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 wile you watch this video.

Legislators in many states across the country are looking under every rock to find new ways to pile taxes on their citizens. Louisiana is no exception. Beginning immediately, the state will tax all Internet sales from wherever they take place. When you a pay tax, you expect to get something in return. But Internet sales from companies located outside the stage borders get nothing in return for the taxes. It’s taxation without representation. Check out my new column now posted and see if you agree. You can read it now by Clicking Here.

A jam-packed show plan for this weekend. Obamacare ““ can Republicans throw it away? Then what happens? We will talk with senior insurance analyst Laura Adams to analyze. She is with www.Insurancequotes.com. Also, do you want to go into the space? Rod Pyle has a wealth of NASA knowledge and we’ll talk about many things space related. (www.pylebooks.com). So join us from a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

My thanks to so many readers who have sent their comments and best wishes because of all the attention daughter Campbell has received over her new challenge withFacebook.  This month she will be joining Facebook to lead its News Partnerships team. This is a different role for her, but one where she will be tapping her newsroom experience to help news organizations and journalists work more closely and more effectively with Facebook. She will be working directly with news outlets p to help them understand how Facebook can expand the reach of their journalism, and contribute value to their businesses. That also means making sure there is ongoing feedback from publishers as Facebook develops new products and tools for news organizations.  A big job ahead.  Congrats and best wishes Campbell.  See typical news article by Clicking Here.

So I’ve been hearing for years about the Varsity Drive-In located in downtown Atlanta right across from Georgia Tech University. They supposedly have the best hot dogs in the country, and people come from all over to give them a try. They have a two-story parking lot with drive in service. It apparently is the “in thing to do” for many in Atlanta. So I came through there this past Friday, and thought I would give the Varsity try. What a disappointment. It was a boiled weenie with not a lot of taste. I had asked for relish and onions, and was handed them wrapped in a napkin. The French fries were soggy, and couldn’t compare to the average drive-in like McDonald’s or Wendy’s. All in all, it was a waste of time. The worst hot dogs in America are at LSU’s Tiger stadium. But the second-worst have to be the varsity. That’s just my opinion. I wouldn’t waste your time going there.

Louisiana’s governor had a rocky beginning during his first year in office. He was stunned by this financial crisis faced by the state, had to  deal with flooding issues as well as killings that rocked the nation. Now he starts off in 2017 with a  budget deficit of some $300 million. And it’s  time to start thinking about re-election. What to do! What to do! The Governor needs to start cracking, and there’s some options out there for him, even though he’s the lone Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican state. I analyze his options in my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here.

We are getting ready for our first program of the New Year. Jim is off in the Blue Ridge Mountains with family to enjoy the snow, and maybe even ski a bit. Leo Honeycutt will be filling in this weekend and will review all the crazy news in the first week of 2017. So join us for lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

So what are you doin’ on New Year’s? If you are like me, New Years Eve, and the beginning in 2017 will be special. I’ve had meaningful quiet celebrations, and big blowouts in the French Quarter down to New Orleans. And I’ve enjoyed them all. I do make New Year’s resolutions, and try to stick by them. I hope you do too. Take a look at my remembrances of special New Year’s Eve’s in the past, and a little anticipation about the future. You can read it on my new column now posted. Take a look by Clicking Here. Happy New Year’s to you.

We will have a lively New Year’s program this Sunday, January 1st. Come join us to review the highs and lows of 2016, and what to expect in the coming year. Is our new president an unguided missile who will be completely unpredictable? What can we expect around the world, and right here at home? We’ll have several guests who will talk about these issues. I will also take your opinions. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Looks like Santa is doing exactly what most of us would be doing after a hard winter getting ready for Christmas.  We hear at The Common Sense Radio Program and The Lisburn Press wish you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year.

My friend Don Siegelman was the former Governor of Alabama, an extremely popular democrat in a deep red state. Since the republicans could not beat him fairly through the election process, a cadre of national and local GOP operatives put on a show trial and convicted him for “bribery.” The acts for which they convicted him are commonly performed by politicians – including President Obama and President elect Trump – everyday. This is one of the real injustices in the federal judicial system.  I hope you will look at the links below to see the unfairness of what happened to Don.  He is currently a guest of the Federal Bureau of Prison until 2017, and will be on probation until 8.17.2020.

To learn more visit the Free-Don website.  And you can d follow him on facebook.com/FreeDon Siegelman
Twitter: @FreeSiegelman

As expected, we are all caught up in last minute Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, and all the other festivities of Christmas around the Christmas season. But it’s also time for reflection, and an opportunity. A really big opportunity if you want to take advantage of it. It’s the chance of redemption, exactly what the Christmas spirit is supposed to be all about. Getting a second chance. That’s the focus of my new column now posted, and I hope you will take a look at it. You can read it now by Clicking Here. And a festive holiday season to you and all your family.

We have a great Christmas program scheduled for this weekend. We will talk about   Christmas customs from days long gone by to what’s happening today. And how would Jesus get along in 2016? Have we lost the meaning of Christmas was so much commercialism? Tune in for Sunday show the see what you think. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Even though we don’t have any snow down here in the deep South, we are all really getting into the Christmas spirit of course, I’m doing a lot of last-minute Christmas shopping. When you get to be my age, you have a whole slew of kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and an aray of other family members to take care of. And I’m giving it my best shot. You can see a picture me below with some of my Christmas helpers. Not too bad for an old guy, right? Happy holidays to all of you.

Well Obamacare is on the chopping block as a new Republican controlled administration is about to take over the federal government. Abolish Obamacare has been the mantra of the GOP and President-Elect Trump. But will things really change? Will a Republican congress eliminate the mandates that require everyone to have health insurance? As I explain in my new column, the individual mandate was a Republican idea to begin with. You can read it now by Clicking Here.

We are just a few days away from Christmas, and our Common Sense radio show will surely have this Christmas spirit. How about Santa Claus on Christmas Eve? Attorney Robert Ryan talks about all the laws Santa Claus breaks on Christmas eve , according to various federal rules and regulations. Also, what about all these New Year’s diets? Do they work? Trainer and diet coach Junior Wakefield will tell us what makes sense, and what to throw in trash. So join us for a lively pre””Christmas show. Check local listings for times a stations. We will see you on the radio.

Louisiana folks are so laid back and easy  going. Well, most of the time. But not when they are driving. Speeding, road rage, drunk driving and failure to obey a police driver combine to make Bayou State drivers the worst in the nation. That’s what the national surveys say. Do you agree and what can be done about it? I have a few ideas that you can check out in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I’ll be out of the state this Sunday visit my youngest daughter up in Hood River, Oregon.  Listeners up ion the far northwest can hear our weekly syndicated program on KDBD radio, 97.6 FM through a strong signal out of Forks, Washington.  Leo Honeycutt, a regular on my show, will fill in this week as guest host.  So be sure and tune in.  Check local listings for times and stations to hear Jim Brown’s Common Sense.  See you on the radio.

Our book publication company, The Lisburn Press, has a new title out that is creating a great deal of excitement down in this part of the country. The book is called “Long Shot,” by authors Jeremy Alford and Tyler Bridges. It is the compelling story of Louisiana’s recent governor’s race, where an unknown Democrat came out of nowhere to win the election. The book is off to a great start in sales, and we hope you will take a good look at it. Order information can be found by Clicking Here.

For a large numbers of Americans, New Orleans is by far their favorite city. And for good reason. When you list the very best of things to enjoy, food, entertainment, history, ambience, the Crescent City tops the list. But there’s trouble down in River city. Week after week, more killings take place. 10 people shot on Bourbon Street just last week. What’s going on down there, and what can city officials do about it? It’s a question that needs to be answered, because New Orleans needs to be known more for more just the city with the highest murder rate in America. I talk about it my new column. You can read it by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend radio program is shaping up nicely, and we will have a full agenda of issues and guests. How much hacking is going on our country? Is your computer at risk? We will talk with computer expert Sarah Granger about this. Also, can a restaurant owner decide who they servant who will not be served? What if someone comes in acting obnoxious, or dressed inappropriately? Can the owners set a policy and refuse to serve them? Lawyer James Pikl, Who specializes in business issues, will discuss with us. And finally, where are all the jobs in this country? Apparently, quite a lot are available if you’re well-trained. Employment specialist Jolene Risch will join us. So tune in for a lively show. Check listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Whatever you might think of president to be Donald Trump, you’ve got to hand it to him as he takes on various jobs at one of his hotels. It’s certainly good public relations for the guy. Take a look below.

Most Americans are proud of what state they come from. And that is certainly true down in the deepest of the deep southern states. Louisiana is a special place whether you live in the Deep South or are redneck, like me, from north Louisiana. The food, the culture, the music, the great athletes, and the curiosity all come together to make quite a gumbo. But the state is going through a lot of financial problems right now. Here’s the question. Is there enough pride in Louisiana? Can’t we do a better job of cleaning up the state and make the whole process run more effectively? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We have a great Thanksgiving weekend radio show planned. How about President-elect Trump’s immigration plans? Are the practical do they make sense? Dallas attorney Ann Massey Badmus joins us to discuss. And how easy will it be for Pres. Trump to institute his 100-day plan. Prof. Allen Saxe from the University of Texas at Arlington will be our guest. Finally, Georgia has a law that at bans Muslim women from wearing burqas and veils while driving on public roads. Is this legal? Attorney Byron Henry will give us his thoughts. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Regardless of you supported in the recent presidential election, we all take pride in our country. There are many moving ways to sing the national anthem. Take a look below at one of the most creative ways I have ever seen.

What a novel-The Donald Trump Election Success Story. Trump must have had the plot all laid out from the beginning. His campaign was a simple one based on the characters and the plot of a best selling novel. And the story line played out, apparently just as Trump had planned. At least, that is my opinion. Take a look at my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A full schedule plan for weekend radio coming up. Hillary Clinton received more votes than Donald Trump. Is it time to abolish the Electoral College? We’ll discuss with Pat Rosensti, who heads up the bipartisan National Popular Vote initiative. And how about people getting so sick because of germs on airplanes? We will talk to Debbie Sardone, who is a leading expert in the cleaning industry. Dr. Chad Stephens, a leading expert on concussions, will discuss with us the safety of high school football.  And, course, we will check in on just how the new Prez-Elect is doing. So tuning in for a lively show. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

It’s the holiday weekend coming up, and of course we all will be cooking a Turkey. But we go much farther in my family. Have you heard of a Turducken? It’s a combination of a turkey, a duck and a chicken. It’s a real popular dish down here in the Bayou State. Take a look below as my wife Gladys, and her twin sister Gloria explain to a national TV audience on the Rosie O’Donald show all about this exquisite holiday dish.

Now that the presidential election has come and gone, a number of observers are raising questions about the fairness of the process. Was the mainstream press fair in their election coverage or both candidates? How about the debates, and how the rules arbitrarily bounced out some very qualified candidates. Were the Russians involved in the election process? And what about the future of third parties? Take a look at my new column now posted. I review the good, the bad, and the ugly in this past presidential election. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Wow! What a great post election show we have lined up for you this weekend. I’ll give you my secret tips on just why Trump won the election. Then we will talk about the future of the affordable care act”“ Obamacare”“ with Prof. Philip Romero, financial professor at University of Oregon. And how did the pollsters get it wrong? We will get the take from Pollfish pollster John Papadakis, who’s been very accurate on both the election results as well as a number of key issues. And did you know that President-Elect Trump has some 75 lawsuits against him? Will this impede his presidency? We’ll talk with Dallas attorney Quinton Brogdon for his analysis. So a lively show planned. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Great news for all you elections junkies!  If your candidate didn’t win, have no worries.  Your time is just around the corner. We only have1453 days to go until the next presidential election.  So hang in there and keep the faith.

A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: “Good luck with that one, pal.”

So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 6 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: “Good luck with that one, pal.” Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has led to a sharp increase in orders.

We’ve heard a good bit about voter fraud and rigging the election in the last several months as we move towards the presidential campaign. But what about government agencies directly interfering? Just a few days ago, the director of the FBI, a James Comey, publicly released information about the email controversy with Hillary Clinton. He previously issued a public statement saying that he sold no criminal activity. Now he’s looking at it again. So far so good as well as investigation. But what about the propriety of a government official making statements that could directly influence the coming election? Is this proper? I say not, and so do many other former prosecutors, mostly who are Republican. Take a look at my new column, now posted, to see what you think. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

What a weekend radio show close at hand with the presidential election only a few days away. We will give you current up-to-date information. Former FBI agent Colleen Rowley will join us to talk about all the controversy involving the FBI. And what about all this hacking? Sarah Granger is an expert on hacking into emails, and will explain what the concerns all about. And finally, there have been some rumors of terrorist attacks. Security expert Kevin Mellott will give us latest update. So stay tuned for a really lively radio program. Check local stations for check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

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!

Are you going to vote early, either by mail or by casting an absentee ballot at a local polling prescient? Millions of Americans will. It is projected that as many as 40% of voters will vote early in this coming presidential election. I share my personal experiences in this week’s column. You can take a look now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here. Be sure and cast your vote.

Hey radio fans! It’s Halloween weekend, and ever scarier, only a few days until the spooky presidential election. We will give you my election update and predictions to begin the show. Then you might not think of a rabbi when you’re looking for Halloween guests, but Rabbi Jonathan Bernis isn’t your typical rabbi. He’s a Messianic Jew and the author of “A Rabbi Looks at the Supernatural: A Revealing Look at Angels, Demons, Miracles, Heaven & Hell.” We will talk with him. And how about Obamacare premiums going up 25%. Senior insurance analyst Laura Adams with InsuranceQuotes.com we’ll try to help us make some sense as to what’s happening. So join us for lively show. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

This is one of the best political ads I’ve seen this election cycle. Travis County, Texas Commissioner Gerald Daugherty is running for re-election, and his wife begs us to vote for him.  Really funny.  You should take a look.

13th Annual Louisiana Book Festival
Saturday, October 29 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Baton Rouge
Admission is free.

Join The Lisburn Press on Saturday, October 29, for the 13th annual Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge. The literary celebration, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in multiple venues centered on the capitol grounds in downtown Baton Rouge, is presented by the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana and offers opportunities for book lovers to interact with more than 225 authors and panelists. The Lisburn Press will be one of this year’s featured publishers, with a booth displaying an array of titles on the festival grounds. Please come by to visit with several our authors who will be signing their books.

One of our authors, Rannah Gray, will be a featured speaker at the festival and will discuss her successful recent publication, Familiar Evil. Rannah’s presentation will take place at 12:45 pm at State Capitol House Committee Room two. Admission to the festival, which includes live music, is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Visit www.louisianabookfestival.org for the full list of participants and the schedule of speakers. To see more information about The Lisburn Press, go to www.TheLisburnPress.com. We hope to see you there.

National polls indicate a lack of interest on the part of younger voters in the coming presidential election. The youth of our county just, for some reason, jus does not seem to be plugged into to politics today. What are the reasons, and can politicians find a way to get these leaders of the future involved in the political process? I raise these questions in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend Radio is shaping up as a jam-packed and lively program. Can Donald Trump throw a “Hail Mary” and still pull out the election? And we will talk with author Dick Sim about his new book, “Freedom to Argue-We the People Versus They the Government.” Look at my nose clip protest below. We will talk with the creator, and have some fun. So tune in for a great program. Check local listings for times and stations all across America, and worldwide. See you on the radio.

Well, I had to do something over my lousy choices for president. So I got me an official voter’s nose clip to hold my nose when I vote. It’s a modified clothespin engineered to comfortably seal one’s nostrils against the “toxic fumes” radiating from the presidential candidates. Americans today are suffering from “Voter Distress Syndrome,” a previously unknown condition caused by exposure to the names, images, voices, or statements of our presidential candidates. The clip is proven to alleviate the symptoms of Voter Distress Syndrome (except mental anguish–that’s unavoidable during this election).  The clips are available in red, white, or blue and can be ordered by Clicking Here.

I’ve known and listened to Dr. John off and on for some 50 years in New Orleans. It was a treat having him perform here in Baton Rouge Friday night. He told me I should have stuck with my guitar and forgotten politics. Boy, was he right about that. My favorite song of his is “Such a Night” performed by the Doc below.

If you watched the presidential debate last week, the only real winner was the guy who wore the red sweater and asked an intelligent policy question about energy. The debate by Trump and Clinton was devoid of any substantive discussion of important issues facing America. Healthcare costs are becoming  more and more unaffordable for many citizens, but the best that both candidates offer is either abolish or tweak what we have. Give both candidates an F on substance. See my new column now posted to tell you how serious the problem has become. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So much to cover this weekend on our radio show. Does Donald Trump have any chance at all? Election day just three weeks away. What will happen? We will talk about it. Then author Tevi Troy joins us to talk about his new book, “Shall We Wake the President.” And how about the continuing mess in Syria? Reese Erlich is the author of “Inside Syria: The Backstory of Their Civil War and What the World Can Expect.” We will discuss. And finally, we will look at poll numbers with the Pollfish polling organization, trying to predict what will happen on election day. So tune in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Here’s the question. Should a state public television station that is supported by taxpayer’s dollars be allowed to let a private group of businessmen to decide whom to include or not include in televised debates for the US Senate? There are 24 candidates running in Louisiana. But only five will be allowed to debate on the taxpayer funded television station. Is this fair? And how do we get to this point look first place? Louisiana has this “jungle primary” that allows any and all candidates to run same time. Is it time for change? All these are important questions as the November election looms close at hand. Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend programming schedules up and running, and we’re all set free lively Radio show on Sunday. There’s a new movie out based on the popular Bill O’Reilly book, Killing Reagan. We will talk to Director Rod Lurie. Then we will discuss the importance of whistleblowers, which bring wrongdoing to light with Michael McCray, a whistleblower himself. And finally, Jill Cody will discuss her book “Is American Democracy Dead?” And of course, I’ll give my take on the weird presidential election that takes place, and the critical presidential debate Sunday night. So stay tuned for a lively program. Check local papers for times and stations. See you on the radio.

The Red Mass is a very special ceremony that takes place at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Jackson Square on the first Monday of October. Judges and attorneys from over the state gather for the official opening of the Supreme Court and the legal year. The event is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, and I’m honored to be a member, even though I’m not Catholic. It’s a meaningful way of bringing legal and religious doctrine together. Archbishop Aymond always attends, and I consider it an honor to be a part of this marvelous ceremony. Only a few major cities in the country hold a Red Mass, including Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and New Orleans. I’ll be there again next year. I’m pictured with Archbishop Aymond in front of the nation’s most beautiful cathedral.

It’s really amazing how much of an out-of-control beast our healthcare system has become after decades and decades of running totally unchecked. A couple in Utah had a baby a few weeks ago, and the guy just posted a copy of their hospital bill on Reddit that showed a $39.35 charge for, quote, “skin to skin after C-sec.” In other words, they were charged 40 bucks to hold their son after he was born. How can the hospital possibly think that’s a reasonable charge?

A labor and delivery nurse posted a response to explain it:  When a baby is born with a c-section in the operating room and the parents hold them right away, an extra nurse has to stay and monitor the baby to make sure they’re okay. And while that may be true, the consensus online is that it’s still a ridiculous thing to see on a hospital bill. Here’s a copy of the hospital bill below.

Our flagship university down in the Bayou State is in big trouble. The problems with the football coach you say? Well, not really. It’s supposed to be about getting a decent education. And that’s where the Big problems are at LSU. New college rankings have been released, and the state’s top college has plummeted in the listings. So what’s going on? Check out my new column now posted to get some insight. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I used to be a beach bum, and loved to hang out with all the pretty young girls weekend after weekend.  We do that here down South.  But we all grow old, and i guess there has to be some limitations.  Check out my old buddy below, who puts growing old in perspective.

Wow, talk about a dilemma for folks living down in the Bayou State. The first presidential debate will take place on Monday evening, September 28th. Obviously, this is important, and we will all be watching. But there’s a conflict. Our New Orleans Saints will be playing the very same time against arch-rival Atlanta Falcons. So what’s a Saints fan to do? Football or politics? I write about it my new column now posted. Take a look and tell me what you would do. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Great program scheduled for this weekend. North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Fox will discuss her book, “God in the House,” and the idea of legislating from a perspective of faith. Then Dr. John Michels will help me analyze why so many Americans have heart disease and are overweight. And finally, author Robert Martichenko will tell us what will happened if Trump wins the presidency and there is an onslaught of folks high tailing it to Canada. His book is called “Drift and hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel.” So tune infor a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

My son-in-law Dan Senor was roasted at the Plaza Hotel in New York City this week by a number of political luminaries all gathering to put down Dan, and all in good taste. It was quite an evening as he was roasted by Mitt Romney, Speaker of the house Paul Ryan, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Former Michigan Senator Spence Abraham, daughter Campbell, and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They all knew how to, as we say in Louisiana, “pass a good time.”

Can you believe it? Politics in Louisiana and most states is just no fun anymore. The politicians used to travel around the state holding rallies and riding in parades. Now it’s all money, money money, and stiff, uninteresting candidates. What happened? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

We are preparing for weekend radio with a lively program planned. We will talk with a 9-11 survivor, New York Attorney Kevin Salter, who was at the World Trade Center to get his thoughts 15 years later. We will also talk about the debates. Should all candidates who poll above 5% be included? The public seems to ant this so we will discuss with Dave Paleologos is director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. Author Rannah Gray will join us to discuss the lack of oversight by many states of children in foster homes.  Her new book is an expose’ and can be ordered Here.  And finally, we will ask, are you one of the “deplorables” Hillary Clinton is talking about? Has she turned away millions of Americans? So much to discuss. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Life can’t be all work and no play. My son, James and I did a little hiking up on Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge mountain range a little south of Boone, North Carolina recently. With my hiking boots on, I was hangin’ in there for an old guy. Weather wasn’t bad either. In then 70s during the day and down to 45 degrees at night. I hope to go back soon.

Weekend radio this Sunday will review what’s happened to our country post 9-11. The destruction happened 15 years ago this Sunday. Then airline consultant Ken Jenkins (www.jenkinsslic.com) will join me to discuss air safety and the new movie “Sully” with Tom Hanks. Daina Falk has a new book called: “The Hungry Fan’s Game Day Cookbook”, for all you sports couch potatoes and she will be with us. And Dave Marinaccio will talk about social media in politics and his book, “Admen, Mad Men, and the Real World of Advertising.” So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Just weeks away from election day, and I’ll bet you’re seeing the candidates for president all over your state, right? Well, maybe not. You see, we have this thing called the Electoral College. And unless you live in a handful of swing states, your vote, for all practical purposes, is irrelevant. Want to know what I’m talking about? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio schedule to be posted Friday Afternoon.

So have you gone and visited your mountain recently? Everyone needs not to ignore their mountain.  I go visit mine as often as I can.  So you need to try and pay your mountain a visit soon.

Remember the old axiom, “You never let a good crisis go to waste?” Well, there is certainly a crisis down in the Bayou State, and insurance companies that sell property insurance are licking their chops. There was little damage suffered by major insurance companies, because flooding was involved, land private insurance companies do not cover flood insurance. But it’s confusing to the property owner, and some insurance companies see an opening to raise their rates. It seems to never stop in Louisiana. Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We still are trudging our way through the flooding down here the deep South, but the weekend Common Sense Radio Show will carry-on. Of course we’ll do an update on presidential politics. Will Donald Trump’s new take on immigration make any difference for him? First up is David Stieler who was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and face years of struggles with the insurance bureaucracy in his new book is called”
The ride, the Roads, and the Resurrection.“ (Click Here.) Then Carter Hydrick joins us to discuss how Nazi Germany surrendered enriched uranium for the United States atomic bomb in his book, Critical Mass. (Click Here). Then we will review a new thriller about Navy Seals called Tier One with authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. (Click Here). So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times extensions. We will see you on the radio.

So now the recovery begins down in the Bayou State. The rest of the nation has moved on, and most folks outside of Louisiana think that waters have all drifted away and life is back to normal. But we down here know different. Hundred thousand homes seriously impacted, and it will take months and years to fully cleanup and rehabilitate. It’s been a rough month for Louisiana, with police shootings and flood devastation. Not the Apocalypse, but some major concerns down here. I wrote about in in my new column this week. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is close at hand with a jam-packed show that includes a number of guests, updates from the presidential race, and recovery from the recent massive flood in the deep South. Our guests include Prof. Josh Blackman discussing his new book” Unraveled,“ about Obamacare, religious liberty, and executive power. (See more here). Then Washington lobbyist Mike MacLeod will talk about his thoughts on “The Death of Civility and Common Sense.” (See more here). And finally, attorney Peter Baskin will talk about not being a victim of deceptive police tactics, and his new book “A Toast to Silence.” (See more here.) Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Many of our listeners and viewers around the country know we had problems down here in the Bayou State with all the heavy rains, but figure that life is gotten back to normal. That’s far from the case. Over 100,000 homes have been severely damaged, and there will be many folks who will be living in shelters and making other living arrangements for months and even years to come. There’s a huge volunteer effort going on, and it is quite gratifying to see the number of people coming into volunteer from all over America. Below is a picture of some of the out of state state helpers who came to Baton Rouge. We’re working at a Salvation Army shelter taking in every kind of donation you can think about. So the recovery goes on, and we will stay with this. Thanks your support and prayers.

It started to rain in Baton Rouge and South Louisiana, and seemed to never stop. A downpour for 10 days straight. And then the flooding began. Now we are used to lots of rain and river flooding in this part of the country. But not a day in, day out deluge of water. The canals and small streams backed up and overflowed into subdivisions flooding thousands of home and vehicles. It will take years to clean up and repair. Randy Newman’s song below just might be on target. Are they tryin’ to wash us away? See my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our Radio Weekend is just around the corner and we have so much to share with the rest of the nation. More bad luck in my part of the country. Police officers killed just a few weeks ago, and now torrential flooding has wiped out thousands of home in the Baton Rouge area. We will up date. Then Jackson Katz will discuss his new book, “Man Enough?” (See Here.) The gender role in presidential politics. (See Here.) And author Dan Meyer writes about absolute power in politics in his book, “Upside Down.” (See Here) Finally, Dr. Stephen Sinatra will help give advise on preventing heart problems. (See Here). Check local listing for times and stations. See you on the radio.

At Carnegie Hall, gospel singer Wintley Phipps delivers perhaps the most powerful rendition of Amazing Grace ever recorded. He says, “A lot of people don’t realize that just about all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano. Probably the most famous on this slave scale was written by John Newton, who used to be the captain of a slave ship, and many believe he heard this melody that sounds very much like a West African sorrow chant. And it has a haunting, haunting plaintive quality to it that reaches past your arrogance, past your pride, and it speaks to that part of you that’s in bondage.

Video from KarmaTube

So Donald Trump is at it again? He amazes many observers over his ability to keep stirring up controversy. But did he go too far this time around? Did Trump infer that his second amendment supporters could assassinate Hillary Clinton? Democrats and many in the press are convinced that’s what he both said and encouraged. A number of key Republicans felt his comments were out of bounds and did more damage to both Trump and the GOP. Check out my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We never have to look far for engaging topics on our weekend radio program. Can Donald Trump stumble some more? We will discuss. Then former president of Brandeis University Frederick Lawrence refutes different stories about college being a waste of money. Dr. Timothy Dailey will  talk about his new book, “Apocalypse Rising,” about so much of the chaos in the Middle East. And finally, Chris Kutarna joins our show to talk about is new book, “Age of Discovery: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of our new Renaissance.” Such an intelligent and lively program schedule. Be sure to join us. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Sad to say that newspapers are in trouble. I like nothing more than to sit down with morning coffee and several daily newspapers each morning. I’m not sure how much longer this is going to last. Talk show host John Oliver’s 19-minute segment on the troubles facing journalism is below, and is a well-analyzed review of the disappointing print demise. Take a look if you hope to keep your morning paper.

That’s right. The former grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan is alive and kicking in Louisiana as a candidate for the US Senate. If you recall, David Duke won a race to the Louisiana House of Representatives in the 1980s, and was in the runoff for Governor back in 1991. Republicans have disavowed him, but they just can’t shake the noose of Duke around them. Does he have a chance to win? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

On our close at hand weekend radio program, Jim will talk about the dramatic slide downwards in the polls by Donald Trump. And what’s going on with David Duke? Is he a serious candidate? Oxford scholar Chris Kutarna will discuss his new book, “Age of Discovery: Navigating he Risks and Rewards of Our New Renaissance.” And author Judy Frankel will give us her thoughts on the coming election with ideas from her new book, “˜In Search of The Next P.O.T.U.S.“ So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and the stations. We will see you on the radio.

Americans do a great job of honoring those who serve us so well. There was no better example of this commitment to fallen heroes then the commemoration that took place in our Baton Rouge community this week. Thousands of people turned out for the farewell and Memorial of police officer Montrell Jackson, who was killed in the line of duty protecting his fellow officers from a sniper attack. Police officers from all over America, as well as Canada, were in attendance. A bagpipe team came down with the Canadian mounted police, and a large contingent came from New York City telling me Louisiana had been there to help them after 9/11. It was a heartwarming sight to see such a tribute to this fallen hero. To read my whole observations of what took place, Click Here or go to the Red Flashing Box above.

And there’s so much to talk about as weekend radio is close at hand. Who did better, the Republican convention or the Democratic convention? Whatever candidate you are for, who gave the better speech; Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton? We will have a panel to analyze. Then we will talk about the emerging human rights confrontations worldwide with Professor Mark Bradley, all discussed in his new book, “The World Reimagined: Americans and Human Rights in the Twentieth Century.” See more about the book HERE. And finally, we will look back at the removal of President Richard Nixon with author Len Colodny, who gives new insights into this riveting event of 45 years ago in his book, “Silent Coup.”  See the book HERE.  So tune in for a great program, and we will see you on the radio.  Check local listings for times and stations.

Last week during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, the American Federation for Children hosted a dinner for about 250 attendees to focus on the transformative impact of school choice. The event featured Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and education reform advocate Campbell Brown, a former CNN anchor and co-founder and editor-in-chief at The 74 Million. (Also, my oldest daughter.)

“To me, this is one of the issues that unites everyone,” Campbell told Watchdog.org. “At a moment when the country is so divided, it’s nice to be surrounded by people at a place like this where everyone supports the same thing.” Take a look at some of the discussion below.

You can watch TV coverage of violence in America, but it really does not hit home like it does right in your own back yard. Last Sunday morning was surreal. Rumors spread all over the Baton Rouge community that killers were on the loose and killing police officers. Residents were told to stay inside and lock their doors. And I was broadcasting, like a play-by-play announcer covering a massacre. What’s our city and our nation coming to? I write about it in my new column and you can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend radio program will broadcast live from Jackson Square in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter this weekend with a lively show planned. I’ll review the shootings and racial tension that has taken place in my hometown of Baton Rouge. Then author Seth Siegel will join us to discuss the nation’s water crisis outlined in his book, “Let There Be Water.” See more Here. And we had to re schedule from last week civil war writer John Huelskamp with his new book, Friends of the Wigwam; A Civil War Story. See more about the book by Clicking Here. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio. –

Corporal Montrell Jackson, with the Baton Rouge police department, was one of the victims killed while on duty Sunday. He worked extra duty at night in my subdivision,and would drop by for water or a soft drink during a break. He always had a big smile and said he was working extra duty to help raise his son. We had a nice visit just 3 days before he was killed. He was our protector and a friend to all in our neighborhood. What a tragic loss. I write about him and the other officers killed in the line of duty in this week’s column no posted above.

It’s Convention time for both national political parties as Republicans kickoff this week in Cleveland, followed by the Democrats making an onslaught in Philadelphia the following week. If you’ve never been to a national political convention, it’s really quite the spectacle. And there will be heightened tensions this year because of all the controversies in both parties, and the nation as a whole. I’ve been to a number of conventions, and write about it in this week’s column. Check it out by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is close at hand and we have a full program of topics for our listeners. I’ll give updates and opinions on the racial tensions across the country. Police training expert Dr. Alex del Carmen will be our gest to discuss the need to rethink training tactics. We will talk about the coming political conventions, and review a little civil war history with author John Huelskamp with his new book, Friends of the Wigwam; A Civil War Story. See more about the book by Clicking Here. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

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In all the confrontation and turmoil that has taken place in the past several weeks across the nation, one photograph has emerged from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as a symbol of the civil unrest that has spread across the nation. The image, taken by Jonathan Bachman for Reuters, shows a woman, who has been identified as Iesha L Evans, standing in a long dress in the face of a line of Louisiana state troopers dressed in riot gear outside of police headquarters. Evans looks calm and poised and almost seems to repel the two officers who are charging towards her. Whatever your opinions of the protesting, it is a poignant photo.

How should you advise your kids and family members if they get into a confrontation with police officers? Tempers can flare, shouting and threats are made, and the whole episode can quickly escalate and get completely out of had. A confrontation took place here in Baton Rouge as few days ago, and it a black male was shot to death by two white police officers. What should have taken place? Check out my new column and see if you agree with me. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We really have a jam-packed program scheduled for this coming weekend on “The Common Sense” Radio Show. I’ll discuss the FBI’s actions in letting Hillary Clinton off the hook, and the national attention on my hometown of Baton Rouge over recent police shooting that has the attention of the nation. And my guest will be Former President of Brandeis University and senior research scholar at Yale Law School, Frederick M. Lawrence, who will talk about his friend Elie Wiesel who died recently and who was a leading Jewish voice and universal prophet. So tune in for a great program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

A tense situation exists in my hometown of Baton Rouge. Two police officers confronted a black male who was selling CDs late at night outside a convenience store. The confrontation escalated, a fight broke out, the police officers apparently felt threatened as the fellow they were trying to subdue had a gun, and shoots were fired. The 37 year old male is now dead. So what happened? I wrote about this tragedy in this week’s column and you can watch the graphic video of the shooting below.

I hope you have read the many tributes that are being written about Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. He was a Holocaust survivor, and the world’s memory keeper for victims of Nazi persecution who used his moral authority to force attention on atrocities around the world. He died at 87 this week.

For many years, I have recommended to family and friends Mr. Wiesel’s book “Night,” his account of the concentration camps where he watched his father die and where his mother and younger sister were gassed. Elie Wiesel was a “messenger to mankind,” and I had the pleasure of visiting with him last year in New York City. The loss of a great American.

Do you think our educators will ever quit all the internal bickering, and focus more on our kids? There seems to be constant struggles with legislatures, school boards, Departments of Education and other so called educational oversight groups over turf battles as to who does what.   Too often, our kids become an afterthought. Check out my views and suggestions in this week’s column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is on the horizon, and we have a lively program scheduled for our listeners this 4^th of July weekend. We will, of course, talk about the “down in the dirt” campaigns by both presidential aspirants, and talk with former FBI agent Colleen Rowley about recent bumbling investigations in the U.S. dealing with terrorists activities. We will also talk with author Andrew Nagasaki about continuing investigations of German atrocities during World War ll. And, or course, some summer health tips will be on our agenda. So be sure and tune in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

The Brexit British vote to leave the European Union produced some interesting headlines in newspapers across the world. You can listen to my video cast above and see that I don’t believe the calamities predicted and the economic chaos will be anything like the naysayers are predicting. Take a look at some of the dire headlines from New York papers below.

Most of us take the Internet for granted. That is, if it is available and affordable for you. For millions of Americans, they are not on the web. Children are at a great disadvantage with homework if they can’t get on the web. So just how much a disconnect is there in America.? Check out my new column to see have far Louisianan and the U.S. has to climb. You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio lineup of guests will be posted Friday afternoon.

Daughter Campbell is back in the news this week writing about the failure to seriously engage and support more girls in science, technology, engineering, and math classes. She says that the challenge for a just society is finding ways to remove systemic obstacles and erode cultural biases that devalue and limit opportunities for girls and women. Campbell is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The 74. You can read her thoughts by Clicking Here.

It’s early summer when many of us turn our attention to—well either baseball or politics. It’s hard in the current sports and political climate to watch both in the evening. Would you rather watch Trump and Clinton go at it, or see if the Yankees can edge out a winning season? So what is it for you-Politics or Baseball? I have a particular opinion; so if you want to read my take in this week’s column, go to the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

Weekend radio is shaping up well with a variety of issues to discuss. Dr. Joe Alton joins us to discuss just what you should do if you are caught in a mass shooting. Timely after the Orlando tragedy. Then former Newsweek White House correspondent Clara Bingham will talk about how American life has changed in the past 30 years, and her new book Witness to the Revolution. See it HERE. And business consultant Lou Weiss will join me to discuss the rise of robots in manufacturing and in our future. So join us for an informative program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Many readers who love Louisiana literature gathered this past weekend in St. Francisville, Louisiana to celebrate the live and works of novelist Walker Percy. He was, to me, a literary icon and many consider him to be America’s most significant Catholic writer. And he was passionate about Louisiana. So passionate that he took the time to give me some good advise about what he considered to be the insidious politics in the Bayou State years ago when I ran for Governor. Pictured above is photojournalist Chris Harris, Percy’s daughter Mary Pratt, Judge Steven Ellis who knew Percy well, and old friend and best selling author Jason Berry, along with yours truly, all who spoke at the festival. . By the way, St. Fransciville is one of the most charming small towns in America.  You can read a column I wrote about Walker Percy by Clicking Here.

Just a typical Saturday night hangin’ out with the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. After sharing the stage for over a thousand performances, Tony® Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony® Award nominee J. Robert Spencer decided to take their signature sound and chemistry on the road as The Midtown Men. As you can imagine, they asked me to join them in a few of the Jersey Boys Songs, (You’re to Good to be True, Sherri, Walk like a Man), but I told them I was way to busy keeping my website updated.  (Yeah, right!)

Let’s be blunt about this week’s column. The criminal justice system in America today has real problems. This is certainly the case in my home state of Louisiana. The New York Times blasted The Bayou State last week saying: “Nowhere is this situation worst then in Louisiana where prosecutors seem to believe they are unconstrained by the Constitution.” Heavy words from a major newspaper. And many other news outlets are saying the same thing. What is happening? Why the lack of integrity and just following the law by certain prosecutors, particularly in Louisiana? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A great show planned on weekend radio. Is tipping at restaurants becoming a thing of the past? We will talk with restaurant consultant Gina M. Lynn. (See more by Clicking Here.)Then Belldon Colme will talk about his book, “No One Ever Got Fat from Calories: The Real Truth Behind Weight Loss, Your Body, and Wellness.” See book info HERE. And we will also talk about the Stanford Student Convicted Of Rape Reportedly Lied To Judge About Alcohol Use with Washington, D.C. attorney Jill Cohen. See HERE. So a full packed show scheduled. Check local listings for ties and stations. See you on the radio.