Category: Economics

Corona Virus Numbers Overreaction? Plus: Intelligence Failure in China?

Corona Virus Numbers Overreaction? Plus: Intelligence Failure in China?

Show Summary: Societal, economic, and health care emergency policies appear to be mainly driven by a single model. Why are we ignoring other studies? Are policymakers overreacting to corona virus models? Why did Governor Kate Brown limit access to COVID19 drugs? Was China a massive intelligence failure? Was it on purpose?

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: April 4th & 5th, 2020 | Dr. Bud Pierce & Scott McEwen

This Week: Societal, economic, and health care emergency policies appear to be mainly driven by a single model. Why are we ignoring other studies? Has there been an overreaction? Why are we ignoring other studies? Like the one from Oxford that shows all this quarantining is disrupting the natural and normal process of developing “herd immunity.”

Overreaction to the Corona Virus Numbers: Feardemic?

We talk with Dr. Bud Pierce to get his take. As a doctor and the former Republican candidate for governor. What would have done? Has this been a massive overreaction?

And what’s up with Gov. Kate Brown limiting access to COVID19 drugs? She says she doesn’t want to have hospitals overrun — so why not allow people access to hydroxychloroquine to prevent them from needing hospitalization?

Why was Oregon so incredibly unprepared for an emergency?

Ask the Doctor

Dr. Bud Pierce will be on again next week. If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email them to mark@ispyradio.com or tweet them to @ispyradio.

And what about China?

Was China and the spread of the corona virus a massive intelligence failure? How did our intel community drop the ball so badly on this? Could it have been intentional?

Since you’re trapped inside anyway, be sure to check out Scott’s latest book: Trigger Mechanism. Great for young adults but adults will love it too

Before you shake your head, thinking that’s not possible, remember: in 2017, Democrats and the mainstream media were urging the intelligence community to not give President Trump accurate intelligence briefings and to withhold information. Still sound far-fetched?

We talk with best-selling author, Scott McEwen about it. Scott’s books are all about the military and intelligence, so no surprise he is talking to people in the military and intelligence communities.

And the big question: so what do we do next year? When there’s another virus or another strain of this one?

Podcast Version

Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Corona Virus Bailout Rescue Plan | Will We Avoid Economic Disaster?

Corona Virus Bailout Rescue Plan | Will We Avoid Economic Disaster?

Show Summary: Congress passed its Corona Virus bailout rescue bill. Will it be enough to avoid economic disaster? What’s next for all those states (like Oregon) that decided to shut down all those businesses? Plus, a little left wing myth busting.

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: March 28 & 29, 2020 | Jonathan Williams

This Week: It’s dicey in the US, no two ways to about it. And it’s hard to know what or whom to trust. Like recent reports came to light that the small group scientists behind the much-vaunted study—that the White House and governments all around the world relied on to make drastic, economy-altering decisions that they did—may have drastically overstated the numbers.

Corona Virus Numbers: Were they Way off?

British scientist Neil Ferguson, using a computer model, had predicted 2.2 million Americans and more than half a million Brits would be killed. Now he and his team are backtracking on their modeling numbers.

During testimony to the U.K’s parliament, he now predicts U.K. deaths from the disease will not exceed 20,000, and could be much lower. That means, their initial estimates were 25 times higher than they should have been.

This comes as Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, reportedly said the administration was particularly focused on his report.  The doctor now has walked back those predictions and clearly stated that the actual numbers of those infected by the virus do not match the computer models (because they’re much lower).

Corona Virus Bailout Passes

The economic and public health policies we’re seeing enacted now have been based recommendations from advisers who used those overstated numbers, which has shut the American economy down.

Did Donald Trump just use the Corona Virus Bailout to gain control of The Fed…? Check this out from Yahoo News

As the stocks tanked, Trump has pushed back with a stimulus package to get cash into the hands of American workers who have been laid off. Or have lost their jobs.  Small businesses will have loans and grants available to keep them afloat as Trump pushes to get new policies in place for Americans to go back to work.

Corona Virus Bailout: Did they Get it (Mostly) Right?

But will the Corona virus bailout bill work? To get Americans – and America – back to work?

We welcome back Chief Economist for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Jonathan Williams, to analyze what’s been happening, and what’s likely to happen.

Read Jonathan’s Op-Ed in The Hill that he mentioned on the show – “A Free-Market Approach to Reviving the Economy Amid COVID-19 Distress

Jonathan—who, like ALEC, believes in smaller government and fewer regulations—walks us through the details and impacts of this massive aid package. You’ll come away with a broader understanding of what’s happening, why smaller government consistently works, and, we hope, we’ll soothe some nerves and calm some fear.  We discuss what the package will be doing, what it could do, and also some problems still on the horizon, especially for states that may have hastily sold their economic souls based on bad numbers.

Another very full show—including some myth busting of Leftist anti-business policies that you won’t want to miss.

Check it Out! President Trump Posts Inspiring Corona Virus Video: “Hope”

Podcast Version

Links Mentioned

  • Jonathan Williams’ organization is the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC. Their website is alec.org and Jonathan Williams’ websites:  www.alec.org &  www.RichStatesPoorStates.org
  • Creative Policy Ideas to Address COVID-19 (via ALEC)
  • Definition of a recession (via Investopedia)
  • Remember when: “Oregon lawmakers weigh odds of a recession, as reserves grow” (Oregonian, Jan 2019)
  • More on the “wisdom of the crowd” – Lorenz, J., Rauhut, H., Schweitzer, F., & Helbing, D. (2011). How social influence can undermine the wisdom of crowd effect. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(22), 9020–9025.
  • The Scientist Whose Doomsday Pandemic Model Predicted Armageddon Just Walked Back The Apocalyptic Predictions (The Federalist, Mar. 26, 2020)
  • Not mentioned but here’s a breakdown of the spending bill: “Here’s a breakdown of the $2T coronavirus bailout” (NY Post, March 27, 2020)

Related Links

As the Corona Virus War Battles On… Hope

As the Corona Virus War Battles On… Hope

Show Summary: The media-induced panic-mongering over the corona virus reached new heights this week. Or maybe lows. In either case, with their focus on panic, it means they’re overlooking the good news. Also, Timber Unity takes action in Oregon to get leaders with common sense into office.

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: Mar. 21 & 22, 2020 | James Hirsen & Angelita Sanchez

This Week: As much of America starts slowing down, self-quarantining, or through social distancing, we’ve had to rely on the very media that many have wondered if they will ever be truthful, as we assess our way through this challenge. Difficult times for sure.

Challenges that we never imagined a few weeks ago, after a big win to stop Oregon’s cap and trade bill. Only to end up faced with corona virus, which many states’ governors have used to shut down the economy in their states.

To get a handle on these issues we talk to two people: attorney, James Hirsen, who specializes in media psychology, and Timber Unity’s spokesperson, and small business owner, Angelita Sanchez.

Media’s Corona Virus Panic-Mongering

To help the media, here's a handy visual aid, showing where corona virus didn't start
To help the media, here’s a handy visual aid, showing where corona virus didn’t start

First up is James Hirsen, offering his insights on the media’s irresponsibility on their reporting—or misreporting. And what a shame that truly is. President Trump fights to correct problems that Americans are facing—while having to fight off both media and Democrats attacks every step of the way. Apparently, the constant fight the last three years has given him the experience he needed to deal with Corona Virus.

It’s bad enough when the media lies or pushes outright hoaxes, but its perhaps even worse when many times the good news from the president, goes completely unreported.  Instead the, media spends their energy sensationalizing the news, the very information we try to depend on to try to make good decisions for our businesses and families.

 

Timber Unity: How are Truckers Dealing with Corona Virus?

Then up next, Angelita Sanchez who takes a more personalized approach as she helps us to understand what our nation’s truckers are experiencing; many of whom are small-businesses owners.

Tune in to hear what this vital industry is faced with, as vendors they depend on for work are shut down by government.  She not only gives us insights into the big challenges, and her own personal struggles. Angelita was fortunate enough to join a select number of small business owners for a group telephone call with the President and White House staff to hear how he’s going to help keep small businesses whole.  The aid package includes cash help and some loans for disaster help.  She says it gave her hope. What she shares will give you hope too.

Lots of information packed into an hour that you don’t want to miss.

Podcast Version

Links Mentioned

Related Links, Corona Virus, etc.

 

A Lifeboat of Sanity in a Sea of Panic | Corona Virus and the Markets

A Lifeboat of Sanity in a Sea of Panic | Corona Virus and the Markets

Show Summary: There’s a lot of panic about the Corona Virus. Don’t give into panic. Good information kills panic, and we’ve got some for you. Including some really good news.

Original Air Dates: Mar, 14 & 15, 2020 | Kevin Freeman

This Week: There’s been a huge selloff on the stock market this past week due in large part over panic and concern about the Corona virus. How is it that, with little data, and over 70,000 people who have already recovered, people, governments, and financial markets are responding with borderline hysteria?

As our host, Mark Anderson, has so aptly quoted many times during the financial hysteria, is the line from It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s where there’s a run on the local savings and loan with all the town folk panicking when Jimmy Stewart’s character, George Baily says, “Potter isn’t selling. Potter’s buying!”

Potters, or their modern-day equivalents  like George Soros—are always happy to take advantage of hysteria in the markets.

Don’t give in to it.

Corona Virus Panic and the Stock Markets

It’s amazing. To watch Twitter or Facebook, it’s almost as if people want to panic. They spread hysterical news coverage. But don’t want to hear good news. And actual good news is lost in the maelstrom of panic.

For example, here’s some good news you didn’t hear in the mainstream media: there is already a vaccine for the Corona Virus. Yes. Earlier this week, we got word that a Pentagon-funded company already has the vaccine, will be ready to go as soon as the FDA approves, and can make up to 10 million doses daily in their plant alone. And, the really amazing thing is that they managed to develop it a mere 20 days after receiving the virus’s genetic sequence. This isn’t some incredible virus that will wipe us out if they can develop a vaccine in only 20 days.  (Here, read the story for yourself.) And what’s been the response?  Nothing, but more panic.

And, of course, there’s been no place more prone to Corona Virus panic than the stock markets.

Sorting out the Corona Virus Panic

Dow pops 1,985 points as Trump enlists Google, Walmart in coronavirus fight. Lou Dobbs, who has been panicky, got an autographed copy.
Dow pops 1,985 points as Trump enlists Google, Walmart in coronavirus fight. Lou Dobbs, who has been panicky, got an autographed copy

So we invited Kevin Freeman to the show, a world-renowned expert on financial terrorism and economic warfare, to discuss just what it is we’re seeing in the current market sell off, and why.

Kevin, whose Economic War Room show can been seen on The Blaze TV, gives us insights on not only the problems, but also the strength of the US economy.  He talks about Trump’s strategies, and why it’s okay to stop the panic and feel good about our nations, financial position, and outlook.

Good News! Johns Hopkins, which has the “official” Corona Virus Map, also ranks America as the #1 country in the world for preparedness and being able to handle the Corona Virus

Catch Kevin’s Corona Virus special Economic War Room show on XO Tv.

When it comes to the Corona Virus, it’s Simple: Don’t Panic

Worried about CoronaVirus? Don’t be. It’s okay to be concerned, but don’t fall into worry. And definitely don’t give in to panic.

That said, while you may not be panicked, be aware that others may be panicked. Here’s some things to do:

Corona Virus / CoVid19 Preventative Measures

  • Wash your hands! We can’t stress this enough. Simple hot water and soap kill the Corona Virus. Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer is great but there’s a reason. Here’s why: Hot water and soap It turns out viruses like Covid19 have a “skin” of fat. Hot water + soap breaks down the fat, effectively popping the balloon, and the whole thing falls apart like a house of cards. Good thread explaining it, here.

Signs & Symptoms of Corona Virus

The first thing to do is: not panic. But if you think you might have COVID19, here are some signs and symptoms:

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of common human Corona viruses are:

  • runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough, and a general feeling of being unwell.
  • Human Corona viruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. These symptoms are more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

Some other Corona Virus / COVID19 tips from the CDC and Johns Hopkins:

  • Stock up – Have 14 days of food and supplies on hand in case you’re quarantined. You may not be sick. Your family may not be sick. But some panic-stricken politicians, desperate to show they’re doing something are shutting down some areas. And 14 days is the norm. 
  • Did we mention wash your hands and face with hot water and soap? Heat  and good ol’ soap dissolves the fatty “skin” of the virus.
  • Avoid crowds; practice “social distancing”. Maybe if you’re a church leader, now is a good time to put a live stream on your church website so people can still attend, even if they’re not in the building. It could be a real opportunity to expand your audience and your reach.

Always look for opportunities!

Warning: More CoVid19 Panic is on the Way

We want to warn you. in the next couple of weeks, you will see another round of media-induced panic. Why? As more Corona Virus test kits hit the market, 1,000s or 10s of 1,000s of people will all  “suddenly” have the virus. Just like that.

Podcast version

Never Miss an I Spy Radio Show

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

 

Links Mentioned

Ways to watch Economic War Room

Oregon vs Oregon: Urban vs Rural, Politicians vs the People

Oregon vs Oregon: Urban vs Rural, Politicians vs the People

Download the podcast of this week's I Spy Radio Show
To download the show, right-click the mic, and then “Save Link As…” or use our handy player

Show Summary: Oregon’s economy is growing, but politicians want more taxes, including a carbon cap and trade. Why are Oregon politicians determined to ruin a good thing? There is great news out of Trump’s administration with their budget proposal. This should be a time to invest in Oregon, not punish Oregonians with a carbon cap and trade. Plus: Did Gov. Kate Brown and timber companies betray Timber Unity?

Original Air Dates: February 15 & 16, 2020 | Jonathan Williams & Dr. Bob Zybach

This Week: There is some good news that you’ve probably never heard before.

But before we get there, breaking this week were details of what we warned you about a few weeks ago. Details of Governor Brown’s secret meetings with timber companies have come to light, including the start of a deal between timber companies and environmental groups that is taking the wind out of Senate Republicans’ sails. A deal that, despite the 10,000 people who showed up Timber Unity had any say in.

And don’t think she didn’t know exactly why she was doing to sabotage Timber Unity. It is with the deepest sense of betrayal we see these kinds of tricks — instead of straightforward, honest discussions where all sides have a say.

The Good News: Trump Administration’s Exciting Budget Proposal

But, as we said, there is some good news and something you’ve probably never heard before: the words “exciting” and budget proposal” used in the same sentence.

This week we start our conversation with Jonathan Williams, of American Legislative Exchange Council. We’ll discuss with him Trump’s exciting budget proposal that does what so many fiscal conservatives have dreamt of: a return to a balanced budget, honest-to-goodness cuts in federal spending. Be sure to tune in and hear about the 6 million dead people who are finally going to get their checks cut off. Jonathan will also give us the honest-to-goodness look at Oregon’s economic outlook.  An article was recently published touting Oregon’s beating the national economic trends — but we dig into the reality.

The Bad News: Did Timber Betray Timber Unity?

Then we have Dr. Bob Zybach back due to the secret meeting Gov Kate has been having with 13 timber companies and environmental groups.  For someone who has defended the timber industries for decades, you can imagine this secret backroom deal felt like a real betrayal. We discuss the timing and look into the memorandum of understanding itself. We can only guess they’re trying to accomplish—because none of it makes sense.

But get used to this type of behavior if the cap and trade bill goes in.  Salem’s Democrats have purposefully put in measures to keep hidden from public records requests how the government will spend their new revenue. And to whom they will give it.

But we can guess.

Get the inside look at the backroom deals, this week on I Spy Radio. Don’t miss it!

Podcast Version

Never Miss an I Spy Radio Show

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

 

Links Mentioned

Related Links

  • [CHART] See Oregon’s GDP vs nation. Oregon GDP dollars ranks 25th (via US Bureau of Labor and Statistics
  • Democrats advance Oregon’s controversial climate change policy (OregonLive, Feb 13, 2020)
  • Oregon Department of Forestry requests emergency cash infusion as firefighting receivables outstanding (Statesman Journal, Feb 12, 2020)
  • Why The Green New Deal Would Destroy The Environment: The Green New Deal is anything but ‘clean’ or ‘green.’ Even the relatively modest numbers of solar and wind installations in the United States today are causing serious environmental damage. (The Federalist, Feb 12, 2020)
Timber Unity: The Fight is On

Timber Unity: The Fight is On

Download the podcast of this week's I Spy Radio Show
To download the show, right-click the mic, and then “Save Link As…” or use our handy player

Show Summary: Timber Unity 2020 rally is Thursday, February 6 at 10 a.m. This week we give you the latest — attempts by Gov. Brown to sabotage things, what elected Dems really think about rural people, and some intellectual ammo to take with you to the rally.

Air Dates: February 1 & 2, 2020 | Angelita Sanchez & Chuck Wiese

This Week: Yes, the fight is on.  Like two bulls staring at each other from across the arena, Gov Kate and her far-left, legislative henchmen are attempting to stare down Timber Unity and the participants (or what Kate should remember are voters—you know, the people she serves). Governor Kate wants to institute a crippling carbon tax, based on fake science, to control Oregonians and Oregon businesses by taxing fuel and energy and “undesirable” industries, which will increase costs for almost anything purchased within the state.

Timber Unity: Taking the Fight to Salem

Timber Unity is not only saying NO, but is part of a rising wave of anger from more and more Oregonians. They come together this week to stand up against the extreme and unnecessary legislation. Especially as they learn more and more about what Salem Democrats like Peter Courtney really think about them and their way of life.

And don’t miss Gov. Kate Brown’s attempts to sabotage Timber Unity.

Oregonians are waking up to what’s at stake that if this carbon tax is allowed to go through and the devastation it will have on businesses and rural life.

And because of that, Oregonians are grabbing hold of the issue and Timber Unity is bringing together truckers, loggers, and farmers to push back in an exciting event being held this Thursday, February 6th.  Spokesperson for Timber Unity, Angelita Sanchez, joins us this week on I Spy Radio to give us insights into what is driving them to storm Salem’s castle. She’ll also give the latest updates on how the day will unfold with the truckers’ caravan, expected speakers, activities in the capitol, food, and time of events.

Last time she joined us, she shared what Peter Courtney said that so enflamed their anger against the cap and trade legislation. Do not miss this week when she elaborates even more on what you said. It will get your blood boiling.

Standing Up to Global Warming Alarmism

Then get a little more intelligence on what drives the anti-carbon craze of the legislators: “Climate Change.” Chuck Wiese is a meteorologist and well-known global warming debunker who knows the faux science behind the carbon tax push. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the issue and why any carbon tax is little more than a money-laundering scheme. He also reveals what a carbon tax will do to Oregon, why it’s a waste and not necessary, and why it should be a matter for voters to decide and not decided by one party at the legislature.

Oregon may have been sleepy at getting people out to vote in 2018 but Timber Unity has awakened the proverbial sleeping giant. Don’t miss this week. It will awaken your own inner giant to help you stand up to what far-left environmentalists are attempting to do to our beautiful state.

Never Miss an I Spy Radio Show!

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Podcast Version

Links & Further Info

Oregon’s Disastrous Virtue Signalling: Carbon Tax

Oregon’s Disastrous Virtue Signalling: Carbon Tax

Download the podcast of this week's I Spy Radio Show
To download the show, right-click the mic, and then “Save Link As…” or use our handy player

Show Summary: Last year, Republican senators walked out. This year, Oregon’s Democrats are determined to push through a carbon tax. Timber Unity stands for what’s right It’s pretty simple—cap & trade? NO. Timber Unity? YES

Original Air Dates: Jan. 11 & 12, 2020 | Angelita Sanchez of Timber Unity & Dr. Bob Zybach

This Week: Here at I Spy, we are completely against any form of a carbon tax or a carbon cap & trade scheme.

A Carbon Tax: Wrong Thinking

Why is a carbon tax a bad idea? In the first segment of this weekend’s show, host Mark Anderson, thoroughly walks you through the problems of how and why a carbon cap & trade scheme damages an economy and how it violates normal free-market forces.

A carbon tax not only doesn’t work for what they claim it’s supposed to do, but it places an increasing financial burden on citizens. California is a prime example of what happens as its citizens and businesses flee the state. One report has shown tens of thousands of businesses fled California, directly because of California’s carbon tax, in a process known in political circles as “leakage.” Basically, leakage is “How many businesses will leave the state if we pass this bill?”

Also, don’t miss “all you need to know” about “global warming.” It’ll give you some ammunition to use in the coming fight against Oregon’s carbon tax, cap & trade bill.

Timber Unity

Government bureaucrats and far-left politicians who support cap & trade seem to believe they know better than the people they’re supposed to represent. Last year the people came together to put their foot down.

The Timber Unity rally on the capitol steps drew together people in rural areas who were tired of latte-sipping liberals looking down their noses at hicks from the country not knowing liberals are just saving the planet. (I wonder how they think the coffee they’d sipping got to their little coffee house?)

Timber Unity Rally Round 2: Timber Unity’s rally to again fight back against Oregon Democrats’ disastrous carbon tax will be on Thursday, February 6th, 2020. Tentative start time is 10:00. See below for more details, contact, info, and more.

 

Oregon’s Carbon Tax: New and Improved? Hardly.

Even though Salem’s Democrat legislators are trying to sell the “new and improved” carbon bill as something that would only impact people in the city (for now) it’s simply not true. Because more than 80% of all Oregonian communities have their only means of goods shipped, in or out, are only by truck.

Be sure to tune in to hear the mindset of how these politicians feel about rural areas and who they pretend to protect. What Senator President, Peter Courtney told Timber Unity rally participants right from the start will make your jaw drop.

Oh, and remember how Knute Buehler promised a carbon tax when he was running for governor of Oregon? Here he is suddenly for it now that he’s running for much more conservative CD 2

Good News for Oregon’s Forests?

Then we bring back our timber expert, Dr. Bob Zybach, who continues the conversation on the downfalls of a carbon tax and cap & trade schemes. We hear about how the law negatively impacts our forest management processes, a vital economic impact to Oregon. You’ll get a laugh over OSU’s latest scheme to save the planet. (Insert massive eye roll.)

And he discusses California’s dilemmas with its carbon cap and trade scheme (hint: it’s not working) along with the wildfire issue in Australia and the nonsense of some blaming global warming.

This week it’s all about stopping the nonsense of politicians attempting to fill their tax coffers while claiming it’s “for the environment.”

Podcast Version

Never Miss an I Spy Radio Show!

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Related I Spy Radio Shows

Links Mentioned

Timber Unity Contact Info

  • Timber Unity’s:
    • Facebook page
    • Twitter (@TimberUnity)
    • Questions? Press inquiries? Need info? Contact Angelita Sanchez – her email is arnrc.inc@gmail.com
  • Tweet from @PhRMA: “Did you know that CAR-T therapy was designed to defeat leukemia, but now it’s on the verge of defeating multiple myeloma? That’s the thing about breakthroughs: one can lead to many more.” (via Twitter, Jan. 3, 2020)
  • OSU “study”: We can stop climate change by not logging? “Preserving Forests Makes Perfect Sense, a Letter to the Editor” (via The Oregonian, Jan 5, 2020)
  • Opinion: Why California’s climate solution isn’t cutting it (L.A. Times, Jan. 2, 2020)
    • “The system is supposed to force a gradual decline in carbon dioxide emissions by issuing polluting companies an annually decreasing number of permits to pollute, but it has granted so many exceptions that the program is nearly toothless. … since the beginning of cap and trade in 2013, emissions from oil and gas sources — generated by production, refining and vehicle fuel consumption — have increased by 3.5%”
  • Letters to The Editor:  Is California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Making Climate Change Worse? (L.A. Times, Jan 4., 2020)

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Year in Review, Year in Preview

Year in Review, Year in Preview

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Show Summary: 2020 marks the beginning of I Spy Radio’s tenth year on the air. This week, something a little different: the producer speaks. Our 2019 year in review and a 2020 preview. Was 2019 the beginning of the end of socialism?

Original Air Dates: Jan. 4th & 5th, 2020 | Karla Davenport, I Spy Radio producer

This Week:  The end of 2019 and birth of 2020 marks the beginning of I Spy’s 10th year on air.  After a decade of airing shows that we hope have been informative and, at times, entertaining we are trying something different.  Having both Mark and me on air to discuss the issues.

So for this week’s show, we’re going to be doing a year in review AND a year in preview.

Year in Review. 2019: The rise of anti-socialism

To do that we take a look at some of the more interesting trends that took place this year, global and national in nature.  Okay, there were a ton of topics to turn to with a highly active president in office.  In fact he makes news while we’re trying to report it—which happened with this show as President Trump took on Iran.

2020 Year in Preview: Unfinished Stories from 2019

For us, this was a very fast hour to try and cover as many topics as possible and having a lot of fun while we’re doing it.  I hope you have the time to take a listen and see if we’ve discussed the issues you felt were important.  And what about the possibilities for 2020?  Listen to find out our take.

And let us know what you thought. We’d love to get your feedback on this rather unique episode of I Spy Radio.

Happy New Year everyone, and hello 2020!

Podcast Version

 

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Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

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10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
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Links Mentioned

Why Oregon’s Health Care Lost Its Way—and Can It Recover?

Why Oregon’s Health Care Lost Its Way—and Can It Recover?

Show Summary: It was only six years ago that Oregon had one of the health care systems and markets in the nation. But then Democrats “fixed it” with their zeal for universal health care. A look back—and can it be fixed?

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: Nov 9 & 10, 2019 | Lisa Lettenmaier

There’s a scene in Star Trek III when the crew of the Enterprise have stolen the ship and they’re being pursued by the Excelsior, the newest, fastest ship in the Federation fleet. The Enterprise goes to warp and the Excelsior prepares to give chase—only to have the engines grind to a halt and come to a dead stop. Scotty turns to Dr. McCoy, hands him some bolts, and says, “Here, Doctor. From one surgeon to another. The more they overhaul the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.”

And that’s pretty much what happened to Oregon’s health care.

Oregon’s Health Care: What Happened?

What happened? In a word: Democrats. In their zeal to push Oregon into “universal health care,” also known as “single payer.” Or, more accurately, “socialized medicine.”

A Look Back at Oregon’s Health Care

This week, we’re joined by Lisa Lettenmaier, the owner and operator of Health Source Northwest. Lisa is our go-to expert for health care, especially the “unique aspects” of Oregon’s health care market, given our lurch toward socialized medicine.

It’s open enrollment time. Do you have an insurance plan? The deadline is Dec. 7th for Medicare and Dec. 15th for individuals. See HealthSourceNW.com

Oregon’s Health Care System Transformation

In 2013, then-Oregon-Governor John Kitzhaber, a huge proponent of single-payer/universal health care/socialized medicine introduced a grand plan for Oregon’s health care. It was generally known (in typical socialist lingo) as “Oregon’s health system transformation.”

Kitzhaber convinced Obama to spend billions on this new innovative health care system that was going to transform health care as we know it: improve care and lower costs. You read that correctly. We spent billions to lower costs.

It introduced regional monopolies known as “coordinated care organizations” (CCOs). This,  despite studies that repeatedly shown that ACOs (associated care organizations, as they are known in Obamacare) do not save money. And do not improve care.

Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations

To set up these monopolies, they introduced legislation to bypass antitrust laws, violating the free market. The Oregon Health Authority (nice name, Nazis!) became the overseer of all things health. And the bureaucracies. Multiple layers of bureaucrats between you and your doctor. All of whom end up on Oregon’s PERS. A global budget that removed the ability to track monies allocated per patient. (Because that wouldn’t ever lead to abuse, grift, and corruption.) And a never-before seen cap on Medicare and Medicaid.

Basically, CCOs violated every free-market principle that would lower costs and improve care.

And, sadly, Oregon Republicans helped pass it. Yes, Republicans. How did this happen?

Useful Idiots: Oregon’s Republicans

Basically, the transformation was sold to gullible Republicans under the guise of “saving money” and “local control.” After the fact, they were “surprised” that this turned out to be a big giant push toward socialized medicine.

In reality, it shouldn’t have surprised any of them. Why? Because on the first page, the first paragraph of the bill it clearly said, “It is the intention of the Legislative Assembly to achieve the goals of universal access.” Yes. Universal health care. Single payer. No private health care. The finest that Venezuela has to offer.

Bill language from Oregon's health care transformation

True Stories of Socialized Medicine

Here’s a reminder: no democrat running for president has ever lived under socialism. Not one.  That’s right. None of them have ever lived under universal health care. And yet Bernie and Warren and several others are pushing for both socialism and universal health care.

Know what’s funny? Have you noticed that when people in those universal health care systems run into trouble, they go to where there isn’t a universal health care system? Instead, they come here to the U.S. rather than waiting weeks or months for treatment.

Well, not everyone. Just the rich. And the politicians.

When you run into trouble in a universal health care system, you go to where there isn’t a universal health care system

Want some true stories from people who have lived under socialized medicine? See this thread on Twitter from Carlos Osweda.

Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—the podcast version will be right here after the show airs.

Links Mentioned

Additional Links & Info

Surprising Impact of the Trump Effect | Changing the World to the Good

Surprising Impact of the Trump Effect | Changing the World to the Good

Show Summary: The Trump effect is making us more competitive globally and other countries want leaders like him. But there’s one area where we’re still being beat. And it’s a communist country doing it.

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of Nov 2018. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: June 15 & 16, 2019 | Dr. Tim Ball & Mike Heatwole

This Week:  It seems unusual these days when news reports might be filled with actual analysis.  Especially
in the age of social media where the competition of achieving the perfect click bait headline is pretty fierce.  But does relying on click bait news mean that you learn anything? Or that you can get analysis of an issue? No. It means that words are used only to get your attention and maybe sway you. 

The fiercely competitive click-bait news world might also be why you lose out on hearing about good things that are happening on the international stage as opposing sites fight to get your attention. Words to get your attention and click through. But no real substance. 

And that’s a problem. Because, thanks to the Trump effect, there is a lot of good news. And it’s happening everywhere.

Trump Effect – Global Changes for the Good

So what’s the good news you might not hear?  The Trump factor is creating big changes on the world stage. Big changes for the good.  Especially if you’re not a socialist.

But, thankfully, we’re not the only ones who’ve noticed.

Trump Effect in Brexit, EU, and Canada

First up we welcome back Dr. Tim Ball, who takes us around the world to look at what specific actions have occurred due to Trump’s influence.  Europe is very much in flux now moving away from open borders as the people continue to vote for and gravitate to leaders such as the Brexit supporter Boris Johnson, a leader they believe will protect their borders and put their country first.  (Sound familiar?) We also discuss Dr. Tim’s home country Canada, and what is happening with Trudeau.  And don’t miss our conversation on Soros and his new $200 million campaign to get “the right” attorneys general into state offices. 

Trump Effect Making U.S. More Competitive

Then we bring in Mike Heatwole, VP of Public Affairs for the Pebble Partnership. , to discuss how the Trump factor has completely changed their relationship with the EPA.  In the greater scheme of things, Trump remaking the EPA will remove the roadblocks to not just Pebble but a lot of natural resource industries.

As you may recall, the Pebble Partnership has been trying for almost a decade to open The Pebble Mine, located in Bristol Bay, Alaska. In a first ever move by the Obama administration to weaponize the EPA, the Pebble Mine was denied the chance to even apply to begin their permitting process.

Not denied a permit. The Obama EPA blocked them from even applying for one.

But there was one blessing. In their lawsuit against the EPA, Pebble uncovered evidence the EPA was colluding with environmental groups

The EPA: Doing the Bidding of China

Okay, the EPA may not exactly be doing China’s bidding. But they may as well have been. Fortunately, that’s changing.

We talk with Mike not only about the change in working with the EPA, now that Trump is in office, but what it means for American companies’ ability to be far more competitive in the global marketplace.

You can bet that makes China nervous.  First, Trump opened up our oil exportations to make us number one in the world. Think what will happen when Pebble Mine opens with the world’s largest gold and copper deposits.  Not to mention some rare-earth minerals at Pebble too. 

It makes you wonder. Just who is behind all that funding for the coalition of “environmental groups” opposing Pebble…? Hmm.

Don’t miss: the Dumbest pseudo-science, “environmental” video ever on the Pebble Mine (see links and info, below)

Biggest, Most Important Trump Effect of them All

5 things socialists will never understandBut the biggest Trump effect around the world has been to put socialism itself on the run. More and more voters in country after country are pushing back against socialism. Against the New World Order. Against politicians who care more about other countries than their own.

We see it in Italy. Hungary. The U.K. and Brexit. France. Canada. People are fed up with leaders who got elected but spend more time taking care of other countries. But there are some socialist elites rearing their ugly heads.

We’re seeing angry and motivated globalists, like Soros, pour more money into local elections. These globalists want to tear us down in order to preserve their money and power.

Fortunately for us, and the rest of the world, Trump seems unafraid as he faces off with them as a leader, not a politician.

Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—the podcast version will be right here after the show airs.

Links Mentioned

Tim Ball (Segments 1–3)

Ninth Circuit allows Keystone Pipeline to proceed (Epoch Times, June 9, 2019) *“In its determination to move forward with pipeline construction, the Trump administration outmaneuvered pipeline opponents. During the course of the litigation, Trump revoked the 2017 permit allowing the building of the pipeline to move forward, thus depriving the courts of jurisdiction in the case. The circuit court panel was left with no choice but to dismiss as moot the lawsuit and permanent restraining order against the project issued Nov. 8 last year by Judge Brian Morris of the U.S. District Court in Montana.” *Trump is figuring out how the system works and in so doing is using the system against itself.

Mike Heatwole, Pebble Mine (Segments

  • DUMBEST pseudo-science video ever produced about the Pebble Mine (YouTube, May 16, 2013) The dumbness starts at .
    • In a deep scary voice, they claim the debris (known as “tailings”) will cause copper to leach into the ground water. Here’s the dumb part: the copper is ALREADY there, you morons. The point of mining is to remove the copper.
  • Second dumbest claim: Pebble Mine could cause more earthquake:
    • Earthquake Activity Could Be Stimulated In The Region – Since pebble mining is a fairly new development, very little research has been done regarding the long term effects. As such, we know an astonishingly small amount about the damage that will be caused to fault lines in the area and what will need to be done in order to combat this sort of effect. ” (Pros and Cons of Pebble Mine, OccupyTheory.org, Jul 2015)
  • Native group reaches deal with Pebble Mine; opposition says it’s still wrong for Alaska (KTUU Channel 2, May 16, 2019)

Further Info