Faith & Religion Archives - Page 2 of 7

13-25 Education & Capitulation | The One Thing Oregon Parents Have Right Now

By Dr Mark | June 24, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Show 13-25 Summary: Conservative Oregonians once again are disappointed by the “republicans” in the senate. With victory assured and merely needing to coast down hill to kill off HB2002, the anti-parental-rights bill, they instead managed to steer into a ditch. Now, HB2002 is law. And the Oregon republican party is celebrating this as a victory? We interview Sen. Dennis Linthicum about what happened and why. But first, we speak with Donna Kreitzberg about education freedom for Oregon: school choice. Since we clearly cannot depend on elected officials to defend parents’ rights, school choice in Oregon is the one thing parents can grab hold of. It’s up to us now.

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of June 2021 — Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Original Air Dates: June 24th & 25th, 2023 | Guests: Donna Kreitzberg & Dennis Linthicum

This Week – Republican Capitulation

Two weeks ago, we interviewed republican Senator Dennis Linthicum. And it was exciting. Republican had won. Their walkout had worked. They had killed off HB2002, the democrats’ anti-parental-rights bill. The bill that would allow the state to indoctrinate kids with leftist propaganda, permanently mutilate children to fulfill the weird sex fantasies of the adults in their lives, and punish people who did not bow to their extremism. It was dead. All hail the republicans!

And it wasn’t just HB2002. Horrible gun bills. Ranked choice voting. The republicans had stopped hundreds of far left bills in their tracks. All they had to do was stay out of the building and the bills were dead. All of them.

But then, less than one week later, the republicans inexplicably gave it all back. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

What on Earth happened? We talk with Senator Linthicum again this week to try to make sense of the mess.

Also This Week: Parents Rights and School Choice

Republicans claim to be for parents’ rights. They claim they want to stop radical far-left woke ideology, especially in schools. But we just witnessed them capitulate on HB2002, which puts the state between parents and their own children. So if republicans can’t be trusted to stand up for the values they claim to hold, what then?

Parents Rights - Case Studies Counts - Effects of School Choice Programs — Click for full-size. Note: some rows totals are off due to some studies have multiple findings.

Thankfully, there is a solution for parental rights when it comes to their child’s education. School choice. And because politicians of both parties can’t be trusted to put parents’ rights over the state, the ballot initiatives for school choice in Oregon goes around the politicians. The school choice initiatives will put school choice and the funding for it directly in Oregon’s constitution. No politicians needed. And politicians won’t be able to easily undo it if there is a change in political control.

Actual rights. No politician needed.

We welcome back Donna Kreitzberg to discuss how things are going, and some of the big events they will be at this summer. To qualify for the ballot, the deadline to turn in the signatures is July 5, 2024. Tune in to hear how you can help.

And did you know there are three main “cases” for school choice? The liberal, the libertarian, and the conservative? We most often hear about the first two. But it’s actually the conservative argument for school choice that experts have found to be the most persuasive. Why? Because it focuses on parents’ rights.

Imagine that.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Donna’s organization is Education Freedom for Oregon. Visit their website for more information, to volunteer, to sign petitions, and to donate to help the cause. Be part of the change you want to see!
School Principal Quits Job to Home School Her 3 Kids On A 10-Acre Homestead: ‘I Wanted To Raise Thinkers’ (ZeroHedge, June 19, 2023)
Using flawed teaching methods (Capital Chronicle, June 13, 2023)
Education Freedom Report Card: Oregon (The Heritage Foundation, 2023)
- Heritage Foundation’s education scorecard ranks Oregon #40 overall. But wait there’s more. Take a look.
Parental Rights Bills Sweeping the United States (The Epoch Times, Apr 22, 2023)
Charter schools are now the last best hope to save US public education – (NY Post, Nov, 21, 2022)

Linthicum Segments (4–6)

Bills moving forward after republicans end their walkout: Anti-gun bills, I-5 bridge, tax credits (Taxpayer Association, June, 21, 2023)
Post-walkout, another win for democrats: Oregon rent control bill passes out of Senate, heads to House (Portland Biz Journal, June 20, 2021)
Oregon lawmakers make deal to end Senate walkout. Here’s how key bills were changed (OPB, June 24, 2023)
- Not only did republicans get little or nothing, they wiped out the careers of all those senators: “all 10 are expected to be blocked from running for reelection under a ballot measure passed by voters last November.”
- And there’s this: “The deal is contingent on the GOP agreeing to waive normal procedural rules, a step that will allow Democrats to fast-track hundreds of bills awaiting passage in the Senate.”
Oregon lawmakers rush to pass bills backlogged by GOP walkout before end of session (OPB, June 22, 2023)
It’s not just Oregon: How to Arrest the Government – Trump’s indictment puts pressure on GOP aspirants to propose sweeping reforms. (Kimberley Strassel, WSJ, June 15, 2023)
- “The indictment was the straw that broke the elephant’s back, the kick the party needed to get serious [about reforming government].”

13-24 What a Former Communist Activist Can Teach the Right about Winning

By Dr Mark | June 17, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 13-24 Summary: At a time when Oregon Republican senators had the win locked up, but chose defeat instead, maybe a former communist can teach them something about winning. Farehlee Nelson, a former activist for Earth First and a lobbyist for such organizations as Greenpeace, joins us this week to tell us about her conversion story and her efforts to unify conservatives in Oregon.

Original Air Dates: June 17th & 18th, 2023 | Guest: Farehlee Nilsson

This Week – A Former Communist Defects to the Right

Here on I Spy Radio, we’ve interviewed many people who’ve made studying and researching and dissecting and exposing the Far Left their life’s mission. Ron Arnold, Trevor Loudon, JoAnne Nova, Ron Rychlak and Lt. Gen. Ian Pacepa, and too many others to list. But it’s rare that we get to talk directly to a former communist. Who now wants to expose the Left. And teach the Right how to use some of the same successful tactics to win.

Win. In Oregon? Yes, it’s possible. Tune in to hear her journey getting deep into the Left. And her conversion story that woke her up to what the Left was all about.

We’ll have Farehlee back as soon as we can after the Fourth of July. We’ll dig even deeper into tactics and operations. And one thing we’d definitely like to know about: infiltrating your enemy.

Because something is seriously wrong with Oregon’s elected “Republicans.”

Oregon Republican Senate Walkout Update

After last week’s show with Senator Dennis Linthicum, things were looking great to stop HB2002. Not to mention stopping a bunch of other terrible bills Oregon’s democrats were ready to shove through with their slim margins.

All Republicans in the Senate had to do was continue to deny quorum and the bills were dead. Just hang on for another couple of weeks.

But then out the blue, Senate Minority Leader, Tim Knopp, gave in. Strike the colors and raise the white flag. He and at least two other republicans gave the democrats the bodies they needed for quorum.

What happened?

Don’t miss next week. We’ll talk with Sen. Dennis Linthicum to find out what happened.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Farehlee Nilsson’s organization is Unify Oregon – but the website is not yet available. Even so, you can visit UnifyOregon.net and bookmark it to visit it later.
For now, visit NextGenerationRestoration.org.
- For more information about their Free Cuba Dinner on July 29, 2023, visit their Events page
- See their current activities — like stop the vaccine mandates — on their campaigns page.
Earth First via Activist Facts, Earth First! via Activist Facts. Activist Facts is a project of Center for Organizational Research and Education (CORE)
VIDEO: Farehlee goes from Communist to Conservative Christian in 3 years. (ForestsForOregon, Rumble, June 7, 2023)

America needs its Faith Warriors. Time to Activate the Church

13-21 It’s Time to Activate the Church | Christian Soldiers for the Win

By Dr Mark | May 27, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 13-21 Summary: This week, we speak with Pastor Richard Peil out of Bend, Oregon. Pastor Peil is trying to wake up Christians to what is happening in politics and to motivate churches and Christians to get involved and stop hiding from society. America not only has a moral vacuum problem, the Left is filling that vacuum with secular state morals. As in dictated by the state. Some, like Oregon’s HB2002, mandating your beliefs are not allowed if it interferes with political ideology. It’s time to activate the church. But why do some pastors keep their churches silent? Even advocating they stay out of politics. Is that really what the Bible teaches?

Original Air Dates: May 27, 2023 | Guest: Pastor Richard Peil

This Week – Activate the Church

Throughout history, when society loses its moral compass, the Church has stepped into the fray. From early Christians displacing Rome’s debauchery to Colonial times when Christian revivals paved the way to America’s founding. Christians and the Church have led the way on morals and societal ethics. So where is the Church now when America is under siege? Why so silent? Are Christians, and pastors, really going to sit out this fight for America’s soul? As the political Left assaults our children with every kind of immorality? Really?

It’s time to activate the church. And that means more than just prayer.

Where is the Church When America Needs Her?

This week, we talk with Pastor Richard Peil who leads the Victory Baptist Church in Bend. He came to our attention when he and two dozen other pastors spoke out against Oregon’s horrid HB2002 bill on the steps of the capitol. HB2002 would codify what is already being done via administrative rules dating back to Kitzhaber’s “Health Care Transformation.”

Yes. While people are shocked that HB2002 will allow girls as young as 8 to get abortions without parental knowledge or consent, long-time listeners of I Spy Radio know that has been going on for years. Kitzhaber’s Oregon Health Authority changed insurance and required disclosure from FERPA to HIPPA. Under FERPA, parents had to be told everything that was done to their child. (Remember when you were in school and you couldn’t even get an aspirin without your parents being consulted? That’s why.) But under HIPPA, state agencies and schools treat kids like they’re adults. Parents not only don’t have to be consulted. They have no right to know.

What is new is HB2002 wants to not only codify that into actual law — not just and administrative rule — Oregon democrats in the legislature want to be able to fine anyone who doesn’t agree with their ideologies and “morals.” Do democrats really think cutting parents out from a parent-child relationship is the right thing to do? The moral thing to do?

Apparently so. Like we said. Now is the time to activate the church!

Romans 13

Pastor Piel got politically activated when Oregon’s authoritarians and wannabe dictators tipped their hand during covid. As a pastor, he saw first hand what the state wanted to do. And how they felt they had all the rights and churches had none. Despite the First Amendment. He watched as pastors at some churches willingly obeyed the government without question. And now, some of those churches have closed permanently. That’s why he’s working hard now with other pastors to activate the church and get them involved. Before it’s too late.

But that experience led him to dive deeper into the Bible. Especially on the proper roles between the church and government. Some Christians and even pastors believe the church should submit to the government. And they cite Romans 13 as the source for that argument. But what does “be subject to” really mean?

Marxism in the Church? Yes!

Pastor Peil also spent 10 years in the Navy, working for naval intelligence, back during the Cold War. His job was to intercept and monitor Soviet communications. And he got to see up close and first hand the threats communism and Marxism pose to America. Little did he know that experience would prepare him for the ministry. Or the current fight.

Why? Because he’s seen the influence of Marxists infiltrating churches and seminaries to destroy — or at least disable — the church from within. Because if they can hamstring the church, and replace Godly morality with secular immorality, America won’t be able to stand. The Founders knew that the Church was necessary for society. The government didn’t, and shouldn’t, set the moral tones of society. They always saw that as the church’s role.

And that’s why we need to activate the church. America needs its faith warriors.

Attention Christians! America needs you to get involved in politics. Now more than ever.

Things Christians can Do — Right Now

As mentioned during the show, here are three things you can do right now:

Sign the petition to stop Oregon Department of Forestry’s disastrous plan to abandon forests for 70 years. It takes 30 seconds to do. Go to OregonStrongerTogether.com and sign! Why? It will take state forests offline from timber harvests, removing 10s of millions of dollars every year from beneficiaries that depend on those timber harvests. Where will the state make up that money? More taxes, more fees. And don’ think the Leftist democrats aren’t eyeing ways to tax churches.
Download and sign the petition to get the school choice initiatives on the 2024 ballot. Give parents the option to take their child out of woke, anti-Christian, anti-American schools. Woke teachers can’t indoctrinate kids who aren’t there. Head to EducationFreedomforOregon.com. Note that because these are ballot initiatives, digital signatures are not allowed, and the petition sheet must be printed and mailed back. Hundreds of thousands of signatures are needed. You can even be a signature gatherer! See website for details.
Contact your state representative and senator and tell them NO on HB2002. Don’t know who they are or need their contact info? That’s easy. Just go to this Oregon map, enter your address, and there you go. Start writing, stop being silent.

BONUS “to-do”: donate to both of those organizations! They are both raising funds for an advertising campaign. $25 or $50 or more will help them buy an ad, which in turn will be seen or heard by 1,000s of people!

Don’t wait. Act right now.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Pastor Peil’s church is Victory Baptist in Bend, Oregon. Their website is VictoryforYou.church. (Live services are streamed if you don’t have a home church.)
Get involved! Don’t be silent! It’s easier than ever now to let your voice be heard on bad — and the occasionally good — legislation. Head to olis.oregonlegislature.gov, type the bill number into the search bar (upper right), and you can send in your testimony.
No, Romans 13 is not about obeying the governing authorities (Craig Greenfield, May 11, 2018)
- Romans 13… [has been] used to make sure we are all being obedient citizens, which historically has led Christians into all KINDS of problems
Should Christians Always Submit to the Government? (Crossway.org, Apr 24, 2022)
- “Governmental tyranny is a potential evil, but so is anarchy. “Subjection” means recognition of authority and compliance with it.

Mark Anderson speech to CCRW luncheon - How Republicans can win in 2024 by facing the brutal facts

13-10 Major Victories from Major Defeats | How Republicans can Win in 2024

By Dr Mark | March 11, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 13-10 Summary: This week, for once, the host of the I Spy Radio is doing all the talking. Normally, I Spy is all about researching our guest’s topics, asking questions, and letting them do the talking. But recently, the Salem’s Capitol City Republican Women group invited Mark Anderson to be their speaker at a luncheon. His spoke on how Republicans can recover from major defeats, like they saw in 2020 and 2022. Using lessons from history, combined with some pivotal I Spy Radio Shows to illustrate what’s happening, he describes how Republicans can win in 2024. So on today’s show, he gives it again to our radio audience.

Original Air Dates: March 11th & 12th, 2023 | Mark Anderson

This Week – Mark’s Speech to the CCRW Luncheon

Salem’s Capitol City Republican Women invited I Spy’s host, Mark Anderson, to give a speech on Thursday, March 9th. This week’s show, he gives it again to his entire radio audience. Note that we cut about 7-10 minutes from the speech to fit into a a broadcast radio “hour.”

After the show airs on our network of stations, we will post the full-length speech as the podcast version.

How Republicans can Win in 2024

Mark begins the speech with what the Hungarians faced in 1241 when they were invaded by the Mongols. In the wake of a devastating defeat that saw 1/4 of his countrymen killed and virtually all of Hungary’s towns and cities destroyed, King Bela IV had to face the brutal truth: that his country and its army were completely unprepared to deal with invaders like the Mongols.

But, as Mark highlights, major victories can come from major defeats. By facing the brutal facts. Using King Bela’s reforms, combined with pivotal past I Spy Radio shows to illustrate what is happening now, Mark examines how Republicans can win in 2024. And beat the Mongol Marxists destroying America.

Disinformation and Cognitive Warfare: The New Battlefield

Disinformation by Ron Rychlak book cover — Order the book!

One of the pivotal series of shows discussed in his speech was I Spy’s series of shows on disinformation. If you have not yet read Disinformation by Lt. General Ion Pacepa and Ron Rychlak, you need to. It explains so much about what we are experiencing in America today. As our own government uses tools of manipulation, cognitive warfare, launching disinformation campaigns against unsuspecting Americans. Mark explains how we know for sure that the “Russia collusion” hoax was in fact a disinformation campaign.

One last thing. When it comes to fighting disinformation, it requires influencers and the weight of reality and truth. For example, the truth and reality of the January 6th footage. Not the edited versions the January 6th tribunal was releasing The day after his speech, there was an incredible letter from democrat Dr. Naomi Wolf, apologizing for being taken in by the Left’s and the government’s propaganda. It is a long letter, but well worth the read. Because it shows that the spell of disinformation can be broken.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Dr. Naomi Wolf: Dear Conservatives, I Apologize (Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf, March 10, 2023)
My “Team” was Taken in By Full-Spectrum Propaganda
See our shows on disinformation with the co-author of the book, Ron Rychlak
Battle of Mohi (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Battle of Agincourt (Britannica, no date)
PBS still spreading the disinformation about “Hitler’s Pope”: “Vatican documents show secret back channel between Pope Pius XII and Hitler” (PBS, June 7, 2022)
Former Public Health Officials Undermine Public Trust with Conduct Unbecoming Scientists (Epoch Times, March 10, 2023)*”Fauci and Collins owe the country an apology… [Two] of the nation’s top public health officials obstructed the proper deliberative process essential to fashioning proper policy responses to the emergency.”

13-08 The Mad, Mad Spending – Real School Choice Needed in Oregon

By Dr Mark | February 25, 2023 | Comments 1 comment

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Show 13-08 Summary: Two guests this week and both talking about government spending. Donna Kreitzberg talks about redirecting portions of education spending to parents so they can make their own best school choice for their children. Then Senator Dennis Linthicum who says there is no end in sight for the amount of spending Oregon is looking to do in this legislative session. And be sure to stay through the closing where you’ll hear what he told us off air about the real reasons why democrats want to spend the kicker. Un. Believable.

Original Air Dates: February 25th & 26th, 2023 | Guests: Donna Kreitzberg & Dennis Linthicum

This Week – Oregon‘s Insane Spending

It’s not just the amount of spending. It’s what they are spending it on. And it’s insane. Especially given that most economists and major financial institutions are predicting a recession this year. Not to mention continuing inflation and mounting job losses. So why is Oregon inflating its budgets like there are no limits of money?

And for goodness sake. Don’t miss the final closing when we reveal the real reasons democrats don’t want Oregonians to get their kicker refund.

Getting Real School Choice in Oregon

Since it’s not looking positive for school choice legislation in Oregon, Oregonians can still use ballot measures to do what the Oregon education lobby doesn’t want. Give parents the choice to pick the right school for their child.

Why does the education lobby want to keep kids in failing schools? Probably because they know government loves to throw even more money at problems. A failing school? Clearly, what they need is even more money. But, given that our schools already soak up a whopping 40% of our entire state budget, that clearly isn’t working. Especially since Oregon routinely ranks need the bottom but spends more than the national average per student.

So what’s the answer?

As usual, it’s less government. And more free market.

We talk with Donna Kreitzberg who is leading the effort to get school choice in Oregon. Not a pat-on-the-head choice. A real school choice. Where parents decide how to spend the money assigned to their child and will have the option to send their child to the school that best fits their educational needs.

But what about that money? Can parents just buy anything with it? And, if the state gives them the money, doesn’t that mean the state gets to say how it’s spent — not to mention all the woke regulations they’re pushing now in schools?

Nope.

Tune in to find out why.

The Spending. Oregon’s Endless Spending.

And next we welcome Senator Dennis Linthicum back to discuss what’s happening in Oregon’s legislature. We’ll be having him on on a monthly basis to give us his inside the capitol view and the truth. Like the real reason why the democrats don’t want you to have your kicker refund.

When last we spoke, the 2023 legislative session had just started. And he wasn’t sure if the democrats, who had lost some of their stranglehold on power, would react. Or how they’d treat their republican colleagues.

So this week, we wanted to know more. And to hear about the budget. Oh yes. And what about that kicker refund. You know. The one that, by law, the state is supposed to return to the taxpayers. Why? Because it means they over collected taxes. They charged too much. So they are — again, by law — supposed to return that to the people they overcharged. And this year, that kicker would be, on average, $5,200 per working family. So why are the democrats so eager to spend it before taxpayers can get their grubby hands on what the democrats see as the democrats’ money?

Yeah. Sorry. You’ll have to tune in to hear why. Stay through to the very end.

Previous Parental Rights and School Choice Shows

Did you miss our previous shows on parents rights in education?

Show 13-03: overview of parents rights in education with Suzanne Gallagher, CEO of Parents Rights in Education
Show 13-04: the legal side of parents rights, especially if push comes to lawsuit with Ernie Trakas, senior litigation counsel for the Child & Parental Rights Campaign
Show 13-05: the way out; real school choice with Ed Ludlow of the national school choice organization, EdChoice
Show 13-06: you’ve made the choice, now how to choose a new school with Marc Thielman, former Alsea school superintendent
And Show 13-08 (today’s show): getting school choice in Oregon with Donna Kreitzberg, head of Oregon’s school choice 2024 ballot initiative

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Links mentioned during the show

Education Freedom for Oregon – This is Donna’s real school choice website. You can:
- download and sign petitions (single-signature petition sheets for yourself or 10-line ones to gather signatures from your friends, families, fellow parents at school, or neighbors)
- Volunteer
- And please donate to help get school choice on the ballot in Oregon!
Freedom Watch Alert: Second dangerous School Choice constitutional amendment petition (OCEAN Network, July 15, 2022)
Kotek proposes $13.5 billion for education (Oregon Capital Insider, Feb 6, 2023)
- “Education accounts for $13.5 billion, more than 40% of her proposed $32.1 billion in spending of the state’s general and lottery funds.”
- “But most of the money – an historic $9.9 billion – is devoted to the State School Fund, which pays for educating Oregon’s 550,000 K-12 students and for district operating expenses, transportation costs and other needs.”
- The $9.9 billion marks an overall $600 million increase in K-12 spending for the biennium and would average out to about $9,682 per student in 2023-24 and roughly $10,000 per student in 2024-25, according to preliminary estimates from the Oregon Department of Education. The state is paying $9,468 per student in the current 2022-23 school year.
- BUT: “Accounting for all education funding, Oregon spends about $12,855 per K-12 student, according to 2020 census data. The national average that year was $13,187, with some states spending more than $20,000.”

Additional School Choice Info and Related

School Choice and Oregon Homeschoolers (OCEANetwork, Oct 7 2021)
Cascade Policy Institute Research Finds School Choice programs Can Boost Public School Performance (Cascade Policy Institute, 2023)
The Past, Present, and Future of School Choice in Oregon (Cascade Policy Institute, Jan 26, 2017)
Support grows for school choice, parents’ rights – even in progressive Oregon (Fox News Aug 1, 2022)

13-06 Killing Title IX Protections in the Name of Woke | Plus Part 4: Choosing New Schools

By Dr Mark | February 11, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 13-06 Summary: This week on I Spy we continue our mini-series on parents rights in education. We are looking at what the Biden administration’s abandonment of Title IX means (it used to mean protection and equal access for girls and women) and what real school choice looks like — when parents make the choice to find a better school. What are the options and how to decide? How to even know if it’s the school or the child? And what about funding — should taxpayer dollars really go to private schools? And is it protected from frivolous parents? Are schools accountable top meet competency and proficiency standards? Maybe if the public schools had such standards, parents wouldn’t be looking elsewhere…

Original Air Dates: February 11th & 12th, 2023 | Guests: Kimberly Hermann & Marc Thielman

This Week – So Much for Equality

If there’s one thing elected democrats say, it’s that they want equality. But if there’s one thing they do it’s remove equality. Which is why they are all for racial discrimination in the name of equality. Like affirmative action. Where, in their “logic” it makes sense to discriminate against Whites in favor of other races. Which is a bit like saying a little slavery is okay, as long as it’s done to the right kind of people.

Hint to democrats: discrimination is discrimination.

But maybe this mindset explains why the Biden administration thinks removing protections for girls and women in education is a good thing.

The Biden Administration: Killing Title IX

Title IX was intended to give girls and women an equal footing in education. Prior to Title IX, schools could discriminate against women and, perhaps most famously, not fund women’s sports. But now, the Biden administration’s new “guidance” would remove such protections. How? By doing away with the concept of women and girls. And making anyone who identifies as a woman a woman in their view.

Basically, if there are no women as a distinct entity, there are no women to protect.

To try to make sense of the nonsense, we welcome Kimberly Hermann. She is the chief legal counsel for Southeastern Legal Foundation and they have file da brief in support of states pushing back against the Biden administration’s guidance.

Kimberly walks us through what Title IX is, what it was intended to do, and why Title IX is so important to defend. You’ll also hear how the courts, including appellate courts, are, in fact, defending the notion that there are two sexes. Which is extremely encouraging.

But can you believe this? Has society gone so far down the woke toilet that we will end up needing the Supreme Court to tell the rest of society what a woman is?

Yikes.

Parents’ Rights Part 4: Choosing a New School

This week, we also continue our mini-series on parents rights in education. Last week, we discussed the Real School Choice movement. So far, five states have already adopted real school choice. (This means parents can choose whichever school they want to send their kids and the education dollars attached to that child.) And there are nearly a dozen more close to adopting real school choice and over two dozen in total that have at least some form of legislation on the table.

This is not only a win for parents, it’s a win for education itself. And it’s thanks to exercising free market principles.

Think about it. Parents (consumers) can choose to spend the education dollars how they want and where they want. Funding students not systems, means that the school systems must become competitive to attract consumers (parents). Better up your game or you lose out.

That is what real school choice is all about. Give parents the power, not bureaucrats.

But if you’re a parent and you exercise your school choice, how do you choose a school? How do you know it’s the school and not your child? What are the signs you should be looking for? And with the dozen-plus types of other schools out there, how do you find the right one for your child.

We talk with Marc Thielman, the former superintendent at the Alsea School district, to answer those questions and more.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Southeastern Legal Foundation’s website is SLFLiberty.org
Read SLF’s press release on their brief in support of states defending Title IX
Marc Thielman’s real school choice website is EducationFreedomforOregon.com

More Info on Title IX

Title IX: 50 years later (American Psychological Association, June 28, 2022)
- “Changes to Title IX regulations dispensed by the U.S. Department of Education in 2020 removed the mandatory reporting requirement. These Trump-era changes also narrowed the definition of sexual harassment, excluded off-campus assaults from the law’s protections, and made a series of other changes that left some Title IX offices scrambling to update their institution’s procedures”
Title IX’s Positive Impact on Education Life BEFORE Title IX (Vector Solutions, No Date)
10 Facts Everyone Should Know About Title IX (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Aug 23, 2017)

More Info on Choosing a School

The Ultimate Guide to 13 Different Types of Schools Across America (Rasmussen University, Jul 4, 2016)
Types of School Choice programs (via EdChoice)
Oregon School Choice Roadmap (via School Choice Week, January 19, 2023)
- Includes information on the types of schools available in Oregon
- Also has a “find schools near me” search function by zip code
Find a great school for your child (via Great Schools.org)
Choosing a School: Types of Schools (US Dept of Education, via Reading Rockets, no date)
Oregon Department of Education
School Choice for Oregon
The League of Oregon Charter Schools
Oregon Home Education Network
Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network
Just the FAQs: School Choice (via Center for Education Reform)
- “Some call it “school choice”, but it’s really about educational opportunity– and giving parents the power to choose the schools their children attend.”

13-01 Shaking off Yesteryear & Hoping for Change in the New Year – 2023 Preview

By Dr Mark | January 7, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 13-01 Summary: New Year’s is always a time of reflection and looking ahead. There were a lot of lowlights in 2022 but there were some really good outcomes. A few. Can they be enough to make 2023 better — at a time when many economists warn a big recession is coming in 2023? Bestselling author Scott McEwen and scientist Chuck Wiese give their 2023 preview: the new Republican congress, what can we realistically expect, and could 2023 be a year of more faith and revival?

Original Air Dates: Date, 2023 | Guests:Scott McEwen and Chuck Wiese

This Week – 2022 Review, 2023 Preview

For our first show of our 13th year (wow!), we welcome back two of our favorite guests, Scott McEwen and Chuck Wiese. To take a look back at 2022 and to give us their 2023 preview.

And there were definitely a lot of “lowlights” in 2022. Among the biggest disappointments, if not the biggest disappointments was the midterm elections. While Republicans picked up seats, picked up voters (some 6 million more people voted Republican than in 2018), and picked up the House, there were a few key, critical races where Republicans failed. Most notably, in the Senate.

2023 – Off to a Rocky Start

We talk with Scott McEwen, the bestselling co-author of American Sniper, about the political side of 2023. The Republicans only just barely control the House and don’t even have a tie any more in the Senate. So what can they realistically get done? Will there be real investigations? Investigations that seek the truth, not invent it? Will the DOJ, FBI, CIA, and others be held responsible for interfering with the 2020 election? Or for blocking the Hunter Biden laptop scandal?

And what about all those revelations from the Twitter files? Covid, corruption, and outright censorship. We’re just getting started on those.

We also talk about the shocking collapse of Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin on live TV on Monday Night football. Was it the vaccine? What were his teammates, who were also forced to get the vaccine thinking? And while Pfizer and the others have blanket immunity, does the NFL?

Then we talk with Chuck Wiese about the disappointing efforts to end election theft. We saw progress in a number of states but Pennsylvania and especially Arizona just blatantly cheated. Completely out in the open, not caring who noticed.

But we also speak with him about the passing of Pope Benedict XVI on New Year’s Eve. Chuck is a devout catholic and we wanted to get his thoughts. Benedict XVI was a strong theologian who did not see a conflict between faith and reason and saw that today’s so-called “science” is attacking both. As a fierce global warming debunker, Chuck is very aware of the lack of objectivity in today’s science. And the more we learn about God’s creation, will more scientists find their way to faith?

Show Notes

Please note that at the time of our interviews, the vote for House Speaker and the Brunson case had not yet been settled. Congratulations to Kevin McCarthy but special congratulations to the Freedom Caucus on some huge concessions that may reform how business is done in the House. And we truly look forward to the Church-Committee-style investigations into the weaponization of the FBI and DOJ.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Amid the Ruin of Modernity, Pope Benedict XVI Championed a Restoration of Reason and Faith (The Federalist, January 2, 2023)
Transcript of Pope Benedict XVI’s 2006 speech at Regensburg University
The federal government is now funding an initiative to train AI to censor social media content. (Christopher F. Rufo, Twitter, January 2, 2023)
Is this a 2023 preview: German regional courts legalise Sharia Law in Muslim areas. (News Review UK , via Twitter, January 2, 2023)
- Judgements, enforcement & punishments will be imposed by Islamic tribunals.
How the FBI Hacked Twitter (Tablet Magazine, January 5, 2023)

Not Mentioned but Related

Elon Musk Reacts After “America First Legal” Uncovers Damning Evidence Revealing a Secret Twitter’s “Partner Support Portal” Used by Government to Censor Dissenting COVID-19 Viewpoints (Gateway Pundit, Dec 14, 2022)
Bombshells You Might Have Missed About the FBI’s Censorship and Election Meddling › American Greatness (American Greatness, Dec 12 2022)
Victor Davis Hanson: “10 Steps to Save America: Yes, there is a way. But is there the will?” (American Greatness, Dec 18, 2022)
Dr. McCullough: “It Looks Like The mRNA Is Transferring From The Vaccinated To The Unvaccinated” (via Rumble, Dec 2022)
Doctor Censored on Twitter After COVID Lockdown Warnings Says ‘Unspecified Agents’ Behind Blacklisting (Epoch Times, Dec 16, 2022)
11 Ominous Economic Predictions for 2023 (No Q Report, Jan 4, 2023)
How Green Investors Pay the Media to Promote ‘Climate Change’ (Front Page Magazine, Jan 5, 2023)
- The Associated Press takes millions from groups leveraged in green investments to promote the need for green investments.

The Essenes - the mysterious Jewish sect behind the Dead Sea Scrolls

12-48 The Mysterious Jewish Sect Behind the Dead Sea Scrolls: The Essenes

By Dr Mark | November 26, 2022 | Comments 1 comment

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Show Summary: Those “400 years of silence” between the Old and New Testaments? It turns out they weren’t. The Essenes were driven from the priesthood by the Pharisees and Sadducees but kept the faith and kept prophesying. Incredibly accurately as it turns out. Maybe it’s because the Essenes correctly predicted the coming of the Messiah. To the year. A Jewish “Deep State”? Find out why they wanted to bury the Essenes and largely succeeded in driving them from history. Except even that ended up fulfilling prophecy.

Original Air Dates: Nov 26th & 27th, 2022 | Guest: Dr. Ken Johnson

This Week – The Essenes

Since it’s the start of the Holiday Season, we thought we’d take a break from our usual and bring you a story most people have probably heard little or nothing about. You’ve undoubtedly heard about the Dead Sea Scrolls. But you probably don’t know very much about the Essenes, the mysterious Jewish sect who wrote, guarded them, and then hid them away before disappearing into history.

Many churches today talk about the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. When God appeared to go silent and no longer talk through His prophets. But it turns out God never stopped talking. It’s just that the Jewish religious authorities at the time, the Pharisees and Sadducees, tried to silence them.

Tune in to hear about the Jewish civil war that happened between the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New Testament. A war that drove the existing priesthood from power, seized both the religious and political power, and then did everything they could to keep the truth hidden from their own people and the world.

The Essenes: Keepers of the True Faith

This week, we welcome Dr. Ken Johnson, a Dead Sea Scrolls scholar and researcher, who has written 33 books. He walks us through the history of the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are partial or complete copies of every book in the Hebrew Bible (except the book of Esther). But the Dead Sea Scrolls are not “just” copies of books of the Old Testament. There are tons of extra-Biblical writings as well. Apocryphal books like the Book of Enoch and the Book of the Giants. The Testaments of the Patriarchs, which the Essenes held to be the true doctrine, not the Pharisees’ oral tradition allegedly passed on to them from Moses. The Essenes’ commentary and interpretation on the books of the Bible. Their prophecies. Incredibly accurate ones, as it turns out. And the Essenes’ unique and sacred calendar. In fact, they considered the Jewish calendar, based on a lunar cycle, to be an abomination.

The Essenes’ calendar, divided into seven ages and further divided into various cycles and subdivisions, was central to their belief system. And they used it to make those incredibly accurate prophecies. Which is why you might want to tune in to hear how close we are to the end of that calendar.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Dr. Ken Johnson’s website is a treasure trove of Dead Sea Scrolls knowledge and information. It can be found at BibleFacts.org
Dr. Ken does a weekly live stream Monday nights, including a Q&A. Find his channels on Rumble, Telegram, or YouTube.
Check out Ken Johnson’s appearances on Prophecy Watchers., including the episode mentioned during our show where Dr Johnson showed the calendar “sundial.”
The Dead Sea Scrolls calendar website. Find today’s date in the Essenes’ reckoning. And see the difference between the Essenes’ calendar and the current Jewish (Pharisee) calendar. They are way off!
Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library. (Note however that include other caches of scrolls found and lump them in with the Essenes’ scrolls.)
The Miraculous Timing of the Dead Sea Scrolls Discovery (Charisma News, Nov 1, 2016)
- “The scrolls remained hidden for anyone to find for nearly 2,000 years. And on the very day, the very day, that Israel’s rebirth was confirmed, a Jewish professor confirms the existence of ancient Israel.”

Annual Fourth of July Show: The Hand of Providence on George Washington

12-26 Fourth of July – George Washington and the Incredible Hand of Providence

By Dr Mark | June 25, 2022 | Comments 1 comment

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Show Summary: It’s that time of year again: it’s our annual Fourth of July celebration. This year, we are looking back at the Guy, George Washington who got us through the war. Let’s face it. If we hadn’t won the war, the Declaration would have been just an interesting but failed experiment; a side note in history. This week, it’s a fascinating look at a man who was truly born for his time, and had the eternal Hand of Providence on him so many times that his life and what he accomplished was truly a miracle.

Original Air Dates: June 25, 2022 | Guest: Greg Leo

This Week – Our 12th Annual Fourth of July Show

How has it been 12 years already? Time flies when you’re keeping an eye on big government I guess, but every year we focus on the Fourth of July and events around it that make the founding of this great country so unique and special.

Previously, we’ve focused on such things as celebrating the Fourth down through History, what those early celebrations looked like. The Declaration of Independence itself, the rights and grievances listed therein. Celebrating the Fourth on the Oregon Trail, the Fourth of July during the Civil War, the first 50 years, major anniversaries, and others. And last year’s focus on the some of the signers of the Declaration (and its predecessor petition).

George Washington

But for this year’s Fourth of July show, we are focusing on the guy. George Washington. The guy who won the war and without whom America might never have existed. Except for a brief, failed attempt at freedom. Squashed by a ruthless king.

We look at his early years, his rural upbringing that often left him feeling inadequate in high society, his involvement in the French and Indian War—which made him a celebrity on both sides of the Atlantic—and the continual Hand of Providence on his life that saved him time and again.

And, naturally, we look at his Revolutionary War accomplishments. His defeats and his victories. And how he persevered through both. We look at his personal struggles too, including getting through the deep betrayal of Benedict Arnold, which Washington blamed himself for and nearly quit.

Tune in to hear about America’s quintessential hero. The man for his time. And a man even King George III came to admire.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. The I Spy Radio Show is now available on your favorite platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

We have lots of information for you on George Washington! Be sure especially to check out the Mount Vernon and the Washington Papers sites. But, really, these are all fantastic.

General George Washington Links (as in “general”)

Great resource for all things Washington: mountvernon.org
A Timeline of his Life (via History.com)
George Washington’s Rise to Rebellion – American Battlefield Trust (via battlefields.org)
President Washington Facts and Timeline (via The History Junkie)
How Washington Saved the American Revolution (via History Collection)
Chronology – George Washington: A National Treasure (via si.edu)
[Entirely Speculative] Timeline: If George Washington died in the American Revolution (via alt history.fandom.com)
The Federalist Party Facts, History, and Influence (via History Junkie)
The Father of the Nation (via American Battlefield Trust)

George Washington – French and Indian War

Washington: The Soldier Through the French and Indian War (via US History.org)
George Washington’s forays into the Ohio country shaped his career and sparked a global war (via Mount Vernon)
Excellent summation about Washington’s involvement in French and Indian War (via Mount Vernon)

George Washington: Revolutionary War

Super cool! Washington’s Revolutionary War Itinerary (via the Washington Papers)
List of Revolutionary War Battles George Washington was at (via Mount Vernon)*While there were over 230 skirmishes and battles fought during the American Revolution, these are the battles General Washington was present for.
Washington wins first major US victory at Trenton (via History.com)
Washington Biography: Victory, Defeat, Misery, Stalemate: the Early War Years (via SparkNotes)
Revolutionary War Battles (via Mount Vernon)
General George Washington led the American army to victory during the Revolutionary War (via Mount Vernon)
Appointment as Commander in Chief (via Mount Vernon)
As Commander in Chief (via Thimbles and Acorns)
Another perspective on Washington as the Commander in Chief (via US History.com)
George Washington’s Final Command (via Boundary Stones)
- Did you know Washington was recruited one last time by President Adams to be commander-in-chief?

Timelines for George Washington

Timeline of General Washington in the American Revolution (via Mount Vernon)
Washington: An Interactive Timeline of His Life (via History.com)
Timeline of Life & Accomplishments (via Biography via YourDictionary.com)
Timeline (via Britannica.com – keep in mind, this is a UK based-resource)
Timeline (via the Washington Papers)
Very well done: Timeline of the American Revolution (via US National Park Service)
George Washington: Timeline (via Drexel.edu)
Historical Timeline up to and Including the Revolution (via American Revolution Museum)

Facts Lists for George Washington

Key Facts About George Washington (via Mount Vernon)
George Washington’s Surveying Career (via Mount Vernon)
Top 10 Facts about George Washington (via TheTopTens)
5 Facts About George Washington (via Colonial Williamsburg)
10 Facts About George Washington (via ThoughtCo.com)
11 Little-Known Facts About George Washington (via History.com)
Four Uplifting Facts About the Personality of George Washington (by Lioness Rue at Medium.com)
11 Surprising Facts About George Washington You Never Learned In School (via Reader’s Digest)
27 Facts That Paint America’s First President In A New Light (All That’s Interesting)
- Some myths and more: cherry trees, wooden teeth, but true facts too
47 Interesting Facts About George Washington That You Should Know (via The Fact File)
10 Things You Really Ought to Know about George Washington (via Mount Vernon)
- Like that he was mostly self-educated, fearless in battle, was the first to sign the Constitution, and more
10 Major Accomplishments of George Washington (Learnodo-Newtonic.com)
- accomplishments in a nutshell, French and Indian War, and Washington’s accomplishments in the Revolution
George Washington (via Britannica)

Warriors Beating Back the Woke Culture

By Dr Mark | May 7, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show Summary: 2022 will be all about fighting the woke. First up, we welcome first-time guest, Judge Vance Day, who is running for Position 3 on the Oregon Court of Appeals. If he wins, he’ll be the only Constitutionalist on the court. Then we bring back Scott Shepard, Director of the Free Enterprise Project. With Disney and so many other companies going woke, there is a lot to fight against. Including companies pledging to become Death Companies.

Original Air Dates: May 7, 2022 | Guests: Judge Vance Day & Scott Shepard

This Week – Warriors Fighting the Woke

That kinda sounds like some zombie apocalypse. But, given that the woke don’t know the constitution, don’t know basic civics (or civility for that matter), don’t know economics, and are only driven by their mindless feelings, maybe it’s appropriate.

This is our final show before Oregon’s May 2022 primary. And this year, elections will be all about fighting the woke. Whether its abortion, free speech, religion, or even things like corporations in politics, it’s all about killing zombies. Er, fighting the woke.

Judge Vance Day: Fighting the Woke Before it was Woke

And when it comes to fighting the woke, Judge Vance Day was fighting the woke before the woke was even known as the woke. While serving as a Circuit Court Judge in Marion County, he recused himself from personally officiating at same-sex weddings, which he felt was against his religion.

This greatly angered the woke, as all must bow before whatever the woke is in favor of today.

So the horde (back then, they were just “progressives”) came after him. They tried, unsuccessfully, to drive him from the bench, cancel his law license, strip him of his possessions, ruin his reputation and even have him imprisoned.

Great people. Let’s totally give their side more power.

Tune in to hear Judge Vance Day’s take on what the Oregon Court of Appeals should be like and how he would handle a leak similar to what we saw this past week as an insider leaked the Roe v. Wade draft opinion.

Scott Shepard: Fighting the Woke Corporations

Let’s face it. The woke wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have access to billions of dollars. Of your taxpayer dollars (thanks to politicized issue-funding, like global warming). And billions of donations directly to woke organizations. Like BLM, Antifa, and any number of woke organizations and chapters.

Scott Shepard’s Free Enterprise Project has teamed up with other organizations to form the Boardroom Initiative. Spearheaded by former McDonald’s CEO Ed Rensi, who has said companies have “no business” being in politics.

That is straight out of Milton Friedman who said essentially the same thing. The business of business is to create value (profits) for their shareholders.

Tune in to hear Scott’s battle with woke boards at major corporations. Disney is just the most-well-known example as the woke board just lost some 60 billion in shareholder value. Think there won’t be lawsuits…?

And in the wake of the leaked ruling that could overturn Roe v. Wade, that could see federal protections for abortion removed, some major corporations are already lining up to be Death Corporations.

Maybe zombies is the right term after all.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Vance Day, Candidate for Court of Appeals Position #3

Vance’s campaign website is www.teamvanceday.org
Good brief overview from the Rob Taylor Report: Vance Day Interview Notice
Previously suspended judge challenges incumbent (East Oregonian, Apr 29, 2022)
Former Marion County judge Vance Day to run (Statesman Journal, Mar 9, 2022)
Oregon Judge, Previously Targeted by Woke Mob, Takes On Woke Culture (PJ Media, Apr 29, 2022)
Vance Day’s campaign news release about woke smear (Team Vance Day, Kevin Hoar)

Scott Shepard

Scott is the Director of The Free Enterprise Project, a project by the National Center for Public Policy Research
Ex-McDonald’s CEO Ed Rensi: Companies have ‘no business’ being in politics (NY Post, Apr 21, 2022)
McDonald’s former CEO fights back (Daily Mail, Apr 20, 2022)
Black leaders call out ‘woke corporations’ (Just the News, Apr 20, 2022)
FA Senate approves bill revoking Disney (Just the News, Apr 20, 2022)
OR has $5.3B invested in fossil fuel (Statesman-Journal, Apr 20, 2022)
Meet the Companies that Will Facilitate Abortions for Red State Employees (Breitbart, May 4, 2022)