American Viewpoints
728 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 20 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
Show 2021-15 Segment 2 Should The Pause On A Vaccine Pause Your Plans To Get Vaccinated?
April 20, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 8.25 MBR. Street Institute Research Fellow Chelsea Boyd addresses the “pause” on distributing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19. Boyd explains why governments and medical professionals pause the usage of a pharmaceutical even if there’s no direct evidence the drug is harmful. She also addresses some of the concerns mentioned by those who choose not to get the vaccine.
Show 2021-15 Segment 1 Police Reform? Overcriminalization? The Realities Of Crime? What's The Correct Starting Point For Improving Justice In America?
April 19, 2021 15:12 - 10 minutes - 9.16 MBReason Magazine writer Billy Binion reacts to the shooting death of Daunte Wright in Minnesota. While it turns out that Wright was wanted on a warrant connected to a violent crime, Binion looks at the broader discussion of conflict between citizens and law enforcement.
Show 2021-14 Segment 4 What Being Ronald Reagan's Right-Hand Woman Taught Peggy Grande
April 15, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.93 MBPeggy Grande was Ronald Reagan’s executive assistant for ten years immediately following his tenure as President. She discusses working with him and the accounts of that time that are included in her book, The President Will See You Now. The segment also includes a report from Public News Service about post-COVID mental health concerns, especially in young people.
Show 2021-14 Segment 3 MLB's All Star Protest: Important Corporate Activism, Virtue Signaling, Or Woke Hypocrisy?
April 14, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBDaily Signal White House correspondent Fred Lucas assesses and critiques Major League Baseball’s decision to relocate the 2021 All Star Game and related festivities from Atlanta to Denver. MLB says the decision is in protest of a new election reform law that some claim harms minority voters’ ability to participate in elections. Lucas points out what he calls hypocrisy of the organization by comparing the demographic makeups of the two cities and by comparing Colorado’s voting laws with the ne...
Show 2021-14 Segment 2 An Economist Says The Correct Minimum Wage, By Law, Should Be $0.00. Here's Why.
April 13, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 8.25 MBEconomist Victor Claar, PhD, discusses his recent Discourse.com article about minimum wage policy. Claar, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, argues against any federal minimum wage law. The conversation includes both an overall economic look at the issue and an examination of the current minimum wage debate. Here's his article on the topic: https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2021/03/74720/
Show 2021-14 Segment 1 Should Businesses Stay Politically Active Or Get "Back To Neutral"?
April 12, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.16 MBRick Manning, president of Americans For Limited Government, discusses a new center-right coalition his organization joined in response to recent corporate political activism. The campaign, called “Back To Neutral”, calls for businesses to reject pressures to get involved in partisan politics. Manning explains why the coalition says broad corporate political activism is bad for the country and their businesses. * image courtesy of the National Center for Public Policy Research
Show 2021-13 Segment 4 Countering Bias In Education: Resources For Families And Teachers
April 08, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.92 MBPrager University’s Director of Outreach for the PREP program, Jill Simonian, explains why the conservative organization created a program to provide parents and teachers with educational resources they say gives a balance to biased programs and curriculum being used in K-12 schools now. PREP stands for PragerU Resources for Educators and Parents.
Show 2021-13 Segment 3 Why Some States Are Suing The Biden Administration And What It Could Mean To You
April 07, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.16 MBMissouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is one of several Attorneys General who are suing the Biden Administration over executive orders that, he says, exceed presidential authority when it comes to policy decisions. Specifically, the lawsuits deal with the stoppage of the Keystone XL pipeline and the moratorium on drilling for oil and natural gas on federal lands. Schmitt also addresses a lawsuit pertaining to a part of the American Rescue Plan (COVID relief spending bill) that seems to ban s...
Show 2021-13 Segment 2 Ready To Travel Again? You Might Want To Double Check The Status Of Your Credits
April 06, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MBCreditCards.com analyst and reporter Ted Rossman provides advice for those who have unused airline or other travel credits due to trips cancelled during the COVID pandemic. For some airlines, the credits may expire without refund soon. Rossman explains how to get clarification from the airline or credit card companies and provides tips on ways to preserve the availability of the credits. Rossman also discusses ways some financial companies have expanded their rewards programs to include more ...
Show 2021-13 Segment 1 Former Gov. Scott Walker's Long Game Through The Young America's Foundation
April 05, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBFormer Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker discusses “The Long Game” project of the Young America’s Foundation, of which he is now president. The project focuses on countering left-leaning and left-wing bias in education, media, and culture through messaging focused on college students, high school, students and younger students. The project includes issue and ideological-based content on social media, speakers on college/university campuses, and legal actions against efforts to block conservativ...
Show 2021-12 Segment 4 What The Heck Is "Hybrid Homeschooling" And Should It Be The Future Of Education?
April 01, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBMike McShane, PhD, the National Director of Research for Ed Choice, discusses his new book, Hybrid Homeschooling, which argues for more flexible K-12 education. McShane’s research started prior to the COVID pandemic and related school closures and includes lessons learned from both data, case studies, and the impact of the shutdowns. McShane suggests a system that blends parental and school control, more educational choice, and fewer days in the physical classroom.
Show 2021-12 Segment 3 Right To Work Versus (RTW) Right To Organize (PRO)
March 31, 2021 14:22 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBSean Higgins from the Competitive Enterprise Institute compares two labor law proposals in Congress: the National Right To Work Act and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Among those impacted if either of these bills becomes law are employers, labor unions, non-union workers, and freelance “gig” workers (including ride share drivers, photographers, and entertainers). *image from CEI.org
Show 2021-12 Segment 2 Big Spending. Big Debt. The Good And Bad Of The Latest COVID Relief Spending.
March 30, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBNational Taxpayers Union president Pete Sepp discusses the potential long-term effects of the massive COVID relief spending plan that is behind payments going to most US households now. He also critiques the idea of another multi-trillion dollar infrastructure spending plan with no specific mechanism to deal with the resulting debt. Sepp argues for limited support to some households and businesses while also saying spending should be reduced in other areas. He also explains why he hopes to se...
Show 2021-12 Segment 1 What Is An Article V Convention Of The States? Find Out Why Millions Are Asking For One
March 29, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBConvention of States president Mark Meckler argues for an Article V Convention of States to be called in order to amend the United States Constitution. His effort has already been approved by 15 states, butting the campaign near the halfway point of what is needed. Meckler explains the process as outlined in the Constitution, the specific areas his group wants to see addressed with constitutional amendments, and answers objections raised by opponents. * image from ConventionOfStates.com
Show 2021-11 Segment 4 Big Checks To You. Big Checks To Businesses. Big Impact On Jobs?
March 26, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBBankrate.com Senior Analyst Mark Hamrick assesses the recently passed stimulus spending plan. He discusses both the short term and long term economic effects but, more importantly, how the stimulus payments to households and additional subsidies of businesses could change current job conditions.
Show 2021-11 Segment 3 Can LGBT Rights And Religious Freedom Coexist In America Today?
March 25, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBReligious freedom and LQBT rights are colliding in many aspects of the law, the courts, and in culture. World Magazine reporter Steve West discusses the conflicts and two approaches to public policy that seem to be competing. One would make exceptions for religious organizations to LGBT rights laws and policies. The other would not allow for religious objections or exemptions from local, state, or federal nondiscrimination standards, which could result in forcing some faith-based groups to vi...
Show 2021-11 Segment 2 Does Racial Equity Demand Democrats' "For The People Act"
March 24, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBChris Arps from Project 21 (a national network of black conservatives) discusses the “For The People Act” and other efforts to reform elections in the US. Arps disagrees with the assertion that many liberal proposals are needed as part of making voting more accessible to minorities. He also pushes back against the argument that changes including universal mail in voting, automatic voter registration, and ballot harvesting are part of achieving racial equity.
Show 2021-11 Segment 1 What Can Silent Cal Teach Us In 2021?
March 23, 2021 16:17 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBAmity Shlaes from the Coolidge Foundation relates the content of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge, which she co-edited, to today’s political climate. The conversation includes discussion of changing mindsets of those in (or who pursue) political power, partisan dynamics, and a lack of clear messaging of party platforms in today’s politics.
Show 2021-10 Segment 4 How High Will Gas Prices Go?
March 18, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBConsumer Affairs’ Mark Huffman discusses recent increases in gas prices and explains why those prices are likely to continue to go up over the spring and summer. He also provides an update on the stimulus payments recently approved by Congress and President Biden. Huffman provides consumer advice regarding credit card costs and potential taxes as well.
Show 2021-10 Segment 3 Are Politics To Blame When Schools Are Still Closed?
March 17, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBLandmark Legal Foundation’s Mike O’Neill discusses the politics behind the decisions to keep schools partially or completely closed to in-person learning in many parts of the country. O’Neill focuses on the political power of teachers’ unions and their work to keep classes online or not happening at all.
Show 2021-10 Segment 2 When Can We Ditch The Mask And Get Back To Normal?
March 17, 2021 02:13 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBDr. Roger Klein, a clinical pathologist and former advisor to the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services, comments on the updated CDC guidelines for those who have received COVID vaccinations or have recovered from the virus. Klein, now with the Regulatory Transparency Project, argues that many of the precautions still being promoted (and, in some cases, mandated) may not be necessary still and also says there could be unintended consequences of continuing the current policies.
Show 2021-10 Segment 1 Using Their Platform Or Alienating Customers: The House Of Mouse Goes Liberal. Should Big Business Get Back To Neutral?
March 15, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBNational Center for Public Policy Research Vice President David Almasi discusses his brief exchange with Disney CEO Bob Chapek over what Almasi says are cultural and business double standards. Almasi asked Chapek about Disney’s decision to fire conservative actress Gina Carano after she posted controversial statements on social media but did not respond to controversial posts & tweets from liberal actors. The exchange was part of a Disney shareholder meeting. Almasi the addresses the trend of...
Show 2021-09 Segment 4 Rebuilding America's Economy After The COVID Shutdowns: Is More Government Spending The Answer?
March 11, 2021 13:48 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBAmerican Legislative Exchange Council Chief Economist Jonathan Williams reviews recent government spending designed to address hardships caused during the COVID19 pandemic. He discusses the current debate over another COVID relief bill and other economic proposals being debated in Congress.
Show 2021-09 Segment 3 Government Approval Of News Coverage And Opinion? The Push To Run Conservative Media Out Of Business
March 10, 2021 15:15 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBCan you have too many choices to get news coverage and opinions to consider? In this segment, the Free Enterprise Project’s Scott Shepard discusses efforts by some members of Congress to pressure media companies into dropping specific news and opinion programming based on which viewpoints are shared. The Members of Congress specifically called for conservative channels, including FOX News, One American News Network, and Newsmax TV to be discontinued by private cable and streaming carriers. S...
Show 2021-09 Segment 2 The Future Of Conservatism (and the GOP) in America and the Trump Factor
March 09, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBProf. Hunter Baker of Union University assesses the state of the conservative movement in America. Dr. Baker evaluates the ideological changes happening within conservative and Republican ranks and the challenges that face them. Baker comments on the history of the voter bases of both major parties and assesses the role Donald Trump could still have within the GOP regardless of whether he runs for president again or not.
Show 2021-09 Segment 1 Reforming Elections Or Rigging The Vote?
March 08, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe Heritage Foundation’s manager of their Election Law Reform Initiative, Hans Von Spakovsky, discusses the “For The People Act” proposed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several other Congressional Democrats. Spakovsky, a former member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, assesses the changes the bill would make and the effect those could have on elections and politics in the US.
Show 2021-08 Segment 4 Gina Carano, Cancel Culture, Free Speech, and Political Correctness In Business: How Much Is Too Much?
February 25, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBWashington Examiner columnist Brad Polumbo assesses the “cancel culture” controversy of actress Gina Carano being fired from Disney’s The Mandalorian after reaction to her social media postings. Polumbo explains why not all “cancels” are First Amendment issues but they are likely cultural and free market issues. The discussion includes the trend of politization of businesses.
Show 2021-08 Segment 3 Did Heavy-Handed Responses To COVID Work?
February 24, 2021 21:12 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe data from many, maybe most, parts of the US indicate that the rate of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are all decreasing. American Commitment’s Phil Kerpen discusses some of the responses to the virus that resulted in job losses, negative economic effects on many areas, a hiatus on education for children, and the emotional tolls on individuals. Kerpen argues that lessons learned from the fight against coronavirus should include avoiding overreach by government into the p...
Show 2021-08 Segment 2 What Went Wrong In Texas?
February 23, 2021 14:17 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBInstitute for Energy Research Director Kenny Stein assesses the situation that led to millions of Americans being without power in Texas during a recent winter storm. Among the topics discussed are the region’s reliance on renewable energy, federal regulations that slowed down the response to the increased demand for electricity, and accusations of the utilities and government being unprepared.
Show 2021-08 Segment 1 Code of Vets: Moving Quickly To Meet Veterans' Immediate Needs
February 22, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBCode of Vets is a non profit that provides emergency funding to veterans who are at risk of eviction and/or have other immediate financial needs. Those needs could include utility payments to avoid shutoff, auto repairs, or money for groceries. Gretchen Smith explains how the organization vets the applicants and quickly raises the funds to meet the immediate physical needs online, mostly through Twitter. She also discusses why veterans are often in need of help once they return to civilian li...
Show 2021-07 Segment 4 Comparing And Contrasting The Clinton And Trump Impeachments
February 18, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBNote: This interview was recorded prior to the US Senate's vote to acquit former President Donald Trump a second time. R. Street Institute Senior Fellow Paul Rosenzweig served the Starr Commission as senior counsel while that group investigated accusations against then-President Bill Clinton. In this conversation, Rosenzweig assesses the impeachment case against Donald Trump. Even though he’s a self-described conservative, Rosenzweig provides a constitutional and historical context in argui...
Show 2021-07 Segment 3 Adjusting Your Approach To Business And Personal Relationships During The COVID-Zoom Era
February 17, 2021 17:07 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBDr. Michelle Rozen, author and founder of Success Academy, offers advice on improving interpersonal relationships now that the way we communicate has changed and increasingly gone online via Zoom calls. With fewer in-person conversations with colleagues and more time together with family, Rozen says we must adapt to the changes in order to stay both emotionally healthy and productive.
Show 2021-07 Segment 2 Freedom Of Speech Online And With Your Money: It Shouldn't Be Partisan
February 16, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBFacebook is among the “Big Tech” companies backing a proposal to regulate speech and other content online. In this conversation, the Institute For Free Speech’s Luke Wachob provides the opposing perspective on both freedom of speech and anti-monopoly grounds. He also discusses the possible unintended consequences of efforts to require nonprofit think tanks to disclose all their donors in the same way political campaigns are required to make them public.
Show 2021-07 Segment 1 Conspiracy Theories And Political Violence On America's Right
February 15, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBAmerican Enterprise Institute’s Daniel Cox, director of the Survey Center On American Life, discusses the troubling findings of their new research that shows an increasing number of Americans are willing to view violence as a legitimate tool for political or social change. While both extremes of the political spectrum have individuals willing to use violence, the survey shows a surprising percentage of those on the Right in that category. The conversation also includes the increase in accepta...
Show 2021-06 Segment 4 Momentum Is Building For School Choice
February 14, 2021 19:46 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBSchool choice week recently concluded and, this year, it's a little different. That's because more school choice bills are moving in more state legislatures. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of children are now learning from home. Or not. That's fueled an increase in support for school choice options. Education Freedom Institute Executive Director Corey DeAngelis explains what that could mean for families around the country.
Show 2021-06 Segment 3 Improving Education? Then Encourage Teachers And Kids To Think Like Entrepreneurs
February 14, 2021 19:27 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBBeing an entrepreneur isn't just about starting a business. It's about solving challenges. That's according to the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative's Gary Schoeniger. Their upcoming webinar series, "Entrepreneurship In Education" focuses on improving what kids learn by changing how they learn.
Show 2021-06 Segment 2 Speech First Takes On Another University. Why The Push For Freedom Of Speech On Campus Matters Off Campus
February 14, 2021 16:54 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBSpeech First president Nicole Neily provides an update on their settlement with the University of Illinois. The University imposed multiple regulations on political flyers and other opinion-based speech on campus, which Speech First fought through a lawsuit. Neily provides details of the regulations, why they challenged them, and why she says the affect of anti free speech policies on public campuses extends off campus. In other words, why should you care?
Show 2021-06 Segment 1 Fake News vs Disinformation vs Truth: Can Media Literacy Be Taught Objectively?
February 08, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBTexas State University journalism professor Amber Hinsley discusses the trend of several states adding media literacy to school curriculum. The conversation includes what media literacy should be and why the skill is needed more each day. While media literacy and the ability to think through bias is important, can it be taught objectively in 2021?
Show 2021-05 Segment 4 Making More Room For Conservatives And Libertarians Online In The Deplatforming Era
February 04, 2021 14:03 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBRightforge co-founder Martin Avila explains why the BadBigTech.com web project was launched. It’s in reaction to what conservatives say is bias in both the media, especially social media, and among the largest technical companies in the world. The deplatforming of Parler is one of the examples of “Big Tech” bias used as an example of conservative and libertarian viewpoints being limited or banned on some sites.
Show 2021-05 Segment 3 Should Churches And Other Houses Of Worship Tell Government "No" To Shutdown Orders?
February 03, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBDavid Closson, Director of Christian Ethics at the Family Research Council, discusses the ongoing restrictions placed on churches and other houses of worship throughout the country. The conversation addresses First Amendment implications, the possible effect on public health, and the importance of faith communities in culture.
Show 2021-05 Segment 2 Can Government Give Americans A Raise? A Look At Minimum Wage, Taxes, And Regulations When The Economy Needs A Boost
February 02, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBHoward Wall, PhD, the Director of the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise at Lindenwood University explains some of the current discussions happening in government and media. This includes the call to increase the minimum wage throughout the country to $15.00 per hour.
Show 2021-05 Segment 1 Taxes, Energy, And Jobs: Grover Norquist Assesses America's Economy During The Biden Years
February 01, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBAmericans For Tax Reform President Grover Norquist assesses the first days of the Biden Administration and the balance of political power in Congress. The discussion covers multiple debates happening in government and throughout the country, including the President’s decision to stop the Keystone XL oil pipeline project.
Show 2021-04 Segment 4 The Other Part Of The Conversation About Eviction Moratoriums
January 28, 2021 13:22 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBPacific Legal Foundation Attorney Damien Schiff discusses a specific case they are working on that could have larger implications to the trend of government-ordered moratoriums on evictions. Schiff provides a perspective from that of the landlords. In this case, the owner of a business property who is not receiving rent payments because the business – while considered “essential” and is still open – is protected from evictions and other actions during the declared emergency.
Show 2021-04 Segment 3 A Better Way To Contain COVID?
January 27, 2021 18:14 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBHeritage Foundation Senior Fellow Doug Badger explains the advancement in development of COVID-19 rapid testing and talks about the possible ways that can help curb the spread of the virus.
Show 2021-04 Segment 2 Looking Ahead To The Biden Era
January 26, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBLas Vegas Review-Journal reporter and columnist Deb Saunders discusses the inauguration of President Joe Biden, his first days in office, and the agenda he’s laid out for this term. She also assesses the political and cultural realities he’s be working with and against.
Show 2021-04 Segment 1 Matt Kibbe On How Conservatives And Libertarians Should Respond To Biden's Policy Plans (Hint: NOT By Storming The US Capitol)
January 25, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBMatt Kibbe, CEO of Free The People and host of the Kibbe On Liberty (podcasthttps://freethepeople.org/kibbe-on-liberty-podcast/), addresses the current state of anxiety and tribalism in the country. Among the topics are violence in protests, near-apocalyptic language used by some in discussing politics, and ways opposition to the President’s agenda (conservatives and libertarians in particular) can effectively engage the process and culture.
Show 2021-03 Segment 4 Workers Say They Need Raises. What To Do If That's Not Happening Right Now.
January 21, 2021 12:09 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBTaylor Leamey, a financial analyst for TheSimpleDollar.com, explains their new survey that finds a majority of Americans say they need a raise to keep up with financial demands. Since many companies are struggling due to COVID-related shutdown orders, Leamey also offers suggestions on generating additional income through “gig work”.
Show 2021-03 Segment 3 Don't Just Worry About The Coronavirus. Watch Out For COVID-Related Scams
January 20, 2021 14:52 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBBBB investigator Rebecca Phoenix describes some of the current COVID-related scams they are seeing. Some are attempts to steal stimulus payments and others capitalize on COVID fears like protective equipment shortages. She offers advice on spotting scams and how to protect both personal information and financial information.
Show 2021-03 Segment 2 Security Or Weaponizing Safety For Politics?
January 19, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBPopular columnist and podcast host Hannah Cox (Newsmax, Washington Examiner, Foundation for Economic Education) discusses her op-ed about the US “No Fly” list. Because some elected officials are calling for placing some protesters on the list, there are renewed concerns about the program being used for politics and not just security.
Show 2021-03 Segment 1 Is Political Speech To Blame For The Capitol Riots? And Does The First Amendment Apply To Big Tech?
January 18, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBJohn Inazu, law professor at Washington University in St. Louis, addresses the debates over free speech, hate speech, and inciting violence that is currently dominating our headlines. Among the topics discussed are whether there are (or should be) any limits on political speech and whether the First Amendment applies in the private marketplace, including on social media. Dr. Inazu provides perspective on the legal and ethical issues involved.