Attitude with Arnie Arnesen

Part 1: We discuss Project 2025, and its implications. We discuss the life expectancy differences between red and blue states. How unionizing is affecting workers and corporations. Part 2: We discuss new regulations that require airlines to disclose true ticket prices and fees. New regulations now require airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays in cash, not 'vouchers for more flights. We talk about the 'overproduction of solar power in CA, and how this can translate to better power management. We discuss the unrest on college campuses, and the schools' administrators' responses: bringing in police and potential effects: more violence. This deprives students of their free speech rights and causes more dissent. Part 1: We discuss Project 2025, and its implications. We discuss the life expectancy differences between red and blue states. How unionizing is affecting workers and corporations. Part 2: We discuss new regulations that require airlines to disclose true ticket prices and fees. New regulations now require airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays in cash, not 'vouchers for more flights. We talk about the 'overproduction of solar power in CA, and how this can translate to better power management. We discuss the unrest on college campuses, and the schools' administrators' responses: bringing in police and potential effects: more violence. This deprives students of their free speech rights and causes more dissent. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Elliot Haspel, an authority on child care. We continue the discussion about how child care is being dominated by for-profit private equity firms. We note their economic power, which translates to political power. For example, their lobbyists were instrumental in eliminating child care provisions from the Build Back Better bill. These firms are world-wide. Better legislation is needed at the national level. Part 2: We talk with Bill Curry and Laura Jedeed. Bill Curry is a alwyer, former candidate for governor in Connecticut, worked in the Clinton White House, and a leader in the nuclear freeze movement. Laura Jedeed is a journalist who reports on right-wing factions in the US. She is a U.S. veteran. We discuss upcoming elections, and the kinds of candidates. Particularly, we discuss the senate campaign in Nebraska. Osborn, a union organizer and leader, is a candidate running as an Independent, challenging a Republican. No Democratic candidates are running. We also discuss the visit of Speaker Johnson to Columbia University, where there are protests about the situation in Gaza, and for a cease fire. The University president asked for police intervention in the protests. We consider this to have been a mistake that will only inflame the situation. Johnson's presence is not helpful. His remarks, chastising the students, were not helpful, and minimized the sentiments on both sides: pro-Israeli and pro-Gaza demonstrators. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Elliot Haspel, a child and family policy expert. We discuss the takeover of childcare by private equity firms. This is now an industry, that is by its nature, not likely to be profitable. However, private equity firms are using various tools to gain from it. They acquire small child care facilities, then "strip and flip" them, and then discard them after a few years. In the meantime, parents are at their mercy: cost cutting approaches mean fewer and/or less qualified teachers, low wages for employees, poor facilities, skimping on supplies such as food, toys, or even paper. The customer base is usually upper middle class, because poorer parents cannot afford the cost. We talk about alternatives that may be possible. Part 2: This is episode 28 of Race Class, with BU professor Jonathan Feingold. Ep. 28 | Identity Politics & Playing Jewish Cards On Wednesday Apr. 24, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would tour Columbia University and host a news conference to discuss the troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on Americas college campuses. Just ten days prior, Johnson appeared alongside Donald Trump for a press conference that echoed language from the racist [and antisemitic] great replacement theory. With his pivot to Columbia and feigned concern over anti-semitism, one might say Mike Johnson is engaging in identity politics and playing a Jewish card. He is far from alone. Since October 7th, individuals and entities from across the political spectrum have mobilized Jewish identity to wage ideological battles over competing visions of life at home and abroad. With a nod to Carbado & Gulatis research on working identity, we identify four different ways that Jewish identity is being mobilized in this moment: The Comrade. The Sword. The Shield. The Cynic. (Teaser: Mike Johnson's behavior falls into that last category.]

Our guests: Part 1: Aaron Peskin, currently the President of the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco. He is running for Mayor. Topics: The home affordability crisis in San Francisco. Peskin's goal is to make SF a more affordable, fair, and equitable city, not just for millionaires. He considers SF a "small town with global wealth". The business community currently dominates SF, and many billionaires are involved in local politics, although SF is a group of "small towns" with citizens who care about their neighborhoods, beyond speculation and investment values. Part 2: Saul Kaiserman, a doctoral candidate in Jewish Education. This conversation was about perceptions and how people react based on their view of Jewish life, and Jews' relations to other groups. This is in the context of Passover. We discuss the meaning of the Seder, and how people should understand how they are all traumatized by the actions against Jews, and actions by Jews. The conversation covered the unrest on college campuses, and the treatment of demonstrators. Are the Jews the "most moral army in the world?" was a topic that was also discussed. The speaker also mentioned the generational gap between Jews: older people focused on the injustices and persecutions in the past, and younger people who are aware of the problems in Gaza, and the Israeli government's role, including that of Netanyahu. WNHNFM.ORG production

This is a panel discussion. Part 1: We discuss the various protests at colleges and universities around Israel and Gaza. There has been encouragement of the criticism of colleges as a way of attacking higher education. The main influencers voicing the criticism have been right-wing institutes, and individuals (C. Rufo), with a goal of creating instability and distrust around higher education. Part 2: We discuss Israel and Gaza. Netanyahu is eager to escalate the conflict via involving Iran explicitly, and involving the US. While this is happening, the US is involved in a proxy war in Ukraine. We also turn to the Trump trial in NYC. Jury selection is complete. For Trump, it is the presidency or prison as the outcome of his many indictments. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: Project 2025 This segment is Arnie Arnesen discussing the outline for the future of the US as envisioned by the Republicans. It is a plan to radically change the government of the US according to the goals of the Heritage Foundation and its supporters and fellow travelers. There are hundreds of policy objectives outlined in the 900+ pages of the document. We discuss some of the identified “leaders” for the future, as seen by the GOP. They are governors and others. Gov. Abbott of Texas one of the richest, is among them. Arnie compares the politics of the past with what is currently taking place. Part 2: We talk with Harold Meyerson, of The American Prospect, and Bill Curry, former head of Freeze Nuclear and two time candidate for Connecticut governor. We discuss the state of the US Supreme Court. Its recent rulings show the Court to be looking backward, rather than forward in history. The Court is willing to use old, questionable “zombie” laws to justify rulings that are unreasonable, according to law and the Constitution. The Court has had no Code of Ethics, and the current Code is unenforceable. The American people are being let down by this Court, and its unpopularity reflects this. We also discuss NYC politics, and its mayor, Eric Adams. One of Giuliani's deputies has been proposed as City Counsel by Adams, a nod to the old “political machine”. Other hires by Adams are suspect. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Jordan Haedtler and Teddy Stancil. Haedtler is a climate financial policy consultant, and Stancil is a Senior Researcher with the Revolving Door Project. We discuss the problems with home owner insurance. Huge losses have occurred due to climate change. Unfortunately, states have chosen to bailout insurance companies and deregulate them, rather than looking at root causes. Premiums for homeowners (and renters are affected) have risen greatly. Insurance Industry has chosen to socialize losses, and maximize profits, and are able to do so because of their lobby power. Insurance is controlled by state governments, and thus vulnerable to this tactic. The Biden administration has attempted to reduce the climate aspects of this problem by investing in infrastructure, and some states have supported homeowners who do the same. But this is not enough. More action is needed. Part 2. We talk with Laura Belin, of Bleeding Heart radio in Iowa. We discuss several major issues affecting Iowa and, by extension, other states. a. Iowa's “school safety bill” which would enable teachers and other school employees to carry guns in school, and would grant qualified immunity to those persons who may injure someone. This is to shield them from prosecution and to shield the liability insurance carriers. b. An almost total ban abortion law in Iowa is currently enjoyned. Still to be decided by the Iowa Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is all-Republican. c. The federal Summer Food program that was offered and rejected by the governor. Instead, she has instituted a program that funds as at fractional level, and will not help families, especially rural families. It will also affect food manufacturers and sellers. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Jeet Heer, national affairs correspondent, The Nation. We discuss the influence of AIPAC on American politics, and that AIPAC is funneling Republican money into Democratic primaries, changing the outcomes. We discuss the latest military action by Israel, in first, bombing the Iranian Consulate, killing 16 people, including an Iranian general. Iran's response in retaliation on Israel was less severe, no on was killed. Israel has failed in Gaza, but this is a problem for the US. Netanyahu's interest is in escalating the conflict into a general wider ranging was in the Middle East. This is not what the US and Biden needs. American tax dollars are being spent on efforts to keep Netanyahu in power. Part 2: We talk with Peter Greane, a researcher on American education. We discuss how US schools are funded, and how this is affecting teachers and students. Many are leaving the profession, due to lack of support, poor pay, harassment by "parent groups", the expanding work hours, etc. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Sarah E. Patterson, Research Investigator at Survey Research Center at the U. of Michigan. We discuss proposals by Gov. Whitmer of Michigan for providing tax credits for caregivers of elderly or disabled members of families. The US has an aging demographic, and 38 to 53 million Americans provide care services at home to family members. This is a cost of about $90,000/year to the caregivers. Loss of wages, opportunities, and other costs are part of this. Part 2: We talk with Mark Joseph Stern, Senior Reporter for Slate.com. The Arizona Supreme Court (all Republicans) has resurrected a “zombie law” (1864) to ban all abortions. The court was expanded by Republicans to overcome any moderate justices who might remain. The original law was proposed by a child rapist, and, obviously, a misogynist. It was proposed at a time when Arizona was NOT a state, and women were not allowed to vote. The danger is that such laws exist in many other states. The Comstock Act was cited by the US Supreme Court, and the problem is that it will be used in ALL states, now that MAGA lawmakers have the opportunity, with the makeup of the current US Supreme Court. WNHNFM.ORG production

This is a panel discussion. Part 1: We discuss OJ Simpson death and his trial. The effect of his trial proved that enough wealth and celebrity provides whiteness to a Black man, and power and "innocence" to any man. The media is complicit in perpetuating this pattern. Part 2: We discuss Trump's likely pick for VP candidate. Abbott not a likely choice, because he is in a wheelchair, and this will, by Trump, be seen as a distinct disadvantage. Gov. Noem has been restyled: her teeth, her hair, and other physical attributes have been emphasized, and she now fits more closely in the "Trump women" class. We talked about the conference held at Yale with Rev. Barber to define what is needed for the US, and what issues are going to be important going foward. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Harvey Kronberg, Publisher of the Quorum Report in Texas. We discuss Project 2025, and how it has begun to be implemented in Texas. There is a "MAGA inflammation" in Texas. The governor, currying favor with Trump, has primaried Republicans in order to replace them with more extreme representatives in the State House. There is a civil war among Republicans in Texas now, as a result. Part 2: We talk wtih Bill Curry and Robert Hockett. We discuss the recent Arizona ruling that re-instituted and old abortion ban. We also discuss the focus on the border emphasized by Republicans. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Anne Nelson, author of “The Shadow Network”, a description of authoritarian forces in the US. We discuss plan developed by the Heritage Foundation and others, Project 2025, to remake the US into an an authoritarian society, governed by their version of christianity. We discuss the dangers posed by the implementation of Project 2025, a blueprint with details of how it can be accomplished. Some facets have already come to pass, and we talk about these. Part 2: We talk with Mark Medish, a former member of the Clinton administration, and Joel McCleary, a former member of the Carter administration, both familiar with how government works, and authors of “Dancing in the Dark: Steps to Avoid a Constitutional Coup.” We discuss the problem of the Senate, and the various methods that can be used to coopt the rules of the Senate to abuse power. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Tom Scheller and Paul Waldman, authors of a book about how rural Americans are likely to be the death of democracy. We discuss the opinions that are held by many rural voters, and we note that rural voters have a disproportionate effect on elections. We talk about the problems they face, but how they tend to blame problems on city 'elites' when in fact they are due to mismanagement and deliberate actions by GOP officials. Because, we need to ask: what are the representatives of rural areas (mostly Republican) actually doing FOR rural citizens? Part 2: We talk with Mel Goodman, professor at Johns Hopkins University, former CIA analyst, about the Gaza situation, and what Biden should be doing. We focus on Rear Admiral John Kirby, and spokesman for the State Department. It is obvious that Israel, with Netanyahu at its lead, does not want to stop the conflict. Netanyahu's survival depends on continuation and escalation. In addition, by his actions, he is bent on creating a regional war. Illegal actions by Israel in the recent past (settlements on Palestinian land, treatment of Palestinians, and other actions) . Biden should cut off shipments of weapons to Israel to force them to observe international laws. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Austin Frerick, who has written a book about the food business/farm business in the US. We discuss the food barons, and how they control food supplies in the US. The Farm Bill, up for renewal this year, should be called the Wall Street Bill, since it benefits large food producing conglomerates, rather than farmers themselves. We discuss the effects on workers, farmers, the environment, and consumers. Part 2: We talk with John Nichols, of the Nation Magazine. We discuss the Gaza situation, and how it is affecting the US, and the upcoming presidential election. We talk about the media's contribution/lack of contribution to the actual issues that affect all. We also talk about how faith affects this situation. WNHNFM.ORG production

This is a panel discussion. Alexandria Jacobson is an Investigative Reporter for Raw Story. Lincoln Mitchell is a professor at Columbia University. Stephen Pimpare is a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School. -We discuss the state of the economy in the US, and how its health has not yet reached most people, who are struggling, and feel its precariousness. Who are the "middle class"? -We review how Project 2025 is being implemented, and how it doesn't require the presence of Trump in the White House. -We note how important local elections are now, as compared to national elections. -Republican primaries are being used by the RNC and Republican governors (Abbott, Reynolds, etc.) to purge moderate Republicans. -We discuss the situation in Gaza, and what can be done. It is important for Biden to use his power to make Israel behave in a more responsible way with respect to the civilian population. "Count the bodies" WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report. Texas has had its primaries, and these have served to purge Republican ranks of many moderates. Abbott has been zealous in this effort. The two major issues have been identified by the parties: for Republicans, migrants; for Democrats, abortion and reproductive rights. Texas has been litigating suits brought be the federal government pertaining to the border, civil rights, and other issues. Anti-DEI efforts by the state are ongoing. Ken Paxton's power has increased among the MAGA. Currently, the demographics show that there are more persons of color than white Texans. Part 2: We talk with Bill Curry and Harold Meyerson. We discuss the rise in the number of billionaires world wide, and in the US. The US billionaires increased their wealth by $2 Trillion in 2023-24. The middle class in the US has shrunk from 61% of population in 1971, to 50% of the population now. This is due to policies deliberately followed since the Reagan presidency. "Behind every great fortune is a great crime." Balzac WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Mark Medish and Joel McCleary. They have written an article titled "Dancing in the Dark", about Project 2025 is influencing the Far Right in their quest to dismantle American democracy. We discuss how our electoral systems can be subverted in the time between the vote and the installation of a new president. The Constitution is vague, and does not describe all contingencies. We discuss these in detail. The Supreme Court is not respected, because of its clearly demonstrated bias. The actual roles of the House and Senate could conflict, and the election outcome could be subverted. Part 2: We talk with Amy Littlefield about Florida's recent Fla Supreme Court ruling banning abortion rights after six weeks, despite objections, and the Fla constitution. In addition, there are hints that this court will consider personhood of a fertilized egg. There is a referendum before voters, but Fla has been the main locus of abortions in the Southeast US. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Anders Croy, Communications Director, Florida Watch and DeSantis Watch. We discuss the latest ruling by the Fla Supreme Court, which instituted a 6-week ban on abortions, countering the Fla Constitutional right. However, and amendment is on the ballot. Medical benefits for children have been revoked, which had been in place during the pandemic. Fla has not participated in the federal Medicaid program. The cost of living has risen sharply in Fla, due to higher housing costs, insurance, sales tax, and many other hidden taxes and fees. Fla is DeSantis' petri dish for policies he wanted for the US as a whole. Part 2: We talk with John Austin, Director of the the Michigan Economic Center. He is also a Fellow at the Brookings Institution. We discuss the economic changes taking place in China. The country is experiencing many problems at present. Some creativity is disappearing, much of it due to the government's crackdown on independent activity. Entrepreneurs are leaving. Demographics are problematic, fewer children being born, and there appears to be a woman shortage in China, due to its policies in the past. The US should use this opportunity to develop a new relationship to China. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We speak with Bob Lord, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, Patriotic Millionaires, and Kenny Stancil, Senior Researcher, the Revolving Door Project. We discuss how very rich people avoid paying taxes. Tax cuts and tax code changes during the Trump administration only worsened the problem. Part 2: We talk with Anne Nelson, a professor at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, author and lecturer. We discuss Project 2025, the road map that the far right, under the aegis of the Heritage Foundation, and others like it, have developed, and are now planning to institute, no matter if Trump is elected or not. A systemic buildup of this effort is in place, and its proponents have worked from precinct level up to the federal level. The goal is to institute a theocracy to rule the country. But the religion is christo-fascism. WNHNFM.ORG production

This is a panel discussion. Ron Abramson is an immigration lawyer. Laura Jedeed is an investigative reporter who writes about right wing militants. Lincoln Mitchell is a professor of politics at Columbia University. Stephen Pimpare is a professor of social sciences at Vermont School of Law and graduate school. topics: -The firing of personnel at the RNC upon Ronna McDaniel's becoming co-chair. Non-Trumpians are being purges from the Republican party, it appears. -The changes that Joe Lieberman underwent after his initial election. -The accident of the Baltimore bridge, and reactions: Some blame the mayor for being Black. The size of the ship itself is problematic. -Trump's lack of infrastructure investment. _The possible lack of labor availability for infrastructure work -The effect of undocumented workers on Social Security funds: most of those workers will never collect any SS benefits. -RFK jr's choice of VP candidate WNHNFM.ORG production