Attitude with Arnie Arnesen

Part 1: We talk with Patrik Johnsson, correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor. We discuss unionization in the South. Specifically, we discuss the inroads that the UAW has made in manufacturing plants in Tennessee, and now Alabama's Mercedes factory workers will be voting on this issue on Friday. We talk about the strategies used by union organizers, many of whom are the workers themselves. Part 2: We talk with Luke Goldstein, writing Fellow at The American Prospect. We discuss the Maryland Democratic primary for the US Senate. The contrast between the two candidates: current Representative Trone, a very rich, self-funded candidate, and a woman of color, who is currently County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Despite the millions spent by her opponent, she won the primary. She will face off against former governor Larry Hogan in the general election. We discuss the dynamics of the campaign, and how the large money did not win. WNHNFM.ORG production

art 1: We talk with Dr. Steven Pressman, Emeritus Professor of Economics and Finance at Monmouth University. We discuss how Biden and Trump handled the US budget, and the effect it has had on the US populace. Trump is blaming Biden for the mess he made with his tax cuts. Part 2: We talk with Matthew Wilson, Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina. We discuss the concept of "democracy" and its many permutations. What is it from the personal versus the societal view? WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Melissa Gira Grant about the strict anti-abortion laws passed in Texas. These are aimed at controlling women, even paying bounties to anyone, including people outside Texas, who can accuse a woman of having, or even seeking an abortion. The goal is to intimidate women and those who help them. It givers abusers yet another method to intimidate and injure women. Part 2: We talk with Predro DiNezio, Associate Prof. of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences. We discuss the role of El Nino, and La Nina in the formation of hurricanes, and the likelihood of the increase in the number and power of hurricanes. Combined with higher sea levels already in place, the intensity and effects of storms and storm surges are likely to be greater than ever before. What should we be prepared for? WNHNFM.ORG productions

Part 1: We discuss the Trump trial being held in NYC. Ms. Daniels testified. She appeared truthful, but Trump insists that the incident she described never happened. The legal system is not holding Trump accountable, going by the challenges being upheld in various venues: Georgia, Florida, etc. The corruption of the judiciary is obvious. Part 2: We discuss the MTG battle with Speaker Johnson. While she was defeated in her latest attempt to unseat him, she continues her campaign to do so. However, this time it appears that Trump did not support her. We pivot to discussion of Israel's war against the Palestinians, who are unable to respond. The two-state solution seems out of reach, though this would be the likely solution for Israel and the Palestinians. Any other path will continue this struggle. WNHNFM.ORG production

art 1: We talk with Mike Doyle, trial lawyer, and Chair of Harris County Democratic party. We discuss how the County is important to determine the future of Texas politics. It is a majority Latino county, and could succeed in allowing Democrats to take back Texas. Part 3: We talk with Bill Curry and Robert Hennelly. Curry is a former candidate for Connecticut governor, and Hennelly is a journalist, primarily in the municipal unions world. We discuss the protests across the country's university campuses around the Gaza war. We talk about how Israel is using the actions of Hamas to wreak disproportionate vengeance on Gaza civilians. Both Israeli right-wingers and American Republicans have hijacked Judaism to serve their purposes: chaos and blaming Democrats. Outside agitation is being blamed, though most of that is due to Republican prompting. College campuses are being described as "plantations" since they are usually the dominant force in their host cities and towns. We also discuss the unionization of VW workers in Chattanooga, TN, where more than 70% of the workforce voted FOR union representation. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Jeremy Stahl, who writes for Slate.com. We discuss , firstly, Project 2025, and its effect on the Foreign Service of the US. We also discuss the currently ongoing trial of D. Trump in NY. Witll the "mob boss" finally fail? The prosecution is focusing on the coverup, and how it affected the 2016 election, despite the drama of the testimony of Stormy Daniels. Most of the testimony is dry, and Pecker's testimony was supportive of the prosecution's case. Part 2: We speak with Prof. Anat Biletzki, the Albert Schweitzer Professor of Philosophy at Quinnipiac University and with Assoc. Prof. of Classics Joe Howley, who is at Columbia University. We discuss the Statement on Antisemitism issued by Jewish faculty from multiple universities. The statement makes a distinction between criticizing Jews and criticizing Israel. They dispute that any criticism of the state of Israel should not be interpreted as antisemitism. There is room to discuss what a "Jewish state" is, and what role antizionism plays in these discussions. It is Netanyahu who has conflated Judaism with Israel, and this does not help. His motives are not clean. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Anne Nelson, who writes for the Washington Spectator. She talks about Project 2025, the plan for America devised by the far right. We also discuss "Red Orchestra", a history of the Berlin Underground, in this context. Part 2: We talk with Dartmouth Professor Annelise Orleck, (History) who experienced the assault on peaceful protestors at Darmouth College this week. From remarks that the governor of NH made, the assault was planned, and orchestrated simultaneously with an assault on demonstrators at the University of NH. These kinds of actions are designed to paint the demonstrators as fomenting violence, when in fact, it is the state police who behaved violently, and many demonstrators were in fact Jews. This is happening nation-wide. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We discuss Project 2025. We talk with Mel Goodman about the nuclear uncertainty being introduced and added to the general discomfort in the world. The EU is pivoting toward Asia, as opposed to focusing on the US, as a way of dealing with a possible Trump presidency. The US is isolating itself, and he is pushing in that direction. It is important to remember that nuclear weapons are terror weapons. Part 2: Our guest, Isaac Kamola, is an Associate Professor at Trinity College, and author of “Free Speech and Koch Money”, ' We discuss the concept of academic freedom, and how it is being surpressed by well-funded and intentional far-right organizations and individuals. Colleges are being accused of hostility to conservative values by professional provocateurs who manufacture narratives. We discuss exactly how this is being accomplished, from funding on-campus groups, and far-right speakers and groups. They also promulgate the idea of “naive” students who are being victimized by liberal professor, to become “woke,”. This is part of a campaign to discredit education in general. WNHNFM.ORG productions

-We review another installment of Project 2025 -We discuss the blaming of students for demonstrations about the plight of Gazans, who are under assault, with more likely. It is being attributed to 'outside agitators' -We discuss whether Israel should be considered a 'failed state' WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: A short discussion with Gail Kinney about the demonstration at Dartmouth, and the incursion the State Police into a peaceful and calm event. Students and community members participated, calmly. The State Police introduced the shadow of violence, simultaneously with the same tactic (full riot gear) as U of NH event. We talk with Alex Sammon about the reactions of various university leaders in responding to peaceful demonstrations: arrests of students and members of the press. The hypocricy of the university leaders is obvious, in that they do not support freedom of speech. "Outside agitators" are being blamed. Part 2: We talk with Bill Curry and Steven Greene about the abortion controversy. Republicans do not show any concern about women's health on this issue. There is a large gender gap in the opinions of men and women, and it is hoped that women will turn out to vote in larger numbers as a result. Trump is playing to men's anger about other issues, and this is helping him in the polls. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Glenn Daigon, a reporter for the Washington Monthly. We discuss the pilot projects that give guaranteed income to poor people. We talk about the success such programs have had, and how they could be expanded even further. Part 2: We talk with Jonathan Alter, who is reporting on the ongoing Trump trial. We discuss the makeup of the jury, and how the jurors are behaving. So far, facts have been damaging to Trump. WNHNFM.ORG productions

Part 1: We talk with Jacqueline Ellison, Ph.D., who has done research on the rise of permanent contraception among young people in the US, particularly among women. This is seen as a response to several events, mostly to the Dobbs decision. We discuss how young men have also reacted to this, and what this means for the future population. Part 2: We Talk with Lois Parshley, an investigative reporter, about climate change and how this is affecting home insurance patterns. Costs to homeowners have risen steeply, and many insurance companies have left markets like Florida, where climate change has caused huge losses. We discuss what options home owners have, and how and whether the federal government should become the regulator of this market. It is currently managed by individual states. We also talk about the role of FEMA in this chaotic situation. WNHNFM.ORG production

Part 1: We talk with Anders Croy, of Florida Watch and DeSantis Watch. We discuss the home insurance problems in Florida. Cost of insurance has skyrocketed. This has cause many people to lose money, since the insurance companies also often refuse to pay for climate-caused damages. Home prices are falling in Florida. Many people cannot afford to keep their homes. The 6-week abortion ban in Florida has reduced opportunities for the US SouthEast. Ballot iniatiatives have started to put health care (medicaid expansion) on the ballot in Florida. The unrest on college campuses is exacerbated by the actions of the governor, who attempts to suppress as dissent. Part 2: We talk with Adam Finkel about Littleton, NH, a town torn apart by discrimination against gay and gender-fluid persons. All this due to town representative who chooses to tear the town apart on this issue. WNHNFM.ORG production

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