Category: Marxism

14-33 Is it Still Free Speech When No One is Allowed to Listen? | Censorship & Greater Idaho

14-33 Is it Still Free Speech When No One is Allowed to Listen? | Censorship & Greater Idaho

Show 14-33 Summary: Truth, or even just opinions, never need to be censored — unless you’re in the business of telling lies. We have a split show today — we’re talking about censorship in the second-half of our show, but first up we’ll be talking about the Greater Idaho Movement. Those two may sound like unrelated topics but at their heart, they’re quite similar — it’s about being free, and being free to speak one’s mind. And it’s about the powers that be blocking voices who have opinions they don’t like.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Original Air Dates: August 17th & 18th, 2024 | Guests: Matt McCaw & Dan Schneider

This Week – Greater Idaho and Greater Censorship

We have a split show today — we’re talking about censorship in the second-half of our show, but first up we’ll be talking about the Greater Idaho Movement. Those two may sound like unrelated topics but at their heart, they’re quite similar — it’s about being free, and being free to speak one’s mind.

But do you really have free speech if the powers that be prevent anyone from being able to hear you?

Censorship is about only allowing one side of an issue to be discussed. The erasing… and silencing of other opinions. Only one side is heard, and any others? Well, we just don’t care. Only OUR voice matters.

Which is a bit like what happens in rural areas, where people who live there aren’t listened to. They have no voice. The only ones who do have a voice in rural areas are people who don’t even live there — people in big cities in other counties get to decide what’s best for rural areas.

Greater Idaho

First up we talk with Matt McCaw, the executive director of the Greater Idaho movement. This is an effort to expand Idaho’s border to the west and incorporate the more conservative rural counties of Eastern and Central Oregon. Counties that feel they have no voice in Salem. Because are outvoted by Oregon’s more populated far left counties. Which amounts to people who don’t live in rural areas telling people who do what they are allowed to do.

We’ve used this analogy before: letting people in cities make decisions about what people are “allowed” to do in rural areas is like letting people in rural areas decide things like how much internet people in cities are “allowed” to have. Or public transit. Or decide whether to build new roads or design traffic flows.

It’s an abusive relationship. And people in the rural counties are done with being battered and want out.

But if you think this divorce will never happen, take a listen. And it might just surprise how simple it is. And that it’s happened before. Right here in Oregon.

For more information on the Greater Idaho Movement, see their website: GreaterIdaho.org. Be sure to see their FAQs page.

The Censorship Movement

In the second half of the show, we talk “Greater Censorship” with Dan Schneider. Dan is the vice president of the Media Research Center, where he leads the Free Speech America program.

We witnessed censorship during covid. When differing opinions were blocked. Scientists and doctors were threatened if they did not comply. Threatened with losing their license if they disagreed with the mandates. And the vaccines. We saw censorship in the 2020 election. When the government conspired with social media to block posts unfavorable to Joe Biden. Especially the Hunter Laptop story. We saw Twitter remove Trump’s post on January 6, encouraging people to be peaceful and everyone needed to go home. But the media hid that. Why? To create the false narrative of an “insurrection.” And that Trump caused and encouraged it.

Simply put, it was a lie.

Remember: The truth never needs to be censored — unless you are in the business of telling lies.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton's threatening censorship letter to Elon Musk re Trump Interview
EU Thierry Breton’s threatening letter to Elon Musk (click for full size)

Censorship — from Other Countries?

But the censorship movement hasn’t stopped. Elon Musk may have bought Twitter (now “X”) and exposed the censorship — because he knows there is nothing more fundamental to democracy and to freedom than free speech — but the censorship is still happening. And in many respects, it feels like it’s getting worse.

Is it? We talk with Dan about that. And we talk about the censorship we are seeing over in Europe and the U.K. with their protests against millions of immigrants. The EU’s threats against Elon for daring to talk to Trump—an American politician and presidential candidate. (“Foreign interference in our elections,” anyone…?) And it’s all happening live right now. Right in front of our faces.

But be sure to tune in to hear about a closed door meeting that MRC got a whistleblower inside. A secret meeting with Google telling leftist politicians how to get around Google’s own algorithm and restrictions on political speech. And, conveniently, not inviting right-leaning politicians.

And in case you’re wondering — yes, the censorship movement will get far worse under Kamala and Tim Walz. Both of whom are socialists. And that entails all of the censorship in any socialist country. You are not, and will not, be allowed to question the regime.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Matt McCaw, Greater Idaho, Segments 1–3

  • The Greater Idaho’s website is GreaterIdaho.org. See especially their news page and FAQs.
  • And, as always, check their Get Involved page for what you can do to give rural counties a voice by making Greater Idaho happen.
  • Just one of their interviews from Greater Idaho’s main page: “The movement to expand Idaho’s border into Oregon (CBS News Sunday Morning, October 16, 2022)

Dan Schneider and the Censorship Movement, Segments 4–6

Related/Additional

  • The Most Dangerous Anti-Free-Speech Movement in Our History (Fox News, via YouTube, Aug 12, 2024)
    • Alliance between Universities and media and govt and corporations against free speech
    • Polls show people still have an instinctual opposition to censorship
    • Jonathan Turley: “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage”
  • The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris (Time, Aug 12, 2024)
  • Kamala Steals Trump’s No Tax on Tips (Trump War Room, via X, Aug 12, 2024)
  • Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump (WSJ, Aug 12, 2024)
14-32 Crashes and Recessions | Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics

14-32 Crashes and Recessions | Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics

Show 14-32 Summary: Why talk about economics? Because the number one issue for most voters is economics. So if you want to influence how people might vote, you need to know the economic issues at stake and the differences between a Trump administration and a Kamala one. Poor jobs numbers caused the recent stock market crash. Was it just the unemployment numbers and the triggering of the 100%-accurate Sahm Rule that indicates we’re in a recession? Or did the economy not have faith in the guy with dementia allegedly in charge of it? Expect more downturns if Kamala and Walz get elected. The single best answer to Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics is something we know works: Trumponomics.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Original Air Dates: August 10th & 11th, 2024 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics

This week, it’s about economics, a topic that surveys repeatedly show as being the number one or near the number one issue for voters. We talk with Jonathan Williams from the American Legislative Exchange Council to take a look at the stock market crash beginning Friday August 2nd and rolling over to Monday. And the lingering jitters as a result of it. Are we one market correction away from a major recession?

Then we look at Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics — all of which get progressively worse because each of those is further left than the previous one. Reagan once said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” Although we might have a new contender for the one- most terrifying word — Kamalanomics.

We don’t know what Kamala thinks. We don’t know if she thinks or is just spouting what other people tell her to think. But she has said she “loves Bidenomics!” and that she will get rid of the Trump tax cuts on day one if elected.

If you thought Bidenomics was bad, Kamalanomics will crush you. And Walzonomics would be even worse because he’s an avowed socialist.

Well. The answer to Bidenomics, Kamalanomics, and Walzonomics  is something we know works. Trumponomics. So we also take a look at some of Trump’s solutions. But with so much to talk about, time ran a bit short so we’ll have to take a look at his solutions in more depth on a future show.

Socialism is Not Neighborliness

Sorry Governor Walz, socialism is not neighborliness. Socialism is not kind. Socialism is not neighborly. Not even close.

Socialism is about total government control. It is the nationalization of the economy. And that only happens through the control of resources and the means of production, which happens through the end of private property. And if you don’t like it, socialism is imposed at the end of a gun.

Do you threaten your neighbors with guns, Governor Walz?

Our founders knew that without private property there really is no freedom.

Socialism deprives people of their incentives to do better. Their desire to succeed because it punishes those who try — as more and more “neighbors” lay their claim to someone else’s success and demand their piece of it bec they have been told they are entitled to it

I don’t know what kind of neighborhood you live in, Walz, but most neighbors I know don’t think that they are entitled to take someone else’s lawn mower.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Jonathan’s organization is ALEC – the American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
    • Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them! Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
    • And you too can join as a private-sector member!
    • You can follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
  • Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing. And for a taste of what Kamalanomics and Walzonomics would be like, check out how badly Minnesota is doing under governor Tim Walz. (Hint: worse than Oregon!)
  • Check out Trump’s platform, “Agenda 47.” A 20-point plan, much of which focuses on the economy.

The Stock Market Crash and Recession

  • Dow drops 900 points, Nasdaq craters 2% in global market rout (CNBC, August 5, 2024)
    • Fears of a U.S. recession were the main culprit for the global market meltdown after Friday’s disappointing July jobs report.
  • Stocks routed in Asia, tumble in Europe as markets fear U.S. recession in wake of weaker than expected jobs report (CBS, Aug 5, 2024)
    • Japan’s benchmark stock index plunged 12.4% on Monday, compounding a global market rout set off by investor concerns that the the U.S. economy could be headed for a recession.
  • This recession indicator is flashing red, but the ‘Sahm Rule’ creator says ‘this time really could be different’ (Fortune, August 2, 2024)
    • “The Sahm Rule’s accuracy rate is 100% going back to every recession since the early 1970s.”
  • Unemployment Rate Spike Triggers ‘Sahm Rule’ Indicator, Signaling Potential US Recession (The Epoch Times, August 5, 2024)
  • Fury as Biden tries to defend his record – as stock market meltdown intensifies in afternoon trading in blow to 401(K)s (UK Daily Mail, August 5, 2024)
    • “Wall Street’s most watched gauge of investor anxiety logged its largest ever daily jump on Monday. [The Cboe Volatility Index or VIX] hit the highest level in four years — when it last spiked as Covid shut down the economy.

Kamalanomics

Walzonomics would be Worse than Kamalanomics

 

14-31 Enviro Mental | If Only Sustainable Unicorns Really Did Exist

14-31 Enviro Mental | If Only Sustainable Unicorns Really Did Exist

Show 14-31 Summary: No, it’s not the hottest ever. But if you believe in global warming, we might have some sustainable unicorns to sell you. This week we have some common sense answers for the enviro mentally impaired.  One is to learn to not buy the snake oil they’re selling you. Another is to learn they are jimmying the temperature data. We talk about the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned its previous Chevron deference opinion. And we discuss some common sense, environmental model legislation that even the far left might have a hard time saying no to.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Original Air Dates: August 3, 2024 | Guests: Chuck Wiese & Craig Rucker

This Week – Common Sense Answers for the Enviro Mentally Impaired

Summer isn’t even over and already we’re hearing it’s the “hottest ever.” Could it be because temperature sensors are miscalibrated? Badly so? We talk with meteorologist Chuck Wiese about what he’s uncovered in just the Portland and Salem (Oregon) areas. And it’s not just a little miscalibration. It’s off by a lot.

Chuck is not only a trained scientist but has become a political activist, especially around election integrity. So we just have to ask him about Judicial Watch serving the state of Oregon with a “pre-suit” notice and their intent to sue. Unless Oregon follows the law and cleans up its voter rolls.

  • 19 Oregon counties reported zero voters removed from their rolls from Nov 2020 – Nov 2022
  • 10 Oregon counties reported only a handful of removals
  • That’s 29 out of 36 counties out of compliance

Then we pick up our discussion again with Craig Rucker, the co-founder and president of CFACT. Last time, we barely scratched the surface about the importance and downstream effects of the Supreme Court’s overturn of the Chevron Deference (aka “Chevron Doctrine”).

Oregon’s former governor used state agencies to shove through her “Climate Protection Plan” which would cost Oregonians billions and do nothing for the environment. It was thrown out by Oregon’s courts. But now the state agency is at it again. Could the death of the Chevron deference come into play here?

Plus, we talk about some environmental model legislation that they teamed up with ALEC (that’s long-time I Spy Radio guest, Jonathan Williams’ group, the American Legislative Exchange Council). It is so common sense that even the far left might have a hard time saying no to.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • China records hottest month in recent history (Reuters, July 31, 2024)
    • Okay, now look past the headline: 73.706° in 2017 vs 73.778° in 2024. That’s a difference of 0.072 — seven one-hundredths of a degree. OMG! We need to spend a trillion dollars. Right now!
  • Judicial Watch Warns Oregon to Clean Voter Registration Lists or Face Federal Lawsuit (Judicial Watch, July 25, 2024)
  • Craig Rucker’s organization is the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow or CFACT. Find out more about the terrific work they do, get access to their articles and research and so much more at their website, CFACT.org
  • US Offshore Wind Farm Shut Down After Turbine Debris Fouls Beaches (Reuters, July 17, 2024)
  • A Supreme Court victory over bureaucratic overreach (CFACT, July 1, 2024)
  • Court deals body blow to unchecked bureaucratic power (CFACT, July 11, 2024)
  • CFACT model legislation sails through ALEC, now heads to states (CFACT, July 31, 2024)
  • Big Government’s Abuse of Power Gave SCOTUS No Choice But to Overturn Chevron (Townhall, June 28, 2024)
  • Oregon’s CPP (Climate Protection Scam. I mean Plan): Oregon Court of Appeals finds state carbon reduction rules invalid (OPB, Dec 20, 2023)

Related but Not Mentioned

  • Supreme Court to decide whether climate studies will be required for Infrastructure projects (CFACT, July 5, 2024)
  • With Chevron Overturned, Congress May Have to Adapt (Epoch Times, July, 17, 2024)
  • Alaska Natives file lawsuit challenging federal overreach in wake of SCOTUS ‘Chevron’ ruling (Just the News, July 10, 2024)
  • Supreme Court to decide whether climate studies will be required for Infrastructure projects (CFACT, July 5, 2024)
  • Federal judge blocks Biden’s ban on new U.S. LNG export terminals (CFACT, July 19. 2024)
  • Supreme Court expands time frame to sue federal agencies (SCOTUS Blog, July 2, 2024)
    • The Supreme Court ruled that a North Dakota truck stop can bring a challenge to a regulation issued 13 years ago by the Federal Reserve Board
    • Statute of Limitations? Barrett wrote, “Congress could have used language to make clear that the statute of limitations begins to run when the regulation is issued or the agency action takes place, but it did not.”
14-30 A Nation at War with Itself | Moral Battleground in America (and Oregon)

14-30 A Nation at War with Itself | Moral Battleground in America (and Oregon)

Show 14-30 Summary: Since its founding, America has been at war with itself. Locked in a battle between its Christian-Judeo roots while allowing space for secularism. And other religions. But the battle between Christianity and secularism is the most pronounced. And recently, the Christians have been giving up ground. We talk with author Bill Donohue about the moral battleground in America, including the hate spewed by the Left at any who disagree with them. Then we talk with Dennis Linthicum, the Republican candidate running for Oregon’s Secretary of State about the moral path Oregon is on. But we especially wanted to have him back on to talk about the elections. How do we get to a secure election in Oregon? Where are the vulnerabilities if someone wanted to cheat? And how do we close them.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Original Air Dates: Date, 2024 | Guests: Bill Donohue and Dennis Linthicum

This Week – The Moral Battleground in America

This week we’re looking into the moral battleground in America. Yes, there is a moral war being waged right now and America. And Oregon. It’s the secular outlook versus the religious one that have been at war since America’s founding. What can we do to keep America on the right path?

We talk with Bill Donohue, an author and media personality. He has written thousands of articles and 10 books. His books focus on ethics and religion and their ongoing battle with the secularism and its attack on America and our way of life. His most recent book is Cultural Meltdown – the Secular Roots of Our Moral Crisis.

We also look at the Left working to dehumanize their political opponents, making it easier to hate them. Even shoot at someone who has been demonized as a “threat to democracy” and the nation.

Who Counts the Votes

We also talk with senator Dennis Linthicum, the Republican candidate for Oregon’s Secretary of State. If there is any statewide office that needs someone with a strong sense of morals and ethics, it is the secretary of state’s office. It is the watchdog for so much of government. The one that is responsible for auditing other agencies. And ensuring the fairness of our elections. It’s like that Stalin quote: “It’s not the people who vote that count, it’s the people who count the votes.”

We talk about Oregon and its own moral path but our main focus is on the elections. Do we have secure elections in Oregon? How do we get to secure elections? And why doesn’t this current set Secretary of State seemed to think that’s important. And why does the Oregonian label Dennis an “election denier”? (He’s not. He’s an election confirmer.”

Want to find out more about Dennis Linthicum and his policy issues? Visit ElectDennis.com.

The democrats in charge now are pretty transparent about their lack of lack of transparency. Which boils down to “trust us. We won.” What are they hiding?

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

 

14-28 Data Shows Bidenomics Suffering from Economic Dementia

14-28 Data Shows Bidenomics Suffering from Economic Dementia

Show 14-28 Summary: We’re talking economics and the rather grim picture being painted by the data—if someone actually bothers to look. You know. Like what the media used to do. Hold truth to power. While America’s economy is suffering through economic dementia under Joe Biden, there is not a lot of good news. Not even in supposedly “good” job reports — because they keep revising things down when they think no one is looking. But there are some bright spots ahead. If, and only if, we change who is in charge of our economy. So when will the media stop covering up Joe’s economic dementia?

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: July 13th & 14th, 2024 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – Bidenomics: Economic Dementia

Despite the left stream media’s best cheerleading efforts, actual data about the economy is getting out. And it’s not good. Spikes in business bankruptcies. Especially small business bankruptcies. Even personal bankruptcies.

With all the business bankruptcies, and others reporting on the verge of bankruptcy, it’s no wonder that there is also a spike in store closings. If they continue at this rate,

In an America suffering from economic dementia, we need some common sense. Which is why we turn to Jonathan Williams, the Executive Vice President of Policy and the Chief Economist for ALEC. The American Legislative Exchange Council.

Economic Dementia: Did you know?
Under Bidenomics, 27% of Americans say they skip meals due to rising food costs.And 39%  skip meals to make house or rent payments

It seems there is no end of bad economic indicators. (Just take a gander at the show notes below.) A spike in bankruptcies. Cruelly keeping interest rates high Thousands and thousands of store closures. Including discount stores. (How bad is Bidenomics when people can’t even afford to shop at discount stores?) And regulations weighing down businesses. And in the middle of all that Joe Biden and the democrats want to raise taxes? That’s not just economic dementia. That’s economic suicide.

The only way out is to change the people in charge. Because if the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results, then electing the same politicians is political insanity.

The left-stream media and democrats have signaled (okay, shouted) they want Dementia Joe to go. CNN, if you can believe it, just fact-checked Biden’s “high-stakes news conference”. Yes. CNN!

Be on the lookout. Joe Biden’s economy has been terrible ever since he’s been in office. But the media has been providing propaganda cheerleading to convince you otherwise. Bt when the left-stream media stops covering for Joe’s economic dementia? That’s when you’ll know the knives are out.

Because no one wins an election when the economy is in the toilet.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Jonathan Williams and ALEC Links

  • Jonathan’s organization is ALEC – the American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
    • Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them! Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
    • And you too can join as a private-sector member!
    • You can follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
  • How did Oregon do in the 2024 edition of Rich States, Poor States?
  • Jonathan’s op-ed in The Daily Caller: “Biden’s Pledge To Let Trump’s Tax Cuts Die Has Stirred Up A Hornet’s Nest” (Daily Caller, June 10, 2024)
  • Those blue states that have seen the light: Hawaii and Connecticut: “‘Blue’ States Make Fiscal Progress: Jonathan Williams on American Radio Journal” (via ALEC, June 27, 2024)

Economic Dementia Links & Info

  • Department of Interior shuts down millions of acres of Alaska to all oil, gas and mining activity (Just the News, July 8, 2024)
    • Biden’s Department of Interior blocked 28 million acres of federal land in Alaska from any oil or gas development or mining
    • Biden’s Interior also blocked a 200-mile gravel road that would have connected mining districts in West Central Alaska to a highway that runs through the middle of the state.
  • Bidenomics: 27% of Americans Say They Skip Meals Due to Rising Cost of Food (Gateway Pundit, July 6, 2024)

We have so many economic dementia links, let’s break them into sub-categories.

GDP

Jobs

  • Peter Schiff: More Doom in the Data (ZeroHedge, July 10, 2024)
    • It was especially bad for manufacturing jobs: Zero manufacturing jobs were created in May. And 8,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in June.
  • Payrolls Rise 206K After Huge Downward Revisions As Unemployment Rate Jumps To Three Year High (ZeroHedge, July 10, 2024)
    • May jobs revised from 272K, to 218K (-54K; -24.8%)
    • April jobs revised from 165K to 108K (-57K; -34.5%)
  • June Jobless Rate Triggers Sahm Rule: Recession Imminent? (ZeroHedge, July 10, 2024)

Bankruptcies & Store Closures

  • Business Bankruptcies Jump 34 Percent in First Half of 2024 (Epoch Times, July 8, 2024)
    • In the first half of this year a total of 3,016 commercial Chapter 11 bankruptcies were filed — an increase of 34% from last year
    • Small business filings rose by 61%
    • [Lumber Liquidators] Home improvement chain mulls bankruptcy (Daily Mail, July 8, 2024)
  • US retail bloodbath continues as store closures hit 2,600 so far this year – here’s the full list (UK Daily Mail, May 8, 2024)
  • The death of the dollar store: 99 Cents Only and Family Dollar to shutter hundreds of stores in ‘retail apocalypse’ (Daily Mail, May 26, 2024)
  • Nationwide discount retailer with 1,400 stores sparks fears of mass closures as it mulls bankruptcy (Daily Mail, July 5, 2024)
    • Big Lots has used up most of its cash on hand because of the losses so far this year — on top of  the last two years
    • Big Lots said all of this raises substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue.
    • How bad is Bidenomics when people can’t even afford to shop at discount stores?
  • Wilco says it could lay off 70 people, close hazelnut processing facility (Statesman, July 8, 2024)
  • Kroger-Albertsons selling 186 Oregon, Washington stores in merger bid (KOIN, July 10, 2024)

Oregon’s Own Economic Dementia

 

 

14-25 Abuse of Power | Stopping Wannabe Dictators

14-25 Abuse of Power | Stopping Wannabe Dictators

Show 14-25 Summary: This week it’s a deeper look at the abuse of power by our elected officials. We continue our conversation from last week with senator Dennis Linthicum, who is running for Oregon’s Secretary of State — an office that oversees other agencies and therefore needs a Secretary of State who can and will hold them accountable when they operate outside their limits. And then we also talk with Kimberly Hermann from southeastern legal foundation and their new case against the Biden administration for his overreach. He is trying to give foreign farm workers rights that American farm workers don’t have. And ignoring about 90 years of law to do so.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: June 22nd & 23rd, 2024 | Guests: Dennis Linthicum & Kimberly Hermann

This Week – Abuse of Power

We take  a deeper look at elected (and unelected) officials’ abuse of power. We continue our conversation from last week with senator Dennis Linthicum, who is running for Oregon’s Secretary of State — an office that oversees other agencies and therefore needs a Secretary of State who can and will hold them accountable when they operate outside their limits.

For more information, visit Dennis Linthicum’s  campaign website, www.electdennis.com

And then we also talk with Kimberly Hermann from southeastern legal foundation and their new case against the Biden administration for his overreach. He is trying to give foreign farm workers rights that American farm workers don’t have. And ignoring about 90 years of law to do so.

For more information, visit Kimberly Hermann’s organization, Southeastern Legal Foundation, at www.SLFliberty.org

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Dennis Linthicum’s Segments

Kimberly Hermann’s Segments

14-23 If Winning is the Only Option, Chasing Ballots is How to Win

14-23 If Winning is the Only Option, Chasing Ballots is How to Win

Show 14-23 Summary: Chasing ballots is not the same as ballot harvesting (which is illegal in some states). We talk with Matthew Martinez, the Chase the Vote Strategist for Turning Point Action about the how behind the how to win. And it’s incredibly simple. A mix of old-time politics and new technology.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: June 8th & 9th, 2024 | Guest: Matthew Martinez

This Week – Chasing Ballots: The How in the How to Win

This week it’s all about taking action. After what we saw with the wrongful prosecution and corruption of the justice system in New York leading to a fake felony conviction, the gloves are off. And tin 2024, winning is the only option.

But to do that, it takes strategies, action, and the will to win.

This week we talk with Matthew Martinez, the Chase the Vote Strategist for Turning Point Action — to get the ballots across the finish line this year. Matthew was the field director for the Kari Lake for governor campaign and is now working with Turning Point Action (the political arm of Turning Point USA) to spearhead the effort to get Republican ballots in the ballot box that otherwise not be cast.

Chasing ballots is not the same as ballot harvesting. Ballot harvesting is when someone goes and collects ballots including nightmare voter fraud situations, where someone goes and collects dozens if not hundreds of ballots from places like retirement homes. Where sometimes the voter isn’t even aware that someone took their ballot and voted for them.

Tune in to hear how Turning Point has changed the approach to getting the vote out. Including technology anyone can use to make it simple. Working closely in neighborhoods, he updates us on all the new data that Turning Point has accumulated for all states and how to use it. He also discusses how Republicans lost elections, through unforced errors that Democrats have known how to get around for years.

Why Chasing Ballots?

As the field director for the Kari Lake campaign, Matthew saw firsthand just how a few more votes per precinct in Arizona would have meant a republican governor, and a republican Secretary of State. Just 10 more republican votes turning in their ballots. That’s all.

In Oregon, we had a similar situation. A total of just 4,200 votes across six house districts would have flipped Oregon’s house to Republican control. And how different would the legislative session have looked this year with Republicans in charge of the budget? In one district, a mere 182 votes would have flipped that district. This year, winning is the only option. And this week’s show will help people get those reluctant votes in and across the finish line.

HD 7 (Lane County): 1,208 more votes would have flipped that seat to the Republican
HD 40 (Clackamas): just 182 more votes would have flipped the seat
HD 48 (Clackamas and Multnomah): 618 votes
HD 49 (Multnomah): just 904 votes — in deep blue Multnomah!
HD 50 (Multnomah): only 860 more votes — again, in Multnomah
HD 53 (Deschutes): Only 510 more votes

This was completely doable. The question is, why wasn’t it done?

Chasing Ballots Trainings Are Available

Urge your republican party county chair to chase these ballots. (Mr. Martinez’s contact information is below.)

Turning Point Action is willing to send representatives to do boots on the ground training to use their app and to teach people how to chase ballots by building relationships with their neighbors. All your county chair has to do is ask for help.

Get the Turning Point Action Chasing Ballots App! Just head to your phone’s App Store and look for “TPAction.” And, yes, we have checked it out and it does work for Oregon to find those reluctant republican votes.

And if they won’t? Then you need to take the lead.

Please feel free to reach out to us here at I Spy Radio (info @ ispyradio . com) if you or your county chair would like to help coordinate bringing turning point action representatives to Oregon.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

 

14-21 Election Integrity – Loophole Allows Illegals to Vote?

14-21 Election Integrity – Loophole Allows Illegals to Vote?

Show 14-21 Summary: Could a loophole in U.S. Criminal Code Title 18 allow illegal aliens to vote in federal elections? We have Catherine Engelbrecht on from True the Vote to discuss what her organization found and how it may open the door to millions of illegals voting in the presidential election. So much for election integrity. And that’s not even the worst of it.  But are there signs that even in blue states, like Oregon, people might be done with Joe Biden, his far left policies, and his lawlessness like opening the border to those 10+ millions of illegals. And we talk with Chuck Wiese about the U. S. Supreme Court declining to hear his election integrity case.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: May 25th & 26th, 2024 | Guests: Catherine Engelbrecht and Chuck Wiese

This Week – Election Integrity Loophole Allows Illegals to Vote?

A couple weeks ago, Catherine Engelbrecht of True the Vote gave an explosive interview on Tucker Carlson’s show, in which she described what her organization found: a potential loophole in election integrity laws that could allow illegal aliens to vote in federal elections. If they believe they are legal citizens.

We know, coming across the border, the Biden administration and NGO’s have been telling the illegals that they are legal citizens, because they “followed the law” by claiming amnesty. amnesty being the pet door that allows illegals to just walk right in.

Call to action: the 611 Project. Get the handbook at True the Vote

We’ve all wondered why Democrats, and especially Joe Biden, have been flooding the country with 10 to 15,000,000 and possibly more, illegal immigrants. This could certainly explain it.

Except, as Catherine explains, the legal loophole potentially allowing illegal voters to vote for president isn’t even the worst of things. Tune in to hear what else Joe Biden could do.

Check it out! True the Vote now has an election integrity app, “IV3,”  to find and report potentially illegal voters. Take a listen (Twitter)!

Election Integrity in Oregon

And then we talk with Oregon’s election integrity political activist, Chuck Wiese. Chuck is a long-time I Spy Radio guest and a fan favorite due to his scientific background and logical insights on issues.Chuck was also part of an election-integrity lawsuit, Thielman et al. vs Oregon Secretary of State, in which they sought to restore integrity and trust to Oregon’s elections. That lawsuit made it all the way to the Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case unfortunately. Tune into here why that may have been and why election integrity is not dead yet in Oregon.

We also look at Oregon’s primary that just happened. surprisingly, it was not a good night for farther-left progressives as “squad wannabes” lost their primary races to more moderate Democrats. Is this a trend? are even Democrats fed up with Joe Biden, his open borders and lawlessness, lawfare against political opponents, and Bidenomics which is killing family finances.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Catherine Engelbrecht’s Segments (1–3)

Chuck Wiese Segments (4–6)

Related Election Integrity Info

  • Illegal Alien Voter Registrations – How to Attack It and Prevent This Fraud Before 2024 Election (Gateway Pundit, May 20, 2024)
  • Study: ‘Non-citizens’ are registered to vote, could decide next president (WND, May 15, 2024)
  • Frank LaRose should be the model for all red states who dump the ERIC System. (Twitter, May 15, 2024)
    • If red states are dumping the ERIC because it does not clean voter rolls as promised, then why is it used at all — and not sued out of existence?

 

14-19 The Making of Battle Ready Republicans – Even in Oregon

14-19 The Making of Battle Ready Republicans – Even in Oregon

Show 14-19 Summary: We think we speak for a lot of Republicans who have watched in disappointment for years and years Democrats outmaneuver, outspend, out volunteer, and out organize Republicans when it comes down to the final wire. And that success or failure depends on leadership. Ronna McDaniel was not up to the job. Like too many “party Republicans” she loved meeting more than doing. But there are two new sheriffs in town — RNC co-chairs Michael Whatley and Lara Trump. And they are showing aggressive leadership to outdo the Democrats. We talk with the secretary of Oregon’s Republican Party about plans and trainings to make battle ready Republicans come November.

I Spy Radio Coverage Map as of April 2024
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: May 11th & 12th, 2024 | Guest: Jo Rae Perkins, Oregon Republican Party Secretary

This Week – Battle Ready Republicans

For years, if not decades, it seemed Republicans were unwilling to fight back when it came not just to elections but even fighting for their side after elections. And the brutal truth is the Democrats have had a superior ground game.

But is all of that about to change?

With new leadership at the top, the Republican National Committee is signaling an aggressive willingness to go toe to toe with Democrats. And that includes get out the vote efforts, ballot harvesting, even challenging Democrats in courts as they try to institutionalize making it easier to cheat in elections.

Will Even Oregon have Battle-Ready Republicans?

And what about Oregon? Will the Oregon be ready for the fight in November? We talk with Jo Rae Perkins, the secretary for the Oregon Republican Party, about what is happening on the national level — and what is happening right here in Oregon.

Is that aggressiveness coming from the top coming to Oregon? What trainings and volunteer opportunities are available to help Republicans get over the top. And what about those statewide races? Can Republicans take those? And what are the roadblocks out there that could stop Republicans from winning?

There is a lot happening and a lot to talk about to get Republicans battle ready by November.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Want to be a battle-ready Republican? Visit the Oregon Republican Party’s website and look under the “Get Involved” tab — for county chapters, events (including trainings), and volunteer opportunities.

Oregon Battle-Ready Republicans

Here are some highlighted events and trainings mentioned during the show:

Battle-Ready Republican Trainings

  • Be a battle-ready Republican candidate! Attend the Oregon Republican candidate workshop flyer in Kaiser Oregon, May 24, 2024
    Click for full size

    Candidate Training Workshop (Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 pm) | Keizer Civic Center, Keizer, Oregon

    • Become a battle-ready Republican candidate!
    • “…tailored to equip you with essential skills and knowledge for a successful candidacy. From crafting creative messaging to navigating ORESTAR and mastering fundraising strategies…”
    • See flyer for more details and how to register
  • Election integrity workshop, Keizer Civic Center in Keizer Oregon May 24 2024
    Click for full size

    ORP Election Integrity Symposium (Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 pm) | Keizer Civic Center, Keizer, Oregon

    • Election integrity expert speakers. Ranked-choice voting specialist. Cyber security expert. Learn how to support Oregon election integrity lawsuits. Discover how to clean up voter rolls and election law. Plus a hand-count voting demonstration.
    • See flyer for more details and how to register

Oregon Republicans Events

  • Make Oregon Great Again Event (Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:00 am) | Jackson County Fairgrounds, Central Point, Oregon
    • State and National Speakers to inspire you to make America and Oregon Great Again. Speakers include Mike Lindell (the MyPillow guy), Joe Hoft, co-founder of Gateway Pundit, top MAGA/MOGA leadership and candidates. And live music from Nashville recording artist, Mark Mackay.
    • View Event Flier (PDF)
  • Be a battle-ready Republican — but have some fun too! Join us at the Grassroots Luau BBQ Fundraiser Melrose Vineyards in Roseburg Oregon, Saturday June 29 2024
    Click for full size

    Grassroots Luau BBQ Fundraiser (Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 5:00 pm) | Melrose Vineyards, Roseburg, Oregon

    • “Join us as we harness the spirit of the West and the warmth of aloha for an evening of unity, celebration, and purpose. Let’s show the world that conservatives know how to have a darn good time!”
    • See flyer for more details and how to register
  • Be a battle-ready Republican — but laugh too! Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, OR, September 7, 2024
    Click for full image

    Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla (Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 5:00 pm) | Linn County Fair & Expo, Albany, OR

    • “… an exciting evening including dinner and a live performance from Adam Carolla. … The well-known comedian, podcaster, and radio personality, will be sharing his humor, sharp wit, and interesting conversations.”
    • See flyer for more details and how to register

Aggressive Republican Pushback

Other/Related

  • Uhhh… This could explain a lot: “RFK Jr. said doctors found a dead worm in his head after it ate part of his brain” (NY Post, May 8, 2024)
  • Democrats out-fundraising Republicans 2024 election cycle despite Biden’s poor polling (Just the News, May 7, 2024)

 

14-18 Troubling Signs about Bidenomics | Learn to Think Like an Economist

14-18 Troubling Signs about Bidenomics | Learn to Think Like an Economist

Show 14-18 Summary: Does anyone remember when the media objectively covered economics. After all, so much of it revolves around data. And yet the mainstream media does everything it can to attack good economies, like we had under Trump, while providing cover for lame economies, driven primarily by government and government spending, like what we have under Joe Biden. So how do you know what to trust and whom to trust? On this week’s show we talk to an economist to help you think like an economist.

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

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, six different times, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on out network of stations.

Original Air Dates: May 4th & 5th, 2024 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week –  Despite the mainstream media doing their best to run cover for Biden and his economic policies, there are some troubling signs about Bidenomics. And some of it really troubling. Which is why you’re not hearing those kinds of stories in the mainstream media.

When it comes to the economy, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is Biden’s DEI hiring-equivalent of “Baghdad Bob.”

GDP for the first quarter was half of normal growth and less than half of the previous quarter. Unemployment for April rose with one of the indicators the worst it’s been since November 2021. And yet all we ever hear out of the White House is how great things are. Including a rather startling comment from KJP. According to her, prices are too low. That woman is Biden’s DEI hiring equivalent of “Baghdad Bob.”

But because economic reporting has become so politicized how can an everyday person tell whether or not the economy is doing well — aside from their own subjective experiences? Because their experiences may not be what everyone else is going through.

Think Like an Economist

So this week we talk to an economist—Jonathan Williams, Executive Vice President of the American Legislative Exchange Council, and their chief economist—to help people learn to think a little more like an economist.

What are some of the trigger points to look for? What are some of the more reliable measurements that indicate a good or a bad economy? And what economic levers can they pull to turn an economy around or to keep a good economy going?

And all of that to help people pick the right people to put them in charge to get the economy on the right track

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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

Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Jonathan’s organization is ALEC – the American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
    • Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them! Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
    • And you too can join as a private-sector member!
    • You can follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
  • How did Oregon do in the 2024 edition of Rich States, Poor States? We actually moved up on notch—although we’re still in the low 40s. Explore all the states or jump to Oregon’s rankings.
    • Be sure to try out the red “adjust policies” tab!
  • Biden Administration’s New Climate Rules Add $31,000 to Price of New Home, Industry Groups Say (The Epoch Times, May 1, 2024)
  • That Stephen Moore article: “Why Small Businesses Hate Bidenomics” (The Daily Signal, April 23, 2024)
  • GDP growth slowed to a 1.6% rate in the first quarter, well below expectations (CNBC, Apr 25, 2024).

The Death of DEI?

Other Related Economics News

  • ‘Harassment’: Feds Impose Trans Agenda on Employers for Pronouns, Bathrooms (The Daily Signal, April 29, 2024)
    • The Daily Signal reported that under new federal guidelines — released on Monday by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — an employer would be guilty of harassment by requiring someone to use a restroom that corresponds with their biological sex or if someone “misgenders” them.
  • US births reach 45-year low – report (RT, Apr 25, 2024)
  • Why hundreds of U.S. banks may be at risk of failure (CNBC, May 1, 2024)
  • U.S. job growth totaled 175,000 in April, much less than expected, while unemployment rose to 3.9% (CNBC, May 1, 2024)
  • Long-predicted consumer pullback finally hits restaurants like Starbucks, KFC and McDonald’s (CNBC, May 1, 2024)