American Viewpoints
728 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 14 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsAmerica's news talk radio show that doesn't just inform, it empowers.
Often, important stories, viewpoints, and information don't make it into the headlines, so we're finding them and bringing them to you.
By the end of each week's show, you'll have new information you can use.
Syndicated through Talk Media Network
https://talkmedianetwork.com/show/american-viewpoints-with-mike-ferguson/
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Episodes
What's Next After Federal Cannabis Rescheduling?
July 08, 2024 17:55 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBThe FDA has formally started the process to reschedule cannabis/marijuana into a different classification that moves away from complete criminalization. In this discussion, the R Street Institute's Jillian Snider explains why that first step matters, why she feels there are more changes needed to federal policy on the substance, and what should come next. For more information: https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/cannabis-rescheduling-winning-the-battle-but-not-the-war/
Zoning Justice
July 08, 2024 17:03 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBInstitute for Justice Attorney Ari Bargil explains the goals of their new Zoning Justice project, which is based on the concept of protecting (or winning) property owners' rights to use their property as they see fit. In many communities, Bargil says overreaching regulations violate those rights. For more information: https://ij.org/issues/zoning-justice/
Getting Over The Fear Of Artificial Intelligence. It's Good For Business.
July 07, 2024 23:21 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBForbes technology writer Gene Marks, in a recent article, assesses the evolution of artificial intelligence in America's marketplace. A recent survey of small businesses shows that the majority of business owners plan to invest more in AI in the coming year. Marks says this isn't a "job replacement" that will get rid of employees; it's a "job enhancement" development that will help small businesses compete with bigger ones. For more information: https://www.genemarkstech.com/
Tariffs: A Bipartisan Bad Idea?
July 07, 2024 22:30 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBRyan Young from the Competitive Enterprise Institute reacts to President Biden's announcement of tariffs on some specific Chinese products. The policy is similar to those of the Trump Administration (and now the Trump campaign). Young argues that tariffs raise the cost of living for American consumers and not harm Chinese business and poltiical interests. * This discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis
The Business Of Bigotry? When Antisemitism Becomes Cancel Culture
July 07, 2024 22:04 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MB(Air date May 19th, 2024) First Liberty attorney Hiram Sasser describes a situation happening (at the time of broadcast) that displaced a pro-Israel conference with only a few days' notice. The hosting hotel and conference center in Nashville, TN abruptly cancelled the event, claiming it was for safety reasons. The hotel had received complaints from pro-Palestinian activists over its doing business with the Christian conference organizers. Sasser also explains the legal ramification and possi...
Israel, Hamas, Campus Protests, And Our National Interests
July 02, 2024 17:54 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBAmid a spike in antisemitic violence on campuses around the country (May 2024), the Biden Administration tries to balance addressing the needs of US ally Israel and a growing anti-Israel sentiment on the Left in the US. In this discussion, Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL) assesses the situations on campuses, in the Middle East, and in the halls of Congress. This conversation originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St Louis
Book Burning Goes Digital
July 02, 2024 17:46 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBJeffrey Tucker from the Brownstone Institute explains the censorship that he says happened (and still does) regarding the sale of books. In a fashion similar to the social media suppression of news articles and dissenting opinions, Tucker says online book sellers are either willingly supressing the marketing of books that dissent from narratives preferred by the government or are doing so under pressure from government officials. For more information: https://brownstone.org/articles/book-bur...
Dreaded Decisions: Lethal And Less Lethal Force By Police
July 02, 2024 17:23 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBJoel Shultz from the National Police Association discusses his recent op-ed, "Less Lethal Options Can Save Lives", which focuses on the lethality of weapons officers should have while on the job. He also addresses the factors that affect the level of force needed in dangerous situations and what the public needs to understand about those cases. For more information: https://nationalpolice.org/main/less-lethal-options-can-save-lives/
Should The United States Bring Palestinian Refugees Here?
July 02, 2024 16:35 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBNumbers USA's Eric Ruark assesses and reacts to the announcement that the Biden Administration is developing a plan to bring refugees from Gaza/Palestine into the United States. He discusses the politics and the national security aspects of the debate. This discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis.
Diagnosing (Sort Of) The Anti-American, Pro-Hamas Kid Protesters
May 10, 2024 15:11 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBWhat's oikophobia and is it spreading on college campuses around the country? As criminologist and former sheriff Dr Currie Myers explains, it's a loathing of your home and culture. To answer the second question; it seems like there's a spread of it going around these days. The symptoms may include fighting with police, wearing masks to hide identity, chanting anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans, trespassing, blocking streets, and property damage. The cure is more fundamental and more complicat...
New Book Addresses "The Myth Of Voter Suppression"
May 09, 2024 14:58 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBElections should be about the confidence we have in candidates, be they incumbents or challengers. Increasingly, elections sre becoming about the confidence (or lack of) we have in the process of voting. Often, those on the Left say the Right is suppressing voter turnout and disenfranchising people. At the same time, many on the Right accuse the Left of electoral fraud. Is either claim true? Are both claims true? In this discussion, Daily Signal reporter Fred Lucas discusses the faith we hav...
Bidenomics And Black Voters
May 08, 2024 14:47 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBAmericans for Limited Government's Rick Manning comments on the Biden reelection campaign using Vice President Kamala Harris as a spokesperson to promote the Administration's economic plan and results. Manning points out that, specifically, the campaign is trying to increase support among black male voters. For more information: https://dailytorch.com/2024/04/not-even-kamala-harris-can-sell-the-biden-economy-to-voters-ignores-inflation-concerns-we-are-in-the-process-of-putting-a-lot-of-money...
Is Free Speech And Intellectual Discourse Becoming A Casualty Of National Security?
May 07, 2024 15:42 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBThe recently-passed law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok will certainly be litigated for months, if not years. Supporters say it's important national security in an age where the digital world can be a battlefield along with the physical world. What are the costs? In this discussion, James Broughel from the Competitive Enterprise Institute argues that the government's trying to take control will have an effect that's bigger than the current social media landscape. In a recent Forbes articl...
Crime Is On The Rise Both Online And In The Real World: Here's How To Protect Yourself
May 02, 2024 16:23 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBFrom random assaults on women in broad daylight to AI-generated scams online and over the phone, the threats to us physically and financially continue to evolve. Former NYPD Officer Dean Golemis, now the president of Global Security And Investigative Services, describes today's threats and offers advice on how to reduce your chance of being a victim.
Off The Rails: When Agendas Clash With Economic Realities
May 01, 2024 15:47 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBCould one state's strict environmental laws affect the entire nation's economy - and your household finances? According to Dr Bonner Cohen from the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFSCT), the answer is yes.In this discussion, he explains how California's effort to mandate electric freight trains in the state could result in supply chain disruptions across the nation, especially if other states follow suit. For more information: https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/4549111-u...
Big Tech And Election Interference: The Report On 2020 And What It Means For 2024
April 30, 2024 15:37 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBCalling something "election interference" is all the rage right now, but is there merit to the claim when someone controls what you're allowed to see and hear, at least in part of your life? That's the argument the Media Research Center's Dan Schneider is making when discussing a new report that shows social media and big tech companies suppressed posts and search results that promoted conservative (or Republican) messages during the 2020 campaign. * this conversation originally aired on New...
The Media Bias You Are Funding
April 29, 2024 16:21 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBAmerican Spectator writer Nate Hochman discusses his recent article on the conflict within and focused on NPR after a long-time reporter admits (in an article) that they have lost the trust of many listeners because of their overt bias. The discussion also covers the effect of most media picking a side (politically, culturally, or both) and reporting from that perspective. Most of the time in the US, that means information is filtered through a leftist lens. For mor information: https://spec...
What Is A Microschool?
April 26, 2024 15:47 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBIt's not a new concept, per se, in America but there's a new look to microschooling right now - and the number of families using the approach is growing. In this discussion, the National Microschooling Center's Don Soifer explains what microschooling is, what it offers, and why people of different perspectives are implementing it to education their children. For more information: https://microschoolingcenter.org/
The Parent Revolution: A Conversation With Corey DeAngelis
April 25, 2024 15:15 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBBefore being released, one teachers' union leader called for this book to be burned. In this discussion, Corey DeAngelis, discusses the book and why the education establishment won't like it. DeAngelis, America's premier advocate for school choice, details the purpose of his bew book, The Parent Revolution, the momentum the education freedom movement has right now, and why the debate is far from settled around the country. For more information: https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Revolution-Rescui...
Another Gun Control Measure From The Biden Administration
April 24, 2024 16:46 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBThe Biden Administration, through the ATF and DOJ, recently announced new regulations on buying and selling guns. Opponents argue that could result in just about anyone who owns a gun could become a felon just by selling their private property. Chriss Dorr from the American Firearms Association explains the new regulations - which are not laws passed by Congress - and how it could affect gun owners.
Engage Or Keep Them Separate: Should There Be A Line Between Faith And Politics?
April 22, 2024 16:22 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBFormer Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) discusses the work she's now doing on the advisory board of Christians Engaged. The group is asking Christians to "pray, vote, and engage" in the political and cultural debates. For more information: ChristiansEngaged.org
The Economics Of Illegal Immigration And The Affect On Minority Workers
April 18, 2024 17:49 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBRoy Beck, founder of Numbers USA and author of Back Of The Hiring Line, responds to the recent unemployment and workforce participation reports by comparing them will the nnumbers tracking immigration - especially illegal immigration - into the US. Beck says the economic impact disproportionally affects black and other minority workers.
The Economics Of Illegal Immigration And The Effect On Minority Workers
April 18, 2024 17:49 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBRoy Beck, founder of Numbers USA and author of Back Of The Hiring Line, responds to the recent unemployment and workforce participation reports by comparing them will the nnumbers tracking immigration - especially illegal immigration - into the US. Beck says the economic impact disproportionally affects black and other minority workers.
Congrats, You (Probably) Survived Tax Day
April 17, 2024 17:52 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBTaxpayer Protection Alliance President David Williams laments the amound of taxation to which Americans are subjected each year. Worse: the IRS is among the federal agencies that have been weaponized against citizens who have spoken up against those in power over the last several years. WIlliams also discusses the debate over extending tax cuts that are scheduled to expire this year.
The Gig Economy Works For A Lot Of People. Why Won't Government Just Leave It Alone?
April 16, 2024 15:43 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBAmong the recent evolutions in the marketplace is, obviously, the gig economy. From ride shares to delivery services to home repairs, there's a gig app for a variety of services. That's allowed workers to take on side jobs, replace lost jobs, or make extra money in retirement. For regulators and lawmakers, though, it's also looked at as a reason to impose rules on the businesses that run the platforms. The R Street Institute's Jarrett Dieterle argues against a heavy regulation approach to th...
Biden's Newest Student Loan Debt Forgiveness: Who Gets The Bill?
April 15, 2024 16:46 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBJob Creators Network President Elaine Parker responds to President Biden's latest effort to erase student loan debt. In this discussion, she assesses the new plan from the Administration, how it relates to the US Supreme Court's ruling against the previous orders to forgive the debts, and how both the system and the Academy need reforms.
Job Search Scams
April 11, 2024 17:41 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBLooking for your next job could lead you right into a scam. In this discussion, LinkedIn's Francisco Tobon describes some of the online scams targeting job seekers and how sophisticated the dangers are at this point. He also offers advice on keeping your personal identity and financial information safe during the online job search process and describes some of the tools available to help/
The Argument Against Building A Smart Grid That Limits Energy Access
April 10, 2024 14:28 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MB"Decarbonization is a political agenda". That's how the American Energy Institute's Jason Issac assesses the push for more renewable energy mandates and smart grid implementation. Among the consequences of that, he says, is an increase in the cost of energy for all Americans and the possibility of more energy shortages. For more information: https://americanenergyinstitute.com/
Is The CCP Infiltrating Your Child's School?
April 09, 2024 17:27 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBAlex Nestor, Investigative Fellow for Parents Defending Education, discusses her recent report for the Washington Examiner. Her piece says the Chinese Communist Party, through partnerships with schools in the US, is influencing education and students here. * this discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis For more information: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/2942388/the-ccps-influence-is-seeping-into-us-schools/
Property Rights vs Squatters' Rights
April 08, 2024 15:46 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBAfter high-profile news stories of squatters taking over homes in New York and California, as well as the now-infamous social media video of an illegal immigrant influencer using TikTok to encourage other illegal migrants to "invade" properties using squatters' rights loopholes, some states are working to change their laws. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis led the effort to change squatting from a civil to a criminal matter and, now, police can remove and arrest the intruders on the spot. Other...
Learning To Disagree In A Polarized Country
April 04, 2024 16:35 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBProfessor John Inazu, author of Confident Pluralism, argues that disagreeing over political, cultural, even religious issues doesn't have to be detrimental to us as people or to our communities if we know how to navigate thedifferences. That's the foundation of his new book, Learning To Disagree. To order or learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Disagree-Surprising-Navigating-Differences/dp/0310368014
Fact Checking The Claim: Are Non-Citizens Really Being Allowed To Vote In American Elections?
April 03, 2024 16:48 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBNew York City's government is fighting in court to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. NYC is one of several communities to pass laws to allow residents - citizen or not - to vote in races including school boards, city councils and mayors, utility boards, library boards, etc. In this discussion, Becky Arps from Americans For Citizen Voting explain why they oppose allowing that to happen and why no one should accept claims that non-citizens are/will be voting only in local races.
Laws, Life, And The Supreme Court. The Abortion Pill Case.
April 02, 2024 15:35 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBCatholicVote Political Director Logan Church assesses the case before the US Supreme Court about Mifepristone. That's the "abortion pill" also known as RU486. Supreme Court Justices recently heard oral arguments in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine (AHM), which is challenging the FDA’s decision to approve the drug. https://catholicvote.org/pro-life-leaders-emboldened-after-scotus-abortion-pill-hearing-no-to-unregulated-chemical-abortion/
Planet Fitness Doubles Down On Men In The Women's Locker Room. Why?
April 01, 2024 17:09 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBRedState.com's Jennifer Oliver O'Connell assesses the controversy surrounding Planet Fitness and their policy of allowing men in the womens' locker/shower spaces. A man who self-identified as queer was photographed in an Alaska PF women's locker room and declared he has a right to be there. When a female member complained, her membership was cancelled. Since then, Planet Fitness has doubled-down on their policy of allowing men who claim to be women in those spaces. Within days of the news, P...
Message To Conservatives: Don't Like Voting Tactics The Left Uses? Tough. Embrace Them, Anyway
March 29, 2024 15:57 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBThe American Culture Project's John Tillman discusses the debate over some specific voting and campaign tactics popular with Democrats. Among them are ballot harvesting, drop boxes, and mail in voting which are supported by Democrats far more than they are by Republicans. These options are often cited by conservatives as opportunities to cheat in elections. Tillman says that, even if Republicans want to ban them from the legal options, they should legally use them now.
Going High Tech To Sleep Better
March 28, 2024 16:21 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBWhen we think of getting better rest at night, we usually don't think of making technology part of the process. CNET reporter Lexi Savvides tested several high-tech approaches to getting better sleep. That's connected to her participation in a sleep study. In this discussion, she gives us an overview of some of the technology that can help you get a better night's sleep, how it works, and why it is important to you health. For more information: https://www.cnet.com/tech/features/i-was-always...
Regulating Your Car Off The Road
March 27, 2024 16:07 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBRick Manning from Americans for Limited Government takes issue with the Biden Administration's new environmental rules targeting emissions from cars. The regulations are designed to reduce the permissible exhaust from cars under the guise of improving environmental conditions. Manning is among those pointing out that if this rule stands, the supply and cost of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles will be affected. Basically, the regulation could eventually eliminate today's cars fr...
Empowering Or Hamstringing Government: Why The Supreme Court's Social Media Case Matters To You
March 26, 2024 15:52 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBAndrew Langer from CPAC's Center For Regulatory Freedom argues that the Biden Administration violates the First Amendment rights of Americans when it pressures social media companies to limit (or block) dissenting opinions online. That's the focus of a case before the US Supreme Court right now brought by the Attorneys General of Missouri and Louisiana.
Debating Race-Based Government Help For Some Businesses But Not Others
March 25, 2024 16:44 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBIn a victory for DEI opponents, a district court judge has ruled that the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a federal agency charged with supporting minority-owned businesses, violates the Constitution’s core requirement of equal treatment under the law and that the agency can no longer run programs or grants based on race. In this discussion, David Bernstein from George Mason University's Liberty and Law Center, explains the ruling and why he believes it's correct.
EV Mandates: Bad Economics And Bad For The Environment?
March 25, 2024 15:27 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBFormer Department of Justice lawyer Michael Buschbacher, who served in the DOJ's Environmental Division, responds to the Biden Administration's effort to push more electric vehicles into the market and, as a result, push traditional combustion engine vehicles out. The mandates, he argues, aren't only an overreach of government but they are based on false scientific claims. For more information, you can view his recent Wall Street Journal oped here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/electric-cars...
How's That New Year's Resolution To Get Healthier Going?
March 25, 2024 15:14 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBMarch is national nutrition month. Dr. Julie Gatza offers advice on making your diet healthier in a way that's simple. She myth-busts some common beliefs on foods many people think are healthy but, in fact, are just the opposite. For more information: https://naturessources.com/dr-julie-gatza/
TikTok, National Security, And Freedom Of Speech
March 21, 2024 15:31 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBNow that the US House has passed a bill to require TikTok owner Bytedance to sell the social media platform, the US Senate will have the final say. President Biden has already said he would sign the bill into law should it pass Congress. Supporters say that's required to stop the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance of and influence on Americans. The law could result in the banning of TikTok in America if Bytedance refuses to sell it to an approved buyer. Critics, including FreeThePeople....
Illegal Immigration's Effect On Public Education
March 20, 2024 18:14 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBCaroline Moore from Parents Defending Education discusses information showing how large increases in illegal immigration affects public schools. The information pertains to Denver's schools and includes the financial stress on the District. Despite that, Moore says District officials choose ideology over prioritizing students in the schools, citizen and noncitizen, who are legally in the community. For more information: https://defendinged.org/incidents/records-request-reveals-denver-public-...
Transparency, Dark Money, and Free Speech
March 20, 2024 17:52 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBShould donors to nonprofit groups be allowed to remain anonymous, even if those groups are active in socal or policy work? People United for Privacy's Alex Baiocco says protecting the privacy of donors in some areas is important to free speech. In this discussion, he explains why and differentiates between issue-based nonprofit groups and partisan campaigns.
Does America Need A REdeclaration Of Independence?
March 20, 2024 17:29 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBBarry Hinckley, founder of the ReDeclaration of Independence, explains why he co-founded the online petition project and what they hope to accomplish if they reach their signature goal. Hinckley also discusses some of the specific issues the ReDeclaration demands of elected leaders at the national level. For more information: https://redeclaration.org/
Trump Attorney Will Scharf Responds To The Supreme Court's Ruling That Put Him Back On The Ballot Everywhere
March 20, 2024 16:57 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBWill Scharf, one of the attorneys on Donald Trump's legal team, reacts to the US Supreme Court ruling that overturned Colorado's decision to ban the former president from the primary ballot. The ruling has a nationwide effect, stopping efforts in other states from similar bans.
Crime And Liberty: Protecting Your Rights While Addressing Crime In America
March 19, 2024 18:05 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBAs more cities - and many smaller communities - try to keep up with property and violent crime, there's a reminder to keep the rights of everyone in mind when making policy changes. Steven Greenhut from the R Street Institute is among those saying any criminal justice reform and crime prevention efforts must respect the constitutional rights of everyone in the US.
Houses Of Worship In The Crosshairs: Violence Against Churches In America
March 19, 2024 17:40 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBThere's not much media coverage of it but violent attacks against houses of worship in the United States is on the rise. According to the First Liberty Institute's Jeremy Dys, the violence seems motivated by disagreements over political and social issues. A study of the attacks was recently compiled by the Family Research Center based on reported crime data. The bottom line is that property damage, threats, and overt violence against faith-based organizations is often designed to suppress re...
Is Part Of The American Dream On Hold In This Economy?
March 19, 2024 16:43 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBA new survey from BankRate.com shows that fewer Americans believe home ownership is feasible for them right now. While a variety of reasons, including debt, interest rates, and inflation, are cited as reasons for that, the effect of the changes extends into other parts of our economy. In this discussion, Bankrate Senior Analyst Mark Hamrick reviews the survey results and assesses why it matters to everyone. More information can be found at: https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/down-payment-su...
Understanding The 25th Amendment
March 19, 2024 15:46 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBCongressman Ken Buck (R-CO) recently filed a resolution calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Joe Biden from office, arguing that the President is no longer congnitively able to hold the office. In this discussion, Mike O'Neil from the Landmark Legal Foundation provides an overview of what the 25th Amendment allows (and what it doesn't), why it was put into the Constitution, and the proper way to invoke it.