American Viewpoints
708 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 18 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
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.
A Case For Allowing Online Censorship?
March 18, 2024 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBNetchoice's Carl Szabo argues against new laws in Florida and Texas that, if upheld by the US Supreme Court, ban social media companies from censoring content on their platforms. Netchoice is involved in the case. Szabo says the laws require the private companies to host and carry content they do not want to be involved with and that, in his opinion, is a violation of the First Amendment rights of the businesses.
The Decline Of ESG Investing
March 18, 2024 16:20 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBBrandon Arnold from the National Taxpayers Union comments on some recent announcements that some companies are backing off of their ESG (environmental and social governance) investing policies. To Arnold, this is a step in the right direction for consumers, investors, and environmental concerns.
How Will A Massive Credit Card Merger Affect What's In Your Wallet - If The Government Allows It?
March 18, 2024 15:37 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBThe Competitive Enterprise Institute's John Berlau disagrees with some lawmakers who claim a proposed merger between Discover and Capitol One is bad for consumers. Berlau argues that this specific merger could be good for customers - of these companies and even for those who use competing serives.
Preparing For A Conservative Presidential Administration
March 18, 2024 14:59 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBThe presidential election is in November, of course, but conservative advocacy groups and think tanks are already preparing to transition to a new administration. That's if a Republican wins. It's called Project 2025 and is being led by the Heritage Foundation. Project 2025 offers a potential conservative president a blueprint for reforming administrative agencies and it recruits, trains, and suggests conservatives to serve in a new administration. In this discussion, Spencer Chretien expla...
When The Government Demands You Answer Their Creepy Questions
March 13, 2024 16:14 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBWhen does government cross the line in demanding too much personal information? The Pacific Legal Foundation is suing the Census Bureau over just that. The American Community Survey asks, among other things, personal sexual matters, family relationships, and past marriages. The Census Bureau says refusing to answer could result in prosecution and fines. In this discussion, PLF attorney Adi Dynar explains why they say the questions and threat of fines violate the rights of Americans.
Increasing Inflation And Decreasing Strength Of The Dollar
March 13, 2024 15:51 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBSr Economist Ryan Young from the Competitive Enterprise Institute assesses the recent (January, 2024) jobs and inflation report.
The "Transgender" Discussion With The Daily Signal's Tyler O'Neil - Part 2
February 19, 2024 17:21 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBTyler O'Neil is the managing editor of The Daily Signal and, in this conversation, he assesses the current debate over the "transgender" trend happening in the US right now. The discussion includes the social/cultural extremes being taken to promote and protect the movement, even as emerging research confirms the harms being done to young people. The conversation also includes the long-term damage done to "detransitioners" and the issue of liability for those who administered the elective tre...
The "Transgender" Discussion With The Daily Signal's Tyler O'Neil - Part 1
February 19, 2024 17:15 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBTyler O'Neil is the managing editor of The Daily Signal and, in this conversation, he assesses the current debate over the "transgender" trend happening in the US right now. The discussion includes the social/cultural extremes being taken to promote and protect the movement, even as emerging research confirms the harms being done to young people. The conversation also includes the long-term damage done to "detransitioners" and the issue of liability for those who administered the elective tre...
Former Lawmaker Calls For Ending Black History Month
February 15, 2024 18:21 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBFormer Florida State Representative Mike Hill, who is black, argues that Black History Month has become a month of "grievances" and has become counterproductive to the goals of teaching black history, uplifting people, and being a source of unity in America. He also argues that the observance has become weaponized politically by the Left in America. Hill is now part of the Project 21, America's largest network of black conservatives. For more information: https://nationalcenter.org/ncppr/2...
A Public Danger: Should Government Protect Your Kids From Social Media?
February 14, 2024 18:35 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBNew York City is the first to declare social media a health hazard. The point of that can be to draw awareness to something and motivate people to do more to protect young people. Another possible point of that is to set things up for more government regulations. Americans For prosperity's James Czerniawski discusses the City's declaration and warns against government trying to do too much under the guise of protecting young people.
Is Your State Trying To Protect Your Online Privacy?
February 13, 2024 17:23 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBRJ Cross is the director of the Don't Sell My Data Campaign, part of the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). In this segment, she discusses a new study about digital privacy and consumer protection online. The State of Privacy: How State “Privacy” Laws Fail To Protect Privacy, And What They Can Do Better grades the 14 state-level consumer privacy laws that have passed so far, finding nearly half receive an ‘F’ for how well they protect consumers’ personal information. None get an ‘A’. In ...
Now That The Shumer-McConnell Border Deal Is Dead, What's Next?
February 12, 2024 17:44 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBThe Shumer-McConnell border deal, known as the Senate bi-partisan border security deal, is dead. Both opposition in the US Senate and refusal by Republican leaders in the House stopped it before any debate happened. Keep in mind that the "Green New Deal" was also stopped in Congress before elements of that ended up in other legislation. Could elements of the border bill end up the same way? NumbersUSA's James Massa explains why so many conservatives in particular objected to this bill and of...
What The Biden Administration's Limits On Natural Gas Could Cost Us
February 08, 2024 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBSouther Methodist University Professor James Coleman critiques the Biden Administration's decision to halt the permits for multiple natural gas projects. The Administration says the pause is for environmental reasons. Dr. Coleman argues that slowing down - or stoppoing - natural gas drilling, distribution, and exporting is not only bad for US customers because gas is less expensive than other options; he says it's bad for the US internationally. That's because, Coleman says, limiting the exp...
"Weaker Than The Headlines Suggest"
February 07, 2024 16:07 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBAmerican Commitment's Phil Kerpen assesses the aspect of the US economy that are stabilizing and that are moving in the right direction. He also cautions against assuming the worst is over in this economic cycle, saying that more bad decisions on taxing and/or spending could lead to more inflation.
The Tough Economy Isn't Over, No Matter What The Media And Politicians Say
February 06, 2024 19:02 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBElaine Parker from the Job Creators Network discusses the current state of the economy and why the public sometimes is getting incomplete information about it. * this discussion originally aired on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis. RedState.com's Deputy Managing Editor, Susie Moore, cohosted this segment.
Southern Border Security: How Your Personal Safety Could Be At Stake
February 05, 2024 16:55 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBOver the weekend, US Senate leaders released rthe text of their new bipartisan border security bill. That plan is already facing significant opposition for multiple reasons. In this discussion, Hugh Fike from the Conservative Partnership Institute focuses on the fact that known criminals and some of the terrorist watch list have illegally entered the country through the southern border. In one case, a known terrorist was apprehended in southern California as he was entering the US illegally ...
"Big Intel": Has Woke Ideology Corrupted The Agencies Designed To Protect Us?
January 31, 2024 17:17 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBDr. J. Michael Waller argues in his new book, Big Intel, that two of the main agencies designed to protect us have become corrupted by ideology. He argues that implementing concepts including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) priorities and others popular on the Left compromise the mission and tactics of the CIA and FBI. J. Michael Waller is Senior Analyst for Strategy at the Center for Security Policy. https://www.amazon.com/Big-Intel-Heroes-State-Villains/dp/1684513537
A Conservative Response To Rep Bowman's Reparations Proposal
January 30, 2024 19:07 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBCongressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is proposing a multi-trillion dollar reparations plan that, if passed, would make large direct payments to millions of black Americans. discussion, In this the Heritage Foundation's GianCarlo Canaparo argues against the idea not just because of the size but, he says, because of a fairness and justice aspect of the debate. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/2803571/squad-member-bowman-pitches-paying-14-trillion-reparations-program/ https://www.heri...
The Pro-Life Mission Of Equipping Young Men To Be Dads (part 2)
January 29, 2024 17:41 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBPregnancy Resource Centers focus - rightly - on pregnant women in crisis situations, but what happens after the initial crisis and she's preparing for a life with her child? One of America's leading PRCs, St. Louis-based Thrive, provides multiple educational, medical, and other programs to help new moms build a healthy, self-sufficient life. Through their Fatherhood Initiative, they are also preparing young men to become fathers, partners, and coparents. That's not just for the benefit of th...
The Pro-Life Mission Of Equipping Young Men To Be Dads (part 1)
January 29, 2024 17:36 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBPregnancy Resource Centers focus - rightly - on pregnant women in crisis situations, but what happens after the initial crisis and she's preparing for a life with her child? One of America's leading PRCs, St. Louis-based Thrive, provides multiple educational, medical, and other programs to help new moms build a healthy, self-sufficient life. Through their Fatherhood Initiative, they are also preparing young men to become fathers, partners, and coparents. That's not just for the benefit of th...