Category: History

Constitutional Crisis - Oregon Governor Kate Brown claims her authority exceeds the Constitution
It’s True: Oregon has a Dictator | Constitutional Crisis

It’s True: Oregon has a Dictator | Constitutional Crisis

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Show Summary: Is it time to storm the castle? You may want to after this. Governor Brown makes absurd claim her authority is higher than the Constitution. Unbelievable. Both a Constitutional scholar and the attorney for the plaintiffs in the church lawsuit v Oregon weighs in.

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Air Dates: May 16 & 17, 2020 | Dr. Joyce Malcolm & Kevin Mannix

This Week: When we see a leader make a difficult decision to shut down an economy based upon the fear that millions might die, we, as fellow human beings, feel compassion and are willing to give those in charge the benefit of the doubt. In the face of a true, catastrophic emergency—like a tidal wave or earthquake—it’s reasonable to do so and most people want to do their part to pitch in and help.

But as the situation matures and it becomes clear that the actual outcomes are not as devastating as predicted, a responsible leader—looking out for the people—relaxes the emergency’s grip to ensure the peoples’ freedoms and liberties are restored as quickly as possible.  President Trump’s response has been nothing but looking out for the people, trying to protect them even though it sacrificed an amazing economy that had easily brought his 2nd term into his grasp.

The Constitution is at Stake

But not all leadership has the same philosophies or beliefs of restoring the people’s freedoms. In fact, some want to be overly “protective” (what some might call socialism) with the added emergency powers, and to put the people into a position where they are being treated as children, with no life choices because they, the leadership, know better. (What some might call fascism.)

What has been clearly demonstrated between the two choices is one understands the importance of liberty while taking precautions and acceptable risk; the other wants to safeguard their power while subjugating your freedoms. Your freedom is a direct threat to their power over you. These are the very struggles our Founding Fathers faced. And what about the rule of law to strike a balance between authority and liberty.

The Constitution vs States

With all the complexities of finding out how our Constitution interacts with states rights, the states’ Constitution, and statutes, we invite to I Spy a Constitutional scholar: Dr. Joyce Malcolm, a faculty member at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, who’s an expert on the evolution of individual rights, especially during the American Colonial era. She has testified before Congress and has had her work cited in a Supreme Court decision.

We discuss with Dr. Malcolm the broader issues of the Constitution, and how its preeminence is being challenged in the wake of Emergency Declarations. Who really has the authority here? She describes historically if other situations have ever impacted the US in any way like Covid has, with rights stripped by stay-home and business shut down orders. Does our First Amendment rights supersede our governor’s power to take them away?

Governor Brown vs The Constitution

All that to set the stage for our second guest as we take a very deep dive into what states are facing with some governors’ overreach. A couple of weeks ago, we spoke with Oregon Senator, Dennis Linthicum. He told us the governor is getting around the Oregon Constitution by not relying on the Constitution. She is, instead, relying statutory power. But isn’t Oregon’s Constitution the supreme law of the land? And isn’t the U.S. Constitution even higher than that?

“The governor’s attorneys argue that the balance between the governor’s executive orders and the freedom to practice religion favors the governor.”

We speak with Kevin Mannix (of Common Sense for Oregon) who is one of the attorneys that represents churches and businesses suing Governor Kate Brown and her administration’s emergency orders to shut things down.

Incredibly, her attorneys have actually argued in their motion to dismiss, that her powers are greater than the Constitution. And that’s just the tip of what she’s said.

The Church Lawsuit in Oregon

Tune in to hear Kevin Mannix’s response and line of attack as he fights for church members to gather for worship as they please. Along with the fight for businesses who’ve been at the whim of the Governor, who deigned to allow some to remain open while closing others. Including churches.  Mr. Mannix talks about the lawsuit, it’s status, and what it means if their injunction is given the affirmative. Are there signs she is backing down?

Listen this weekend to get some very important answers.

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

Dr. Joyce Malcom  

  • Oregon Republican lawmaker requests special session to end governor’s coronavirus state of emergency (OregonLive, May 6, 2020)
  • Governor: Large Events Canceled Statewide Until Covid-19 Treatment or Cure is Found (Canby, May 7th, 2020)
  • AG Barr says ‘draconian’ coronavirus restrictions should be re-evaluated (NY Post, Apr 9, 2020)

Kevin Mannix

  • Oregon emergency order lawsuit raises thorny legal questions (Bend Bulletin, May 14, 2020)
  • Salem salon owner says she’s been fined, forced to close for defying state orders (KATU News, May 14, 2020)
  • Attorneys for Gov. Kate Brown say lawsuit filed in Baker County challenging executive orders is baseless, should be dismissed (Baker City Herald, May 13, 2020)
    • Attorneys from state Department of Justice say governor declared emergency under state statute, not constitution
    • THIS “The governor’s attorneys argue that the balance between the governor’s executive orders and the freedom to practice religion favors the governor.”
  • Salem church joins legal effort (Salem Reporter, May 7, 2020)

Related Links

  • All of Oregon opens, Including Portland (OregonLive, May 14, 2020)
  • Oregon Churches and Religious Leaders File Lawsuit (Willamette Week, May 7, 2020)
  • 10 Oregon churches sue governor (OregonLive, May 7, 2020)
  • Oregon churches sue Gov. Brown to reopen (Fox 12, May 7, 2020)
  • Oregon businesses sue Gov. Kate (Statesman Journal, May 15, 2020)
  • Yes, some Oregon retail stores can open (KGW, May 14, 2020)
    • “All Oregon stores can open to shoppers again Friday, as long as they aren’t in a mall”
    •  “The declaration gives the green light to furniture stores, jewelry stores, boutiques and art galleries, which were closed March 23 by Gov. Brown’s stay-home order. It also includes all other standalone shops, from toy stores to bookstores to secondhand stores. Those were never technically ordered to close, state officials clarified Wednesday.”
year in review year in preview - did 2019 set the stage for rejecting big government in 2020
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!

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

The troubling revival of antisemitism: why hate is in vogue again from the political left
Antisemitism: Never Again is Now

Antisemitism: Never Again is Now

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Show Summary: After the Holocaust, Jews and the rest of the world pledged “never again.” But a mere two generations later, Evelyn Markus had to flee the EU’s antisemitism for America—only to find antisemitism on the rise here too. What happened? And why?

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Original Air Dates: Nov 16 & 17, 2019 | Dr. Evelyn Markus

This Week: A look at the rise of “acceptable hate”: antisemitism. The world seems to have forgotten the Holocaust, because right now antisemitism is surging again in Europe. And lest you think this is merely “anti-Israel”, you need to know that Leftist politicians have been spotted in marches where shouts of “Hamas! Hamas! Jews to the gas!” have filled the streets.

How is this happening? And why?

Antisemitism: Big-Government Sponsored Hate

Big government demands conformity from its subjects. And uniformity. You must be part of the group and those outside the desired conformity, are labelled dissidents, and targeted for hate. And even removal. We’ve seen it before throughout history with the Holocaust but we’re seeing it again now in places like Hong Kong.

Surprisingly, we’re also seeing it from the Left right now in the EU and even right here in the U.S. It’s not just the Left’s embrace of socialism that’s worrying, it’s the fringe elements of hate: antisemitism. While not unique to the Left, hatred of Israel and, by extension, Jews, seems to have become almost mainstream within the Far Left.

This is deeply worrisome. Especially to someone whose parents lived through the Holocaust.

Why Antisemitism Matters

Because the rise of antisemitism gives rise to hate of all sorts. The snowball effect of hate spreads and it becomes mob hate – not just the hate of individuals but of hate directed to an entire race.  The mob hate finds its way to those in power who begin to preach the politics of hate and the hatred of a race simply because of their existence.

This week, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Evelyn Markus, an activist against antisemitism. An author and speaker, she is the hand behind Never Again is Now, a terrific film about not forgetting the lessons of the holocaust  in the face of rising antisemitism in Europe and even right here at home

Never Again is Now

"Never Again is Now" film by Dr Evelyn Markus, the troubling rise of antisemitism
“Never Again is Now” is available on Amazon Prime

Dr. Markus’ parents lived through the worst of the politics of hate. After The Netherlands were conquered, the Jews—who had been welcomed and lived a quiet, wonderful life in The Netherlands—were targeted by the Nazis.  Then, after what they thought were incidental acts of discrimination, the Jewish people realized too late that things were growing out of control.  Forced to wear yellow stars affixed to their clothes and before long, entire families were loaded into trains without knowing where they were going. And it was too late to stop it.

And, cruelly, neighbors turned on neighbors. Even worse, collaborators turned in those in hiding or who might have escaped. Neighborhoods were emptied never to see many of their once friends, ever again.

Dr. Markus’ parents survived the Nazi occupation — miraculously escaping with their entire family intact when many of their friends had only a few family members survived or were wiped out altogether.  Dr. Markus talks to us about her parents’ life, what it was like for them to go through it all, and the very real world of seeing how good people behaved when their lives were at stake.  Some who you’d think would be brave crumbled, while others who hardly appeared destined for greatness, did great things.

Antisemitism on the Rise? Again?

But Dr. Markus’ story doesn’t end there. That’s really just the beginning. Her story is about her realization that—despite the shadow of WWII and so many personal stories of loss—that antisemitism was rearing its ugly head in Europe after 9/11. Things became so bad that she left Europe, only to realize it was spreading in her newly adopted  homeland: the U.S.

Join us for a spellbinding look at the rise of hate. And what can be done, what must be done.

Podcast Version

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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 & Info

  • The movie is Never Again is Now and is available via Amazon.com; free for Amazon Prime members, $7.99 for non-members.
  • Dr. Evelyn Markus’s websites: JoinNeverAgainIsNow.com 
  • You can follow Dr Markus on Twitter
  • Is it Holland or Netherlands? Yes. Sometimes. Maybe. Both. (via Holland.com)
  • HUNDREDS of Orthodox Jews Chant “Four More Years!” at NYC Trump Fundraiser on Tuesday — Donate $5 Million to Reelection Campaign (Gateway Pundit, Nov 14, 2019)
  • Ans van Dijk – Jewish collaborator who betrayed 145 jews to the Nazis, including her own brother and his family. (via Wikipedia)
  • When Did the World Find Out About the Holocaust? (via Jewish Virtual Library)
American exceptionalism. Why aren't there more imitators of America instead of turning socialist?
American Exceptionalism: Why don’t we see more “Little Americas”?

American Exceptionalism: Why don’t we see more “Little Americas”?

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Show Summary: Why do countries turn toward socialism when all they need to do is copy America’s success? A look at American exceptionalism and why we’re so hard to imitate.

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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
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: July 13 & 14, 2019 | Dr. Tim Ball

When you hear the term “American exceptionalism” it usually is used negatively. America isn’t great. America was never great. And so on. Just do a search on Google and you’ll be pummeled with negativity. “American exceptionalism is a dangerous myth” and so on.

But why is it that more “Little Americas” don’t spring into existence? Countries like Venezuela turn to socialism—and then fail spectacularly. Why don’t they instead follow America’s example? It’s not like we’ve hidden away our founding documents. The road map to freedom and prosperity is all right there.

American Exceptionalism

This week on I Spy Radio we look at why, in all the nations in the world, America is uniquely exceptional. And, oddly enough, Oregon is the unexpected example of what American Exceptionalism is all about.

Oregon? Really? How can that be you ask. Because right now the Far Left has taken over in Oregon with a super majority that has the ability to increase taxes regardless of what the other party or even what voters think. And since they won, it was believed by many that Oregon was lost, going completely Far Left. How is that an example of American exceptionalism.

It’s because of our ability to turn things around. To correct course. Because while the Left has taken over, there was an unexpected surprise.

Oregon Turning Point

About two weeks ago, a huge rally took place on the capitol steps that pushed back against the Far Left’s attempt to change this state for good. Or at least for a very, very long time. The D’s were prepared to force through a carbon tax over the objections of the minority party. But after thousands of people rolled up to the steps and rallied against the elected Democrats’ stance of ignoring the people about it via a vote—the politicians backed down.

Having been there personally, I can tell you it terrified the political Left. They’ve been used to steamrolling rural Oregonians. And now they’re rising up? Panic! And they buckled, cancelling (for now) the carbon tax scheme.

And with that, we tasted a very real example of American Exceptionalism.

Why America is So Unique

Since some have called those who pushed back against Oregon’s lawmakers “terrorists,” we wanted a deeper look at American Exceptionalism and what it means. Dr. Tim Ball has a unique viewpoint as a teacher,  historian, geopolitical expert, and climatologist to meld the Far Left’s desire to rid us of our individual rights and freedom of speech in their attempts to replace democracy with socialism.

The struggles of keeping American exceptionalism alive will always be a part of our life as the Left works hard to charm and deceive us into forfeiting our Constitutional rights that gives us inalienable rights, including freedom of speech and the 2nd Amendment.

Global Warming and Socialism

And deceive us they will. As AOC’s chief of staff, Chakrabarti (the same person who funneled $1 million from AOC’s PAC into two of his private companies), so clearly said this week: “The interesting thing about the Green New Deal, is it wasn’t originally a climate thing at all. Do you guys think of it as a climate thing? Because we really think of it as a how-do-you-change-the-entire-economy thing.”

And there it is. That is why staying free takes so much effort.

And yes, that little revelation from Chakrabarti smacks of Agenda 21. (Maybe it’s time to do a refresher show on Agenda 21 and the origins of today’s environmental movement…?)

But tune in to find out more about what makes America so exceptional, why other countries don’t emulate us, and how Climate Change plays a role in all of this. And how, with some effort, Oregonians might finally start turning the tide.

Did you know…

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

  • Check out Dr Tim’s books on our store page.
  • Record freshwater levels in the Great Lakes (via regulationeconomics.com)
    • “The Great Lakes represent 21 per cent of the earth’s fresh water and are seeing record water levels. Activist scientists attribute this to climate change, which until recently was supposed to result in lower water levels.  Temperature levels in the US Great Lakes reached record levels in 1933. Since then not only the have peaks never again been reached but the number of hot days has steadily declined.”
  • Great Lakes Reveal a Fatal Flaw in Climate Change “Science” (via issuesinsights.com, June 2019)
  • Environmental scientist from East Anglia (of all places) warns Global Cooling is the real threat (American Thinker, Mar. 14, 2019)
  • Global What? Summer Chill Worldwide Exposes Warming Hypocrisy (Patriot Post, Jun 27, 2019)
  • Educating the Next Generation to Debate Alarming Climate Claims (CNSNews.com, July 9, 2019)
    • See also: The Climate Change Debate Education project, which offers alternative educational materials to combat the climate alarmism. “Dr. Wojick and his project are also developing what he calls “gate breakers.” These are one-page, nontechnical summaries that explain a particular issue in the scientific debate about climate change. They are designed to be used to confront, challenge or question “gatekeeping” alarmists – such as teachers, speakers or politicians – who refuse to admit the scientific debate even exists.”
facts in the declaration of independence. Our founder's case for independence.
Facts in the Declaration | The Case for Independence

Facts in the Declaration | The Case for Independence

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Show Summary: Most people know the parts in the Declaration that talk about unalienable human rights, endowed by their Creator. But it also outlined the tyranny of the King, and gave 27 facts for independence. What’s this now about charters and trials in diverse places…? We look at the facts in the Declaration: our Founders’ case for independence

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Air Dates: June 29 & 30, 2019 and July 6 & 7 | Greg Leo 

We love the Fourth of July! Independence Day. It’s like Christmas for patriots. And it’s our annual Fourth of July show — with our “in house” historian, Greg Leo.

Every year, we look a different aspect of Independence Day. Last year we looked at how America survived divisiveness in the past (that show was in the middle of the Mueller investigation into Russia collusion. We looked at the Fourth of July in America’s first 50 years — when our country very nearly didn’t survive.

But this year we take a deeper look at the document that started it all: the Declaration of Independence, and especially the facts in the Declaration as our Founders made the for Independence. And against tyranny.

The Facts in the Declaration of Independence

Most people remember the parts in the Declaration that talk about unalienable human rights, endowed by their Creator. But it also outlined the tyranny of the King, And our Founders gave 27 facts for independence. Facts like, the Kings has removed their charters and holding “mock trials in diverse places.”

While the beauty of the Declaration of Independence lies in its big ideas, it’s embrace of a universal truth—that all men are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights—the Declaration was a legal case against the tyranny of the King.

In a beautiful bit of philosophical and legal poetry, the Declaration held the freedom and liberty intended for mankind, as given by God Himself, up against the utter despotism and tyranny as embodied in a man—the King of England.

While the politicians and theologians could argue for or against the ideals in the Declaration (many in England—and even in the Colonies—still believed in the “Divine Right of Kings”), the facts in the Declaration were presented as indisputable evidence of tyranny. And it’s a fight that never ends.

The Case for Independence

We talk with Greg Leo, a historian and our annual guest for the Fourth, about what the King was doing for the Founders to include the facts that they did as arguments for independence.

For example, what do you know about the King “taking away our charters”? Or refusing to pass “Laws of immediate and pressing importance”? Or  calling together “legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant“? And  what’s this about “mock trials”? We look at these and some of the perhaps more obscure facts in the Declaration, and our Founders case for Independence.

And don’t miss our discussion about the “deleted paragraph.” This was a paragraph that appeared in the early draft of the Declaration but was removed. Find out why Jefferson was pressured to remove it.

Echoes of the Founders’ Fight for Freedom

Also on this year’s Fourth of July show, you’ll hear echoes of our Founders ‘ struggle against tyranny with what is happening here in Oregon, across the country, and around the world. The fight for freedom never ends and every generation must pick up the torch.

Here in Oregon, a group of Republican senators walked away from tyranny when the Democrat super majority and Democrat governor refused to listen to their concerns about a massive new tax on Oregonians. The carbon cap and trade bill (HB 2020). They realized they had no other choice but to walk out and deny the majority a legislative quorum. The governor’s response? In her best imitation of King George III, she called out the police to arrest them.

Yes. Here in Oregon, our governor wanted to arrest her political opposition.

Timber Unity Rally

Rural Oregon Patriots showed up by the thousands at the Timber Unity Rally in Salem
Rural Oregon patriots showed up by the thousands to defend their way of life at the Timber Unity Rally in Salem

But the people rose up. Thousands of rural Oregonians, who were tired of Portlanders telling them what they could or couldn’t do with their land. Or how to run their business. Even what they can do for business. There is no better environmentalist than a farmer. And rural Oregonians are tired of big city environmentalist-wannabes telling them they know better about the environment. And that rural Oregonians are the ones who should be taxed for Portlander’s environmental schemes.

Hey, at least King George never wanted to tax the air the colonists breathed. But I bet he would have loved a carbon tax.

Old-Fashioned Independence Day

Looking for something a little different to do on the Fourth of July? Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day at historic Champoeg Park (pronounced “shampoo-ee”). Music, food, and history! From 2:30 – 6 p.m., with the program going from 4–6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy a taste of history and still get to your evening fireworks. More details can be found at newellpioneervillage.com or download the flyer here.

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 & Additional Information

  • Greg Leo is a political and public affairs consultant. If you need help dealing with government, you can contact him at greg@theleocompany.com
  • Old-Fashioned Independence Day at the historic Newell House in Champoeg Park. Free food and music! Can’t make it on the 4th? See the full list of events at the Newell Pioneer Village
  • The Quebec Act – the threat to representative government in the Colonies. See #5. (via founding.org)
  • Read more about the “deleted paragraph” of the Declaration of Independence (BlackPast, 2019)
  • Excellent resource for historical context of issues mentioned in the Declaration of Independence — an annotated Declaration of Independence from founding.org (a project of Claremont Univ)
  • Former President Ulysses S. Grant in Japan (via Japan Today, Sep 21, 2018)
I Spy Radio's annual Fourth of July Show
8th Annual Fourth of July Show! | How America Survived Divisiveness

8th Annual Fourth of July Show! | How America Survived Divisiveness

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Show Summary: This year’s annual Fourth of July Show is a look back at times when America was even more divided than it is now. And how we healed and came together. With ace historian, Greg Leo.

Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, starting May 5, 2018
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.

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 (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: June 30 & July 1, 2018 — Also July 7 and 8, 2018 | Greg Leo

It’s our annual Fourth of July show! Our eighth annual Fourth of July show if you can believe it. This year, we welcome back once again, ace amateur historian, Greg Leo. On this week’s show, we take today’s divided America and look back to compare to other moments in history. When, believe it or not, America was even more divided then than it is today.

[wpedon id=”2365″ align=”center”]

Our Annual Fourth of July Show

The Fourth of July is, and always has been, a unifying moment on the calendar. In some ways, even more than Christmas, because not everyone is a Christian but we’re all Americans.

And every year, we take a look back at periods of American history, to understand what America was going through, how the Fourth was celebrated in times past, and what those times and celebrations can teach us today.

This Year: Our 8th Annual Fourth of July Show

America is pretty divided right now. Half the country hates the current President — just like half hated the previous President. There’s the Russian investigation that, depending on which side of the political aisle you’re on, you either think proves Trump colluded with Russians or is a complete witch hunt. But you’ve also got Antifa routinely rioting, and Rep. Maxine Waters is openly calling for people to harass members of the administration and even Trump supporters.

Could this be any worse?

Actually, yes.

Fourth of July in 1800

The often overlooked election of 1800 was probably the most contentious time in American politics. And there were some amazing similarities between then and now.

We talk with Greg Leo about how the political war between Adams and Jefferson nearly tore the new country apart. Like today, both sides back then had their own media—the equivalent of Fox News vs. CNN. If you thought Sarah Sanders getting kicked out of a restaurant was something, you’ll have to hear what supporters of one side or the other went through.

But even in those dark and uncertain times, America pulled through.

Fourth of July in 1843

Fourth of July Celebrations in Canyon City, Oregon, in 1862.
Fourth of July Celebrations in Canyon City, Oregon, in 1862.

This year also marks the 175th anniversary of the vote in the Oregon frontier to side with America.

In 1843, the settlers began to realize they needed some form of government. Find out what happened to start the movement toward government. Then, as now, civic involvement could be a tricky business. Find out what carrots the leaders used to get the settlers to turnout and vote.

Fourth of July in the Great Depression

Fourth of July in the Great Depression.
Fourth of July in the Great Depression. One wonders if these children saw any fireworks that year.

While much of America’s history has been filled with the promise of freedom, liberty, and prosperity, the Great Depression from 1929 to World War II was a time of struggle for many Americans.

During the Depression, many parents couldn’t afford to keep their own children and were forced to send them to orphanages. Other children took their lives into their own hands and hopped rail cars in search of food and work.

It wasn’t just America. The Depression was worldwide and many countries fell into the trap of totalitarian governments, leading to the rise of the Nazis in Germany, fascism in Italy, and the continued advance of socialism and communism in Europe.

But even during these dark times, the promise of Liberty burned bright and the Fourth of July was a beacon of hope to all Americans. And as America became the leader of the Free World, our promise of freedom and liberty was a beacon to the rest of the world too.

Podcast Version

Links Mentioned

  • If you’re in need of governmental or political consulting, drop Greg Leo a line. He has more than 30 years of experience in the world of politics and government affairs. Greg can be reached at greg@theleocompany.com

Segments 1 & 2: (175th Anniversary of Founders Day)

  • Oregon Politics and Govt in the 1840s (via Oregon Secretary of State)
    • “The region went from having no government, other than the de facto civil authority exercised by the Hudson’s Bay Company, to territorial status on a path to statehood. Along the way, Oregonians saw the creation of a provisional government in 1843 and the end of the British claim to sovereignty in 1846. Local political squabbles between Americans and an alliance of French-Canadians and the Hudson’s Bay Company provided much of the early heat but politics in Washington, driven by the call “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!,” added to the rising temperature on the subject of what to do with the Oregon Country. ”
    • “Over the years, no event had come along in the small community to trigger serious discussion of the subject. … The event finally came when American Ewing Young died in 1841 without a will. Young, by far the wealthiest independent settler in the Oregon Country, owned a large herd of cattle in addition to promissory notes from his neighbors for large debts. Since he had no known heirs, the subject arose at his funeral of what to do with his property in the absence of any sort of governmental probate procedure. ”
  • Marion County Celebrates 175 Years (Woodburn Independent, April 2018)
  • 1843 Pioneer Problems & a Promise – Events of 1843.

Segments 3 & 4: Divisive Times (Jefferson & Adams)

Segments 5 & 6: Great Depression

 

Israel at 70. A former jihadist on the Middle East Miracle and why Muslims never saw it coming.
Former Jihadist on Israel at 70 — Why it is the Middle East Miracle

Former Jihadist on Israel at 70 — Why it is the Middle East Miracle

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Show Summary: May 14, 2018 marks Israel at 70. Mainstream media pundits are constantly proven wrong about Israel — and Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia. Probably because they just read other pundits. We talk to someone who truly understands the conflict from the inside out: a former jihadist. Israel, its neighbors, and why Israel’s founding caught Muslims by complete surprise.

Will there ever be peace between the Children of Ishmael and the Children of Isaac?

All Stations Stream Live!

I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of May 2018
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of May 2018. Click for full-size map.

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 (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: May 12 & 13, 2018 | Former Cultural Jihadist, Kamal Saleem

This Week: Monday, May 14th, is the 70th anniversary of Israel’s Independence. Also on Monday, under President Trump’s directive, the US is opening their embassy in Israel. But it’s happening when so much else is swirling all around them. Not all of it bad—in fact some of it is downright miraculous.

With the mainstream media pundits predicting nothing but doom and gloom no matter what Trump does, we thought we’d turn to someone who actually understands the conflict. Someone who knows the Arabic and Islamic culture of anti-Israel. Because he lived it. And was willing to die for it.

Insights on Israel from an Expert (Former) Hater

We go to a real expert, not a pundit. A person who was born in Beirut, trained by the Muslim Brotherhood and PLO, and later commissioned by a Saudi Prince to come to America to wage a cultural jihad, and who reads many of the native languages of the Middle East. We turn to Kamal Saleem.

Born in the very land where hatred of everything American and Jewish was taught, Kamal’s later transformation to Christianity only helps us untangle the Islamic religious/political response but the cultural and emotional response surrounding Israel.

Israel’s Independence at 70 Years

This week, Kamal talks about why Israel’s founding took his family by complete surprise, not to mention the surrounding countries as well. Surprisingly, it wasn’t political.

We examine Israel’s formation, its survival through 10 wars, not to mention countless skirmishes, and the current changing relationships with their Middle East neighbors.  Neighbors such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the most dangerous one of all— Iran.

Israel’s Neighbors

We discuss: how Syria is slowly regaining ground and chasing out ISIS; that Saudi Arabia, is actually making peaceful overtures toward Israel; and how Iran is pulling the strings of a lot of countries. Listen to find the importance of Saudi Arabia’s changing face, the real reasons why they are bombing Yemen, and why they are accepting Israel.

But do they really mean it. If you’ve heard Kamal before, you know about the Muslim doctrine of taqiyya and lying to one’s enemies. Should Israel be trusting? And what are the tell-tale signs of lying or trust for the Saudis?

That Iran Deal: Trump Right or Wrong and Why Now?

If you wondered why Trump (who said all along he wanted to withdraw from the Iran Deal), waited until now to do it, you’ll hear why he did and why waiting played right into his hand. It turns out there was a very goo reason why Trump waited until now instead of when he first had the chance months ago.

And, as usual, the pundits were wrong. They all said it would backfire. Check out this tweet from an actual Iranian, not some CNN pundit: “As an Iranian, I would like to say: Dear President @realDonaldTrump, Iranians are very grateful for your decision to #CancelIranDeal. ”

Lots more on this week’s I Spy Radio Show!

Podcast Version

Links & Additional Info

Kamal Saleem’s ministry website is www.koomeministries.com

Pundits

Tensions between Israel and Iran show us that once again the Middle East is dragging us towards the abyss, writes John R Bradley (Daily Mail, May 1, 2018)

Israel at 70

  • Ancient lost city of King David is uncovered near Jerusalem and expert says it proves the Bible is accurate (The Sun, May 1, 2018)
  • Syria Says Israel Struck Near Damascus as IDF Opens Shelters Bracing for Iranian Attack (Haaretz, May 8, 2018)
  • Saudi Arabia: Real Changes? “Saudi Arabia Inks Deal with Vatican to Build Christian Churches” (Breitbart, May 4, 2018)

US Embassy in Jerusalem

Iran Deal

  • Trump pulls U.S. OUT of Iran nuclear deal calling it ‘disastrous’ and accuses Iranian regime of LYING to build an atomic bomb – and defiant Tehran pledges to step up its program (Daily Mail, May 8. 2018)
  • Obama rebukes Trump for blowing up Iran deal as he warns the U.S. could face a losing choice – a nuclear-armed Tehran or a new war in the Middle East (Daily Mail, May 8, 2017)
  • Netanyahu – 100,000 Secret Files Prove Iran ‘Lied Big Time’ About Nukes (Breitbart, Apr 30, 2018)
  • U.S. Confirmed Iran Nuclear Files Seized by Israel as ‘Authentic’ (Breitbart, Apr 30, 2018)
  • Trump Proclaims Netanyahu Announcement on Iran Shows ‘I’ve Been 100% Right’ (Breitbart, Apr 30, 2018 )
  • Obama’s Alternative Facts on the Iran Nuclear Deal (Bloomberg, Dec 18, 2017)
  • Iran’s President Warns: ‘If America Leaves the Nuclear Deal This Will Entail Historic Regret’ (Breitbart, May 7, 2018)
  • The Worst is Yet to Come for Iran (Al Arabiya, May 7, 2018)
    • “The people have reached a point where they realize that there’s no hope from the regime … [and] know it will never be reformed or amended.”
Memorial Day Weekend 2017

Memorial Day Weekend 2017

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Show Summary: It’s Memorial Day weekend! You’re taking some time off and so are we. A best of a best of this week: looking back at last year’s Memorial Day, including a fun look at the history and traditions of Memorial Day. Plus, in 2016, we were in the thick of a contentious Republican primary. Remember that? It’s a good look back at where we were and, unfortunately, with stubborn “Republicans” in Congress, where we still are today.

Enjoy the look back!

I Spy Radio coverage map | I Spy Radio broadcast areas effective April 2017
The I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas

All Stations Stream Live!
7:00AM Saturday: KUIK (Portland)
11:00AM Saturday: KBKR (Baker City) | KLBM (La Grande)
7:00PM Sunday: KAJO (Grants Pass)

Air Dates: May 27 & 28, 2017

NOTE: For links mentioned, see the original show page for Show 6-22, “Unity: A Nation at Risk.”

 

Man of the people - President Donald Trump - History and Traditions of Inauguration Day
History and Traditions of Inauguration Day

History and Traditions of Inauguration Day

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Show Summary: Celebrating Inauguration Day Weekend! We explore the history and traditions of Inauguration Day in depth. Changes to the oath of office, parades, balls, Bibles, and how they became traditions.

Click the mic to download the show! (Shows are available by Mondays at noon)
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All Stations Stream Live!
7:00AM Saturday: KUIK (Portland)
11:00AM Saturday: KBKR (Baker City) | KLBM (La Grande)
7:00PM Sunday: KAJO (Grants Pass)

Air Dates: Jan. 21 & 22, 2017 | Greg Leo

Answering the call of many Americans who were tired of Washington working for itself and not for them, President Trump gave an inaugural speech that declared today was the start of putting the people back in control of their government.  And his speech gave Americans the chance to witness once again the peaceful passing of power, without war, following our Constitution, which supersedes all those who have taken office.

Full Transcript of President Trump’s Inaugural Speech

John Wilkes Booth, in the talk silk top hat, at Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address.
John Wilkes Booth, in the talk silk top hat, at Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address

So we take a look at the history and traditions of America’s Presidents taking power. The Inaugural Balls, the parade, even the Inaugural Speech itself. Some of these traditions date back to Washington but many of them are recent innovations.

Listen to hear about the President who stayed outside in the cold giving the longest inaugural address and then passed away 30 days later due to pneumonia.  Or hear about the president-elect and president who couldn’t even talk to each other as they rode to the Capitol for the inauguration, the different Bibles some presidents chose, and lots more.

America’s rich history comes to light this weekend as we watch President Trump take office.

Another view of John Wilkes Booth at Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural
Another view of John Wilkes Booth at Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural (click for larger view)

And just think. If it were up to the likes of Karl Rove, we’d be watching Hillary give her speech while Karl explained why the John Kasich/Marco Rublio ticket hadn’t reached out enough to Hispanics.

Thank the Lord!

Join us for a celebration of the traditions of Inauguration Day!

 

Links Mentioned

Historical Photos of Inauguration Day

Additional Traditions of Inauguration Day Links

 

Canada’s Experiment with Socialism (Part 2 of the Allure of Socialism)

Canada’s Experiment with Socialism (Part 2 of the Allure of Socialism)

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Air Dates: Feb 27 & 28, 2016 | Dr. Tim Ball

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To allow our network of broadcasters first airing, our shows are not available for download until Mondays after noon

I Spy Radio continues to do what the Republicans ought to be doing: focusing on the Democrats. Especially their lurch toward outright Socialism. With either winner, the Democrats will have a socialist as their nominee. It will either be Bernie Sanders, who is an avowed socialist, or Hillary Clinton, an Undeclared Socialist.

With socialism being around as long as it has, there’s still the myth in every generation who thinks, “But this time it will work!”  Even though it has had resounding failures wherever it’s been tried.  Folks like Bernie and Hillary points to countries like Sweden or Finland as examples of “success.”

What they fail to mention is that Sweden or Finland are only becoming more successful because they purposely moved away from socialism to adopt more elements of capitalism.

Denmarks-socialismThink of it like a balance or teeter totter; whenever you give government all the rights, and therefore your decisions, you’re taking the rights and decisions away from the individual.  The reverse, freedom, is also true. By giving affirming the rights of the individual, it takes power away from the government.  So, the notion that you can somehow give away all of your rights and control over to government while still retaining personal freedom is a logical inconsistency.

The myth of socialism still hangs on

So to prove our point of why it can’t work, we go back to Canada and talk with Dr. Tim Ball and find out the realities of living in a socialistic country.  Listen as Dr. Ball talks about his personal experiences living in socialized Canada, including the loss of freedoms, opening a new business in a socialist country, and living in the so-called “ideal” (socialized) health care system.

What you’ll learn is this: If Canada is Bernie’s and Hillary’s “utopia,” they can keep it.

Relevant Links

Dr. Tim Ball’s books:

  • Slaying the Sky Dragon: The Death of the Greenhouse Gas Theory
  • Human Caused Global Warming: The Biggest Deception in History
  • and The Deliberate Corruption of Climate Science.