The Lean to the Left Podcast

In dozens of states across the nation efforts are underway to influence, even intimidate, school board members to restrict what can be taught, and what library books can be available, to public school students.In South Carolina, for example, school boards are considering proposals to ban a long list of books from school libraries because of parental objections to their content, whether it involves the discussion of sexual identity, racial disparities, or other "controversial" topics. In Horry County, home to the resort community of Myrtle Beach, the county school board meets January 23 to consider such requests involving some 77 books.Behind the drive to restrict library books and subjects that can be taught are activist conservatives, including Moms for Liberty, which says it "is dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government.""This is a very small, radical faction," says Josh Malkin, legislative advocate with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in South Carolina. "Polling shows that folks on both sides of the aisle see book bans for what they are: a very dangerous attack on one of the core values of American democracy. This is not Democratic, it's not Republican, it's not conservative, it's not progressive. This is radical. This is authoritarian, and this is dangerous."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It’s hard to believe that in this day and age unions representing freight rail workers are having to threaten a strike because they cannot get paid sick days. It took an act of Congress to avert the strike, and still, they were unable to get the sick leave that is only a human right. That’s the kind of fight that is in the blood of our Lean to the Left podcast guest today, Jon Melrod, author of “Fighting Times, Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War.”Melrod’s story is one of a young man who came to unionism through social activism beginning in his teens. His world view was formed in the 1960s when he saw a chain gang of Black prisoners working along-side the road, and couldn’t understand why the local amusement park near Washington DC refused to allow Black kids to enjoy the pool and the rides.His is a story of student Vietnam War protests, of fighting racism, and then of working as a laborer at various companies where he helped organize workers and protest injustice. Those jobs, which often involved working with toxic chemicals, resulted in his 2004 diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and given only six months to a year to live. Determined to overcome the illness, he marshalled both western and alternative treatments and, despite the odds, survived the deadly disease.Now in his 70s, Melrod has written a memoir that he hopes will help his sons understand what motivated his choices over the years as a union activist after his cancer diagnosis. It’s a fascinating book, filled with personal accounts of his fight to support workers and overcome racism. And it takes us back to the experiences of the 60s and 70s, to violent campus protests against the War and racism.Here are some questions Jon discusses on the show: 1. Tell us about “Fighting Times,” it’s origin and what you hope to achieve.2. What were some of the transformative events that resulted in your determination to help working people?3. You went to a boarding school in Vermont as a teen. What happened there that influenced your world view?4. Tell us about your experiences at the University of Wisconsin, the battle for justice for Hispanic farmworkers, and the fight against racial disparities.5. What prompted you to sort of infiltrate companies like American Motors and lead efforts against racism and unfair labor practices?6. You eventually went to law school. To do what?7. What are your thoughts about the revival of union activism that we are seeing at companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Nabisco, John Deer, and American Airlines?8. Do you see a resurgence of young people working to organize at companies that some might believe are immune from union activity, like Starbucks or Amazon, for example?9. What is your view of the future of organized labor in the U.S. today?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today on the December edition of the Dixie Dems on the Lean to the Left podcast we’re taking a look at the mid-term election, Sen. Ralphael Warnock’s win in Georgia over Herschel Walker, and what’s still ahead. With me are Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia. Arthur is communications chair of the Brunswick County, North Carolina, Democratic party. Robert Thompson is based in Atlanta and founded Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals, which is worth a listen. Me…I’m based in South Carolina, home of Sens. Lindsey Graham and Uncle Tom Republican Tim Scott.The big news, of course, is Warnock’s victory in Georgia. Robert, what are your thoughts about how that turned out and what that means for Democrats there going forward.What do you guys think about Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona switching to Independent? Do you think this will have any lasting impact on what Dems can get done? Arthur, North Carolina is at the center of a redistricting case now before the U.S. supreme Court, Moore v. Harper. Can you tell us what’s going on?The case stems from North Carolina Republican efforts to stack Congressional districts in their favor, so much so that a state court threw out the GOP map and enlisted a nonpartisan panel to come up with districts that are much fairer. Now that’s been challenged by the NC Speaker of the House and other Republican lawmakers.Looking back at this past year, what do you guys think were the most significant political events…The Jan 6 hearings…the Midterm elections…The FBI Mara-lago raid?The Dixie Dems consensus: President Biden's ability to maneuver key legislation through Congress, despite intransigent opposition from Republicans, and his ability to hold the Senate for Democrats and avoid the "red wave" predicted in the House is the political story of the year.Take a listen:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The battle against climate change and the need to move sustainability from theory to practice becomes increasingly important and apparent every day.John Pabon has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth and is our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast. He joins us from his home in Melbourne, Australia.After leaving a post at the United Nations, John traveled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and in Fortune 500s. His mission is to move sustainability from theory to practical strategies that help people and businesses confidentially make real impact. Over his 20-year career, Pabon has worked with the United Nations, McKinsey, A.C. Nielsen, and as a consultant with BSR, the world’s largest sustainability-focused business network. He is the founder of Fulcrum Strategic Advisors, Programme Director for The Conference Board’s Asia Sustainability Leaders Council, and serves on the board of advisors to the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. Pabon is also the author of “Sustainability for the Rest of Us: Your No-Bullshit, Five-Point Plan for Saving the Planet.” His upcoming book, “The Great Greenwashing,” will be out soon.On the program, Pabon points out that more and more business owners and managers are finding that cost savings and increased profits are to be found in eco-friendly initiatives, including simple measures for using fewer resources like water and paper, to long-term resilience measures such as installing renewable energy systems. As the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce points out, "consumers are expecting more from companies. In fact, 87% of American’s have “high expectations for companies to do more than make a profit.” Investment portfolios with social responsibility criteria have seen “double digit growth” In recent years."A study completed by the Harvard Business School found that “High Sustainability companies outperform Low Sustainability companies both in stock market as well as accounting performance.”Pabon contends that businesses must be in the forefront in the battle against climate change, and that those that recognize this are satisfying the desires of their customers while also benefiting financially.Here are some questions discussed in the interview:Q. What do you mean when you use the term “sustainability?”Q. What is the state of global sustainability today? Q. Why isn’t “people power” working?Q. What are the biggest myths when it comes to building a more sustainable future?Q. You say we should learn from China about sustainability? Really? Why? What can we learn from them?Q. What role should the private sector have in this effort?Q. You say that the greenies and eco-warriors have actually made the world a worse place. Why is that?Q. We see a lot of talk about climate change and environmentalism. How is your perspective different?Q. You call yourself a pragmatic altruist. What does that mean?Q. What can readers hope to gain by reading your book?Q. What are your five BS-free points? Which do you see as the most important and why? Q. Tell us about your new book, “The Great Greenwashing.” What is “greenwashing’? How can we recognize and avoid it?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We seem to be bombarded these days with claims that CBD and related products can cure everything from backaches to depression, sleeplessness and more.Neighbors are selling them as a stay-at-home business. You can buy the stuff online, at little specialty shops, even tanning salons, and it seems no matter who you talk to, you'll be told about the miraculous results that can be obtained by a few drops of CBD oil on your tongue.It's like the old snake oil salesman from the old western movies. Just try it. You won't believe the results. But there are no controls, no regulations, no federal review. Really, we're on our own out there.Well, Inesa Ponomarlovalte, founder of Nesas Hemp, is an expert on these products -- cannabinoids -- so I invited her on my Lean to the Left podcast to get some facts. In the interview, we discuss the rapidly growing CBD industry in the U.S. and Inesa walks us through the differences in the various types of CBD products now available – what’s legal, and what works and why.In 2020 global sales of $2.8 billion are expected to rise by more than 21 percent through 2028. U.S. sales are projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022. So a lot of people are buying these products, which are NOT cheap.Inesa is a holistic health practitioner and an expert on hemp and CBD.. She says she’s on a mission to change the world by teaching people to harness the power of nature, and that’s why she founded Nesa’s Hemp.Interestingly, Inesa is calling on the federal government to regulate CBD and related products. Right now, she says, "it's like the wild, wild West out there."When we interviewed Inesa, Brittney Griner, the all-star center with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercery, had been sentenced to nine-years in a Russian prison for drug possession -- canisters containing cannabis oil prescribed by a doctor to treat pain. Today, President Biden announced that she was on her way home after a prisoner exchange swap for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. During the interview, Inesa says sports stars like Griner are helping others realize the health benefits of cannabis products.Here are some questions we asked Inesa:First, let’s start with the basics. Exactly what is CBD and how is CBDa different? To many people, all of these health benefit claims might seem almost too good to be true. What’s your response?So why would an executive of a company that makes and sells such products want government regulations? Usually that’s exactly the opposite of what most industries want….the government telling them what they can and cannot do.What kind of regulations should be established and why?What are your thoughts about the Griner case and its impact on your industry?What’s the impact on the industry of professional athletes like Griner choosing cannabis to treat pain?I’m wondering if CBD products have been shown to be effective in helping people with Covid.How do you feel about legalizing recreational pot. Here in South Carolina, Joe Cunningham, the Democratic candidate for governor, is calling for it to be legalized and his good ole boy Republican opponent has an ad out ridiculing him.Your website says that deep down in your heart, you truly believe you can create a positive revolutionary change in the world. That’s a lot. Please explain.What would you like people to take from this discussion?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we have something a little different for you. I’m with Ciahnan (Keenan) Darrell, author of the new book, Blood at the Root, and we’re going to talk about the role literature and the arts can play in promoting social justice.According to Justin Gifford, associate professor of English at the University of Nevada, Blood at the Root “is a sharp-witted social satire that takes unflinching aim at race and class privilege in contemporary America.”An award-winning author, and scholar, Ciahnan’s first book was the award-winning “A Lifetime of Men.” His short stories and essays have appeared in several journals, most recently in The Columbia Review, Gone Lawn, and The Legendary. His story 'What Remains' was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Rum Punch Press. Ciahnan holds Masters degrees from the University of Chicago and Stony Brook University, and a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University at Buffalo. Both his creative work and his scholarly research explore systemic inequality and the ways in which discourse on race and gender shape the horizons of individual and social life.These are important topics, so I’m pleased to welcome Ciahnan Darrell to our podcast. Thanks for joining us, Ciahnan…--Bob: To get started, Ciahnan, tell us about Blood at the Root. What’s it about and what’s its message? And where did that title come from?Bob: As a white male, what gives you the right – the authority – to write about issues of race and gender? And why do you feel it is important to do so?Bob In the atmosphere in which live today, with so much division, and yes, ethnic and racial hatred, what role can we, as authors, play in helping to ease these tensions and improve understanding among those with differing views regarding these subjects.Bob: To me, one of the most important issues that we face today is the growing diversity of our country, which I believe is at the root of much of the division we face. Your thoughts about that…Bob: The nation is becoming increasingly diverse, in terms of ethnicity, as we speak. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the White non-Hispanic population stood at 57.8 percent, a decline of six percent since 2010. That, we know, continues and projections are that soon the White non-Hispanic population will be in the minority. Is this one reason why we see so much hatred and defensiveness from the MAGA crowd and the likes of the Proud Boys?Bob: An important finding in the census is the increased diversity in the younger population. In 2019, for the first time, more than half of the those under 16 identified as a racial or ethnic minority. What are some of the political and cultural implications of that?Bob: As an author and scholar who’s work centers around fairness and equality, what’s your view of the way Donald Trump and his followers have attempted to weaponize fear to pave the road to power? Bob: Your first book, A Lifetime of Men…tell us about that book.Bob: And your short stories…let’s hear about them.Bob: Thanks, Ciahnan, for being with us on our podcasts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts, Mark Bello and I are speaking with David Tabatsky, the author of a riveting book about the Holocaust, “The Boy Behind the Door, How Salomon Kool Escaped the Nazis.” David has authored, co-authored and edited many novels, including Friends Like These, The Marijuana Project, The Battle of Zig Zag Pass and Drunk Log. He was our guest on a previous podcast with author Brian Felgoise, to discuss their book “Filthy Rich Lawyers, the Education of Ryan Coleman.”But “The Boy Behind the Door” is totally different. It’s the true story of a young Jewish boy, who with luck, wit, and help from others manages to escape the Nazis as they murdered friends and family in his hometown in Amsterdam during World War II.It's a riveting interview as Tabatsky tells us how that young boy overcame the terror of Nazi soldiers nearly capturing him to hide out in a nursery, then with others who were willing to help, even as some neighbors were turning in Jews to the Nazis to gain their favor.Many years later, in his twilight years, that boy, Salomon Kool, told his story to Tabatsky so the award-winning author could share it with the world. The result: "The Boy Behind the Door: How Salomon Kool Escaped the Nazis."Here are questions we asked Tabatsky:Mark: We talked to you about Filthy Rich Lawyers, which is a completely different kind of book than “The Boy Behind The Door.” This one, it seems, was far more personal. It is based on a true story, the protagonist is an actual Holocaust survivor. Tell us the backstory. You actually traveled to Amsterdam and interviewed Salomon Kool. How were chosen for this project?Bob: The story is a powerful document about a time in world history that we must never forget. Is this book targeted at young readers with that purpose in mind?Mark: I don’t think I’m ruining anything by asking you this, but I will issue a spoiler alert. Salomon had parents, two brothers, and a sister, all of whom perished in concentration camps. He spent several years on the run, not knowing whether they were alive or dead. Did he share with you what that was like for a boy 13-16 years of age?Bob: Many of his oppressors were Dutch, not German. Some were his own neighbors. Did he talk about what it was like to suddenly be treated like dirt by people who were once his friends?Mark: I want to ask about the title. I read the book; I understand the reference, but I would like our listeners to hear it. There are so many stories from those times where fate, luck, or quick thinking, changed the course of history for this survivor or that one. Tell us about the title?Robert: Mark asked about evil neighbors. On the opposite end of the spectrum, many righteous Dutch gentiles, at great risk to themselves, helped Salomon and hid him. Did he have fond memories of these people?Mark: The book doesn’t delve too deeply into the relationship, but Salomon actually falls in love with the daughter of one of the couples who are hiding him. Tell us about that relationship? He ended up marrying another woman, after the war ended, but did he ever see or hear from Marta Rose again?Bob: I’m wondering, Salomon hid from the Nazis and, with luck, was never actually captured. Obviously, many people, Jews and Gentiles, helped him achieve this rather miraculous outcome. I remember reading about Anne Frank and how several people hid out in an attic for years. We know some people survived or escaped from the camps We know that 6,000,000 Jews died, but do we know how many told similar survival stories like Salomon’s?Mark: I want to go back to the issue of righteous gentiles. There has been an untick in anti-Semitism in America. Jews have always been targets for bad behavior, but here is an example of heroic behavior by a population that would have been safer by not assisting Jews. Was this primarily a Dutch thing, or was this happening in other European countries, as well.Bob: Was your depiction of Salomon’s father accurate? Reading between the lines, it seemed to me that the man may have been losing his mind. The vignette about him proposing that the whole family commit suicide was heartbreaking. Was he thinking rationally at the time Salomon last saw him?Mark: Share with our listeners, Salomon’s last moments with his mother. I cannot imagine how a young boy cope’s and survives such an experience.Mark: Post war, Salomon spends the rest of his life in Amsterdam, true? Did he describe what life was like for Jews in Amsterdam after the war? Can you give our readers a sense of post-war Amsterdam? How many Jews survived and returned? Did they rebuild the population? Were they permitted to return to their homes? How were they treated by the Christian population that once oppressed them? How did the population get along?Bob: I’m curious about Salomon’s post-war life. His entire family was wiped out. He marries another survivor and has two children who eventually move to Israel. Was he happy? Or was he su

Today on the Lean to the Left podcast we’re talking politics with a focus on the past election and what’s still ahead, and with me are my pals, Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia. 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, on Capitol Hill before that.Robert Thompson is based in Atlanta and founded Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals. You gotta take a listen.Nationally, Democrats did surprisingly well, holding onto the Senate – even though the Georgia race is headed to a runoff – and minimizing losses in the House, where the Republicans will take over in January with a much thinner margin than they expected.Trump says he’s running in 2024, a development that has been met with underwhelming approval of top Republican leaders who blame him for what they feel is pretty much an election debacle. Whether his announcement matters much will depend on the outcome of the many investigations into his activities and whether he faces criminal charges. After all, election day 2024 is still two years away. In South CarolinaHere in my neck of the woods in South Carolina, election night was a clean sweep -- for Republicans, who overwhelmingly reelected Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Tim Scott, sent a MAGA Republican to Congress, elected someone who didn’t actually meet educational requirements to be Secretary of Education, and swept three local state legislative races.The only positive news is that the winners of the 2022 Rescue Brew “Spokesdog” and “Spokescat” contest have been chosen, with almost $82,000 raised for the Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative.Beaux, a 10-month-old Maine Coon from Kiawah Island was picked as the “Spokescat” and Wally, a seven-year-old West Highland terrier-mix rescued during Hurricane Matthew was elected as “Spokesdog.”So that just shows that progressives really can get things done in South Carolina, despite the odds. We just can’t elect humans to office.In GeorgiaNow in Georgia, we have that runoff going on between Sen. Warnock and Herschel Walker. So, Robert, let’s get right to it...Listen to the podcast...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's today. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older, and altogether, about 1 in 9 age 65 and older, or 10.7% of that group, has Alzheimer's.As the population of Americans with this disease continues to increase, so does the burden of caring for them. This year alone, the cost for healthcare, long-term care and hospice services for those age 65 and older with dementia are estimated to be around $305 billion. It's a huge, tragic problem that touches millions of people, their families and friends.That’s why we have as our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast Dr. Shuvendu Sen, a globally recognized physician, author, speaker and humanitarian. He talks to us about effective, alternative methods of preventing and coping with Alzheimer’s.In fact, Dr. Sen says during the interview that individuals who are just beginning to experience memory issues can substantially benefit from meditation, including listening to spiritual or other types of relaxing music, and by taking up Yoga.Dr. Sen received the 2018 Nautilus Silver Award, bestowed previously to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu, Deepak Chopra, Mariel Hemingway and others.A diplomat from the American Board of Internal Medicine, he holds double Master of Science research degrees in Microbiology and Pharmacology from Long Island University, and has received postgraduate training in Internal Medicine from Raritan Bay Medical Center, New Jersey, and in Nuclear Medicine from Cornell Weill Medical Center, New York. Dr. Sen has been extensively published in many scientific journals and is the Chief Editor of the medical textbook, Principles of Clinical Medicine. So, I think it’s safe to say that Dr. Sen knows what he’s talking about. He’s the author of the book “Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer’s -- a Holistic Treatment Approach through Meditation, Yoga and the Arts,” and shares with us today the answer to that question about Buddha.Some questions we asked Dr. Sen:Q. So to begin, answer the question: Why didn’t Buddha ever have Alzheimer’s?Q. For Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, it is so frustrating, the lack of effective medication to prevent or reduce cognitive decline. Are there holistic methods that can prevent dementia?Q. What about those patients who already are coping with dementia? Can these methods help them as well?Q. So you are saying that meditation and yoga have been scientifically proven to prevent disease – including Alzheimer’s?Q. Then why is not this more well-known? Why don’t neurologists and other health care professionals who treat dementia patients recommend this approach?Q. What about music? Does listening to music help your patients?Q. How did you connect Yoga and meditation to dementia, to treating Alzheimer’s?Q. Your book discusses two types of meditation; mindfulness (an open-type) and transcendental (focused form). Do you recommend a particular type for each person depending on their condition? How does a person know which one to do? In fact, for those not familiar with meditation, how do they go about it?Q. Can meditation heal other mental illnesses, such as depression and bipolar disorder?Q. What do you say to those people who are skeptical that meditation and yoga can help with dementia?Q. Are there any other points you would like to make?Q. Where can people find your book?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

As we honor those who have served our nation, our Lean to the Left podcast guest is Allen B. Clark, a heroic Army officer who shed his blood for our country during the Vietnam War, and who continues to this day to work to help our veterans.In 1967, as a young captain in Special Forces, Clark was part of clandestine intelligence operations in Vietnam when an enemy mortar attacked his camp, critically wounding him and resulting in the loss of both legs.But Captain Clark returned to life as a dedicated patriot and veteran who continued to serve our nation, working in a variety of political, public service, and financial endeavors. While encouraging soldiers and veterans to embrace their faith and heal from their own war wounds over more than five decades, he acquired a keen interest in the real causes of wars.In Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money, a hard-hitting work that pulls no punches, Clark’s extensive research exposes the real causes of war. Throughout the course of his research, Clark discovered a myriad of motivations of individuals and groups who perpetrated the true “behind-the-curtains” stories of our military history. A large focus of the book is on the acquisition of money and power. Clark names the “usual suspects” who have profited from warfare and derived their “bloodied money”. They include Arms merchants; religious entities and their leaders; politicians; international bankers; media titans; lawyers and “secret societies.” As he says in the clip above, "Overall through history, there are example stacked upon example of opportunities for power and lust and greed for money to motivate those who can make money to be prepared to do so once the wars start. It is pinstriped bankers... industrialists and merchants of death and politicians...in richly paneled, carpeted offices who could (not) possibly comprehend or imagine or I dare say, care necessarily about ... those of us patriots who go off to the wars, some still missing in action, dying in far away jungles, deep seas or isolated mountains, or those who return as I have now after 55 years with no legs, with our bodies and souls mangled and tormented." Clark’s first book is entitled Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior and tells his personal story. His second book, Valor in Vietnam, is a collection of compelling and untold stories by soldiers and civilians. In recognition of Clark’s service, former President Ronald Reagan once said, “There are a host of heroes to whom this country owes a debt it can never repay. Allen Clark lost both his legs while serving his country in Vietnam. When he came home, his body was broken, but his spirit never faltered. He went back to school. He earned his master’s degree in business administration. He served his state in a high government post and is now a successful businessman. He’s an inspiration to all who know him.” Allen, thank you so much for being with us today on our podcast and helping us honor those who serve, and have served, our nation. And we thank you for your service and your sacrifice.Interview QuestionsQ. Your book is called Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money – Wars and the Ruling Elites.” Can you please explain the title?Q. You quote Major General Smedley Butler as saying that the principal cause of wars is competition for world trade. So essentially, we’re talking about greed being responsible for wars and for the loss of life and limb, correct?Q. You also quote Gen. Butler on the subject of disarmament conferences. You write, “these conferences were conducted so that the opposing sides could utilize the negotiations to better arm themselves against their opponents.” Is that your view? Do you have any experience with such disarmament conferences?Q. In another passage you quote Gen. Butler as saying “Out of war, a few people make huge fortunes.” Can you elaborate?Q. You write the following: “Upon reflection, does anyone believe the civilians in their comfortable offices and homes during wartime really care about the frontline soldiers, Marines, sailors, and Air Force personnel?” When you were serving, did you feel that way? Resentment against the civilians, the bureaucrats, the politicians, who were responsible for the war you were fighting? How about after you were so tragically wounded?Q. You have a section called Merchants of Death, and you preface that by saying that many retired military officers work for the arms industry, adding that “this cast of “villians” in this deadly play roam the globe.” Please explain.Q. Let’s talk about the munitions industry and its role in spawning war. You write that “the Arms Merchants of Death have clearly profited substantially from warfare,” adding that “elitists of all countries make their fortunes and the patriots and common folks do the dirty work.” Once again, please explain.Q. To what extent is the press and media complicit in all of this? How?Q. What about the bankers and the financial industry?Q. Once again, you quote Gen. Butler as saying “America must

Rich Jacobs works inside one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the United States. He began his career 20 years ago as a corrections officer and has been a teacher to the inmates for the past 15 years. For thousands of hours, Jacobs has listened to the stories of hundreds of incarcerated men. Despite the darkness behind the walls of concrete, steel, and paint, Jacobs has witnessed many stories of hope and transformation and is the visionary behind www.GetFreeAndStayFree.com, which publishes stories of hope and transformation told by those impacted by the criminal justice system. Get Free and Stay Free’s first book, available since July, was produced with Yoke fellowship Prison Ministry and is titled "Get Free and Stay Free: Inmates Who Found Freedom Inside and Out". Jacobs is an advocate of increasing vocational training for inmates, especially those who are nearing the point of release. But, he cautions, the inmate must want to be trained in order for the program to succeed.“I would say that we can do a better job with providing services, but then the other very important piece to that puzzle is just because you have the services it doesn't mean that it's going to help a man change the way that he thinks. “Government in general has put billions, a trillion of dollars into all kinds of social ills of society the last 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years. And it almost feels like they throw money at the problems and things just keep getting worse. You’ve got to have the man step up to the plate himself if he's ready to be transformed. You’ve got to have society or corrections or whoever's involved there to help him along the way. But you’ve got to have that one, two punch to, to make it effective.” In fact, Jacobs says, unless the inmate changes his own outlook on life, “Just because you make an inmate smarter doesn’t help if they don’t change – they just become smarter criminals.”Take a listen to the episode. It’s a fascinating look behind the bars of a maximum security prison by a man who’s worked there with inmates for the past two decades.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The World Series is now over and for baseball fans, we’re in that never-never land where all we can hope for is a bit of news from our favorite team while we’re sitting out the long offseason until spring training begins in February.But I’ve got an idea about something that can help you pass the time. Pick up a new book by today’s guest, Bob Wilber. It’s called “How Far,” and it explores the incredible friendship between a baseball player from Southern California and a hockey play from Minnesota.It's an inspiring story for sports fans, yes, but really for anyone who wants to be motivated to achieve their goals despite the curve balls and sinkers that inevitably are thrown in their path.As the son of a major league baseball player and a former pro baseball player himself, BobWilber has lived the athlete’s life. How Far? weaves the compelling story of two disparate athletes who meet and form an unlikely bond. His creative use of first-person writing, having his fictional protagonists appear to write the book themselves in their distinct voices, immerses readers in every thought and word of the two characters. Brooks Bennett is a gifted baseball player (and the son of artist hippies) from Southern California, and Eric Olson is an undersized hockey player from Roseau, Minnesota — where hockey is king. The two men come from vastly different worlds and couldn’t be more dissimilar. And in one spontaneous moment, their paths cross, and their lives change forever. It's a fun and interesting story, especially if you enjoy sports and an inside look at what it's like trying to pursue a Major League Baseball career, and then adapting to life after baseball.Here are some questions we asked Wilber:Q. You’re the son of a Major Leaguer, your mom was a radio personality and then a PR person. You played college and professional baseball and then went into high level sports marketing while also running three different professional indoor soccer franchises as an executive. Then, you launched a 22-year career as a manager and PR rep for a couple of highly successful and popular Nitro Funny Car teams on the National Hot Rod Association tour. After all that, you walked away to become an author! You’ve just published your second book and it sounds like it’s getting rave reviews. Tell us about how you adapted so much throughout your career…Q. I get that you had baseball in your DNA thanks to your dad, and after your professional playing days were over you even were a regional scouting supervisor for the Toronto Blue Jays. But how in the world did you make the shift to NHRA drag racing?Q. After all of that, why walk away to write books? What in your mind told you to go for it and start writing books? That’s a bold leap!Q. So your autobiography, “Bats, Balls & Burnouts" was a hit, and you decided to write another book. Tell us how you settled on the premise and style for “How Far?”Q. How much of "How Far?" is totally real and how much is fiction?Q. And that begs the question: If your two main characters in “How Far?" are fictional, who are they based on?Q. How did you even pick those guys, those sports, and their personalities?Q. Is it a sports book? Would it appeal anyone other than sports fans?Q. Let’s talk some baseball. Are you still connected to the game in any way?Q. What did you think of the World Series, the upstart Phillies against the incredible Houston Astros and Dusty Baker?Q. What are your thoughts about the influence of money on the game today? For example, the LA Angels’ ownership say they won’t trade Shohei Ohtani, the incredible two-way player who’s contract expires at the end of the 2023 season, for which he will earn $30 million guaranteed. But what will he command going forward?Q. And how about the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who shattered the American League home run record in 2022 and is now ready to enter free agency?Q. Do you think these kinds of mega contracts are good for baseball?Q. What’s next for you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Christian conservatives, led by a cabal of wealthy, influential Republicans, have executed a long, drawn out coup that now gives them virtually ironclad control of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is supposed to be the final legal arbiter in our country that protects freedom for us all.Instead, according to Andrew L. Seidel, an author and attorney who's defended the First Amendment for more than a decade, conservative Christians, through the appointment of the six right-wing justices who now hold a super majority, have turned religious liberty on its head.In his new book, "American Crusade," Seidel details how conservative Christians have achieved that takeover, how it has affected numerous major decisions, and what can be expected in the future if left unchecked.Seidel exposes the “Crusaders,” powerful right-wing Christian conservatives who are systematically working to, as he writes, “elevate Christian beliefs above the law and exempt Christians from the law, while disfavoring non-religious and non-Christian citizens who are required to follow the law.”He issues a stark warning: “The First Amendment is being destroyed. In its place, Crusaders are forging a weapon to ensure their supremacy.”All of this is discussed in this interview for the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts, co-hosted by myself and author/attorney Mark M. Bello.Questions:MARK: I want to ask you a two part question that is top of mind in America right now. Part 1: Was Roe v Wade correctly decided? Part 2: Almost 50 years later, should it have been sustained on stare decisis grounds? MARK: Considering the outcome of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health, do you think other social justice decisions are at risk? Gay rights, public schools, contraception, for instance? And why doesn’t equal protection or due process apply to these situations?Bob: In your book, you leave no doubt about the danger of the current Conservative Supreme Court, citing case after case where decisions have been based on religious grounds rather than the law. Can you share just a few of those examples?Mark: I’m dubious that Ketanji Brown Jackson will have any impact at all. What’s your take and is there anything in the short term that can curb this unchecked supermajority? Bob: Reports indicate that conservative justices appear ready to end race-conscious admission decisions at colleges and universities. Chief Justice Roberts also has temporarily halted release of Donald Trump’s tax records to a congressional committee. Are these further examples of the influence of right-wing politics on the court?Bob: Part of the mandate of the 1st Amendment is the separation of church and state. Under the current court, is that in peril?Mark: I believe that Christian nationalism is alive and well in this country, and it is seeping into the court’s decision-making. Andrew: Don’t you see the court trending toward the religious right’s agenda on a number of issues, especially LGBTQ issues, private school funding, and 1st Amendment Separation of Church and State cases like American Legion v. American Humanist Association? As to American Legion, as a Jewish guy and a constitutionalist, I find the argument that the cross has taken on “secular meaning” laughable. I agree with Justice Ginsburg, may she rest in peace, who said in her dissenting opinion: The cross is the foremost symbol of the Christian faith.” Using it as a war memorial doesn’t change that fact. This was PUBLIC land. What’s your view?Mark: And how about Lemon v Kurtzman? In an 8-1 decision, the high court decided that statutes that provide state funding for non-public, non-secular schools violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. How do you think the case would be decided today?Bob: Let’s talk about Masterpiece Cake Shop where the shop refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple on religious grounds, or the Obergefell v Hodges case that permitted same-sex marriage. These were decided differently, obviously. Would today’s court decide Masterpiece the same way and overturn Obergefell? You discuss them in detail in your book. Mark: In Tandon v Newsom, the current conservative majority even prioritized the religious right over common sense COVID safety measures. What’s your view of that decision?Mark: Can we talk about the Constitution, itself, for a moment? For instance, what’s your take on the evolution of the 2nd Amendment? How do we go from “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” to you can own military assault rifles?Mark: And a broader question. I presume you would agree with me that the Constitution was a legal document, a framework for our federal, state, and local laws. It was not meant as a political document, correct? But, it has certainly become one. What do you make of people who I call constitutional hypocrites, who selectively enforce certain constitutional provision, but ignore others.

One day Roger Smith was on his hands and knees looking for hours for a sliver of crack cocaine in the carpet. Then, in desperation, he walked into the Pacific Ocean fully intending to take his own life.But something stopped him, and the next day he searched out a rehabilitation clinic. And then, through sheer guts and determination, he straightened himself out, applied himself at work, and eventually became chief executive officer of three different life insurance companies.It was a struggle, Smith says today on the Lean to the Left podcast. "I ended up going into Northern California, found this rehab, and and when I got out of rehab, I did the opposite of of everything that I had been doing," he recalls. "If I put my left shoe on first before, I put my right shoe on first; if I brushed my teeth with my right hand, I was gonna brush my teeth with my left hand. I had many years of addictive habits that I really felt that I had to completely start from scratch."And if that meant doing the opposite of everything I had been doing, because everything I had been doing kept leading me into addiction, then I was gonna do the opposite and I started creating those habits."Smith is the author of the new book, “The Most Unlikely Leader, an Unbelievable Journey from GED to CEO." Once homeless and on the ropes, he rose to become CEO of American Income Life Insurance, National Income Life Insurance and Liberty National Life Insurance companies. His life journey is one that truly proves that no matter how low you are you can always turn things around and achieve your goals.Smith was the recipient of the Yitzhak Rabin Legacy Award, Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, Healthcare For All Champion Award, Sol Stein Award, as well as numerous other awards and publications. As CEO, he helped transform the way the life insurance industries operate and do business, and in our interview offers advice to up-and-coming would-be executives to help them succeed.First, he said, find multiple mentors while will share their wisdom. Second, remember that "nothing's as good as it seems, and nothing's as bad as it seems.""They should focus on being a visionary," he adds. "They have to see further than the people they're leading, and they have to have influence on the people they're leading." Moreover, says Smith, leaders must earn the trust of those who work with them, which means they must get results.Here are questions we asked Roger Smith:Q. I’ve read that by the time you were a teenager, you had dropped out of school, was living on the streets of Santa Monica, and was addicted to drugs. What happened?Q. You had a friend shot right next to you while running away from a failed robbery attempt? Q. You tried to commit suicide by walking into the Pacific? Why? Was that some sort of a turning point for you?Q. How did you get clean and end up running huge companies? Did you go to school, college, get business degrees? How did that happen?Q. What was inside you that allowed you to do this? How did you discover it?Q. What advice would you give young business execs who want to make it into the executive suites? What’s the most important thing they should focus on?Q. Are mentors important? How should someone select and obtain a mentor?Q. I saw this quote from your book: “Trust isn’t just about keeping your word. Trust is about your team believing that the vision you presented was going to be better for them and better for the company.” Please explain.Q. What are the key characteristics of an effective leader?Q. I saw another quote from you on LinkedIn: “sometimes you have to burn your bridges to not give yourself the option of turning back. Only then can you truly succeed.” Did you have to burn bridges to succeed? Q. Also on LinkedIn, you wrote: If you tell yourself you can’t, you won’t. You must be willing to leave your comfort zone, and face uncertainty with confidence. It’s the only way you’ll grow.” I love that quote. Do you want to elaborate?Q. Are you still in the insurance business, or are you retired now?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today the Lean to the Left Podcast takes a look at a 2016 murder in Florida, one that ripped away the life of a young man who’s mistake was to celebrate a possible new job and then mistake somebody else’s apartment for his own. Since then, this young man’s father has been seeking justice, but in Ron DeSantis’ Florida, that is not to be found.With us today is Sandy Modell, and he’s here to tell the story about what happened to his son, Ryan. How he came to be shot and killed and his fight for justice in an area of Florida famous for political corruption.It’s a tragic story, and we’re pleased to have Sandy with us today to tell us about it.Welcome Sandy, to the Lean to the Left podcast.--Q. Start at the beginning…what happened? Why did Ryan try to enter an apartment that was not his own?Q. How is it that the man who shot Ryan, James Steven Taylor, did so and hasn’t been charged with murder?Q. Is this a case of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law?Q. In your book about this case, “Murder & Corruption in Florida,” you recount the history of political corruption there and apparently believe that this is the primary reason why Taylor has not been charged, right?Q. You’ve targeted the state’s attorney, Amira Fox, as being a major villain in this story. You’ve even put up billboards calling her out. Why?Q. Rick Scott, now a senator who famously wants to put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, was governor when this happened. What did he do, if anything, about the case?Q. What about Gov. Ron DeSantis? Where does he fit into the picture? You write that when you spoke to him at a fundraiser he was sympathetic, even gave you his cellphone number. What’s he done?Q. In the book, you recount how Taylor is now targeting you. What’s happening?Q. What do you want to see happen? Why should Taylor be charged with murder?Q. What’s your next step?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The penchant for many Americans to virtually worship a would-be strong-man leader, Donald J. Trump, and for much of the Republican Party to defer to him, has taken our nation to the precipice of a constitutional crisis that could mean an end to liberal democracy. And the upcoming mid-term elections could send us over the cliff."We are big two centimeters from the precipice," warns political scientist Daniel Drache on the Lean to the Left podcast. Here's why:Many Republican candidates are election deniers and "maybe half...believe that Biden is not the legitimate president.Hate speech has increased enormously since 2016 when it played a major role in Trump's election, and studies show that five times more Republicans are using hate speech than Democrats.Large numbers of Independents have moved into the Republican column.The Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade abortion ruling will fail to turn the tide for Democrats."I think the Republicans have an edge and that we're going to see a fundamental change in both the House and the Senate," he says. "That's why I think it's on the precipice. And then, of course, what is the Republican agenda? "Impeachment. Change fundamentally the civil service, loyalty oaths; there's a whole variety of things that the Republicans, vengeful seeking, could believe that it is their term to swing the wrecking ball on the Democratis. So I don't think this is a panic or an overstatement. We're just entering into a very different world Where the hard right really will be in charge of both houses and the conservatives own the judiciary." Drache and fellow political scientist Marc D. Froese have written a riveting book, “Has Populism Won? The War on Liberal Democracy”. It’s a brilliant account of the global upsurge of right-wing populism, what’s behind it, how Donald Trump tapped into the latent anger of voters, and what might lie ahead. Their book examines exactly how populist leaders like Trump reach into peoples’ fear of being left behind, using it as a lever to power by promising to look out for the little person and to return to national greatness. Has Populism Won? is written as a warning about the toxic impact of hate speech and the big lie on liberal democracy.Drache has documented and mapped hyper-globalization and its consequential impacts on communities and peoples for more than two decades. He has published over 20 books on the global political economy, Canada-US relations, NAFTA, social movements, defiant publics, trade governance, and social media. A professor emeritus and Department of Politics and Research fellow at the Robert Centre for Canadian Studies at Toronto’s York University, Drache has also taught in France, India, Argentina, South Korea, Australia, Brazil and China.Here are questions we asked Drache:First, let’s define what we mean by populism, and how that differs from authoritarianism, nationalism, and even nativism.How is it that people like Trump are able to tap into the anger and fears of so many people?Does Trump pattern himself after other authoritarian leaders, like Putin, for example?In your book, you point out that Trump loves to use “dog whistles” to rally his troops. What were some examples? Does that continue to this day? You also write that Trump was willing to endanger the national rule of law if the system did not deliver an electoral victory. Do you believe he will pay the price for these actions?You also note the rise of conspiracy theories that continue to this day, even to the point of the Q-Anon craziness. How does this play into populism and its growth?Donald Trump loves to call the media “the enemy of the people.” He attacks immigrants warning of rapes and murders, in fact, virtually anyone who is outside the mainstream of white, male America. What is the danger here…will this continue…what will it do to our country?You write the following: “How can we maintain democracy when it caters to the basest impulses of society?” That is a great question. What’s the answer?Do you believe that the authoritarian right could become more extremist and politically powerful in the United States? If so, why, and what would that mean for our country?Do you see the possibility of a new civil war in America?What must opponents of right-wing populism do to regain power and restore democracy?How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact populism?The other day someone asked on Twitter who else plans to move to Canada if Trump should be re-elected. Would that do any good?Drache is the second Lean to the Left podcast guest in recent months to suggest that political extremism would propel the U.S. into an authoritarian form of government. "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," warned Tom Davis, a retired Operation Desert Storm commander and former adviser to the Secretary of the Army.His comments followed those of Bill Kuhn, author of a new book, "Facts & Fury…An Unapologetic Primer on How t

Today we’re talking politics, and with me are my political pals, Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia, plus a special guest, Michael McDonald, from Florida.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. Michael McDonald is a nationally recognized expert on elections and national politics, and author of the new book, “From Pandemic to Insurrection: Voting in the 2020 US Presidential Election.”Michael is professor of political science at the University of Florida and a leading resource on American elections. His website, www.electproject.org, disseminates election statistics and is widely used as an authoritative source by media, scholars, and others. Michael was a guest on the Lean to the Left podcast a couple months ago, which why I conned him into joining us today.We each take a look at specific races in our respective states of South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, and then we ask McDonald, who analyzes races nationwide, for his predictions about whether the Democrats can hold onto the Senate and the House. Essentially, he predicts that they will, most likely, retain control of the Senate, but are in real danger of losing the House. But, he hastens to add, things could change significantly between now and the election.Take a listen...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Ebony Parson, 28, died September 14, 2013 in a Conway, S.C Bingo parlor, shot to death by an estranged lover who then killed himself with his own shotgun.Ebony was one of nearly 20 people per minute who are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Unfortunately, her abuser, a jealous former boyfriend, took her life.In Ebony’s case, there were warning signs that she was in trouble. In fact, she called 911 so many times reporting abuse that they told her to stop calling or she’d be arrested.October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so today we have with us on the Lean to the Left podcast Ebony’s sister, Gwendolyn Reed, founder of Ebony’s Hope, which she started a year after her sister’s tragic death. The organization’s goal is to inspire, educate and help citizens and to reduce the number of domestic violence murders and other crimes.“Had we known about several different things maybe we could have done something different,” Gwen says on the podcast. “And I, that's just how I feel. I, and Ebony Hope is my, ‘sorry’ to her. I don't know what else I could have done different to save my mom a baby.”So, Ebony’s Hope, a 501c3 charitable organization that accepts contributions, works as a liaison between domestic violence victims and available community and governmental resources. “Ebony Hope is just basically me wanting the community to know and citizens and victims to know that they're not alone. That there's resources here for family members to know that there's help out here in the community. So, they, they won't end up another Ebony. Because I don't want that for anybody.“I cry for my sister sometime one or two times a week. I cry for my mom. Ebony Hope is my ‘daily sorry’. If I save one person, then I did okay with this tragedy.”To help others, Gwen sponsors an annual community event to provide information and help, bringing together other organizations that support domestic violence victims. This year's event takes place on the lawn of the Old Courthouse on Main Street in Conway, SC, Saturday, October 29. More info here. In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell let the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) expire rather than pass a measure to close the deadly "boyfriend loophole", which allows convicted domestic abusers to purchase guns. The bill had been approved by the House of Representatives, 263-158, with 33 Republicans joining all but one Democrat in passing it -- despite threats from the National Rifle Association. Here are some of the questions we asked Gwen. Q. First, can you recount for us what happened to Ebony and why?Q. Had she been in an abusive relationship with this guy before that?Q. Do you think her death could have been prevented?Q. How did this affect your own life, and that of your brothers and sisters?Q. You said that Ebony didn’t know what resources were available to help her, and that you didn’t either. So you’re trying to fix that with Ebony’s Hope, right?Q. You mentioned that children are the uncounted victims and that a child who has witnessed domestic violence is more likely to become a victim or even an abuser. Explain that, please.Q. What needs to be done to make things better?Q. How is Ebony’s Hope helping?Q. What can the community do to get involved?Q. What are some of the resources available here in South Carolina and elsewhere to help victims of domestic violence?Q. What should someone who is a victim of domestic violence do?Q. You’re the co-author of Fortitude of an Overcomer. What is that?Click here for the complete unedited transcript.Deeper reading: “I’ll Pray for You, A Christian Woman’s Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence.” -- Donna Wayles, interviewed on the Lean to the Left podcast. "Fighting Violence Against Women & Children" -- Roger A. Canaff, former Special Victims ADA & author, interviewed on the Lean to the Left podcast. "Trauma of a Pastor's Betrayal" -- Sandy Phillips Kirkham, author "Let Me Prey Upon You," interviewed on the Lean to the Left podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

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.