 
Americans are extremely protective of their rights. We don’t want government interfering in anything we do. But how about the right to determine just when you shutdown your life? That does when government steps in, and says you have no choice. Is this right? Should you have a choice? Take a look at my column this week on the right to live in the right to die. See what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
Weekend radio we shaping up well, and we hope you’ll join us for lively show. We will talk to former United States Sen. John Breaux about the lack of cooperation in Washington. We will also talk with Seth Siegel, an expert on water throughout the world. And Jeff Dorson joins us to talk about dealing with dealing with pets in a time crisis. So check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
What a month for disasters. Hurricane Harvey caused great devastation in the Houston area as well as parts of Louisiana. And hurricane Irma destruction will take years to repair and recover. And it’s just not hurricanes. There’s a wave of natural disasters in the United States. Wildfires out west, tornadoes in the Panhandle, and flooding from coast-to-coast. States just can’t afford to deal with this problem by themselves. What’s the solution? I talk about it in this week’s column based on years of experience as an insurance regulator. You can read the column now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
Wow, what a Radio weekend coming up! We will be following all the natural disasters. Free hurricanes in the gulf, and wildfires raging out west. And how about the immigration fight going on in Washington? What to do with all the children of the illegal immigrants that came in to this country. We will have several guests on to discuss. Finally, there’s a new study out saying that concussions continue to be a major problem, and that experts feel your child should not play competitive sports like football until they’re 18 years old. Any truth to this? We will discuss with Concussion Expert Dr. Sally Fryer Dietz. (www.concussion-therapy.com). So tune in for a lively program.  Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
Here is an outrageous example of a police officer going completely out of the bounds of his authority. Alex Wubbels, a nurse at University Hospital in Salt Lake City, was arrested after explaining to police that she couldn’t draw a blood sample from an unconscious person. A Salt Lake City police detective asked for a blood sample. After explaining to the detective that the police needed a warrant, consent from the unconscious patient or that the patient needed to be under arrest before the blood sample could be drawn, she was arrested..  As a lawyer, I can  tell you that Salt Lake City is  going to have a heck of a lawsuit on their hands.  And for good reason.  Check out the video below.
Houston remains under siege and the rescue operations will go on for weeks. Isn’t it ironic that almost 12 years ago to the day, Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana and the entire the Gulf Coast. In both storms, one of the saving graces was the Cajun Navy. Large contingents of Louisianans are in Texas right now with their bass boats or whatever they have to offer help. Were lessons learned from Katrina? Maybe not. Check out my thoughts in this week’s column. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
Why wasn’t our country called Columbia, after Christopher Columbus? He discovered the Americas, right? Columbus might well have had the new world named after him, had it not been for two shortcomings. The first was that Columbus was under the mistaken impression that he had found a new route to Asia and was not aware that America was an entirely new continent. The second was that he never wrote publicly about it so the masses were not aware of his discovery. Right after Chris comes another Italian explorer, Americus Vespuccius. He did write a great deal about the new world and the first map called the new nation America. But did you know that both Columbus and Vespuccius were slave traders? That’s right. So, to be politically correct, what do we do? Check out the cartoon below.
Are college football players considered little more than mascots? This seems to be the conclusion of a recent column in the New York Times where the college game his supposedly there to amuse the fans, with no respect for the players. And black football players particularly take it on the chin by the Times article, with specific reference to LSU football. And get this! Louisiana judges get into the mix for longer sentences on black defendants following an LSU upset. I kid you not!  To read more of these over-the-top conclusions, take a look at my new article now posted. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fight fan. And this Saturday night, August 26, is a big fight night out in Las Vegas. Former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather will come out of retirement to face UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor in a boxing match to determine the super welterweight champion of the world. Some are saying this will be the highest grossing fight in history. Seventy million dollars alone will be bet on this fight. And the odds say Mayweather will win as a big favorite. I don’t think so. McGregor is taller, has a longer reach, is much younger, and not the grandstander that Mayweather is. So get ready for a big upset.
It’s show time this weekend, and we will be on a major hurricane watch throughout entire Gulf South. What’s Harvey going to do? Severe weather expert Michael Smith will join us to discuss. (www.accuweather.com). And how about gas prices? Huge refineries in the hurricane’s path. Energy expert Wolf Hanschen will be our guest (http://www.peregrine1031.com). And can a plant-based diet help in healing? We will hear from Meg Donahue about her company MamaSezz, to get you healthy (www.mamasezz.com).  Check local listings for timing stations. We will see you on the radio.
Well, the solar eclipses over, but that doesn’t mean there are not other eclipses working across the country. Look below it what are common my opinion, continuing eclipse activity, both in politics, and of course the coming on slot of football season. I say we give politics rest for a while.
The tragedy in Charlottesville Virginia last week raises the profile of hate groups likes the Ku Klux Klan. Louisiana had been a hot bed of Klan activity back in the 50s and 60s, and many Americans are well aware that one of the top national Klansman, David Duke, came from Louisiana. He was so popular down in this part of the country back in the early 90s that he was elected as a state representative, and garnered a majority of the white vote in a race for governor. In my column this week, I look back on my own experiences with Ku Klux Klan activities. The local Klan members were pretty active in trying to keep me out of politics. You can read the column now by Clicking Here or by hitting the Red Flashing Box above.
It would be an understatement to say that we have a really big show lined up for this weekend. Is the Charlottesville tragedy the beginnings of many more such confrontations? Author Leslie Sorrell joins us to discuss. She’s written a new book: “From Clients to Crooks”“ An Insider reveals the real Washington DC.” (www.clientstocrooks.com.) Â We will also talk with Louisiana publisher Stanley Nelson about the continuing presence of the KKK. His best selling book is called: ” Devils Walking,” about the story of the Klan in Louisiana and Mississippi. (Click Here for the book.)And we won’t forget the eclipse with psychic Vincent Genna to discuss Monday’s been event. (www.vincentgenna.com.) So join us for a heckuva program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
 
Check out daughter Campbell talking about straight political talk on The Jon Stewart program. Â Yes, she has stirred up a lot of controversy, but for good reasons as she explains. Take a look.
Wasn’t it Shakespeare who said, “The first thing you do is to kill all the lawyers?” In this day and age, attorneys get blamed for just about any problem or wrong. That’s sure the case here in Louisiana when it comes to the highest automobile insurance rates in the nation. The politicians and insurance regulators always say it’s the lawyer’s fault. But it’s far, far from being that simple. Check out my new column now posted.  You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.
It was on this week in 1974 that Richard Milhous Nixon resigned as president of the United States.  But did you know that former Louisiana secretary of state and insurance commissioner Jim Brown (Me) almost ended up working for Nixon?  Here’s a remembrance from Brown’s syndicated newspaper column in April of this year.. Nixon became the first and only president to resign from office. Those of you too young to remember the events surrounding Watergate missed one of the most riveting episodes of American history. Nixon survived a number of bitter political fights, but he had always been able to bounce back. However, it was his own words in secret recordings that he personally authorized in the Oval Office that finally led to his downfall.  Take a look at my Nixon column that was written in the Spring.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Isn’t it terrible how so many local stores are closing. No more local bookstores, general stores and many other businesses where we used to go it, pass the time of day with the owner or clerk, maybe get a cup of coffee. I miss them. What made them close?  We all know that answer as you  can see in the cartoon below.  The internet has killed many of these local businesses off.  Some say it’s progress and convenience, but I personally miss them and the local shopping.
Then take a gander below again and see what the world is coming to. Â Can a robot take away your job? Â I hope not.
Louisiana State government is in a real fiscal mess. Over $1 billion in taxes are about to come to the end, with no responsible voice giving alternatives as to how to balance the state budget. What’s a poor governor to do? Actually, there are number of ways to build in some financial responsibility and stability. It just takes a little foresight. I write about it in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
Our weekend radio show is close at hand, and we have a lively program scheduled. First up, we will talk about Answers from the Afterlife, new book by Dr. Nancy Danison. www.backwardsbooks.com). She will discuss her after death experience, and how it affected her as an attorney. Next up will be our show, Ken Abramowitz will also join us who co-founded NGN capital, and is intimately familiar with the new tax plans from the Trump administration. And finally, with a major eclipse scheduled for August 21st, we will talk with Kelly Beatty to let you know the best place to watch the eclipse. He is the publisher of Sky and Telescope magazine. So join us for a lively program. We will see you on the radio. Check local listings for times and stations.
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I’ve ben a big fan of the Fred Eaglesmith traveling music show for years. Fred is a Canadian, but comes to my home town of Baton Rouge once or twice a year to play at the Red Dragon Listening Room. I’m always in that number. Take a listen to Fred and his band below.
The tragedy in Charlottesville Virginia last week raises the profile of hate groups likes the Ku Klux Klan. Louisiana had been a hot bed of Klan activity back in the 50s and 60s, and many Americans are well aware that one of the top national Klansman, David Duke, came from Louisiana. He was so popular down in this part of the country back in the early 90s that he was elected as a state representative, and garnered a majority of the white vote in a race for governor. In my column this week, I look back on my own experiences with Ku Klux Klan activities. The local Klan members were pretty active in trying to keep me out of politics. You can read the column now by Clicking Here or going to the Red Flashing Box above.
So how about it? Are you and your family going to take a summer vacation? That’s something we all used to do, and often for several weeks. It was an American tradition. But it seems to be no more. Putting all your electronics aside, and curling up with a good beach book or just lounging and having family time, to many, are things of the past. I think it’s a big mistake to pass on getting away for a while. The job will be there, and virtually everything you feel you have to do can wait. Take a look at my thoughts about the importance of summer vacations. You can read them now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
We have the whole Radio “Common Sense” team together this weekend for a lively program. The president’s health care failure. What does it mean for our future? Healthcare expert and environmental professor Dr. Ellen Moyer,
says America is nowhere near a solution to putting health back into healthcare. (www.ellenmoyerphd.com).
She will join us to discuss. Â And a new study showing that the vast majority of football players end up with head trauma. Dr. Brandon Brock (www.cerebrum.com ) will join us to discuss. Also, we have a solar eclipse coming in just several weeks. Is this an omen about bad things to come? Vincent Genna is a world-renowned psychic medium and healer, and will give us his thoughts. So a fully packed show. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
I really enjoy listening to somewhat eccentric outlaw Texas singers. Ramsey Midwood is one of the best. We had a nice visit during his recent gig at the Red Dragon Listening Room last weekend in Baton Rouge. I hope he comes back to play again soon. Check out his unique style in the video below.
If you try to list American heroes that had a profound effect on the saving of Louisiana during the early years of this country, two statesmen at top the list would be Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from the French, and Jackson saved the state at the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson and Jefferson were instrumental in forming the Democratic Party. So how are they acknowledged by Louisiana Democrats? They are wiping their names off the history books. You can read my new column about the ridiculous bumbling’s of Louisiana Democrats. To read it now, click on the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.
I first ran for office back in 1972. There was a basic way of campaigning by passing out cards, doing a little radio, and if you could afford it, maybe a little TV. Boy how the landscape has changed in running for public office today. Social media has transformed the art of networking with voters no matter how big the district. From Donald Trump, to the local sheriff, using social media has become the wave of the future. I talked about it at length with BayouBuzz publisher Steve Sabaladosky this week. You can see our whole discussion by looking at the video below.
Going up high in the Blue Ridge Mountains would seem to get one about as far away from Louisiana as you could go. But I found in my travels, all over the world, that you can’t really get away from the Bayou State. Whether you are from Louisiana or not, people everywhere seem to have fond memories of Louisiana food, music, sports, and a variety of other unique factors that make the deepest of the deep southern states such an attractive place to live. Take a look at my new column about fly-fishing, memories, and continuing relationships with Louisiana. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.
A busy radio show is scheduled for this weekend. We of course will talk about healthcare, so important to so many of us. What’s the status in Washington? Then, have you heard the news about snorting chocolate? That’s right, some people are actually snorting this great tasting stuff up their nose. Dr. Myers Hurt from the Dallas area will join us to discuss this weird trend. His website is www.diamondphysicians.com. And a successful blind author will join us, who has written an important new book. David Faucheux has written  “A Year in the Life of a Blind Bibliophile,” and you can find out more by Clicking Here.  So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
Former Louisiana Gov. John J McKeithen had quite an influence on me. He was the guy that got me interested in politics. A lot of people looked on him as a small town redneck politician, who was lucky to make it to the governor’s mansion. And maybe he was. But he surely grew in office, and I call him Louisiana’s transition governor. He brought the state full blast into the 20th Century. You can read my new column about my personal relationship with Gov. McKeithen in my new column now posted. To read it, Click Here.
I’m still playing hooky up in the North Carolina mountains, and tuning out from the world. No Wi-Fi connections, put my cell phone on hold, just curling up with good books, doing some hiking and some flyfishing. So you’re stuck with Leo Honeycutt and Ronna Gray this week.  I say”stuck” in just, because they did a great show last week, and you look forward to a lot of fun, review news of the week, and hear some in-depth interviews on this week’s show. So be sure and  tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will all see you on the radio.
It takes a lot of gumption and fortitude to be the only Democratic governor in the entire south, and a governor coming from a state that has a huge republican base. You’ve got a handed to John Bel Edwards. He’s or site he is a fighter and survivor. But will his political persuasion last? Does he have any chance at all of being reelected? I examine his chances in this week’s column. And then there’s that “ “vision thing.” Check it out right now to see what ol’ John Bel needs to do to have any future in Louisiana politics. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Co-hosts Leo Honeycutt and Rannah Gray will fill in this weekend on the “Common Sense” radio program.  I’ll be in the North Carolina mountains, but I’ll be tuning in for a lively and fun-filled show. I hope you  will too.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio!
It’s difficult for many younger people to understand the world tensions it took place over the building of the Berlin wall. Most Americans remember the famous line by Ronald Reagan when he traveled through the wall over 30 years ago when he said: “Mr.Gorbachev take down that wall.” I have vivid memories of the tensions between the East and the West, and traveled to East Berlin crossing under the wall. This event is the subject of this week’s column, and you can read it now by Clicking Here.
Our weekend Common Sense Radio Show is close at hand, and we have a lively program scheduled for our stations and listeners across America. We will bring in a little religion (Hey, the show is Sunday isn’t it?) New York Timers best selling author Rob Bell will join us to discuss his new book WHAT IS THE BIBLE?: How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything. Then we will talk about the new Republican  healthcare legislation with insurance expert Roger Abramson.  Doe the law help or hurt most Americans?  Roger’s website is www.ameriflex.com. And much more. So join us for a full packed show. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
Is America fast becoming a fractured society sitting on a foundation of hate? We are doing some needed soul searching after the tragic shooting of our god friend, Congressman Steve Scalise. Our governmental houses, silos of partisan-cable news, and social media are not throwing food but weapons of mass destructiveness. Instead of our focusing on the possible solutions to solve our differences among us, we’re debating who is being the more careless with our words and actions.  As the temperature rises and the anger mounts, for some, the focus has turned to an even yet-political argument over who is the more irresponsible, the more violent?  I talk about it in the interview with BayouBuzz publisher Steve Sabludowsky show below.
Daughter Campbell, since January, has been Head of News Partnerships for Facebook, and says it was important to equip people with the tools make informed decisions on the type of content they share. Â Below are her recent comments to the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong.
Who would’ve thought that and early morning baseball game in the suburbs of Washington DC would lead to mass shootings, and the serious injury of a Louisiana congressman? Every TV network covered the shootings for hours. But the shooting in the nation’s capital not the only place that killers are loose. New Orleans, down here in the Bayou State, is hands down the murder capital of America. And has one of the worst murder rates in the entire world. What’s the problem and I will get any better? Take a look at my thoughts in this week’s column. You can read it now by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.
What a week that just went by. Louisiana’s own Steve Scalise, the number three ranking House member in Washington, who is still fighting to recover. Should all members of Congress have Secret Service protection? We’ll talk to gun law expert Edwin Walker. (www.uslawshield.com ). And how about the sale of Whole Foods, bought up by Amazon? Will this change the way we shop? We will talk with and expert on disruptive innovation, Alex Doubet (www.doorhomes.com ). Also, Happy Father’s Day. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
Hangin’ out with my buddy Jay Leno. (Yeah, right!). He put on a great show at L’Auberge in Baton Rouge this past Friday night. I shared a few of my jokes with him, but he didn’t seem too impressed.
We hear a lot about states rights, but it seems like the federal government is taking over everything. That’s certainly true in the case of crimes. When the county was first founded, there were three federal crimes. Today there’re over 5000. We seem to be criminalizing and trivializing many things that Americans do every day. Is this the right thing to do? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
Wow, what a weekend radio program we have lined up for you. Sunday will be the big day, where we’ll have a team of experts analyze the whole Donald Trump”“ FBI fiasco. Was James Comey believable? And did Trump suffer any real damage? We will discuss. Also, Dr. Donna Barsky, a Dallas compound pharmacist (http://www.texasstarpharmacy.com), will join us to talk about how to reduce basic health care costs. So a full program, and check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
I grew up in St. Louis, and Budweiser beer was a way of life there. Now I’m not much of a beer drinker. But this is a great commercial below. Take a look.
While in California I needed to go to the emergency room. Not wanting to sit there for 4 hours, I put on my Magic Green Hat. When I went into the E.R., I noticed that 3/4 of the people got up and left. I guess they decided that they weren’t that sick after all. Cut at least 3 hours off my waiting time. Here’s the hat: Below.
It also works at Dept. of Motor Vehicles. It saved me 5 hours. At the Laundromat, three minutes after entering, I had my choice of any machine, most still running. If you live in Texas, it might cut your wait time at the grocery store. But, don’t try it at McDonald’s. The whole crew ran out the back door and I never did get my order!
President Trump just returned from a trip to the Middle East. But can he really make any difference? Arabs throughout the Middle East have been fighting each other for two centuries. Â And many other countries have tried to conquer a number of different Arab nations, but it became a quagmire for them. Can Trump actually find any way to bring peace and solve the Middle Eastern crisis? Or is he on a quixotic quest that is doomed for failure? Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
There is a show much going on throughout the country and throughout the world, and our Common Sense radio program will have a lot to cover this weekend. Bombings in London, rejection of climate change, Washington investigations, and so much else. We will also talk with Catherine Marrs, who was a certified educational consultant, about the massive amount of student loans that are owed by college students. Should you and I have to pay these loans off? We will discuss. So tune in for lively radio program. See you on the radio.
A 23-year-old Texas man is under arrest after authorities say he was shot during a scuffle with a Louisiana Supreme Court officer in the New Orleans French Quarter late Saturday night (May 27). But check out this strange video about the incident. What caught my eye is that the police officer is struggling with the attacker, and a large number people just stand around laughing and taking photos. Someone finally mentions they should call 911, but nobody apparently does. What were all these goofballs doing just standing there? A weird time in which we live. Check out the video below.
Hey, I’m a big baseball fan it’s a treat to see your brawl take place every now and then.  And there was a real doozy over the weekend. Benches cleared during Monday’s Giants”“Nationals game after Hunter Strickland nailed Bryce Harper with a pitch. The brawl occurred in the top of the eighth inning with the Nationals leading 2″“0 at AT&T Park. Strickland hit Harper in the leg, and Harper proceeded to charge the mound. After throwing his helmet in Strickland’s direction and pointing at him, it was on. The players exchanged punches as both benches raced to the mound, turning the incident into an all-out brawl. Great to see a good fight to spice up the game. See the confrontation below.
For over 80 years, Louisiana has been a major oil producer, and state government has been dependent on this royalty income. But has the Bayou State really received its fair share? Many people think not. In other states with lots of lots of mineral income, there is a much higher percentage of royalty payments received. Louisiana gets a pittance. How come the state has gotten such a shortage? Take a look at my new column and see what you think. Passed political mistakes have cost Louisiana taxpayers billions of dollars. You can read the column now by Clicking Here.
A great Memorial Day show lined up for the weekend. We will talk about the importance of remembering Memorial Day, not just for a break to the beach. It should mean much more to every American. Then we will talk about what you can do to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. Michael Morgan will join us and has written an interesting new book called “The Body Energy Longevity Prescription: How Cranio Sacral Therapy Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia While Improving the Quality of Your Life.”
And since it’s a big holiday weekend we certainly have to talk about good food and ways to make it taste better. Richard Chamberlain is the owner of Chamberlain’s Steak and Chophouse in Dallas. He’s consistently recognized by the world’s top restaurant and dining publications, including Bon Appetit, Zagat, and Gourmet magazine. He can offer grilling tips and doesn’t mind media calls over the holiday weekend.Finally, let’s go to the movies with Bryan Jefferies who is a top guy with Cinemark, one of the nation’s largest theater chains. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
Anyone who looks over the structure of the Louisiana government will come to one conclusion. The make up of the state, and the way it is run, hasn’t change in over 100 years. There are inefficiencies glory, duplicated services, out of date practices, and a major waste of money on both the state and local level. There’s got to be a better way to skin the cat. When the Legislature meets, consolidation seems to be almost a dirty word. What can be done about it? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
Leo Honeycutt will be filling in for  Jim this weekend. He will have a full program with current issues and his normal wacky humor, so be sure to tune in.  Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
Popular New Orleans comedian Becky Allen joined me in  roasting politicians all over the state at a recent gathering of Politics was a Punch. The jokes were on everyone from controversial New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu right up to the governor. Lots of laughs an a good time was had by all attending.
I have always been a big Jeff Daniels fan and as a regular viewer on his hit TV show,The News Room, where he plays TV news anchor Will McAvoy.  Below is his most recent rant on why Clinton lost the election.  Then watch the following video tat shows Daniels in his classic  interview of why American is not as great as it used to be.
It looks like, in many parts of the country, we are still fighting the Civil War. There’s a huge fight over monuments, honoring Civil War heroes that are being taken down in New Orleans. Just not politically correct. President Trump wadded in last week by wondering why the Civil War was necessary in the first place. Was the President off base in making such statements? Or can you make the case that Lincoln should have done more to stop the war in the first place? Check out my new column now posted and see what I think. You can read it now by Clicking Here.Â
Show schedule to be posted on Friday.
A documentary on Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman details the “malicious prosecution and wrongful conviction” of Siegelman and former businessman Richard Scrushy.  It premiers in a number of theaters nationwide next week.
The documentary is titled “Atticus v. The Architect: The Political Assassination of Don Siegelman,”  It is a stunning report on major prosecutorial misconduct. It is an important film about a serious problem in the federal criminal justice (or rather injustice) system in America.  Try to see it if you can.
So do you look forward to your annual birthday? I generally do, although I wish the year would slow down as I get older. None of us are going to live forever. But like it or not, I turned 77 years old this week. So what do I make of it and how do I feel? I’m pretty candid in this week’s column about the highs and lows I’m reaching my 77th year. Take a look and see what you think. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
What an amazing radio show we have lined up for you this weekend. We start off with a news update about the new healthcare bill, and all the problems it has now will have a future. And we will talk with world-renowned mentalist Jim Karol who has and remarkable gift of predicting the future. Next comes the Amazing Krestiun, who was a regular on Johnny Carson show for years, and also has a special vision about the future.
We will also talk about why it is important to buy American with James Stuber, who is written a book about the importance of buying American products. And expert dietitian Robin Plotkin will tell us about a major crisis in what our kids are eating. So tune in for a really exciting show. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
Below is an excellent video on the perspective of millennials in our country today. There’s a great deal of talent, but also a sense of entitlement. Here is an excerpt of Simon Sinek, a commenter on today’s younger generation from an episode of Inside Quest. It is well worth a few minutes to review. And as Simon says, put down your smart phones while you watch.
Too often, justice runs amuck and is denied in America today. One of the most grievous cases showing outright prosecutorial misconduct is centered on former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman. His supposed crime was simply raising funds to support a referendum creating a lottery with money going into public education. Virtually every neutral observer who has looked at the case, including a number of news organizations and Attorney Generals across the country, have concluded that Siegelman got railroaded. It’s a sad reflection on prosecutors who purposely prosecute innocent victims. I write about the Siegelman case in my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
We really have been busyWeekend radio program scheduled for our listeners.  It was billed as the “biggest tax cut in history.” Did it live up to the hype? Will it survive Congress? Does it help the average American.  Leonard Raskin is a nationally-known financial expert and the CEO of Raskin Global. He will breakdown the Trump plan and explain what it means to the average taxpayer.
Then, Dr. Robert Edmonson, a practicing Cardiovascular Disease doctor. For 23 years, who he served as Medical Director of Cardiology at Methodist Hospital of Dallas, will discuss heart health.  And finally, popular novelist Van Mayhall will discuss his new book, “7”.  So join us for a lively program. We will see you on the radio. Check local listings for times and stations.
So we’ve  got this crazy guy over in North Korea who is rattling nuclear sabers and saying he is close to being able to send a missile flying and hit the United States.  What to do?  There are no easy responses.  And they were not back in 1963 during the Cuban missile crisis. I lived through that first hand in England, and recount my personal experiences of the dangers and uncertainties that possible nuclear war can bring. Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
Leo Honeycutt will be filling in for  Jim this weekend. He will have a full program with current issues and his normal wacky humor, so be sure to tune in.  Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
There is a new book on a number of best selling lists about former President Richard Nixon by author John Farrell. Nixon became the first and only president to resign from office. Those of you too young to remember the events surrounding Watergate missed one of the most riveting episodes of American history. Â I met the former president on two occasions, and he really liked Louisiana. Â Check out my new column about his Bayou State relationship. Â You can read it now by Clicking Here.
We will have a full program over the Easter weekend, and I certainly hope you all can listen. It’s a special time for Christians, so we will certainly talk about the meaning of Easter. It’s a chance for individual rebirth, and  I’ll have several guests who will join me to discuss. Also, we will update you on the latest world news. So Tune In for a lively show. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
My best wishes to all of our readers for a safe and meaningful Easter weekend. It’s a great time to get together with family, but it’s also special time for Christians to remember the most important religious date of the year. It’s a good time for self reflection. Should’ve all of you, we send dad a happy Easter message.
The world’s most popular song is probably “You are my sunshine.“ If you don’t believe me, Google it. Sunshine is the song known in countries near and far. And it was made famous by our own former Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis. I knew him well as he was a Redneck from North Louisiana just like me. Governor Davis took office for the first time 73 years ago. Check out my new column where I look back at some of the fond memoires I have of the singin’ Guv. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Leo Honeycutt will be filling in for  Jim this weekend. He will have a full program with current issues and his normal wacky humor, so be sure to tune in.    Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
March madness is here, and millions of Americans, over the past few weeks, have been filling out their basketball brackets, and cheering on their favorite College team. Several billion dollars are raked in by the colleges and by the NCAA. Coaches make 10 times the salary is the college president. March madness is a huge generator of income for colleges across the nation. Well, that is for everyone except the athletes. Should college athletes receive a small stipend to pay their basic expenses? See what I think in my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
We hope you’ll join us for this weekends radio program.Our first guest is Paul Louden, an autistic adult, bravely shares personal narratives to bridge understanding between those with autism and those without.His book is “Behind The Locked Door: Understanding My Life as an Autistic.”
We will also talk with Ken Abramowitz, who  is not only nationally and internationally known for his analytical expertise in the healthcare industry, but also as a coveted speaker and analyst on national security.  We also will review winners in the Final Four and review highlights of the week’s news. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
Daughter Campbell Brown recounted her personal experience with partisanship at The Poynter Institute last week onstage during an interview with Poynter Vice President Kelly McBride. During the conversation, Campbell discussed her experience with filter bubbles, Facebook’s war on fake news and what she does in her capacity as the social network’s ambassador to news organizations. Â It’s a fascinating interview, and you can read all about this event by Clicking Here.
This is a milestone year for those who remember the aura that surrounded President John F. Kennedy. He was born 100 years ago, and many still believe that the Kennedy era of “Camelot” was special, and that America lost its innocence when he was shot and killed. Did you know that Kennedy had a special relationship with Louisiana? In fact, his campaign for president really kicked off here in the Bayou State. Read my new column now posted to find out about Louisiana’s love affair with this young president who died way too soon. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
It wasn’t even close. Pres. Trump’s health care legislation hit a brick wall Friday, as the votes were not there to pass the major changes proposed. The House of Representatives just would not givein for the president. What happened, and where does the whole focus of healthcare go from here? Trump said the first thing he would do would be to abolish Obamacare. But again, he’s not even close.
A somewhat sad Spring for me as a former track runner.  I had the honor of attending the University of North Carolina on an athletic scholarship. My specialty  was the high and low hurdles, and I was lucky enough to be Atlantic Coast Conference champion in both of these events. I have so many fond memories from the Fetzer field track complex.  Next season, Carolina will move into a brand new facility that I am sure will be state of the art.  But it won’t be the same for me.  I paid one last visit to Fetzer to have some fond remembrances and to say goodbye.
Legendary country artist and Grammy Award Winner Vince Gill took the stage at the L’Auberge Event Center last night. The Oklahoma native wrote and co-wrote all of the songs on his new album, For Down To My Last Bad Habit. I’ve been a Vince Gill fan for years,and have seen him in concert on a number of occasions. Â For those of you outside the deep South who keep an eye on my website, music and good food are all part of our wonderful way of life in this part of the country. Â I attend a music concert several times a month. Â So come on down.
When was the last time you saw your Congressman or US Senator? These folks go off to Washington, buy big houses, put their kids in DC schools, and we may catch a glimpse of them on the nightly news occasionally. That’s not how our founding fathers envisioned how Congress would operate. What can we do so that our members of Congress interrelate more with the voters who put them in office in the first place? I come up with a solution this week’s column. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Jim Brown will be away to St. Patrick’s Day  this weekend, but co-host Leo Honeycutt will handle the program. You will hear a lot about politics, good health, and a good bit of Leo’s wacky humor. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio!
How about a guy who is about to turn 90 years old, has a 38-year-old wife, a four-year-old son, and has been named as the most popular governor in the past century? That’s the “Cajun Prince” himself, Edwin Washington Edwards. He has climbed the high mountain and sunk to the bottom, but there is still major interest in old EWE. I write about his highs and lows in this week’s column. Â You can read it now by Clicking Here.
A full schedule as planned for our commonsense weekend radio show. We start off with leading historian Michael Hogan, to discuss his new book, “The Afterlife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.” Then we will hear a German journalist give you his thoughts of crisscrossing America to conclude the Donald Trump is really a reflection of America, both left and right. His book is called “The Lies they Tell.”
And we will look at the humorous side of sports and other personalities with guest Scott Rabb, who is written a new book “You’re Welcome, Cleveland.” Funny and informative. Some us to talk about, including the present state of weird national affairs. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
Can you believe”¦the Democrats are searching high and low for a presidential candidate to take on Donald Trump in 2020. And one of the names that keep popping up is Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. Some were impressed that Edwards was able to get elected governor as a Democrat in a deep red state.  So does he have any chance to get the nomination? And who else from Louisiana seriously considered running for president? I talk about it in my new column now posted. Check it out by Clicking Here.
Jim Brown will be away t this weekend, but co-host Michael King, theKing of Home-talk radio will handle the program. You will hear a lot about politics, good health, and a good bit of Michael’s wacky humor. His website is www.hometalkusa.com. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio!
As I had shared and written before, there’s absolutely nothing like going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But when it’s time to shut down, it happens at the stroke of midnight on Fat Tuesday. The last parade that takes place are police officers, with many on horseback, clearing down Bourbon Street to let them the crowds know that it’s time to disperse and go home. At the stroke of midnight, Ash Wednesday begins. Take a look at the scene below.
Former Louisiana Gov. Dave Treen took office 37 years ago. No one could’ve been friendlier. He was as nice a guy as they come. Many observers of the time thought he did not get a lot done. But history is judging him a lot better. He was a strong conservative; and felt that government should get out of the way and leave businesses alone. I had a good working relationship with him since I was serving as Louisiana Secretary of State. You can read my thoughts about Dave Treen in my new column now posted. Take a look by Clicking Here.
Jim Brown will be away to Mardi Gras his weekend, but co-host Leo Honeycutt will handle the program. You will hear a lot about politics, good health, and a good bit of Leo’s wacky humor. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio!
I don’t know about you, but I’m heading off to New Orleans for a full week of Mardi Gras. It’s just a thing we do down here in Louisiana, as well as many other locations throughout the South. If you’ve never been toMardi Gras, particularly New Orleans, you really have not lived a full life. It’s a special season that goes on for weeks, and everyone, from rich folks  to average citizens, have their way in participating. I will be attending luncheons, carnival balls, parades, and a whole host of other events. So come on down if you can. And if you have not experienced Mardi Gras, check out this video below to show you what all you have been missing. Happy Mardi Gras.
We have heard so much about the “Greatest Generation,” and the sacrifices made back in World War II. But look at all the technological developments they’re taking place today. Should not these current times made up by the greatest generation? Or are we building up a society of young “me first” individuals, who care more about their own well-being as compared to what’s best for our country? And could this “me first” attitude be a factor in the demise of American strength and influence throughout the world? I address all these questions in this week’s column. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw defined the “Greatest Generation” in his best selling book. Â I’ve visited with Tom on several occasions, including the dedication of the World War II Museum in New Orleans a few years back, as you can see below.
The “Common Sense” radio schedule. We will talk with Jennifer Granick about her new book American Spies: Modern Surveillance, Why You Should Care, and What to Do About It. Granick shows how surveillance law has fallen behind while surveillance technology has given American spies vast new powers and skillfully guides the reader through proposals for reining in massive surveillance with the ultimate goal of surveillance reform.
Also on the show, Dr. Herb London is the President of the London Center for Policy Research. He will discuss Prime Minister’s Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. and Dr. London’s just released book, Leading From Behind: The Obama Doctrine and the U.S. Retreat From International Affairs. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.
We recently celebrated Presidents Day, but there is little talk about the pride and the struggles of being an American by either political party in Washington. It’s all “blame it on the other party” mentality, and you just have to wonder, how many of these Washington, out of touch, members of Congress, are really “tuned in” to the tough times of those who served us well, but seem to be relegated to the back burner of the American consciousness. Take a look at this inspiring video below”¦.one of my favorites.
So Donald Trump calls you up on the phone one day, and says he wants to visit. That’s right! He wants to get a “feel” for what the average person is thinking. What would you tell the new president? What questions would you ask him? Would you give him any advice?  I sure would. Check out my new column that has just been posted. See what I think, and then you can ponder on what you would ask this controversial new leader of the free world. You can read the column now bye Clicking Here.
I’ll be broadcasting live from St. John in the Virgin Islands this Sunday morning.  (Tough duty but someone’s got to do it.)  We will review highlights from the week’s events, and also have some Caribbean fun.  So be sute to turn in.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.
When President Trump looked around the country for potential Supreme Court justices, it was obvious he didn’t spend anytime looking down in the Bayou State. Justices almost always come from the various Courts of Appeals around the country. But the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was not given the time of day, and for obvious reasons. It’s full of some the least qualified judges in America. Did you know they’re referred to as grey mice? Take a look at my column, and get my explanation about incompetence on the Fifth Circuit. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
So much to talk about this weekend on the “Common Sense” Radio Show.  We will begin with Paul Craig Roberts, a former Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury and former associate editor of the Wall Street Journal, has been reporting shocking cases of prosecutorial abuse for two decades. A new edition of his book, The Tyranny of Good Intentions, co-authored with Lawrence Stratton, a documented account of how americans lost the protection of law, has been released by Random House.
Then we will talk about the Trump ban on immigrants with Dr. Nick Oberheiden is a constitutional scholar, author, and attorney. He holds a Ph.D. in law, a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law, among others. His law practice is limited to U.S. federal law with special emphasis on constitutional law, federal criminal procedure, and government investigations.
And finally, we will be joined By Dr. John Duncan, who is a heart specialist. Â What can you do to keep from having a heart attack. HIs website is 123bodyscan.com. Dr. Â Duncan is the CEO of Viascan, a company that specializes in the early detection of heart problems and stroke risk. Â So join us for a really interesting program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.
The immigration issue is front and center as President  Trump tries to bring a halt to so many illegal immigrants. What to do, what to do? Ray Stevens puts the whole problem in perspective in his funny video below. Take a look.
Politicians down in southern oil states were high-fiving this week over the announcement by Pres. Trump that he will push towards building the Keystone pipeline from Canada down to Texas. Louisiana senators went way overboard by talking about 50 or 60,000 new jobs coming into the Bayou State. Boy, were they really off the mark. Whether you are for the pipeline or not, we need to do away with these exaggerations. Check out my new column where I talk about what really is involved in building the pipeline. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Jim Brown will be away this weekend, by co-host Leo Honeycutt will handle the program. Â You will hear a lot about politics, good health, and a good bit of Leo’s wacky humor. Â So be sure and tune in. Â Check local listings for times and stations. Â We will see you on the radio!
THE NEW MEXICAN WAR ON TRADE; TRUMP WALL
LEONARD RASKINÂ
CEO, RASKIN GLOBAL FINANCIAL in DC AREA
CYBER SECURITY ““ IRS SCAMS; THEFT OF REFUNDS
Dallas Attorney Shawn TumaÂ
HOUR TWO
REFLUX EPIDEMIC; NEXIUM OVERUSE; NEED FOR COLONOSCOPY
IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS IN 2017; IS IT TIME TO ASK FORGIVENESS?
COREY PORCHE, family counselor and therapist
