American Viewpoints
728 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 17 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 In The Debate Over Student Loan Debt
September 05, 2023 15:51 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBBankrate.com's Sarah Foster reviews the results of a survey about attitudes toward forgiveness of student loan debt. While the US Supreme Court ruled President Biden's unilateral plan unconstitutional, the ruling does not stop Congress from addressing the outstanding debt through forgiveness or any other approach.
Opportunity, Race, And Higher Education. What's Next?
August 30, 2023 17:46 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBThe Center For Equal Opportunity's Devon Westhill looks ahead to how higher education can still work to provide opportunities for those in underserved communities without making race a factor. Westhill agrees with the recent US Supreme Court ruling that bans the use of race in the admissions process.
Mike's Overview Of The First GOP Presidential Debate Of The 2024 Campaign
August 29, 2023 15:26 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBHost Mike Ferguson gives a brief overview of the recent Republican presidential debate held in Milwaukee.
Understanding The "Administrative State" And Why It's So Powerful
August 28, 2023 15:26 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBThe Heritage Foundation's James Bacon argues that the "administrative state" - bureaucrats in government - have become so powerful that they can affect or even stop policy agendas of presidents. Bacon explains how these unelected positions have become so strong and why he says reforms have to be made to put the authority back in the hands of the elected. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/dislodging-the-real-threat-to-democracy-the-administrative-s...
Lost In Trans Nation: Affirming Or Destroying Reality?
August 25, 2023 16:50 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBDr. Miriam Grossman is a child psychologist. Her new book, Lost In Trans-Nation, challenges some of the prevailing political, cultural, philosophical, and even medical trends and narratives regarding gender dysphoria and "transgender" issues. Her argument is that biological realities should be reaffirmed, not gender or sexual identifies that conflict with the body.
Did FDR Cause Government To Violate Our Rights? How The New Deal Collided With The Bill Of Rights
August 24, 2023 16:21 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBDr Devid Beito from the Independent Institute discusses the findings for his new book, The New Deal's War On The Bill Of Rights. Beito compares the reverence many, especially on today's Left, have for Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal with the immediate and long-lasting effect that law had/has on government's respect for our individual rights.
Spin It All You Want, Politicians, But Inflation Is Still Hurting Families
August 22, 2023 15:03 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBTirzah Duren from the American Consumer Institute provides an update on the realities of inflation in America right now - especially regarding how it's affecting food prices. Duren points to some federal policies that are moving inflation higher through bad incentives that limit free market economics.
Honor Or Racist Exploitation? Why Some Native Americans Want Teams To Be Names After Them
August 21, 2023 14:43 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBOver 100,000 signatures support the Native American Guardians Association's effort to convince the owners of the Washington Commanders to returnt the football teams' name back to the Redskins. What surprised many people is that NAGA is a Native American advocacy group that says team names, like Redskins and Indians, should be used to honor those communities. NAGA's Bill Diekman argues that removing the names and logos, even as an effort to be culturally sensitive, is actually erasing refere...
Politics Beyond The Parties: A Conversation With No Labels' Governor Pat McCrory - Part 2
August 16, 2023 17:37 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBFormer North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is now the national co-chair of No Labels. That organization seeks is working to build a political movement outside of the two dominant parties that combines perspectives from both the Left and the Right. He discusses the current polarization in our politics and the dissatisfaction surveys indicte voters have with both parties right now.
Politics Beyond The Parties: A Conversation With No Labels' Governor Pat McCrory - Part 1
August 16, 2023 16:12 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBFormer North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is now the national co-chair of No Labels. That organization seeks is working to build a political movement outside of the two dominant parties that combines perspectives from both the Left and the Right. He discusses the current polarization in our politics and the dissatisfaction surveys indicte voters have with both parties right now.
The "Other" Candidates Running For President
August 15, 2023 15:52 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBGiven the intense news coverage of Donald Trump's legal situations, the other Republican candidates for President are not getting as much coverage. Host Mike Ferguson provides a brief update on those candidates and offers thoughts on the possibility that Trump may not participate in the first Republican presidential debate.
2024, Joe Biden, Immigration, And Hispanic-Latino Voters
August 14, 2023 14:54 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBChris Chmielenski, Vice President of Numbers USA, discusses recent survey results indicating that President Joe Biden is losing support from Hispanic/Latino voters. The reason for that may surprise some people in that the reason for that includes his administration's failure to secure the southern US border.
Why Does The Cost Of Meds Keep Going Up? Is The System Rigged?
August 10, 2023 16:14 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBDr. Marion Mass, co-founder of Practicing Physicians of America and a fellow at the Independent Women's Forum, critiques the typical system used to deliver prescription drugs to consumers in the US. She focuses on prescription benefit managers (PBMs) and their relationships with other parts of the system. Mass explains why she believes the system incentivizes kickbacks drives up costs, and doesn't allow market pressures to hold prices down.
How Will We React To The Next Pandemic (And The Next Round Of Orders And Mandates)?
August 09, 2023 16:29 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBDr Everett Piper, in a recent Washington Times opinion column, challenges us with a question: how will we react if government takes the same approach to the next viral outbreak - whatever that is - as it did with COVID. He's referring to the shutdowns stay at home orders, mask orders, vaccine mandates, and other restrictions in the name of stopping the COVID virus. Dr Piper argues that personal freedom should be prioritized over these measures.
Managing The Cost Of Back To School Shopping At A Time Of High Inflation
August 08, 2023 16:00 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBCNET.com's Nick Wolny assesses how high inflation and high interest rates are affecting back to school shopping - and the impact that's having on many household budgets - this year. The discussion also includes advice on how to get the best deal on higg-dollar items like electronics.
Some Light Bulbs Are Now Banned In America
August 07, 2023 14:13 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBFormer Virginia Deputy Attorney General Ken Davis comments on the Departmant of Energy's rule that bans incandescent light bulbs in the US. As of August 1st, it became illegal - by regulation - to manufacture or sell the traditional bulbs. The Biden Administration says the rule is needed as part of new efficiency standards. Davis argues the new regulations are government overreach. This conversation happened on NewsTalk STL in St. Louis.
The Horror Hidden In Plain Sight All Around Us
August 04, 2023 14:18 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBThe Heritage Foundation's Emma Waters discusses multiple policy and cultural issues that she says contribute to human trafficking. She also addresses some myths that are part of the discussion. The contributing issues include the unsecured southern US border, illicit use of social media by predators, the growth of demand for pornography, and the number of broken families.
Why So Many Americans Worry About The Costs Of Prescription Medicines
August 03, 2023 15:20 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBPhil Kerpen from American Commitment discusses the results of a new survey they commissioned that shows older Americans believe the cost of medications will go up. That's despite promises made by supporters of the "Inflation Reducation Act", who said the Act would reduce costs.
Regulation By Elected Officials Or Rule Making By Bureaucrats? The Supreme Court Might Change The Standard
August 02, 2023 17:13 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBDevin Watkins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute comments on a case before the US Supreme Court involving regulations on commercial fishing businesses in the Northeast. The case challenges requirements that administrative agencies put on the businesses requiring them to pay for monitors to watch them to ensure compliance. The case challenges the "Chevron Standard" in law.
Divided And Falling?
July 31, 2023 16:11 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBProfessor Andrew Cohen of Georgia State University comments on the tribalistic division we are seeing in our culture over controversial topics. Those include politics and cultural issues. This discussion covers the ways those on different sides of these divides can reach a common understanding, even in disagreement, and why Dr. Cohen believes that's important to our country and culture.
Save The Brave: The Mission To Save Lives (On A Harley)
July 31, 2023 14:46 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBScott Huesing from Save The Brave discusses their mission to prevent suicide among military veterans. This converstion happened during his cross country ride to raise awareness of the tragedy and to promote their work to offer resources to veterans who are struggling. SaveTheBrave.org * Thumbnail image courtesy of Save The Brave
Faith, Government And Medicine
July 27, 2023 17:10 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBGovernment regulations are affecting the way faith-based hospitals are allowed to operate. Some argue that proposed regulations from the Biden Administration could violate freedom of religion of medical professionals. Chris Faddis, President of Solidarity HealthShare, addresses the concerns and explains why some healthcare facilities and insurance providers are concerned about the rules.
Crypto: Currency Or Investment?
July 26, 2023 15:49 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBA recent court ruling blocks the Securities and Exchange Commission's effort to regulate the sale of cryptocurrency in a similar way stocks and other security products are regulated. The Competitive Enterprise Institute's John Berlau explains the decision and how it affects crypto sellers and users, and why he agrees with the ruling.
Is The Biden Administration Limiting White House Access For Conservative Media
July 24, 2023 15:49 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBDaily Signal White House Correspondent Fred Lucas describes changes coming to the media covering the White House. The changes, Lucas says, affect conservative media more than other news sources. As a result of the new policies, Lucas' credentials are being downgraded, which could affect his ability to cover the newsmakers in the White House. He also discusses the larger picture of government officials preferring some media outlets over others when it comes to allowing full access.
Offend Someone, Go To Jail?
July 21, 2023 15:25 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBDaily Wire reporter Zach Jewell explains the details of a bill moving through the Michigan Legislature that would criminalize certain speech under the guise of combating "hate speech". The bill, if passed into law, would allow prosectution for speech that causes someone to feel threatened or harrassed. Critics say the idea could allow liberal prosecutors to file charges subjectively when they oppose political or cultural statements.
SCOTUS Speaks: Remove Race From The College Admission Critieria. Let's Talk About The Bigger Picture
July 19, 2023 15:31 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBKenny Xu, president of Color Us United, reacts to the Supreme Court's ruling that bans the use of race in college and university admissions. Xu discusses why he agrees with the ruling and how he hopes the change affects the future of the nation. Xu's new book is School Of Woke.
How DARE You Feed The Hungry (without government)!
July 18, 2023 17:08 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBA Twitter dispute between two Missouri lawmakers led to a larger discussion over how those in need should be helped and what the role of government shou;d (and should not be). State Representative Doug Richey, who is also a pastor, was criticized by a Democratic colleague after he posted a compliment to his youth group after they served thousands of meals to those in need in their community.
Why DId The US Supreme Court Strike Down Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness Plan?
July 17, 2023 16:07 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBPacific Legal Foundation's Caleb Kruchknberg breaks down what the US Supreme Court decided - and didn't decide - in its ruling that stuck down the Biden Administration's program to forgive billions of dollards in student loan debt.
Hurting America's Vulnerable By Getting Crime Policy Wrong
July 11, 2023 15:41 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBGabe Nadales from Our America assesses the uptick in violent crime in many US cities and some of the criminal justice reforms being proposed and tried to address it.
That OTHER Big Supreme Court Ruling: Courts, Legislatures, And Your Elections
July 11, 2023 15:25 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBProfessor Derek Muller from the University of Iowa assesses the US Supreme Court's Moore vs Harper decision. That decision upheld the role of courts in the process to draw district lines. At issue was a dispute over whether the North Carolina Supreme Court can check the State Legislature's authority to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
Why Does The Federal Government Still Listen To The Southern Poverty Law Center And Why Does That Matter To You?
July 11, 2023 15:04 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBRedState.com writer Jeff Charles reacts to the Southern Poverty Law Center's addition of Moms For Liberty (and other conservative groups) to their list of "hate groups". While SPLC is a private non profit group, published reports say they regularly meet with the Biden Administration to consult the Administration on policy. Charles discusses why this could lead to suppressed speech by those who disagree with the government and why he does not believe the SPLC should be considered a credible o...
Sound Of Freedom
July 11, 2023 14:38 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBRecorded right before it debuted in theaters around the country, this conversation with Matt Osborne from Operation Underground Railroad (OUR Rescue) describes the work they do and how that resulted in creation of Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel. The film is based on true events and spotlights the growing child trafficking industry.
Why Civics Education Matters
July 10, 2023 17:03 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBBethany Mandel, author of the Heroes Of Liberty childrens' book series and coauthor of the new book, Stolen Youth, discusses the concerns she and many others have about falling civics test scores in the US. She says the trend has educational, cultural, and policy conseqences in the future.
The State Of Religious Freedom In America
July 10, 2023 16:43 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBJeremy Dyes from the First Liberty Institute reflects on the effect of the US Supreme Court's "Coach Kennedy" religious freedom case. That ruling is now one year old and Dyes says Americans are now more free than we were before, at least when it comes to religious freedom. The discussion also includes what's next in the debate over religious freedom, especially in public life.
Prosecuting Self Defense: The Cautionary Tale Of Daniel Penny
July 10, 2023 15:27 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBA fight in New York City reignites the debate over using force to protect yourself and others. Daniel Penny subdued Jordan Neeley in a subway after he and witnesses say Neeley was threatening people. Protesters and prosecutors say the maneuver Penny used to subdue Neeley was a choke hold and caused hit death illegally. Daniel Penny has been indicted in the case. Sgt Betsy Brantner Smith from the National Police Association explains some basics about self defense, the law and what to expect i...
One Year After Dobbs: What's Next For The Prolife Movement And The Women They Are Reaching Out To?
July 10, 2023 15:15 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBTammy Kocher from Minnesota-based New Life Family Services discusses how things have changed for their pregnancy resource centers since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade in 2022. The discussion includes changes in the law and in the safety of their centers, employees, and clients.
Affirm Your Child's Gender Dysforia Or Be Charged With A Crime? Another Extreme Idea From California
July 07, 2023 15:40 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBBob Hoge from RedState.com explains a proposed law in California that would, if passed, criminalize refusal of parents to "affirm" a child's "gender identity". Hoge explains why he believes the bill attempts to include opposition to trans ideology in parenting to the list of child abuse and child welfare definitions in the state.
Yep. Some Politicians Want To Outlaw Gas Stoves
July 07, 2023 15:31 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBBen Lieberman from the Competitive Enterprise Institute updates us on the Biden Administration's efforts to reduce the number of gas stoves being used in the US. Among the reasons two federal agencies are claiming as reasons to phase out gas cooking are climate change activism and claims that gas stoves are unhealthy. Liberman examines and addresses the claims.
Interest Rates And Inflation: What It Means To You
July 07, 2023 15:21 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBBankrate.com analyst Greg McBride explains what the latest federal reserve interest rate hike means to American households. He also offers advice on how to adjust your personal finances in response to what's happended and what's likely to happen in the future.
Another Indictment Of Donald Trump
July 07, 2023 15:13 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBLandmark Legal Foundation's Mike O'Neil provides an explanation of the federal accusations against former Donald Trump in the latest indictment of the former president.
Why Biased Law Schools Could Affect You And Your Community
July 07, 2023 14:59 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBThe Heritage Foundation's Hans Von Spakovsky discusses trends in law schools around the country that he says is promoting radical leftism in law schools. The conversation also examines the possible consequences that could lead to in society.
Is Your Kid's Teacher Pushing A Sexual Agenda In The Classroom?
July 07, 2023 14:45 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBMaddie Dermon from the Freedom Foundation discusses the "Schools In Transition" material being supported by, among others, the National Education Association. Dermon says the publication is being used to promote transgender ideology to children, regardless of what the parents believe or want.
Making Health Care Cheaper And Better Without More Government
July 07, 2023 14:31 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBDean Clancy from Americans For Prosperity addresses the continuing rise in the cost of health care in America. He discusses why the costs have gone up and explores possible solutions to hep keep the costs down without sacrificing quality.
What Is A Hate Group?
July 07, 2023 14:20 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBThe Daily Signal's Tyler O'Neil discusses recent actions by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The SPLC added conservative adctivist group Moms 4 Liberty to their list of "hate groups". The conversaton examines how the SPLC regularly equates parental rights and other conservative groups with hate groups like the KKK.
The Political Divide: Not Just Liberal vs Conservative - Is It Becoming Women vs Men?
July 05, 2023 17:52 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBBrad Wilcox from the Institute for Family Studies looks at recent studies showing a trend regarding political and cultural beliefs. The data indicates that boys and young men are increasingly conservative while girls and young women are increasingly more liberal. Wilcox discusses the possible reasons for the change and the societal impacts this cold have,
Is Home Schooling Under Attack?
July 05, 2023 17:43 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBThea Showmake from HomeSchoolReadyOrNot.com responds to an article in the Washington Post that is critical of homeschooling. The article argues that homeschooling is losing support and participation around the country.
Is Your Child Lighting Up The Latest Threat From China?
July 05, 2023 17:25 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBRich Marianos is a former assistant director of the ATF and warns about threats to the nation through Chinese-made vaping products. Marianos says that, in addition to the health problems caused by the products, the devices are connected to organized crime and target underage users.
The President And The Speaker Make A Deal - Why Some Conservatives Pushed Back
July 05, 2023 17:10 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBShortly after President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy announce a spending agreement that suspends the nation's "debt ceiling", several conservative members of Congress objected. Eventually, the deal was passed. In this discussion, Americans For Limited Government's Rick Manning explains what is in the deal and what the possible consequences of it are.
Dodgers vs Catholics: Honoring The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence And What That Says To People Of Faith
June 29, 2023 18:18 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBTommy Valentine from Catholic Vote explains why they are mobilizing a campaign against the Los Angeles Dodgers in response to their decision to honor "The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence", which mocks Catholic imagery as part of their LGBT activism. * image from the Sisters of perpetual Indulgence website.
Social Media And Mental Health: Is Being Online Hurting Your Kids?
June 29, 2023 18:01 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBJessica Melugin from the Competititve Enterprise Institute responds to US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's announcment that a mental health advisory has been issued, warning parents that time on social media could be hurting the mental health of children. The Biden Administration also announced the formation of a task formed to, among other things, suggest regulations on social media and other technology platforms.