground. He’s had thousands of conversations with voters and prospective volunteers about the issues that affect them most.Although conflicts over the role of government have always existed, the level of partisanship and division that we know today is staggering, Kuhn says, adding that for the nation to heal voters must understand the Republican Party’s role in the country’s growing division.Here are some of Kuhn's comments in the episode:Right-wing Republicans "think like fascists...they have the same mentality and left up to their own devices they would take away more and more rights and leave people to fend for themselves while enriching them and their radical rich financial sponsors."Republicans are not "pro-life." They are "pro-birth" and about "controlling women's bodies." "Whoever coined the term "pro-life" should get a marketing award."The religious right infiltrated the Republican Party years ago. "The nut jobs got a hold of the party and (Supreme Court Justice) Clarence Thomas is part of that. The Republican Party has been completely coopted by these people."Republicans deliberately wanted to "make politics so toxic that incompetent people will run for office and, therefore, Washington stays incompetent and locked in gridlock. This benefits the party that wants to see Washington handicapped, and that's the Republicans."Most voters will base their decision at the polls on the economy and inflation, not abortion, the Supreme Court, or even the revelations of the January 6 investigating committee. Biden gets the blame, even though it is private enterprise that controls prices.Will Trump go to jail? "I have very little confidence that he'll go to jail."If Trump is not the nominee, it will likely be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Vice President Pence is "too tied to Trump" and he's "not exciting."Listen to the episode.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

“People need to realize that…with democracy, if we leave it now we may never get it back and then nothing can be done.”Those are the words of historian and author Robert S. McElvaine on The Lean to the Left Podcast, where he discusses many of the key events of the 1960s, particularly 1964 and 1965, and how they are influencing events today, especially the radicalization of the Republican Party and the growth of authoritarianism.Looking forward to the November elections, he says voters should "instead of looking at the gas pump and the grocery store and inflation, realize that democracy is on the line.” Make a comparison of the direction of both political parties and candidates, he said. “Look at the choice, what these people are. The most important thing is that in 2022 democracy is on the line.”While McElvaine believes Democrats will maintain control of the Senate and perhaps make some gains, “it doesn’t look good in the House, and if they lose control in the House, those people are not going to certify a Democratic winner in 2024.”McElvaine is Elizabeth Chisholm Distinguished Professor of Arts & Letters and Professor of History at Millsaps College. He is the author of eight books and the editor of three others. His latest is "The Times They Were a-Changin' - 1964: The Year 'the Sixties' Arrived and the Battle Lines of Today Were Drawn." The book argues that the current crisis in America centers on the right wing trying to reverse the revolutionary changes that began in 1964 and return our nation to a point where White men are in control. McElvaine's first two books on the Depression era have become standards in the field, acclaimed by historians and general readers alike. Two of his books have been named among the “Notable Books of the Year” by the New York Times Book Review. Both have remained in print and continue to sell nearly four decades after their initial publication.Here are some questions covered in our interview:1. Your book is about 1964, which was 58 years ago. What can the past – particularly that year – teach us today?2. I see that Bennie Thompson, chair of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Insurrection, has praised your book, saying, that it “presents vivid details and unapologetic truths that can help to thwart rightwing radicals’ plans to annihilate the progress we have made toward equality.” How does what you wrote about relate to the insurrection and attempted coup? 3. In your book, you reference how the fundamental ideals of the Republican and Democratic parties have changed over the course of American history. What are some examples?4. You say in the book that the United States moved closer to the ideals of 1776 and became a full democracy for the first time in the “Long 1964.” How so?5. You indicate in the book that the battle lines of today are about the revolutionary changes that began in 1964–whether to build upon them or reverse them. Please explain.6. You say that what the right-wingers who have taken control of the Republican Party mean when they say, “Take America Back” is to repeal the 1960s and take America back to the way it was before 1964. How would America be different if Republicans succeeded in turning back the calendar to pre-1964?7. How is all of this reflected in today’s Supreme Court with its 6-3 conservative majority engineered by Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump?8. The recent primary elections showed substantial gains by far-right candidates who bow at the altar of Donald Trump. What are the implications of this should this trend continue in November?9. You say in the book that the fundamental question across the span of American history has been whether it is to be a White man’s country or an inclusive, diverse democracy. How was that question central in 1964 and how is it central today? Listen to the interview:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Remember when some medical experts were advocating the use of ivermectin, a drug approved by the FDA to treat head lice or parasitic worms in humans or parasites in animals, for treating Covid 19? Some also pushed the use of hydroxychloroquine, even though the FDA withdrew emergency use authorization of that drug, a version of which is used to clean fish tanks, for treatment of Covid 19. Well, our Lean to the Left podcast guest today is a doctor who claims he’s saved thousands of lives by using a cocktail of those drugs, and others, and now his medical license is being threatened.Dr. George Fareed, medical director at Pioneers Health Clinic, Brawley, CA, says his Covid treatment results “are nothing short of a miracle,” despite the resistance that he experienced from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).In fact, in the interview, he calls Dr. Anthony Fauci, now chief medical advisor to the president and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a "villain" as the federal government sought to stem the spread of Covid 19 from its inception. Dr. Fareed contends that "big Pharma" played a role in downplaying readily available, inexpensive, and effective drugs in favor of vaccinations, which he strongly advises against.Dr. Fareed and Dr. Brian Tyson are the authors of “Overcoming the Covid Darkness…how two doctors successfully treated 7,000 patients,” in which they describe the obstacles they faced and the successes they experienced in treating Covid 19 in its early stages. Fareed has worked clinically in primary medical care in the Imperial Valley of California since 19901, and has been on the frontline for early COVID-19 treatment in that region since March 2020. He’s practiced across the whole spectrum of COVID-19 care, treating outpatients as well as hospital inpatients. He testified on November 19, 2020, in a U.S. Senate hearing on early COVID-19 treatment.Here are some of the questions we put to Dr. Fareed on the podcast:Please tell us about your mission and your book. Why did you write it?What is the Fareed-Tyson protocol?In an article published by NIH, you and your co-authors wrote this: “This early therapeutic option deserves serious and urgent consideration by the medical establishment and respective decision-makers. Doctors must be allowed their clinical discretion in how they optimally treat their patients. Doctors must be brave and trust their skilled judgements and do all to save the lives of their patients.” Did you find that doctors were not allowed their clinical discretion in treating patients?Does this include the use of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectine? They were highly criticized as potential treatments, were they not?Did you find resistance to your approach? Why? With the success of your approach, why wasn’t it more widely used?Were lives lost because President Trump and his administration was so slow in even acknowledging the seriousness of the pandemic?What is your view of the vaccinations that are now available?What about the boosters?If I test positive for Covid now, what should I do? What about the Covid pill? What about Monkeypox? Is this something we should be concerned about?Listen to an interesting and somewhat disturbing interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our guest today on the Lean to the Left podcast is Dr. Joe Eusterman, now nearly 93 years old, spent 50 years practicing internal, occupational and environmental medicine in Oregon and elsewhere, and is mad as hell.In fact, Dr. Joe is so upset that he launched Mad As Hell Doctors.com 14 years ago, and traveled around the country in a decked out RV trying to do something about America’s health care system.Dr. Joe is not on the road anymore, but is still mad as hell and promises to remain so until we have universal health care for all Americans. Dr. Joe is part of Physicians for a National Health Program, which promotes public advocacy and continues to see enactment of a single payer healthcare system, such as Medicare for All. We know that Bernie Sanders made Medicare for All a cornerstone of his presidential campaign, but in this divided Congress – even with Democrats in theoretical control – there doesn’t seem to be much hope, at least in the immediate future.According to Dr. Joe, the healthcare system in the U.S. is far too costly and at the same time inefficient. A focus on money and profit is at the heart of the problem, he contends, and the major reason why Congress has refused to enact Medicare for All.But he is optimistic and has no intention of quitting, and he hopes you’ll pitch in and help, too.Here are some resources recommended by Dr. Joe:On YouTube: Health, Money and Fear; The Healthcare Movie; Prairie Giant: The Story of Tommy Douglas; The Story of Mouseland.Organizations & Background info:mvhca.org/dvdspnhp.org/what-is-single-payer/pnhp.org/about/pnhp-mission-statement/https://madashelldoctors.comSingle Payer bills:Pramila Jayapal-HR1976-"Medicare For All Act of 2021"Bernie Sanders- SB4204-"Medicare For All Act of 2022"Ro Khanna-HR3775-"State-based Universal Health Care Act of 2021"Here are some questions answered by Dr. Joe in this episode:1. Are you still mad as hell?2. Why?3. What are you doing to effect change?4. What’s chances for a single payor system in today’s political atmosphere?5. Why would it be beneficial?6. Critics say it would put healthcare in the hands of bureaucrats and create long lines and wait times for appointments. Are they wrong? If so, why?7. Do you have some experiences from your practice of medicine that you can share that relate to this topic?8. How many bus trips did you take? When was the last one? What did you do?9. You’re almost 93. What are you going to do when you really retire?Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On this episode of the Len to the Left podcast, California businessman and entrepreneur Clinton E. Galloway reveals how Black on Black racism and political corruption have long-term harmful consequences within communities.When cable television was first launched, Galloway and his brother sought a franchise to serve minorities in Los Angeles, but he says they were blocked by demands for bribes. An eventual victory in the U.S. Supreme Court was to no avail.Galloway also discusses the importance of improving our schools, especially those in minority communities, where he says young people who are constantly exposed to violence experience a form of PTSD that ultimately affects their success in school and, often, in life.Galloway is a CPA with a practice in Marina del Rey, California and a securities dealer. He’s the author of his second book, “What Did you Think was Going to Happen?” which deals with the refusal by the City of Los Angeles to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the city.The ruling identified LA’s attempts to limit new technology -- cable TV -- in the poorest areas of the city as a civil rights violation and explored complicity of major Black politicians in the process.Here are some questions that we posed to Galloway:This is your second book, the first one, “Anatomy of a Hustle: Cable Comes to South Central Los Angeles,” talks about how you and your brother set out to establish the first black-owned cable TV franchise in the nation. Can you give us the short version of what happened and how that relates to what we’re talking about today?That case involved the Supreme Court case of City of Los Angeles vs Preferred Communications, right? On your website, you say that story illustrates the corruption of government and how our poorest citizens bear the brunt of that burden. Please explain.You told us that your experience in dealing with government and federal courts is an example of how many people do not understand how our system of government can be abused and the abuse hidden. Please explain.So, you’re telling us that Black on Black racism exists and is prevalent in our society today?As a Black entrepreneur do you continue to experience systemic racism and, in fact, Black on Black racism, in your work and your daily life?Why do you believe this exists?What are your thoughts about the current popular effort by politicians on the right to limit the teaching of America’s racial history in our schools?What is your advice to young minority entrepreneurs who wish to get ahead in this country?Any thoughts about the importance of Black involvement in the electoral and political process?Listen to the interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The abortion war is over," says Lean to the Left podcast act guest Kelley Keller, an attorney who is expert in Constitutional law. "It has been lost in the courts." Now, she says, those who are concerned about having control over their own bodies need to focus on a battle with broader support -- the right to a therapeutic abortion.During this episode, which also features co-host Mark M. Bello, Keller says people who oppose the "crazy" laws being proposed in some states to block people from traveling to abortion-friendly states for their healthcare must turn to the ballot box."If the will of the people is ‘this is insane,’ they need to go to the ballot box and by plebiscite make decisions about whether or not that type of crazy talk will actually (be accepted)," she declared.“The silver lining in Dobbs? Let’s codify privacy and bodily autonomy once and for all and get it out of the hands of nine justices,” Keller declared.In this episode, Keller traces the background that resulted in the Supreme Court's action overturning Roe v Wade, pointing out that according to law, women were never guaranteed a "right" to an abortion, but that they were guaranteed "the right to choose" whether to terminate a pregnancy.In fact, she says, Roe actually "died" in 1989 when Justice Sandra Day O'Connor began challenging the level of review used in many cases, making it far easier for states to challenge abortions. "Roe was not about women’s bodily autonomy or their equal protection under the law. Women have just been the sideshow in all of this. Arguments have been around babies and doctors, not about her," Keller says."Deciding to terminate a pregnancy because it’s going to ruin your career and you were sloppy on a Friday night is never going to fly because what the right is going to say is you do bear some personal responsibility in this because that pregnancy was 100 percent preventable. Most therapeutic or medically necessary abortions are for babies that were desperately wanted."An attorney for 14 years, Keller specializes in intellectual property at her firm, Big Bang Legal. She is an adjunct professor of Copyright and Trademark Law at Widener University Commonwealth School of Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she has taught since 2020.Note: This episode also streams on the Justice Counts podcast, co-hosted with attorney/author Mark M. Bello.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Congress appears ready to pass legislation ending a federal government requirement that potential new drugs must be tested on animals before they can be approved for use on humans, and our Lean to the Left podcast guest has been working to win approval of that bill.Marty Irby is executive director at Animal Wellness Action and Senior Vice President at the Center for a Humane Economy and helped shepherd the FDA Modernization Act, which contains a provision removing that requirement, through the U.S. House of Representatives last month. Companion legislation is expected to win approval in the Senate.According to Irby, the regulation requiring animal testing for new drugs was established in 1937, and that since then developments in science and technology now provide alternatives that are less costly and more effective. Irby points out in our interview that there is an island off the coast of South Carolina where monkeys are bred by the federal government for use in animal testing. He questions why the government is in the business of providing monkeys to the pharmaceutical industry, a process that is funded with tax dollars. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) represents that area of SC and was a leading sponsor of the legislation in the House to end the animal testing requirement.During our interview, Irby also talks about legislation he's pushing that would ban the breeding and use of tiger cubs for money-making photo ops at zoos and other tourist attractions, noting that once those tigers are little more than six weeks old they often are simply killed.Another bill he's advocating would end mink farming in the U.S., as he says those animals have been found to spread strains of the Covid 19 virus. Currently, according to Irby, there are about 60 mink farmers remaining and the large majority of pelts they produce are sold in China. So essentially, he contends, Americans risk contracting Covid 19 so wealthy people in China can wear mink coats.Irby has worked on Capitol Hill, is a top lobbyist, and even has been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for working to reduce violence in the training of horses. In November 2019, he was recognized by President Trump at the signing of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act that he helped get passed.Marty grew up on a South Alabama farm with horses, cattle, and other animals and eventually became president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association. It was then that he shifted his attention to animal protection and joined efforts to eliminate cruel training practices in the equine world.If the humane treatment of animals concerns you, take a listen to this episode, which was recorded just before the House approved its version of the FDA Modernization Act.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we welcome Storm Cunningham, whose work involves helping to rebuild, restore, and revitalize communities that need a little bit of help.Storm is executive director of Reconomics Institute, the Society of Revitalization & Resilience Professionals, which is dedicated to improving the process of improving places.He’s an author of three books: The Restoration Economy, reWealth! And Reconomics, the Path to Resilient Prosperity. Storm also is editor of Revitalization: The Journal of Urban, Rural & Environmental Resilience.Storm advises mayors, governors, members of U.S. Congress, and executives of foundations, non-profits and corporations. In these confidential roles, he stays in the background so his clients can take full credit when they launch leading-edge policies and initiatives.The bottom line is that Storm’s work helps to improve communities, and that’s a benefit to residents and businesses alike, providing a much brighter future than previously might have been possible.Storm, welcome to Lean to the Left.1.You have a lot going on. Can you give us a thumbnail about the work you’re doing and how communities are benefiting?2.I know you have a new service coming soon. Rising Places. Can you tell us about that?3.In our pre-show call, you said that your objective is to revitalize, improve quality of life, boost economy, and jobs in a way that’s inclusive, rather than top down focusing on big redevelopments…Please explain.4.You made the comment that a lot of places have a shared vision as to what they want to achieve, but don’t seem to get anywhere. Is that where you guys come in?5.Do you help communities obtain funding and other resources for revitalization projects? Arrange partnerships with resources in the private sector?6.What are some examples of communities that you’ve worked with and assisted?7.We know that our economy is changing, and that’s affecting peoples’ livelihoods…energy for example. The drive to reduce reliance on fossil fuel directly affects coal miners and others who work in that industry. What can be done to help them?8.I know you’re a public speaker and that you run workshops, etc. Tell us about that.9.What’s next for you?10.How can people get in touch?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It was a Monday evening when Robert Chelsea was driving to his Los Angeles home when his car overheated. He pulled to the side of the freeway to wait for help when a drunk driver slammed into his car, which exploded on impact. Robert was in a coma for six months and hospitalized for 18 months with severe burns covering the majority of his face and body. Facial tissue, including his lips were burned off. He has endured more than 30 surgeries. In July 2019, after years of tests and physical and psychological evaluations, and a longer than usual wait for a donor, Robert underwent a 16-hour full face transplant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. At 64, he became the first Black patient, and the oldest in the world, to receive a full-face transplant. Today, as he seeks to raise money to help pay for that surgery, Robert also operates the Robert Chelsea Foundation which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of the donation of organs, limbs, bone marrow and certain stem cells.We will talk about all of that today.Here are some questions we asked Robert:1.You’ve had one of the toughest experiences imaginable. Please tell us what happened.2.I can’t imagine the pain you must have endured…3.Before your accident, what was your life like? What did you do? How did that change?4.What was it like after your surgery, when you looked in the mirror at your new face?5.Did you have family support?6.How did you cover the cost? 7.Tell us about the Robert Chelsea Foundation and what you do there.8.How can people help?9.You say that you’re looking for additional platforms to discuss the importance of becoming organ donors, to speak and share your story. What do you have in mind?10.You also said you hope to become a “gateway” of support and comfort to potential donor families. What’s the plan for this?11.You close your email with this quote: "God places flowers upon each of our door steps, sometimes we must be that flower." Explain.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Education expert Erika Twani says the role of public schools is an important factor in the battle to reduce school shootings and crime in America as she advocates an increase in "relational learning", including teaching life skills, to help improve outcomes for many students.Author of Becoming Einstein’s Teacher: Awakening the Genius in Your Students, and co-founder and CEO of Learning One to One, Twani explores ways to foster human achievement through education. Before co-founding Learning One to One, Erika was Microsoft’s education industry director for Multi-Country Americas. She is today's guest on the Lean to the Left podcast."We must respect the benefits that every child has," says Twani, who points out that in most schools today students spend thousands of hours learning how to follow instructions. "But when they are adults, there are no instructions to follow so they get lost. What's next is crime because they have no other option. That's why it is so important for us to be teaching life skills." That, in a nutshell, is what "relational learning" is all about. Her philosophy is to simplify complex concepts and make them useful for everyone, starting with children. To do so, she uses insights and skills from her 20+ years of experience working with corporate technology companies shaping products and services for worldwide scalability. Twani has advised government officials and education leaders around the world on the use of technology in education, and has worked with public and private schools to guide the practical use of relational learning. She led Learning One to One into five countries in the first year alone, touching the lives of more than 100,000 students.In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Twani notes that many school shootings are caused by individuals who are lashing out after being bullied in school, and so, she contends, such shootings could be avoided if schools would do more to control bullying and increase self esteem of vulnerable students who often turn into shooters.She says that rather than banning books about such topics as race and sexuality, educators should work on developing critical thinking skills so that students, who already have instant access to information, can think for themselves and be prepared for life.Moreover, Twani suggests that instead of banning abortion, which often involves teenage girls with unplanned pregnancies, a better step would be to reduce pregnancies in the first place -- such as providing condoms in school. In Colorado, she says, this has reduced teen pregnancies by 40 percent and abortions by 42 percent.Take a listen to the interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’ll focus on the dangerous state of our nation, spawned by Donald Trump and embraced by way too many Republicans. First, I’ll narrate a Lean to the Left.net blog written by CJ Waldron entitled “A Clear and Present Danger.” Then, will come my blog, “The Trump-Spawned Darkness is Spreading.”But first, some housekeeping. Don’t forget to follow Lean to the Left at podcast.leantotheleft.net, and, you can reach me at [email protected]. You can also follow us on social media…Facebook at The Lean to the Left Podcast. Twitter at LeantotheLeft1. YouTube at Not Fake News. If you would take a minute to give us a review, that would be great. There are lots of podcast links on our webpage, podcast.leantotheleft.net, where you’ll also find our upcoming interview schedule and links to all of our podcasts.Meanwhile, special thanks to The Ramminger Group for sponsoring this episode and for providing the music track. The Ramminger Group provides content and marketing consulting services to responsible businesses and nonprofits. Let them help tell your story. Visit rammingergroup.comNow, for “A Clear and Present Danger, written by CJ Waldron on Lean to the left.net.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare with the Madison Policy Forum, has just returned from Ukraine where strategies and tactics that he developed as a combat soldier in the U.S. Army, are being used by the Ukrainian military against Russian invaders.On the Lean to the Left podcast, Spencer says those tactics helped defeat Russia's attempt to capture Kiev and topple the Ukrainian government, and he discusses the lack of motivation of Russian soldiers who are reluctant to fight, even shooting themselves in the foot and slicing their vehicle tires to avoid combat.The author of the new book, “Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War,” Spencer has provided the Ukrainian military with a step-by-step guide for succeeding in urban combat. The first step, he says, is "don't get killed." His book is available July 1, and his second book, “Understanding Urban Warfare,” will be available in September.Spencer is an internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. He served over 25 years in the active Army, including two combat deployments to Iraq as both an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company commander.In this episode, Spencer discusses how internet connectivity is affecting soldiers who are away from home facing combat. It's an insider's view of how the ability to use FaceTime and other digital resources to stay connected with family back home can interfere with unit cohesion and morale.Here are questions Spencer discusses in this episode:1. You’re a recognized expert in urban warfare. Is that why you were in Ukraine? Are you working as an advisor there? 2. You’ve published a “mini-manual for the urban defender.” It’s published in the Ukrainian language…I presume it’s come in handy there?3. On CNN, you said that the use of many layers of barriers being used by the Ukranian forces in their cities “can hold off the best army in the world, and Russia’s not the best.” Explain what you were talking about.4. You also told Ali Velshi that “the will to fight is everything.” How is that coming into play in Ukraine?5. You said that even a generally unprofessional force like the Ukrainian fighters “can turn every street into a meat grinder” for Russian troops who are less motivated, just by following a few simple steps. What are those steps?6. You told Velshi in March, “It’s going to be really bad for Russia. It’s going to be a bloodbath.” Do you still believe that?7. Let’s talk about “Connected Soldiers,” your new book. Gen. David Petraeus, former commander of the surge in Iraq, U.S. Central Command, and coalition forces in Afghanistan, said this about it:"Connected Soldiers provides a wonderfully stimulating, thoughtful, and thought-provoking examination of how the increase in connectivity between those on the frontlines and those on the home front affects the all-important bonds between our soldiers carrying out tough missions overseas.”Please explain.8. On your website, you said that in 2003 when as a second lieutenant you parachuted into Iraq leading a platoon of infantry soldiers into battle, that you learned how important unit cohesion was to survival, both physically and mentally. You said cohesion developed between soldiers when they spent downtime together and shared experiences.But when you returned to Iraq five years later, you found that rather than bonding and discussing trauma as a group, soldiers spent downtime separately, on computers, communicating with family back home. You began to believe that the internet was a threat to unit cohesion. But what happened when you returned home, and your wife was deployed?How does your book address all of this? 9. Do the same issues apply to non-military families in their daily lives? People are so busy these days…both parents working, sometimes on shifts where they barely see each other. How can they cope?Listen to the interview:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, is a vicious, lethal cancer that affects about 10,00 Americans every year. But the federal government's funding for research into this disease is insufficient, so patients themselves and a small foundation are raising money to help find a cure.Last month, Janice Meyer and her husband, Dean, with the help of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, sponsored a 5K fundraising event that attracted more than 500 participants and raised more than $75,000 for this effort. It was the third such event sponsored by Meyer, who was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2018.Altogether, she and her husband have raised and personally contributed nearly $400,000 for this research, and they are determined to reach the $500,000 mark. In fact, the Meyers personally provided over 400 barbecue sandwiches for participants in the 5K Quack Out. Later this summer, Jonathan Whiting, 60, who's wife, Laurie, died from the disease, plans to swim the 21-mile English Channel. The swim, called "21 Miles of Hope," has a goal of raising more than $100,000 by year's end.There are many other such initiatives. Last year, we traveled virtually with Dave Fleischer, whose daughter, Sarah, was taken by the disease, as he traveled across the nation on a "Journey of Hope" to raise awareness and funding for cholangiocarcinoma research. He raised more than $105,000 for that effort. In this episode of The Lean to the Left Podcast, we hear from Janice Meyer about her journey with the disease, how she's working to help find a cure while battling the cancer herself, and from Meredith Shirrell, who leads the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation's fundraising efforts."The National Cancer Institute estimates that cholangiocarcinoma will be the third deadliest cancer in the U.S.," says Shirrell on the podcast. "The Foundation's mission is to find a cure and improve patients' quality of life."This year, the Foundation has funded 11 research fellowship awards for cholangiocarcinoma research, Shirrell says, trying to fill the gap left because of insufficient federal funding. In 2020, the National Institutes of Health financed 291 liver cancer research projects with about $130 million, but only 12 were specific to cholangiocarcinoma with just 3.4 percent of those dollars, or about $3.9 million.So, volunteer fundraisers -- often patients themselves -- join with the Foundation to fill the gap -- to help provide the money needed to find a cure for the disease that is all but certain to claim their own lives.Coming up July 24-30 is another Foundation-sponsored event called "Moving for the Cure," which allows participants in any area, of any age, and of any athletic ability to raise money through an athletic event of their choosing. Participants can choose to run, bike, walk, play a game of volleyball, host a dance party, or rollerblade. Move with friends and family or move on your own! It's a great way to help find a cure and have fun at the same time.All of this, says Meyer, provides hope for the patients."When you first get that diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma your hope is sucked out of you the second you go online and start researching," she says. "The statistics are staggering and terrifying. I knew early on I was in for the fight of my life."Take a listen...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Dixie Dems are back…we began this series last month and because of the great response, we decided to keep it going. So my pals, Robert Thompson from Georgia and Arthur Hill from North Carolina, are with me to talk about politics in the land of Dixie. This episode includes updates on politics in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, and a lengthy discussion about whether Democratic voters in South Carolina should vote in the Republican primary in an effort to skew the election in favor of Rep. Tom Rice (R), who voted to impeach Donald Trump, and is being challenged by Trump-backing candidates, including Russell Fry, whom Trump endorsed.Then, there's talk about such lowlifes as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who says Bill Gates wants people to eat hamburgers made in a "peach tree dish," with video of Greene making this highly intelligent remark. We cover other GOP controversies, too, such as the report in Iowa that some elementary schools are putting kitty litter pans in bathrooms for children are confused about their identity.Because of the recent mass shootings, we discuss gun issues and what types of legislation might be needed, and the influence of the gun lobby on the likelihood that anything of significance will ultimately pass.There's plenty of silliness along the way, so if you like politics and you enjoy silly banter, then this episode is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

For Congress to enact meaningful gun legislation in response to the mass shootings that are plaguing America, "some level of profile in courage" will be needed by lawmakers who traditionally have been beholden to the gun lobby."Sometimes principle is more important than your political career, but I'm not sure how many people think of it like that who are current members of Congress, unfortunately," said Mike Lawlor, author of Connecticut's 23-year-old red flag law that he estimates has saved thousands of lives since its enactment. "It's just the reality."Lawlor made his comments on The Lean to the Left Podcast co-hosted with legal thriller author Mark M. Bello. He is associate professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, is a nationally recognized expert on criminal justice reform. "The problem in the Republican Party," Lawlor said, is "fear of retaliation from what they call the base," which is "just getting in the way, and sooner or later they will have to deal with that bigger problem, and guns are just the symptom of it."Lawlor's comments comes as a new poll by CBS News and YouGov showed that 44 percent of Republicans believe mass shootings are inevitable in a "free society", while 85 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of Independents said mass shootings are preventable "if we really tried."All of this, of course, follows a string of mass shootings that have prompted Congress to consider various gun control related proposals, including incentives to states to enact red flag laws similar to Connecticut's. However, the CBS/YouGov poll indicates that respondents from both parties believe it is unlikely that Congress will "pass any laws in the next few months that will make significant changes to gun policy."A total of 66 percent of Democrats, 72 percent of Independents, and 71 percent of Republicans indicated they feel that way and they have good reason. Unfortunately, money talks in Washington, apparently much louder than the anguished cries of children who are being terrorized by a gunman in school or the loved ones of victims shot in a racist attack in a supermarket.According to the Brady Campaign, the National Rifle Association spent $3.22 million to benefit the political campaigns of senators who oppose gun safety legislation. In 2020, they spent $2.20 million. These senators refuse to support common-sense gun reform, like expanding Brady Background Checks and banning assault weapons. You can find the list of leading recipients of NRA money here. Meanwhile, Lawlor points out that the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling soon in a New York gun rights case that could expand the scope of protections the Second Amendment affords individual gun owners who want to carry a gun outside of their residents.According to the Brennan Center, The biggest ques­tion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Asso­ci­ation v. Bruen may not be whether a major­ity of justices strike down the state’s century-old hand­gun licens­ing require­ment but how far that major­ity goes in signal­ing that other licens­ing meas­ures created by govern­ment offi­cials are now consti­tu­tion­ally suspect."The proliferation of guns in this country could become more extreme depending on what happens, and all we know for sure is that will lead to more and more firearm deaths, suicides, accidents, homicides, and you know at some point, the pain will be unsustainable."On the podcast, Lawlor details the Connecticut red flag law, how it works, how it has prevented shootings and death, as well as other steps that state has taken to restrict the proliferation of firearms.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On May 15, the Southern Baptist Convention finally acknowledged what our guest today has already experienced – that pastors and other church employees have sexually abused parishioners and that the church covered up those claims for years.Now our guest, Sandy Phillips Kirkham, was not a member of the Southern Baptists when she was sexually abused by her youth pastor. She was a member of another protestant denomination, which shows that such practices go beyond religious boundaries.She recounts her story in Let Me Prey Upon You, a memoir that reveals how a charismatic youth minister preyed upon her, betrayed her in the most vile way, and shattered her faith, leaving her broken and separated from the church she once loved. Sandy is here with author/attorney Mark M. Bello and me today to discuss this tragic situation.Sandy previously told her own story on both the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts, but Mark and I wanted to invite her back to get her thoughts about these latest revelations regarding the Southern Baptists. A list of hundreds of pastors and other church-affiliated personnel accused of sexual abuse has just been released by church officials. The list had previously been kept secret by the church.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

June is Gay Pride Month and so I thought it would be great to bring back one of my favorite previous guests, Jeff Batton, author of Grinnin’ Like a Jackass Eatin’ Briars. Jeff first was our guest on Lean to the Left in January. His memoir details his lifelong struggle with homosexuality, a struggle that prompted him to become a missionary serving the poor and even to get married and have kids. But he eventually recognized and accepted his truth, and he shares that with us today in "Looking for the Joy."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The inability of Congress to take meaningful action to control guns is a tragedy that continues to result in the deaths of innocent people, including little children.That's the view of Baltimore novelist Amy Bernstein as expressed on The Lean to the Left Podcast."So many of us are so upset, so saddened. Our politicians have failed us completely," she says, blaming "the do-nothing party" (Republicans) as well as the Democrats for lacking the courage to tackle the issue head-on.Pointing out that so many Americans buy into the argument that their right to own a gun is more important than the lives of innocent children, she says, "The empathy deficit in this country is horrifying I don't know how people can sleep at night."Referring to the current rush by states to enact restrictive abortion laws, and to the expected overturn by the Supreme Court of Roe v. Wade, Bernstein comments:"How do you explain that you want to protect a non-viable fetal embryo and call that life and you cannot protect a seven year-old who's gunned down in her class seat?""If men biologically carried fetuses, this is not where we would be," she adds.A prolific writer, Bernstein's novels include The Potrero Complex, The Nighthawkers, Dreams of Song Times, and Fran, The Second Time Around. She is an award-winning journalist, speechwriter, playwright, and certified nonfiction book coach. The interview begins with revealing discussions about her work, the details of creating and producing novels, with valuable advice for beginning writers of both fiction and non-fiction books. She reveals where her plot ideas come from and some of the challenges she experience along the way.Then, at about 17 minutes into the 35-minute interview, the topic turns to those current issues that we all are dealing with today."This is a country that's heading in the wrong direction," she says.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Preserving a sustainable planet is in jeopardy and religious and political dogma stand in the way of progress for all of mankind, says long-time business executive and author Kit Webster."We're heading headlong into a future in which reality is going to impose itself on us as opposed to our controlling our approach into a new reality," says Webster, author of "Capitalism is Past its Sell-by Date."Burgeoning population growth and continuous unbridled consumption mean that the earth's natural resources of water, fish, top soil are rapidly being diminished, and that political leaders must recognize that fact and take responsible action.Webster says the best way to reduce the expansion of the world's population "is to educate women...to control their fertility." But, he adds, "politics and religion are going to get in the way all over the world" because of opposition by conservatives and some religions to abortion and even contraception."But these are huge problems," says Webster.The battle against climate change, which has increased on popularity and strength with the Biden administration, is an important contribution to sustainability of the world's natural resources, but it is not enough, Webster contends.Are political leaders being responsible or irresponsible in dealing with issues of sustainability? "Irresponsible with a capital I," he replied.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Think you have it tough living in a country with $4 gas and a baby formula shortage? How would you like living someplace where when the power goes out, the electric company asks you for money for gas so they can send their repair truck…and then to help pay for the parts to fix the transformer?I kid you not. That’s what happens in Kenya, where adventure novelist Steve Braker lives, and trust me, his is a fascinating story.Braker is author of five novels that focus on various aspects of life in Kenya that Steve believes should be more exposed to the world, issues like slavery and sexual exploitation of young girls, illegal poaching of tusks for ivory, treasure hunting, and much more.Steve, born in Cornwall, England, is an adventurer and has lived in East Africa since 2000. He’s spent weeks on boats sailing the coastlines and it’s there that the idea of writing thrillers began to build…and now that his kids have all left to work and study in the UK, he’s jumped into writing with a vengeance.During the episode, Steve discusses his concern for the environment, specifically the ocean environment, and the need to stop its pollution with plastics. His adopted home, Kenya, is significantly affected by climate change, but does little to contribute to this worldwide problem because as a developing country, it has no manufacturing facilities and relies largely on sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal and solar.Would you expect such a country to be in the forefront of such issues as gun control? In Kenya, he says, no guns are allowed except for police and those in the military. The interview is a fascinating look into life in Kenya through the eyes of an author who sails the handmade boats he builds, explores the underwater glories of the sea, and spends virtually every waking moment appreciating his experiences -- even if the power does run out in the middle of a podcast interview and he has to help pay to get it fixed.Take a listenBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The federal government's lack of action that has allowed Abbott Laboratories to gain a stranglehold on the baby formula business is a key reason behind the current shortages that are driving parents mad and jeopardizing the health of little kids.That's the contention of Paul Cienfuegos, who has spent most of his adult life working to take away the power he believes has been ceded by government to America's corporations, much to the detriment of "we the people."The author of "How Dare We? Courageous Practices to Reclaim Our Power as Citizens," Cienfuegos says on The Lean to the Left Podcast, that current policies that allow virtual self regulation of such companies constitute a scandal that needs to be addressed.“Why did we the people, through our government agencies, allow the monopolization of baby formula production in the United States?" he asks open the podcast. "We have four corporations controlling the entire baby formula industry, and one of them violated all sorts of cleanliness laws in their factory and the federal government shut them down a while ago because they actually caused the death of two children and the harm of a number of other children. So they were shut down until they could clean up the factory and get the bacteria out of the assembly line. “But it took months for that action to be taken, which Cienfuegos attributes to his contention that the “corporate leaders in the food and drug industry” actually run the Food and Drug Administration. “All of the regulatory agencies we have,” he says, “are designed to shield corporations from the public.” Corporate leaders, he says, “are at the table writing the regulations. The whole thing is a scandal.”Noting that only nine people at the FDA are in charge of regulating the baby formula industry, he says “every single federal agency is underfunded and understaffed,” and it’s by design.On May 16, the FDA reached an agreement with /Abbott on steps needed to reopen its plant, and said it expected production to restart in about two weeks. The plant has been closed since February after several babies who had consumed its formula became ill and two died.On the podcast, Cienfuegos outlines strategies employed by Community Rights US, an organization he founded, that since 1999 have helped more than 200 communities in a dozen states pass local laws reigning in corporate power. Those steps are also described in his book.“The state and the federal government have the authority to overrule what local governments want to do to protect peoples’ health, safety and welfare," he says. "So we pass laws that strip state and local governments of that authority, which is illegal currently, but we do it anyway to force into the public conversation an understanding that what you think is going on is not what’s going on."Cienfuegos ticks off a litany of corporate rights, including "personhood" and property rights, that allow companies to force harmful actions on a community, which his organization seeks to limit or eliminate. “You gain an understanding that corporations do not have a right to cause harm,” he says. “So what are you going to do about it?”Listen to the podcast:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Think it's possible to always have a lawyer available to help with legal issues at a cost less than a cappuccino a week at Starbucks?Check out this interview as novelist/attorney Mark Bello and I speak with Tara Paustenbach, who with a background in sales/marketing, has partnered with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. since 1998. She recruits, trains and develops Associates across the U.S. and Canada to market the company’s products -- LegalShield and ID Shield for home and business. For Pre-Paid Legal, she has served as Regional Manager and Regional Vice President in Southern California, and most recently as Regional Vice President in Texas, helping to develop people for leadership positions. Tara is passionate about Pre-paid legal services and we will soon find out why. By the way, during the Covid crisis, Tara has worked from home and managed to raise and homeschool her 14 year-old son. So, she’s been wearing a lot of hats!We interviewed Tara for the Justice Counts podcast, which I co-host with Bello, and I sharewith you now.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today, we’re talking about Republican politics with two blog narrations from LeantotheLeft.net. The first, which I wrote, is headlined: “GOP: Beware of Radical Socialists & Communists,” and the second, by columnist CJ Waldron, asks the question, “Will the GOP Obstruct Justice?”But first, here’s a reminder that you can follow us at podcast.leantotheleft.net, and, you can reach me at [email protected]. And you can follow us on social media…Facebook at The Lean to the Left Podcast. Twitter at LeantotheLeft1. Instagram at Not Fake News. Also, if you enjoy this episode, please give a review on any of the podcast links you’ll find on our webpage, podcast.leantotheleft.net.Our thanks to The Ramminger Group for sponsoring this episode. The Ramminger Group provides content and marketing consulting services to responsible businesses and nonprofits. Let them help your story. Visit rammingergroup.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today I’m sharing with you an episode that focuses on prison and sentencing reform that I co-hosted for the Justice Counts podcast with thriller author/attorney Mark M. Bello. Nicole D. Porter manages The Sentencing Project’s state and local advocacy efforts on sentencing reform, voting rights, and confronting racial disparities in the criminal legal system.Named a “New Civil Rights Leader” by Essence Magazine for her work challenging mass incarceration, Porter joined the Sentencing Project in 2009 and her advocacy and findings have supported criminal legal reforms in such states as Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, California, Texas, and the District of Columbia.Porter’s areas of expertise include research and grassroots support around challenging racial disparities, felony disenfranchisement, in addition to prison closures and prison reuse. She’s authored articles on the collateral impacts of justice involvement on communities of color and how current social movements are challenging mass incarceration. The former director of the Texas ACLU’s Prison & Jail Accountability Project, Porter graduated from Johns Hopkins University and holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Some episode highlights:Porter calls for elimination of mandatory sentences for many crimes, including those involving drug offenses.She calls for reallocation of resources, including the closing of many prisons, with a focus on rehabilitation.She contends that many older inmates are no longer dangerous, and thus, should be released.She believes that because thousands of inmates that were subjected to mandatory sentences received unfairly harsh sentences, and because deplorable conditions in many prisons violate inmates' rights, that "reparations" are justified. Those payments would be used for community programs to prevent crime from occurring.Take a listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.