A 1000% increase in property flood insurance rates?  “Are you kidding me?”  That’s the reaction by thousands of homeowners along the Gulf and East Coast who are facing huge increases from the national flood insurance program.  “Outrageous,“ say members of congress from these coastal regions.  But if they want to find out who the culprit...Read More

The Weekend show scheduled begins this week with current controversies in the news.  We now learn that the National Security Administration ( NSA) has admitted over 1000 violations of the law as they continue their quest together complete information on every single American.  Does that, dear listener, bother you? Do you feel you have nothing...Read More

As I often do on a Saturday night, last week I headed for my favorite musical venue, the Red Dragon listing room. Performing were to Nashville singers, Eric Brace and Peter Cooper who really put on a heckuva concert. Peter used to be a reporter and travelled with the George Bush campaign bus back in...Read More

We will be talking about the growing immigration controversy in Washington, and just what to do with all the illegal immigration on this weekend’s  “Common Sense” radio program. What to do with eleven million illegals, with more than 350,00 new additions each year?  And if some form of amnesty is given by congress, what are...Read More

Can we, in America today, find the right balance between keep us free and keeping us safe?  The answer should be a resounding “Yes!”Â  But in this new world of digital technology, it has become so easy to scoop up virtually every detail of any citizen’s daily life. The Internet makes it so easy for...Read More

This week’s radio schedule will be posted Thursday afternoon.Read More

Thursday, August 8th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  DO WE NEED TO SPY ON DEMOCRACY? A few weeks ago, I began to think we had given up.  There were new revelations, almost daily, about how some government agency is scooping up and harvesting all available tidbits of our personal lives.  We’ve all heard about the usual...Read More

If you live in Louisiana, the state’s first family is not one based on a politics.  It’s the New Orleans Manning Clan; with two sons of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning now each star quarterbacks in the NFL.  Direct TV has a new advertisement out with all the Manning guys, where they are...Read More

August 8th, 2013Read More

Thursday, August 1st, 2013 New Orleans, Louisiana  WILL BIG OIL FINALLY PAY THE PIPER IN LOUISIANA? A lawsuit against Big Oil for environmental damage by the Bayou State?  Are you kidding me?  Who could possibly have thunk it?  Why it’s almost blasphemous to challenge the oil industry in a state where oil revenue has been...Read More

It would be an understatement to say that political watchers in Louisiana are both stumped and dumbfounded over how a group of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have filed a multi billion-dollar lawsuit against 97 oil companies that have operated in the state.  The legal action says its time for the petroleum industry to...Read More

  The “Common Sense ” program is shaping with a solid schedule for the weekend.  We will take a hard look at the American economy and future projections with special guest,  international economist and former World Bank counselor George R. Tyler.. In his new book, What Went Wrong: How the 1% Hijacked the American Middle...Read More

August 1st, 2013Read More

Have you heard of the hot new musical group Under the Streetlamp?  They are four guys who all have performed in the Broadway show, Jersey Boys, and they sure put on an electrifying evening of Oldies from the American songbook of years gone by.  They performed in my hometown of Baton Rouge last weekend and...Read More

I can’t think of anything more enjoyable than ticking your head in the mouth of a crocodile or an alligator. Really seems like fun doesn’t it?  Check out these guys in the videos below and just watch how much they are enjoying themselves.  Boy, I’ll bet you can hardly wait to try this yourselves”¦right?Read More

I’ll admit it. I’m a lousy dancer. I’d look bad doing the foxtrot. But I always enjoyed watching creative dancing. I think you will get a kick out of the video below.Read More

It was all the fault of television! Some observers of the Zimmerman trial felt like it was a real miscarriage of justice for the whole soap opera to be played out on TV.  Too many opinionated broadcasters, radio show hosts, columnists, and the public at large just had way too many opinions and disagreements. How...Read More

“Common Sense” Radio Weekend is close at hand, and it will be hard to cover so many issues in the news.  How about the demise of Detroit? The city used to be known as the “Paris of the West,” and “the Arsenal of Democracy.”Â  But now it has fallen and it  may never get back...Read More

Thursday, July 25th, 2013 Perdido Key, Florida  TELEVISE CRIMINAL TRIALS?  OF COURSE! Following the Zimmerman verdict, a number of legal and media voices, hollered, “enough is enough.”Â  Angered by the verdict, no more criminal trials on television, they said.  But the Constitution guarantees that trials are public and open to everyone.  And what could be...Read More

July 25th, 2013Read More

Keith Sykes is a songwriter’s songwriter. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. From the early stages of his career up to the present, well more than 100 of his songs have been recorded by well-known artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Roseanne Cash, George Thorogood, and Jimmy Buffett.  He has appeared...Read More

Daughter Campbell is the director of the Parents Transparency Project in New York City, and actively involved in major educational reform there.  One of this organization’s priorities is to shed light on the problem of sex abuse in the city schools in the hope that penalties for the offenders are severe.  She appeared on Fox...Read More

Well the Zimmerman verdict came in, he was found not guilty, and the case is now over ““ right? Hardly! This whole terrible storm of controversy that has cast deep divisions all over America still has a ways to go.  Will the Justice Department change Zimmerman with a hate crime under federal law?  If they...Read More

Thursday, 18th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  PROSECUTORS NEED TO GET OVER ZIMMERMAN VERDICT! George Zimmerman was found not guilty this past weekend in his trial for shooting Travon Martin. But his problems are far from over.  You have to wonder whether there isn’t a perverted, almost paranoid sense of trying to “get” Zimmerman at any...Read More

On some weekends, the news is slow, and I have to dig for issues to discuss. Not this weekend. The aftermath of the George Zimmerman trial will be front and center, as the Justice Department considers bringing charges of a hate crime. What’s a hate crime, and should there even be such crimes based on...Read More

July 18th, 2013Read More

Some of you may know that I was a runner many years ago. Back in the 60s, I had the great honor of representing America on the United States track team. In that capacity, I had a chance run against athletes all over the world, traveling worldwide of the US team.  In later years, I...Read More

We had the sweetheart of Cajun music come to Baton Rouge this past weekend to entertain at the Red Dragon Listing Room.  This is a small music gem located in the downtown area, which brings in southern music acts each weekend.  Yvette Landry, from the small south Louisiana town of Breaux Bridge, really lights up...Read More

TO OUR YANKEE FRIENDS, WE SAY  — GET A LIFE! What is it about some Northerners, particularly a concentrated populous up  on East Coast?  The must have never wanted reconstruction to end.  There is a view among some that Southerners are country bumpkins who see their image reflected in movies like Deliverance and TV programs...Read More

Thursday, July 11th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  TO OUR YANKEE FRIENDS, WE SAY  — GET A LIFE! Our friends up north need to let it go.  According to a cross section of northern commentators, the Second Reconstruction may be over, but they think a third one may be necessary.  The first came with the demise...Read More

We are gearing up for weekend radio just a few days away, and have a jam-packed show this week for listeners.  So much the cover, and so little time. We will bring you an update on the Zimmerman ““ Travon Martin trial in Florida, where the case will be likely close to being given to...Read More

Well, what can I say? Those of you who follow my site regularly know that I consider myself somewhat of a sports expert. But I didn’t do too well at Wimbledon this past weekend. First, it was Maria Sharapova. I really thought this is her year. And I had taught her everything I know about...Read More

Well sadly, at least too many comedians throughout the country, Texas Gov. Rick. Is not going to run for reelection. He really gave us some funny moments during his quixotic race for president. Take a look at how my friend, Andy Borowicz, reviews what we will miss in Rick Perry. SAN ANTONIO (The Borowitz Report)””Texas...Read More

Can you remember back to the days when Democrats and Republicans could differ in their approach to problem solving in Washington, but still get a long, and socialize when the sun went down? No longer today. When we think of cooperation in the nations’ capitol, we look back to Ronald Regan and his relationship with...Read More

July 11th, 2013Read More

Wonderful World Of Drones with Christopher McDonald from Christopher McDonaldRead More

Thursday, July 3rd, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana A NEW PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE: DEALING WITH THE RISE AND FALL OF LSU Louisiana State University, located in my hometown of Baton Rouge, takes on a new president this week. And to say that he has a big job ahead of him is an understatement. Educationally, the state’s largest...Read More

What happens to a major state university that has fallen from grace, is dramatically underfunded, and has plummeted in national rankings of first-rate colleges throughout the country? You bring in new leadership don’t you?  That’s what my home state university, LSU, has done as it tries to recoup, and re-obtain the national standing it held...Read More

A Fourth of July weekend holiday radio show special for this Sunday.  We will look back on a busy week of news that includes the Zimmerman trial, the immigration debate, and the overalls racial tone in America today.  Has it improved, or getting worse?  And this weekend is the 150th anniversary of two the major...Read More

  I see where Jessica Simpson just had a baby. A new boy, her second child. I guess she’s not going to be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with me this year.Read More

Thursday, June 27th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana LOUISIANA A SECOND RATE STATE UNDER VOTING RIGHTS ACT! On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court effectively struck down the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965.  This 48-year-old law required nine states, including my home state of Louisiana, to submit to complete federal oversight for all election procedures. ...Read More

      LOUISIANA A SECOND RATE STATE UNDER VOTING RIGHTS ACT! Good decision or bad decision?  The United States Supreme Court effectively struck down the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965.  This 48-year-old law required nine states, including my home state of Louisiana, to submit to complete federal oversight for all election procedures.  The high...Read More

Yes, the weekend is fast approaching, and we’re getting all set for other lively radio program this weekend.  We will discuss several Supreme Court decisions that were handed down this week. Of course, the Voting Rights Act that is so controversial. I wrote about it in my column of this week, so take a look. ...Read More

I’ve been a Vince Gill fan for many years. He’s a regular at the Grand Old Opry, and he just comes across as a basic, down to earth performer. No arrogance about him as you find with many performers, he’s not pretentious, always has a big smile, and the kind a guy you just like...Read More

June 27th, 2013Read More

Like you, I have my favorite movie stars. And guess what? I actually have photos of me with them. Take a gander at the Jim Brown rogue’s gallery.  I’ll sure put in a good word for you if you want to meet any of these well-known ladies. Let me start up with Saundra Bullock below....Read More

Thursday, June 20th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana CONGRESS — THE REAL CULPRIT IN SECURITY LEAK PROBE! In the 2014 congressional elections, one major issue should be front and center: Incumbents are failing to do their job. We send them to Washington to oversee this massive federal bureaucracy, and to ensure that it is being run...Read More

In the 1976 movie, Network, actor Peter Finch plays the role of the aging news anchor, Howard Beale. In the climatic scene that we all remember, Beale opens up his apartment window, and screams to  no one and everyone: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”Â  That’s how many people...Read More

June 20th, 2013Read More

This week’s Weekend “Common Sense“ radio program is shaping up as a fully packed agenda of current front burner problems and issues. We will elaborate on this week’s posted column on the ineptitude of almost non-existent congressional oversight of the various American intelligence agencies. And are there limits on just how much spying the government...Read More

Well it’s been a field day for political commentators and cartoonists over the Obama administration abuses of many of our basic civil rights. Surveillance is their name of the game, and there has certainly been a lot of humorous commentary. Unfortunately, the subject is not humorous. Take a look at some of the funnier cartoons...Read More

Things really jumpin’ at the Red Dragon Listing Room this past weekend.  An old Louisiana friend, David Egan brought his whole band along for some Cajun blues style music, and it was a treat to listen to David’s group again, that I have heard on a number of occasions. Several of his band members were...Read More

Sexy NSA Commercial With Sasha Grey from Sasha GreyRead More

Are you at all troubled by the new revelations that the federal government is monitoring virtually every aspect of your life?  Many people feel that it makes no difference for they “have nothing to hide.”Â  I wonder how many peasants felt that way over 300 years ago when King Richard’s Army regularly entered anyone’s home...Read More

Friday, June 14th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  IN OBAMA’S WORLD, WHO ARE THE BAD GUYS?  My regular morning coffee group gets to the nuts and bolts of what’s wrong with America each morning as we hash it all out over strong chicory and beignets.  Quite frankly, the nation would be better served if members of...Read More

It’s radio time on Sunday, and we have lined up a lively and informative program. Of course, we will kick off with all of the surveillance controversy that has dominated the news in recent weeks.  Just how invasive should the government be with your privacy?  That’s the focus of this week’s column and we will...Read More

June 14th, 2013Read More

Were you there when your daughter got her ears pierced? For my first daughter, I watched the whole procedure. No, not at the tattoo and piercing shop. On national TV. It’s been a few years ago. But below, you can watch my oldest daughter, Campbell, get a piercing when she hosted the weekend Today show...Read More

There is something quite startling that seems to be happening up in the nation’s capital. The newly elected, younger upstarts are making a major effort to taking control, particularly within the Republican Party. And you know what? That might not be just all that bad. Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul from...Read More

June 5th, 2013Read More

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 Las Vegas, Nevada  WHY YOUNG VOTERS ARE DISENGAGED FROM POLITICS! Do young voters really care about who runs their local, state and federal government?  Whatever buzz inspired younger voters to support Barack Obama in 2008 has been severely diminished by the gridlock in Washington.  Voters under thirty (and the rest of...Read More

WHY YOUNG VOTERS ARE DISENGAGED FROM POLITICS!  So much cynicism by voters today.  Is it justified?  Yes, say younger voters.  And in large and growing numbers.  Whatever buzz inspired younger voters to support Barack Obama in 2008 has been severely diminished by the gridlock in Washington.  Voters under thirty (and the rest of us, for...Read More

The Radio Weekend is upon us, and we here on the “Common Sense Show” are working hard to get ready for a lively show.  We will begin our show by looking at some of the top news events of the week. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder, for example, told a legislative committee in Washington this week...Read More

Well as you regular readers of my site know, I rarely miss you show at the Red Dragon Listing Room here in my hometown of Baton Rouge. It’s a great venue for songwriters and singers from all over the country.  Kevin Welch came to Town last week, along with his son, Dustin.  They were both...Read More

In the Wizard of Oz, Auntie Em tells Dorothy, when a tornado approaches, to get to the storm cellar.  That was almost 80 years ago, yet very few Oklahomans have built storm cellars today. And tornadoes have never been more plentiful.  Should the federal government (i.e. us taxpayers) continue to pay for damage and clean...Read More

Thursday, May 30th, 2013 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  TORNADO ALLEY-ADVICE FROM WIZARD OF OZ! In spite of all the turmoil and tragedy visited on the little town of Moore, Oklahoma last week, one fact stands out:  Every family with a storm cellar survived.  No one who went to underground protection was killed or even injured. For...Read More