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Show Summary:Do you have an unlimited amount of money? Or time? If not, then welcome to the world of economics—where math meets reality. Or, if you’re you’re talking about Oregon Democrats in charge of Oregon’s economic outlook, where math meets imaginary.
Original Air Dates: June 8 & 9, 2019 | Guest(s): Jonathan Williams
When it comes to economic outlook, there’s no better organization to turn to than ALEC — American Legislative Exchange Council, the nation’s premiere economic forecaster for the 50 states. And when it comes to Oregon’s economic outlook, they know what can make Oregon successful.
If only Oregon Democrats did.
Oregon’s Economic Outlook
Those two kids in the front look like they’re running the numbers on how much all this is gonna cost their generation…
We’ve said often that Oregon is the Petri dish for all things Left, except the Petri dish is no longer needed to prove what works or doesn’t work in economics. States across the U.S. are demonstrating how increased taxes are not the way to economic recovery. And even though the proof is in the pudding our Democrat legislators refuse to take heed.
Now ranked a very dismal 44th in ALEC’s survey of economic outlook among the states, Oregon may soon find their economic coffers emptying as businesses leave to move to much more friendly taxed states. It’s already happening. Stimson Lumber announced this last week that they were packing up, closing their operations in Forest Grove, and heading out of state.
Oddly, with all its spending, Oregon may soon be one of the biggest cheerleaders of the Trump economy. Because what do you think will happen if suddenly the economy retreats when Oregon just decided to raise billions in new taxes?
Jonathan Williams from ALEC
To bring clarity to the problems of high taxed states we bring on Jonathan Williams, co-author of Rich States Poor States to give us the good and bad news of how states are dealing with Trump’s booming economy. He discusses Oregon’s problems and why it was ranked so low—and that was before the new multi-billion-dollar business tax was passed.
We also get to look at what states like Idaho, Texas, Tennessee and others are doing not only enjoying Trump’s tax cuts but jumping on and cutting their own state taxes that highly benefits their citizens. (Like and support your people? What a concept!)
Listen to find out how Oregon is starting down the path of socialism by the D’s desire for centralized planning. Hear what one Democrat Senator had to say while standing on the senate floor about businesses that could no longer afford to stay in Oregon. And listen to hear how Democrats are using the tax codes to only allow the “right” kind of business to operate in Oregon. Is this a new trend in national politics?
If nothing else, Oregon Democrats are proving the importance of borders. If the D’s get too destructive you can vote with your feet.
Podcast Version
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Show Summary: Oregon Democrats aren’t exactly shy about overspending taxpayer dollars. Indeed, they seem quite proud of the devastating 29% tax increase they are in the middle of passing in 2019. So why do they want to take away voters’ ability to fight back?
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of Nov 2018. Click for full-size map.
Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!
This Week: There are taxes and then there are extinction-level taxes. Because Oregon Democrats seems to be lurching down the path of destruction — unless they can be pulled back from the brink.
Oregon Democrats: You have too much of your money
The Far-Left Oregon Democrats seems to revel in their super-majority ability to create taxes on a whim. With no chance from the Republicans to be able to stop them. Worse, they seem to take great joy in thumbing their noses at the everyday Oregonians by mislabeling taxes and working hard to take away Oregonians’ ability to stand up in protest.
There is a lot under discussion this week on I Spy Radio. While we know it’s Memorial Day, this is exactly why all those sacrifices were made. So we can fight the battle on the Home Front.
Oregon Democrats: New and Artful Taxes
Democrats are finding new and creative ways to layer taxes on top of other taxes—all while saying but this is just a little percentage and won’t add up to much. Except, when you add all the layers together they add up to a lot.
For example, take the “tiny” .57% tax the Democrat supermajority just passed—the Corporate Activities Tax (more accurately, the Gross Sales Tax). However, this tiny unnoticeable tax (HB3427) will raise $2 billion in new taxes. Most importantly, this bill taxes the gross sales, not net profits. (Yes, this is a sales tax.) In other words, if your low-margin business spends $95 to make a product and you sell it for $100, you will be taxed on the full $100, not your $5 in profit.
Most importantly, that “tiny tax” is on top of any other taxes you’re already paying?
Remember: this gross receipts tax / shadow sales tax is a repeat of a ballot initiative Oregon voters rejected just two years ago. Pesky voters! You don’t get to decide. Oregon Democrats know better.
A Whopping 29% Increase in Taxes
But that’s just the beginning. In addition to the Gross Receipts Tax, here are a few of the tax hikes the Far-Left are supporting and are likely to pass:
Family Leave $1.5 billion
Carbon Tax $1.1 billion (at a minimum!)
Employee Assessment Tax $500 million
Medicaid Tax $335 million
Small Business Tax $130 million
Kicker Cut $108 million
All told, that is $5.673 billion in new taxes. Counted against the General Fund, that is a tax increase of almost 29%. Twenty-nine percent.
What’s even a more difficult to stomach is not a moment’s pause to even consider cutting spending. When is enough, enough?
Oregon Democrats Want to Silence Ballot Initiatives
It’s time for action. We talk with Jeff Kropf, former Oregon legislator and current head of Oregon Capital Watch Foundation (OCWF.org.) about these staggering new taxes and a potential challenge to the Gross Receipts Tax.
Again. Because Oregon voters defeated this same tax just two years ago. But we can’t stop fighting. If we do, and if the Democrats in Salem get their way, this may truly be the last chance we have.
Tune in this week to hear what’s coming and what to do about it.
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Links Mentioned
Jeff’s group is Oregon Capitol Watch Foundation, which can be found at ocwf.org.
No word as of our show airing on the ballot initiative. If you want to be involved or to get updates, you can email Jeff at jkropf@wvi.com
While you’re at it, join our email list to be alerted to upcoming shows and more. Never miss an I Spy Radio Show!
As Critics of the New Corporate Tax Increase Ponder Referring It to Voters, Democrats Seek to Hinder Signature Gathering (Willamette Week, May 20, 2019)
Additional Links & Info
Read the text of HB3427 of HB 3427, Oregon’s Shadow Sales Tax, aka “Corporate Activity Tax,” “Gross Receipts Tax,” “Student Success Fund.”
Show Summary: Oregon is the Petri Dish of Leftist policies. Find out how and why that when it comes to economics and environment, leftist policies leave reality behind.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of Nov 2018. Click for full-size map.
Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!
This Week: It’s spring with farmers preparing fields, rains soaking our rich soils, and forests turning green. Our skies are clear from heavy smoke and the air is fresh. But August is coming when things are far more dry, brown, and dusty.
Oregon’s Forests: A Victim of Leftist Policies
Believe it or not, August in Oregon used to be free of major forest fires for decades but why isn’t it now? Why have massive fires become a way of life for the summer landscape in Oregon, California, and the rest of the West?
We’ll talk about this with Dr. Bob Zybach, someone who studied Oregon’s history of forest fires for his dissertation and is an avid proponent for bringing back practical and realistic forest management policies to Oregon. A state that should be leading the way on setting proper forest management polices. Except we’re too concerned that environmentalists will froth at the mouth over policies that actually acknowledge mankind is part of the environment. But we digress.
Dr. Zybach is also a frequent guest on I Spy Radio. Dr. Bob is back on to take us through what should be happening with our forests during spring time as summer is fast approaching. We know that farmers and ranchers are busy during this time of year preparing for the growing season, so should foresters.
Are We Preparing Scientists or Activists?
We hear so much about preparing today’s youth for the challenges of tomorrow. So what exactly is the curriculum currently being taught in today’s forestry classes? And how well prepared are young foresters when they graduate?
Don’t miss the updates on the Elliott State Forest that is supposed to be making the state millions. Yes. The Elliott State Forest is supposed to generate money. Not cost money. Can it? Yes. Is it? You’ll hear about that and what the future may bring for this vital state resource and how it could pave the way for other states. If they just listen.
Pacific Legal: Fighting Leftist Policies
But first up: Ethan Blevins. Mr. Blevins is an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation. This is a group that we’ve been following for a long time. No, we’re not stalkers. But this our first time to have them on I Spy Radio. Pacific Legal Foundation has been growing leaps and bounds and are now all across America, working to hold the government accountable. Just our kind of group.
Oregon’s New Rent Control: Ignoring Science AND Economics
Mr. Blevins litigates cases involving the First Amendment, property rights, school choice, and the separation of powers. So we talk to him about the new rent control Oregon’s legislature just passed and why its policies will end up raising costs of living—the exact opposite of what they propose to do.
Why? Because the policy completely ignores one of the most basic elements of economics. Not one of those fancy a computer models that predict global cooling—wait, no, warming, er, no, change!—but from long-tested and proven economic science. But what do we know?
And don’t miss our conversation with Mr. Blevin about Oregon’s supermajority and the potential abuse of powers that come with it. Yes, the Democrats have a 3/5ths supermajority in the House and Senate and yes they hold the governorship. But there’s still hope. And from a surprising source. And it’s why Republicans can’t and shouldn’t give up.
OVERVIEW: How Rent Control Works in New York City (via Oh My Apartment)
“People in New York City who have the advantage of renting a rent stabilized apartment, have a very hard time parting with them. Monthly rent under $2000 in New York City is very, very cheap – even for a studio or small one bedroom.” = lack of mobility; prevents people from moving to a better job or moving closer to their current job, thereby increasing commuting distance, time, and expense.
Some basic history of Rent Control (via Wikipedia): “In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Emergency Price Control Act into law. The goal of the act was to prevent inflation in the booming, fully employed wartime economy by setting price controls nationwide. ”
(Don’t forget: long-time listeners of I Spy Radio know that this is about the time the IRS screwed up the health care system forever. Due to World War II and wage controls in effect, the IRS decided to allow employers to offer health care as a means around wage restriction policies in order to entice workers.
Show Summary: Oregon Democrats appear to have taken the position that no matter how much or how little you make, it really all belongs to the state. A look at the taxes they have in store for 2019.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of Nov 2018. Click for full-size map.
Five Different Times, on Six Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!
Oregon Democrats appear to think that if you earn money, it’s really not your money. It belongs to the state. You can tell because Oregon Democrats—who have super-majorities in Oregon’s house and senate plus the governorship—have billions in new taxes they want to unleash. Billions to extract from the 3.3 million Oregonians.
The Short List of Oregon Democrats New Taxes
Doubling the gas tax. Tripling taxes on beer and cigarettes. Fees (i.e. taxes) on restaurants. Vending machines. First in the nation carbon tax — plus a California-style cap-and-trade. (Hello $5 per gallon gasoline.) Fees (taxes) on bed and breakfasts. Spa visits. Fees (taxes) on tourism. Fees on small business. Middle business. Big business. Mining permit fee increases. Fees on timber lands. Fees on public utilities. Fees on home heating oil. Fees on
And if that isn’t enough, Oregon Democrats even want to remove property tax exemptions for non-profits and churches.
Yes, even God doesn’t pay enough in taxes.
At this rate, pretty soon, the State and Oregon Democrats will want to tax money you didn’t earn.
Oregon Democrats 2019 Tax Plans
We talk this week to Jonathan Williams, the Vice President for the Center for State Fiscal Reform at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC.org) to get some insight into what all these taxes the Oregon Democrats have planned will do to the state’s economy.
Some of what we talk about includes Oregon’s cap-and-trade scheme, the fees, and the endless taxes.
Don’t worry. There’s hope. But you’ll have to listen.
Getting around pesky Supreme Court rulings: Democrat introduces bill to use taxpayer money to fund unions directly. Press Release from Freedom Foundation
California Lurches For A Carbon Tax After Consecutive Greenhouse Gas Auction Failures (Forbes, Mar 2, 2017)
“Like BC’s, the carbon tax examined for Oregon would be (largely) revenue neutral: one scenario applied 70% of the tax revenues to cut corporate taxes, 20% to cut personal income taxes, and 10% to reinvest in industrial energy efficiency programs. The other scenario apportioned 50% of the revenues to cut corporate taxes, 25% to cut personal income taxes, and 25% for industrial and residential energy efficiency and transportation infrastructure.”
Show Summary: Christmas is a good time to remember that even in Oregon, there’s hope for Republicans. There were some great things in 2018 and now 2019 awaits. With former NFL superstar Burgess Owens & NY Times bestselling author, Scott McEwen.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of Nov 2018. Click for full-size map.
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Air Dates: Dec. 15 & 16, 2018 | Burgess Owens & Scott McEwen
This Week: This year has seen some lows and some highs. Mostly, the lows are here in Oregon. Or at least it feels that way some times. We’re the kids in the Christmas Carol looking out the window at other kids having fun in the snow. But we can’t go out and play with the other kids. And of course, there’s that carbon tax that might be coming—which will really handicap Oregon’s businesses and farmers—if Oregon’s Republicans can’t get their act together.
But let’s not be Scrooge here. There have been a lot of good things that happened this year. And it’s with that in mind that we bring you this week’s show.
Christmas Time
It being the Christmas Season, we’re taking a lighter approach to this week’s show. Sure, there’ll be some politics but we won’t be focusing on things we need to warn you about. (See pretty much the entire rest of the year for that.)
Instead, we want to bring you two authors and frequent guests of I Spy Radio, who have terrific new books out that would be perfect Christmas gifts this year. (Plus, you can find other great books for gifts in our store page.)
Burgess Owens: Why I Stand
First up, we talk with Burgess Owens, former NFL superstar, about his latest book, Why I Stand. This is a terrific book just in time for the holidays about a man who came up from the Deep South and is committed to standing up for the Black community that has been duped by its leader. It is filled with inspiration about the core beliefs that make America great, filled with insights from a lifetime of seeing too many people fall into the trap of socialist mindsets. This is a great gift to give yourself or the younger generation in your life to wake up from the growing lure of socialism.
Scott McEwen
We also talk with Scott McEwen, co-author of the NY Times bestselling American Sniper., about some of the feel-good stories this year, like Trump’s victory to get Kavanaugh appointed, expanding the Republicans’ lead in the Senate (which will make more Kavanaughs possible), and even the Clinton’s discounted “stadium tour.” Could 2019 be the year of the Clintons finally facing justice?
Scott has two new books out (in addition to his other seven books): City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle for Mosul, which Scott co-wrote with Ephraim Mattos, and Camp Valor. City of Death, which would be an excellent book for anyone who likes real-life military stories as you’re put right there on the scene with one of the Free Burma Rangers as they helped provide humanitarian relief for the fight to retake Mosul from ISIS. It would also be an excellent book for any vets in your life — or buy a few copies to take to your local VFW.
Camp Valor is intended for teens and young adults but, let’s face it, it’s great fun for adults too. It’s about a troubled youth who’s given a chance to redeem himself if he agrees to join a secret training camp for teenage government agents. Except America’s enemies find out about it and they find themselves in a real battle for their lives.
Tune in this week for a bit of a lighter show than our usual fare. We’ll need the break as we all rest, then gear up for 2019.
Podcast Version
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This Week: Like you, we always find it interesting when a politician waits until after winning their election to roll out their plans if they get elected. Such as their budget plans. Well, we warned you this was coming.
I Spy was concerned that if Knute won the governor’s seat, he wanted a carbon tax—and likely would get one. Why? Because Republicans in the legislature would feel obligated to pass it. And we also knew that even though Kate Brown hadn’t let voters see her big plans to “save” Oregon from financial disaster, we warned you that if Kate won, we’d see a carbon tax, as well as a cap & trade scheme from her too. She didn’t disappoint.
Stay with us. There is some good news in all this. But first the bad news.
Kate Brown’s Carbon Tax
With the election over, Kate Brown can finally be honest about how much she wants to spend. And about her plans for a carbon tax.
And, sure enough, just this week, The Oregonian ran an article about Kate’s sweeping budget proposal that names all kinds of new spending—about a 10% increase in state spending that will have to be raised through new taxes.
If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez believes in Global Warming, it must be true. Just like unicorns.
The shortlist of Oregon’s new spending: $2.2 billion increases for schools, a $375 million PERS bailout for schools, climate change, $50 million on homeless, and oh yes, a special fund to fight President Trump in court. She’ll have to find new creative ways to squeeze even more out of Oregon taxpayers and businesses.
That $2.2 billion doesn’t include other taxes already going up. Remember that Highway Tax Oregon passed in 2017? It’s set to double in 2019. A whopping $434 million. All told, it’s over $3 billion in new taxes. Oh, and that sales tax on healthcare plans that “wasn’t” a sales tax? That’s going up too.
And all that spending doesn’t even include dollar figures for the carbon tax she wants.
The Good News on Oregon’s Carbon Tax Plans
While the rest of the country has the enjoyment of less tax and less government in their lives, Oregon’s Kate Brown plans to heap more taxes and more government on Oregonians. Has she mentioned any cuts? No.
So what’s the good news in all of this? It’s all in the D’s lap. They not only own it but will reap the consequences. Blue states have been turned red for a lot less. Even deep green Washington rejected a carbon tax.
And that’s the other good news about the prospects of Oregon’s carbon tax. She’s likely not going to pull Republicans over to support a carbon tax. So all it will take is one or two Democrats who think a carbon tax (on top of everything else) is a step too far.
That’s why this week’s show is about giving you the information to help defeat a potential carbon tax.
To get a better handle on what a carbon tax is, how it works, and the propaganda to support it, we call in our climatologist expert, Dr. Tim Ball.
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Carbon Tax: What the Rest of the World Thinks
Living in Canada, Dr. Tim Ball has witnessed how Canada’s leadership is attempting the same thing—only not everybody is on board. Yes, that’s right. Even Canada is rejecting carbon taxes. Several provinces, including Canada’s most populous, Ontario, are rejecting Trudeau’s carbon tax.
How bad is it? The previous Ontario government was kicked out of office, and by huge margins, when the opponent ran on a promise of getting out of the carbon tax scheme.
Are you listening Oregon Democrats?
And look what happened last week in Paris. There were literal riots in the street when people found out just how much gasoline taxes were skyrocketing thanks to Macron’s carbon tax. Somehow, you didn’t see reports of police using tear gas on their own citizens who were protesting Macron’s carbon tax. CNN must have been too busy reporting on tear gas being used on our border against invading illegal immigrants carrying flags from other countries.
This is Macron’s France right now
The centre of #Paris is full not of Christmas shoppers but an uprising against Government & EU policieshttps://t.co/N7DFjhK6Vj
Could this happen in Oregon? Could we see the voters finally grasp what the Democrats’ plans are? And actually start to fight back? And, dare we hope, rise up against those Democrats force them back away from the brink—when the rest of the nation, and the world, are finally seeing the light.
Find out what you need to know on this week’s I Spy Radio. And then get your phones warmed up as the new legislative sessions starts this winter.
Podcast Version
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Links Mentioned
It’s coming: Oregon Governor wants a carbon tax. And cap and trade. “Kate Brown pitches $23.6 billion budget plan” (The Oregonian, Nov. 29, 2018)
Carbon tax definition (via Investopedia): “A carbon dioxide tax is paid by businesses and industries that produce carbon dioxide through their operations. The tax is designed to reduce the output of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, a colorless and odorless incombustible gas, into the atmosphere. The tax is imposed with the goal of environmental protection.”
Keep carbon taxes in the ground: ‘Permanently bury these job-killing proposals, after pounding wooden stakes through their hearts’ (CFact, Sept 16, 2018)
Climate Alarmists Suffer Huge Blow On Carbon Tax In Deep Blue Washington State (Climate Depot, Nov 8, 2018)
Scientists rip new federal climate report as ‘tripe’ – ’embarrassing’ – ‘systematically flawed’ – Key claim based on study funded by Steyer & Bloomberg (Climate Depot, Nov. 2018)
Pretty much all you need to know. “The claim of economic damage from climate change is based on a 15 degree F temp increase that is double the “most extreme value reported elsewhere in the report.” The “sole editor” of this claim in the report was an alumni of the Center for American Progress, which is also funded by Tom Styer”
Press Release: Heartland Institute Experts React to Latest Alarmist Government Climate Report (Heartland.org, Nov. 24, 2018)
Buck Sexton: “More convinced than ever that it is impossible to get progressives to stop freaking out about climate change- No matter what happens, no matter what evidence is presented- it would just be too psychologically painful for them to accept having been so duped for so long” (Buck Sexton on Twitter, Nov 26, 2018)
Paris burns as France faces protests over Carbon Tax on fuel (“French Police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters” Reuters, 24 Nov., 2018)
CA Gov. Brown blames climate ‘deniers’ for worsening wildfires – Scientific evidence refutes him: ‘Less fire today than centuries ago’ – Wildfires are NOT due to ‘climate change’(Climate Depot, Nov. 12, 2018)
Washington voters overwhelmingly reject proposed carbon tax (“Climate Change Alarmists Suffer Huge Blow In Deep Blue Washington State” Investors Business Daily, Nov 7, 2018)
Cal Thomas: “‘A Political Report Masquerading as Science’: The Truth About the New Climate Report” (Daily Signal, Nov. 29, 2018)
Coming up in a future show, we’ll be talking about cap and trade schemes defined. Here’s a brief definition of cap and trade, otherwise known as “carbon trading”
Hope in Darkness – Hidden Election Victories and Veterans Day
Show Summary: So Oregon’s Midterm Elections didn’t go the way we wanted but there were some overlooked victories that give some hope for the next one. Yes, even here in solid blue Oregon. Election wrap-up coverage plus some hope for recovering veterans on Veterans Day.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.
Five Different Times, Six Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!
Air Dates: November 10 & 11, 2018 | Rob Taylor & Scott McEwen
Okay, so things didn’t go quite as well as we would have liked to see in Oregon politics. Knute, kept shooting himself in the foot as the Republican candidate, who seemed to not like Republicans. His opponent was not a well–liked Democrat candidate—and had Knute not attacked Republicans and their policies he may have a had a chance. But we’ll get into that next week. For this show we’re going to focus on the positive of what did happen Tuesday.
Hidden Victories in Oregon’s Midterm Elections
There was a little-discussed win in Oregon’s midterm elections, victories which happened in eight Oregon counties. Eight. Wins that were led by Rob Taylor, who saw eight counties pass ordinances to protect our 2nd Amendment rights as these counties voted to become “Gun Rights Sanctuary Counties.” Rob will explain how they used, of all things, the Constitution and the 10th Amendment. (What a novel idea.) Don’t miss out on hearing about some good news and where these activists will be going next to keep fighting for our 2nd Amendment rights.
Scott McEwen on the Midterms
Then we welcome back to our show Scott McEwen, who co-authored the huge hit, American Sniper. Of course, there’s never a show with Scott that we don’t talk about what’s going on in the world of politics. So naturally, we get his thoughts on the national midterms, Oregon’s midterm elections, and on the firing of Jeff Sessions.
Scott is also back to talk about his amazing new book City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle of Mosul that he co-authored with Ephraim Mattos. Little has been discussed about the efforts our soldiers have made to fight back ISIS. Author and US Navy Seal, Ephraim Mattos not only fought against ISIS alongside his fellow soldiers, but after he left the SEALs he flew back to Iraq to join a small group of volunteer humanitarians known as the Free Burma Rangers. With Veterans Day upon us this is a great book to read that will give you a look inside the work of these humanitarians and the courage and sacrifice they’ve witnessed and endured.
Podcast Version
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The article about their victory in Douglas and 7 other counties in Oregon to pass the Gun Rights Sanctuary Ordinance: “Gun Rights Sanctuary Counties: Voters in Oregon Set Foundation for Eight” (Tenth Amendment Center, Nov 6, 2018)
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Show Summary: In a followup from last week’s show, we talk with Portland Radio Superstar, Jayne Carroll, about the difficulty facing Oregon Republicans this year. Can Republicans trust Knute Buehler? Should they? Should they vote for him? Plus, more on government corruption and leftist billionaires and their secret operatives implanted in Oregon’s Attorney General office. The Kavanaugh hearings. And O’Keefe’s latest uncovering the Deep State’s sabotage of the Trump administration.
Original Air Dates: September 22 & 23, 2018 | Guest: Jayne Carroll
Last week, we asked whether Oregon Republicans can trust their own candidate, Knute Buehler. Why? Because during the primary, while running against two conservatives, Knute said he opposed a carbon tax. He even called such a scheme Kate Brown’s “honey pot.”
Can Oregon Republicans trust Knute Buehler? Should they?
And then, within weeks of winning the Republican primary, Knute flipped. And now he says he wants a carbon tax.
So which version of Knute do you trust? Primary Knute? Or general election Knute? (Funny how he hasn’t changed his stance on abortion though.)
Our guest last week, Chuck Wiese, a meteorologist and fierce global warming debunker, knows that global warming—now “climate change” (because people are stupid, apparently)— is a scam. Chuck looks at the devastation a carbon tax did to both California and its once proud Republican Party. California’s carbon tax, passed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, a “republican” governor, with the aid of California Republicans, destroyed both the state and the Republicans. As a result, some 10,000 businesses have been forced out of California by the carbon tax.
And now Knute Buehler says he wants a carbon tax. Is Knute trying to destroy Oregon? Or the Oregon Republican Party? Or both?
The Don’t Vote Knute Buehler Strategy
Chuck believes that if Kate Brown gets elected, she won’t be able to pass a carbon tax. Why? Because Republicans in the house and senate will oppose her simply because she’s a Democrat trying to pass (in Knute’s words) a honey pot for Democrats and their Democrat allies.
But if “republican” Knute Buehler gets elected, it’s a different story. Knute will get a carbon tax passed, where Kate Brown will fail if she gets elected. Why? Because in the Knute scenario, Republicans will actually want (or feel obligated to) to support their newly elected “republican” governor.
Imagine that. Republicans passing an anti-business carbon tax. A tax that could punish businesses to the tune of some $17 billion. A tax that will raise prices on every thing. And worse, a tax that will send tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars to… wait for it…Democrats.
If Oregon Republicans pass a carbon tax, it will be like writing checks to the political opponents.
Perhaps this kindergarten-level of “strategic thinking” is why the Oregon Republican Party are in the hole to the tune of –$13,000. Meanwhile, the Oregon Democrat Party is sitting on a cool half-million in cash in the bank.
So you can see why Chuck Wiese believes it would be better for Oregon Republicans not to elect their own candidate. And it does make a lot of sense—as horrible as it sounds. Sometimes, strategy is very messy. So what are Republicans to do?
That’s why we call in talk show host and long-time political strategist, Jayne Carroll.
This Week’s Show: Jayne Carroll
In the Portland area, Jayne Carroll is a radio superstar. The First Lady of Radio. Last week’s show (The Impossible Choice Facing Oregon Republican Voters This Year) featured Chris Horner, who revealed that Leftist billionaires are secretly embedding global-warming operatives right into states’ attorney general offices. We also talked with Chuck Wiese about his strategy and reasons not to vote for Knute Buehler. Knever Knute. Because Jayne has over 30 years experience in Oregon politics, we want to get her take on things.
While you’ll have to listen, here’s a hint. She’s not thrilled with Knute Buehler. But should Republicans sit this one out? What about the other issues? Will Knute do to the Oregon Republican Party what Schwarzenegger did to California Republicans?
Or what about this: is Knute a Deep State or at least a Democrat plant?
You’ll have to tune in to find out.
We also get her take on the Kavanaugh hearings, the accusations of Christine Ford and the games Democrats play. the latest from Project Veritas exposing the Deep State, and lots more.
Don’t miss this terrific show with one of the best talk show hosts in Portland.
Podcast Version
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.
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Show Summary: Most Republicans believe voting for any Republican is better than any Democrat. Find out why Knute Buehler, running for Oregon’s governor, could be the exception to the rule. Plus: Leftist billionaire’s secret, off-book army in states attorneys general offices. Including right here in Oregon.
Original Air Dates: September 15 & 16, 2018 | Guests: Chris Horner & Chuck Wiese
The One Exception to “Always Vote Republican”…?
Like most conservative Republicans, we have always believed you’ll get more of what you want by voting for any Republican iver any Democrat. But on this week’s show, tune in to hear why voting for Knute Buehler, running for Oregon’s governor, could be the exception to the rule.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.
This will be a challenging show for listeners because conservative Republicans face an impossible question this election. Is it still better to vote for a Republican candidate if that candidate could do real long-term damage to the Republican party and to Oregon?
In other words, does the maxim, “Always vote for the Republican” still hold if the Republican candidate is actually worse than the Democrat?
Exposed: Billionaires’ Secret Operatives in States AG Offices
As if an potentially untrustworthy Republican candidate for Oregon governor wasn’t bad enough… Add to that worry, the startling revelation that Leftist billionaires are secretly placing operatives in attorneys general offices all across America. Including right here in Oregon.
It’s one bad choice on top of another.
Knute Buehler – Never Knute?
We’re sure the “Never Trumpers” will try to claim this is exactly the same situation they were in a few years back. (Knever Knute?) But it’s not, of course.
The “Never Trump” movement (which Knute was a proud member of, we might add) was a case of so-called “conservatives” opposing Trump for irrational reasons. The Never Trumpers opposed Trump despite Trump running on Conservative values. And conservative tax policies. And a strong Second Amendment defense. Oh, and pro life. Not to mention he opposed global warming. Was for border control and legal immigration. Plus, he pushed for conservative judges. He was — or should have been—a conservatives dream.
But they just opposed him because he was Trump.
The election in Oregon, however, is a case of a “Republican” candidate pushing Democrat ideals: a carbon tax. (Not to mention being very pro-abortion. And a host of other progressive social issues.) Trump never pushed Democrat policies. That’s why this is different.
The Problem: Knute Buehler’s Carbon Tax
A carbon tax opens the door in Oregon to a potential tax to raise up to $17 billion dollars. Knute has said he’s for a carbon tax. After claiming (conveniently) during the primary that he was against it. (See Knute Buehler’s op-ed in The Oregonian, Oct. 22, 2017.)
The Danger: Knute Buehler’s Convenient Flip on a Carbon Tax
Just weeks after he won the Republican primary for Oregon’s governor, Knute Buehler suddenly announced that he thinks a carbon tax would be a good idea. What?
A carbon tax will be a killer to businesses, do nothing to affect “climate change,” and spend billions of dollars that will end up in the hands of the Democrats. How does any “Republican” not know this?
To see what will happen to the state and to the Republican party, look no further than what happened in California after “Republican” Governor Schwarzenegger passed their carbon tax. Tens of thousands of businesses left the state. California is now nearly $100 billion in debt. And the once proud Californian Republican party is in shambles and can’t stop anything the Democrats.
Our first guest is Chuck Wiese, a meteorologist and global warming debunker. Chuck discusses why, despite being a life-long Republican, he is considering actively opposing Knute.
But there’s a real strategy at play here that will challenge your thinking.
Chuck exposes that, when you really start pushing “scientists” who claim to believe in global warming and challenge their facts, they have to admit that even if we do everything they say we have to do, it won’t really affect anything.
So why is Knute supporting a carbon tax? Why has he flipped on this? Is it just a ploy? But if so, how do you know which Knute to believe? Do you take a risk and hope for the best?
Tune in to hear the reasons why not voting Republican may actually be the better long-term choice—if Knute can’t be forced to come around.
Leftist Billionaires Secretly Placing Staff in State AG Offices
To start our conversation, we welcome first time guest, Chris Horner, a Senior Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) that was sued by a State’s Attorney General a few years ago simply because CEI didn’t support the idea of global warming.
Since then, Chris has completed two extensive research reports that has uncovered “special assistant attorneys” being secretly placed in states’ Attorneys General and Governor’s offices without any oversight from legislators or voters. All of this “off book” and hidden from the public and designed to enforce the will of Leftist billionaires.
Like Michael Bloomberg. Who is pushing global warming by creating this shadow government in states across the nation — and it’s happening right here in Oregon.
CEI’s Chris Horner Exposes Billionaires Operatives in States’ AGs
Listen to our guest Chris Horner and the evidence they have gathered through court filings and discovery, including e-mails that reveal how these billionaires are actively trying to undermine the voters and how the AGs are trying to hide all of this from the public.
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During the Republican primary, Knute said he was against the carbon tax. (Knute’s op-ed inThe Oregonian, Oct, 22, 2017)
Note: Knute’s campaign staff is now trying to claim he didn’t mean he was against a carbon tax, he was just against Kate Brown being the one to do it
The flip: after he won the primary, Knute suddenly reversed his stance on a carbon tax: ““While skeptical of major new spending, Buehler says he is open to increased taxes on electronic and regular cigarettes to pay for budget items like health care, and also to a carbon tax, although not to the Democrats’ cap and trade proposal.” What? Why didn’t he mention he wanted a carbon tax during the primary? (“State Rep. Knute Buehler to challenge Gov. Kate Brown,” Register-Guard, May 16th, 2018)
Knute thinks parties need more control over who can run on their ticket. (Except Knute was lamenting the inability of the Independent Party of Oregon to let him on their ticket, not anything to do with Republicans having more control.) But we agree! Republicans definitely need to have more control over who can and can’t wear the Republican label
“Buehler, whom Robbins called “a thoughtful, bipartisan pragmatist,” would also support a revenue-neutral carbon tax to stimulate demand for green energy but not a cap-and-invest bill that reeks of “crony capitalism.” He wants to see the LNG natural-gas export terminal come online in Coos Bay and to help rural communities create value-added timber products. For him, the biggest problem in Oregon government is the inefficient muck created by one party in power for so long.”
NOTE: “Revenue neutral” means merely shifting who’s paying it (lower taxes on one person while raising taxes on another)
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.
I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.
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.
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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.
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. 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.
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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)
“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. ”
Believe it or not, August in Oregon used to be free of major forest fires for decades but why isn’t it now? Why have massive fires become a way of life for the summer landscape in Oregon, California, and the rest of the West?
