Here is an unbelievable story of the power of the brain.  Braingate is a marvelous way for one who is paralyzed to use their mind in a number of creative ways. BrainGate is a new technology where a chip is implanted in the brain that picks up electrical impulses. A computer then interprets those impulses as actions.   Take a look at the video below.

So what’s all this talk about falling off the fiscal cliff, and the huge damage that will be incurred by the U.S. economy?  According to a whole batch of experts, a new day of reckoning is fast approaching. In just a few weeks, we are warned, the country will be standing on the edge of the so-called “fiscal cliff.”Â  So just what is this new financial “apocalypse,” and who allowed us to get on this track headed for economic catastrophe?  Is it for real, or just another Washington bluff job to cry wolf and jam through questionable legislation?  I take a close look at it in my new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.  And if humor is appropriate, take a gander below at some of the takes on this so called “physical cliff.”

This week’s “Common Sense” Radio Schedule will be posted on Friday, December 14th.

Jazz icon Dave Brubeck passed away this week. Anyone who enjoys modern jazz knows the tremendous impact that Brubeck had on bringing jazz to the mainstream listener like me.  He was the guy that opened my eyes to a whole different genre of music.  I was going to high school in St. Louis back in the 1950s, and dated a girl some 45 minutes away from my home. I made this weekend trip week after week, and have the radio on as I was driving.  KMOX was the major radio station in the Midwest, and the night DJ, a fellow named John McCormick, regularly played Brubeck.  You couldn’t beat listening to “Take Five” on a long late evening drive home.   I was able to hear this grand pianist in person several times.  Many of us will miss Dave Brubeck.

1. Criminal Trespassing; typically a misdemeanor.  Generally, up to a year in jail.

2. Breaking an Entry; usually a felony;  A burglary of a dwelling can result in up to 5 years.  More serious if someone is home = home invasion. Under the ‘Castle Doctrine’, we can assume that any trespassers in your home are there to commit a felony, and you can legally use lethal force against them (i.e., shoot Santa).

3. Aviating an Unlicensed Plane (or reindeer sled); violates FAA regulations; could be sued for injunction, and face administrative fines. Probably violates various international treaties as well, as he flies over air space owned by different countries.

4. Sweat shop labor (having elves work 24-7 possibly against their will) Both state and federal implications here. If the elves are minors, the crimes are more serious.  Thirteenth Amendment concerns as well, given slavery issues.  Could result in civil rights charges (criminal or civil), along with penalties, fines, damages and injunctive relief.

5. Cruelty to animals (whipping the reindeers) Animal abuse statutes are typically low level felonies.  Up to 5 years.

6. Sexual Misconduct (kissing your Mom) Does not constitute sexual offense in any state. Could constitute a ‘battery’ unless the kiss was consensual.  Misdemeanor; 60 days in jail; $500 fine.

7. Illegal Surveillance (watching you 24-7); Most states have wiretapping / eavesdropping laws that are minimum third degree felonies; up to 5 years in prison.  $5000 fine. Could be sued civilly for damages and injunctive relief. Federal law also imposes some restrictions, depending on whether a computer was involved, and whether the interception crossed state lines. The FCC could also get involved and impose administrative penalties, fines and cease & desist orders.

  

Shreveport, LA ““ My brother, Jack Raymond Brown passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2012, after a lengthy illness. A graveside service will be held at Forest Park Cemetery East on St. Vincent Avenue on Wednesday, December 5, at 1:00 P.M. A visitation will follow at the family home.

Jack was born on December 25, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas to James Harvey Brown and Helen Gentry Brown. He attended the University of Kansas where he was the starting kicker for the KU Jayhawks football team. He also received his law degree from the University of Kansas Law School. He joined the Army and served for six years in the Louisiana National Guard.

Jack was an attorney with the law firm of Casten and Pearce, and also for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. He was a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

Jack was an avid golfer and played in many tournaments throughout the south. Jack cherished his family and will be fondly remembered for his humor, his love of life, and his steadfast support and encouragement to both his family and friends.

He  was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Pam; his son, Parker and daughter, Amanda, all of Shreveport; his brother, James H. Brown, Jr. and wife, Gladys, of Baton Rouge; his sister Madalyne Brown Hingle and husband, Jiff, of Belle Chasse; mother-in-law, Mrs. William H. Parker; and sister-in-law, Piper Parker, both of Shreveport; brother-in-law, Jann Parker, of Dallas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

For friends considering a memorial, the family suggests donations be made to First Baptist Church School, 533 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, LA 71106, the Volunteers of America, 360 Jordan Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, or the organization of your choice.

How quickly they can turn on you. It wasn’t a week following the recent presidential election, when the vultures circled the wagons to heap criticism on their candidate.  Oh yes, they were all lavishing Mitt Romney with constant praise when it looked like he was going to win.  But how quickly the political opportunists attacked.  So was Romney all that bad a candidate?  Would some other Republican have run a better race?  Check out my thoughts, as I look back over the past year. You can read my column now by Clicking Here, or going to the Red Flashing Box above

As the end of the year grows near, there is so much to talk about on the weekend Common sense” program.  This weekend is no exception.  Have you seen the new movie called “Lincoln?”Â  It showcases one of America’s most popular presidents.  Sixteen thousand books written about him.  But should he have tried harder to bring the Civil War to an end without so much bloodshed?  Over one million soldiers   What could he, what should he have done?  Civil War scholar Tom DiLorenzo will join our sow as a guest to express just these concerns. He has written a number of books on Lincoln’s failure to find a more peaceful solution.  You can read about all his works by Clicking Here.

And we will also have joining our show fiction writer Allan Topol who using is novel to express his concern over the future threat of China to American interests.  Topol argues that President Obama’s trip to the Asia Pacific Region in mid-November of 2011 demonstrated that at long last leaders in the administration recognize the military threat posed by China.  Unfortunately, Obama’s language and his actions are not sufficient to persuade China and other nations of the Region that the United States is a credible counterweight to China’s growing military power. He will discuss his new book, THE CHINA GAMBIT, and you can get more information by Clicking Here. 

And finally, just what role should the federal government play in paying for disaster relief following major storms like hurricanes Sandy and Katrina? (It’s always the ladies, isn’t it).  Matt Meyer with the Heritage Foundation argues that Some East Coast politicians seem to view Hurricane Sandy and the federal money for the recovery effort as some sort of lottery that they have hit. This mentality is best summed up in a Bloomberg News headline: “Sandy Seen as Stimulus, Thanks to Rebuilding.”Â  Is this a fair view?  Just how far do the Feds go in helping after a disaster?  And just what is the state’s role?  We will explore all this in our second hour.  You can find out more about the Heritage Foundation by Clicking Here,

 Be sure and tune in for a lively program. Check your local listings for the exact time of the “Common Sense” show in your part of the country.  We are heard on AM and FM radio stations coast to coast.

It’s our post Thanksgiving show this weekend, with much to cover in the news.  Black Friday, the continuing flare-ups in the Middle East, weak, real weak, movie choices.  (Skyfall a real waste of time.  We sure miss your realism James Bond. And Lincoln?  I wasn’t impressed Steven Spielberg).  But we will certainly have a lively discussion.

And more on the continuing fall out over the Petraeus scandal.  After all, nothing titillates the nation’s capital like a sex scandal masquerading as a policy controversy. But Ivan Eland says the media needs some political cover to continue getting to the bottom of this scintillating story. “Here’s an angle that might actually help the country. The real scandal doesn’t involve sex, spy role and its potential violation of the civil liberties of those  investigation. Eland is a senior fellow and director of the Center on Peace and Liberty at the Independent Institute, a non-profit, non-partisan, research and the Middle East.”   His new book is titled”Â  “”No War for Oil:  U.S. Dependency and the Middle East.”  And you  can order and find out more about it by Clicking Here.

 I think most of my listeners will agree that there is rarely any unbiased media reporting in America today.  This issue is dissected in a new book called  Race-Baiter, where veteran journalist and media critic Eric Deggans dissects the powerful ways modern media feeds fears, prejudices, and hate, while also tracing the history of the word and its consequences, intended or otherwise.  A timely, relevant and lively topic.  You can order this book by Clicking Here.

Warplanes, drones and rockets are criss-crossing the sky over Gaza for the sixth day Monday as Israel pressed its air offensive against Gaza militants. In Israel, air raid sirens wailed throughout the day and troops shepherded residents into bomb shelters as rockets arched overhead. In Gaza City, rockets streaked away toward Israel as smoke and fire poured from buildings struck by Israeli warplanes or drones.  What is this conflict all about?  Professor Richard Falk is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestinian Territories and a professor of international law emeritus at Princeton University.  He will join me in our final segment to try to figure this all out.  His website is www.richardfalk.wordpress.com. And here is as video of one of his recent lectures below.
 

THE FBI, A SOAP OPERA, AND GENERAL PETRAEUS!

 It’s soap opera at its best.  Far better than any soap on TV. A shirtless FBI agent, secret emails, and a cat fight over the affections of the guy who runs America’s spy network, and he happens to be married to the “Good Wife.” Can it get any juicer than this?  But is it truth or fiction that the nation’s security has been put at risk over these “dangerous liaisons?”  Was it the FBI themselves who breached national security?  It’s hard to make this kind of stuff up.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, that tries to make some sense of it all.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

And check out these two videos below.  Comedian Jimmy Kimmel does a good job, in a humous vein, in explaining all the players in this scandal.  But the second video, is a chilling report, on how dangerous government operatives can become in prying into  a person’s life.  It’s disturbing, so take a look.

Schedule to be posted on Friday.

 (If only he would have listened to me more!) 

So just what happened to Mitt Romney?  Most national polls showed the race to be a dead heat right down to the wire.  But the President won going away.  Where did Romney go wrong?  Or did he?  And realistically, what more could he”¦should he have done?  There are plenty of both explanations and blame to go around.  I take a good look at both Romney and his worn out Republican Party in my new column.  Take a look.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And check out this sad little girl in the video below.  I think she expresses a lot of our views about being glad this cantankerous election is over.

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If you want to see the latest Internet technology, check out these Google glasses.  Through your glasses, you can get a hold host of information, time, weather; you can receive texts and email and respond by voice.  Unbelievable what the new world is coming to.  Take a look below.

What a week politically. So what do the results mean and just where will the country go from here? I’ll have the chance to visit with a number of national leaders at the Washington Ideas Forum next week in Washington. I’ll participate on several panels along with a cross section of government officials, top business executives, global thought leaders, and academics. Oh, you’re right. I’m sure I’ll be a bit over my head. But someone has to speak up for all of us Red Necks and Cajuns in Louisiana. NBC’s Chis Mathews was on the program with me last year and will be there again. I’ll have interviews and lots of good political gossip on nest week’s radio show.

My Buddy, Chris Rock- (That’s right.  Chris and I hang out from time to time), thinks one of the reasons President Obama was re-elected is that he is really  white.  Not that’s Chris, not me talking.  But Chris makes a pretty compelling case.  Take a look below and see what you think.

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Democracy doesn’t come easy.  Particularly when there is a national election, and there are often long lines at the polls to vote.  To beat the big Election Day crowds, I voted early this year.  But it didn’t help.  There was still a long wait to vote.  My column this week takes a look at voting, with a bit of humor, and some remembrances back to the time when I was Louisiana’s chief elections officer.  Take a look at what I went through.  And be sure to cast your vote next Tuesday.  You can read  my new column now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here. 

And below is a video showing why perhaps it may be good for everyone not to vote.  See what you think.

Weekend Common Sense Radio schedule will be posted on Friday.

Something a little lighter during this serious political season. Maybe it’s time to let the kids take over. Evian apparently thinks so. Tale a look.

On the eve of America’s national presidential election, it’s important to remember that there is a lot more than party politics taking place.  The future of America, and possibly the free world is at stake.  Sometimes it takes our kids to keep us focused and to remember.   Here is a marvelous version of America’s national anthem by three young siblings.  Take a look.

America on the verge of nuclear war?  There are major concerns today with the aggressive actions of Iran, and their threats to Israel.  Will the U.S.be drawn into such a conflict.  We came about as close as the contra possibly could 50 years ago this week. It was a perilous time as our new president, John F. Kennedy stared down the Russian premier and the Soviets blinked first.  So do you remember and where were y9ou?  I can remember it vividly, and I share my remembrances with you in my column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And below is a pretty good idea of why we should care today about what happened 50 years ago.

The election is now days away, and we certainly will have some lively guests on this week’s show who will give a variety of formatting and their views as to what will happen.  Current polls show a possible dead heat, so it all comes down to who actually shows up to vote.  As a former statewide official, I’ve had a lot of experience in the “getting out the vote” effort, and I’ll share my perspective.

Consultant Donald Mann will join us and he believes that politicians want to encapsulate the message that will get you to vote for them, but does it work? This expert in slogans will discuss how political slogans and subconscious persuasion can change the vote and share how politics are influenced by science and theology and ways their co-mingling can result in political gains.   Sounds heavy, but we will talk about his thoughts  .  His new book is called”OK God, Now What?” and you can get more information about it by Clicking here.

We will also have Mary Jane McKittrick talk abut how you discuss the election with your kids.  Elections are a great learning tool.  Kids see the campaign ads bombarding households these days, but what do they understand about what’s going on? Elections are great times to teach kids about politics, and groom a new generation of civic leaders.  Mary Jane’s latest book, “Boomer and Halley – Election Day,” helps adults address politics with youngsters 4-8.  You can check it out by Clicking Here.

And our old friend, Evangelist Alan Aimes will check in with us from way down under.  He lives in Australia, but will be on a national U.S. tour beginning next week.  Alan is not a minister, but many will testify that he has healing powers, and we will discuss his calling and special gift. His website is www.alanaimes.org. So a full packed show. Be sure and tune in, and we will see you on the radio.

Alan Aimes

FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

 DON’T LET YOUR KID PICK APPLES!

 There is an apple-picking crisis in America.  That’s right. The state of Washington is the largest apple producing state raising more than half of all apples grown in the U.S.  But this year, more than 30% of the apple crop may be left in the fields to rot.  The state is enjoying one of the biggest apple crops in its history.  But apple growers cannot get their crop out of the field.  Why?   Because few want to work.  Teenage unemployment is 35%.  But no takers.  This makes no sense.  Take a look at my new column now posted to read why I’m disgusted.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Politics, voting irregularities, chaos in the Middle East, football; what a weekend to be on the radio.  We have a jam-packed show set for Sunday, so we hope you can tune in.  How about these debates going on.  Do they make any real difference?  Our friend Peter Van Buren, who has written New York Times bestseller “We Meant Well,” all about missteps in Iraq, joins us to talk about the candidates and foreign policy.  Check out his book Here.

 Then John Malcolm with the Heritage Foundation will be with us to talk about voter fraud.  Is it that prevalent across the country?  And finally we will have author Doug Saunders come on our how to talk about his new book, “The Myth of the Muslim Tide.”Â  Do Muslim immigrants threaten our country as many allege?  You can check out his book by Clicking Here.

 So much to discuss and we hope you will join us on the “Common Sense” program this Sunday morning.  Check your local station guide for exact times in your city and state.  Finally, so much humor in the presidential campaign.  Check out the funny political videos below.

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Did the American and British Governments Know ““ Down to the Day ““ of the Coming Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor “¦ And Let It Happen to Justify American Entry Into WWII?

The Nazis, imperial Japanese and fascist Italians were nasty folks trying to take over the world, who brutalized millions within their own borders and in the nations they occupied. But historian George Washington argues that a full and honest account of World War II shows that some big American banks funded the Nazis. And America dropped nuclear bombs on Japan when top U.S. military officials said it wasn’t needed. And he says that government officials probably knew about the coming Pearl Harbor attack, but let it happen to justify America’s entry into World War II.

The White House, according to Washington, apparently had ““ a year before Pearl Harbor ““ launched an 8-point plan to provoke Japan into war against the U.S. (including, for example, an oil embargo). The rationale for this provocation was that the U.S. wanted to aid its allies in fighting the Nazis and other axis powers, and decided that an attack by Japan would be the most advantageous justification for the U.S. to enter WWII. Take a look at the video below and see what you think.

The U.S. faces a major renewed crisis in the Middle East Some California nut disseminates a cheesy movie about the dangers of the Muslim world, further fanning the flames of hatred of the America. It is perfect fodder for blame for the current Middle East uprising. This strictly low rent amateur film has caused outright chaos throughout the Middle East. The movie caused it, right?  Give me a break.  We know better.  Take a look at my new column now posted that   talks about America’s B and B history in that part of the world.  Bribes and Bombs.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura was a guest on my radio show last week, and really wowed my audience. If you want talk about “common sense,” you really need to pay attention to Jessie. He has a new book out that shows distain for both political parties in Washington. Talk is already growing for a grass roots’ effort to promote the Governor to run for president in 2016. Not a bad idea. Take a look at the interview with Jesse below. We need a lot more straight talk from our politicians. Hang in there Jesse!

Whether you like the guy or not, Bill Clinton simply stole the show at the recent Democratic National Convention.  In fact, his speech overshadowed both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.  Clinton methodically, clearly and succinctly made the case for re- electing the President.  A much better case than Obama made for himself.  What’s the formula for Clinton’s success?  It’s simple.  He focuses on relating in everything he does.  Take a look at my new column and see my analysis as to the motivations, past and future, for the political success of Bill Clinton.  Love him or hate him, you have to admire his tenacity and his ability to continue to be, as he has said about himself, the comeback kid.  You can read my new column now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

Former Minnesota Governor is mad and is on a mission.   He says both political parties are just thugs in Brooks Brothers suits. DemoCRIPS and ReBLOODlicans he calls them.  The Governor thinks it’s time for no More Gangs in Government.  Here’s what he has to say about America today.  “I remember when this country was all in the same boat”“and now it is looking like the Titanic, with the rich folks still dancing on the upper decks.”

And he will tell it all this weekend on the “Common Sense” radio program.  That’s right!  Governor Jesse will be my guest on Sunday to speak his mind about the coming election.  The Governor has a new book out that is stirring up a great deal of political interest.  You can find out all about it by Clicking Here.  Of course, we will update listeners on the presidential race that is winding down to Election Day.  So much to talk about this weekend.  Be sure and tune in.

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OUR LIVES WERE CHANGED BY 9/11

 “I have watched through a window the world that has fallen.”

W. H. Auden

This Tuesday’s date, 9/11, turned into the frantic dialing of 911 eleven years ago. . A surreal feeling of shock and helplessness enveloped all Americans as we watched that day’s events unfold. In hindsight, we should ask many questions.  Is America a safer place today? Maybe.  But we also have witnessed a fundamental shift in our culture, where liberty and freedom have been compromised so that we supposedly feel “more safe.”  Above is the world Trade Center in flames,  and a photo of ground zero  last year.

That’s my friend Kevin salter, who managed to escape from the Towers covered with ash.  And look at the poignant videos below of that terrible day. You can read my column about the tragedy or 9/11,

and my remembrances of the tragic day, by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

So I told him “Clint.  I have this great idea.  When you go on stage to endorse Romney, why not pretend you are visiting with the President and talk to an empty Chair!”Â  Ole’ Dirty Harry always takes my advice.

I begin my mornings with the daily papers and my coffee watching MSNBC’s   “Morning Joe,” one of the best current events shows on TV. If I can’t watch it, I TiVo it for later viewing.  I’ve had the pleasure of being on the set and seeing first hand how such a first rate news program is put together.  Joe Scarborough (pictured with me above along with co-host Nika Brazinski) generally leads a lively discussion about the week’s political events.  But he really crossed the line this week when he told the audience that the Alabama football team was not only ranked number one, but was in a class all by itself.  Three cheers for co-host Willy Geist, (pictured below) who told Joe, in no uncertain terms, that LSU was toe to toe with Alabama and could well beat them. These two teams play each other on November 3rd in Tiger Stadium, and could well play for the national championship.  Thanks for standing up with us Tiger fans Willy.

MITT ROMNEY AND JOB CREATION!

 The focus for Mitt Romney last week at the Republican National Convention was supposed be his plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It was supposed to be all about the candidate, with the party faithful rallying around both him and his vision to put Americans back to work.  Romney and his wife did their job and carried the main political load. But overall, just how well did Romney and his supporting cast rate with voters throughout the country in “closing the deal?”   Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read it now by  going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The Radio Weekend close at hand with jam-packed agenda on schedule.  Of course, we will re-visit the Democratic Convention just as we discussed the Republican convention on last week’s show.  And related to the coming election is the perceived issue of voter fraud.  Hans Von Spakovsky, authors of a controversial new book, “Who’s Counting,“Â  will join us to discuss just how serious the issue of voter fraud is.  The 2012 election is likely to be one of the closest””a fact that brings concerns to some about voter fraud and bureaucratic incompetence in the conduct of elections front and center. Von Spakovsky feels that if we don’t get our act together, we could see a repeat of the Bush-Gore 2000 Florida recount debacle in which courts and lawyers intervened in a decision that should have been made by the voters alone.  You can read al about the book by Clicking Here.

 And how do you tell if someone is lying?    SPY THE LIE was written by former CIA officers on detecting deception. Author Philip Houston will discuss just what are the techniques to pick up on verbal and nonverbal cues that can be utilized in any scenario, from hiring a new employee to the upcoming political campaign.  You can read more about the book by Clicking Here.

 Finally, Attorney John Patti will join us to discuss his client, A New Jersey mother who is suing the producer of an educational breastfeeding video that was eventually posted to various pornography websites.  What are the rights of this mother?   Attorney Patti’s website is listed as www.japlaw.com.  All this and more on this week’s “Common Sense“ radio program.  Be sure and join in.

Have you been following the Republican National Convention  and do you plan to watch any of the upcoming gatherings of the Democrats in Charlotte?  Conventions used to be covered y all the major TV networks gavel to gavel.  But now, assuming you are paying any attention, you are offered three hours over three nights.  What happened to the  “smoke filled rooms” where the deals were made and the candidates were picked by the party bosses?  I Have you been watching any of the Republican National Convention?  And will you have attended many conventions of both parties over the past 48 years, and I look back at past conventions in this week’s column.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Are you up late at night?  With flooding overwhelming many parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, and some half a million homes without electricity, Jim will hosting the night shift on his flagship radio station, 1150 WJBO in Baton Rouge.  You can listen and even call in.  Let’s face it.  There will be long hours for those without power who just want to listen or sound off a bit.  Jim will be on the air from 11:00 pm until, can you believe, 5:00 in the morning.  So be sire and listen.  You can check out the show on the World Wide Web at http://www.wjbo.com.  And you sound off by calling in a t(225)499-9526.  Maybe we’ll see you on the radio!

Would you like to fly?  NO, I don’t mean taking off in an airplane. I mean just floating through the air under your own power. David Copperfield seems to have it figured out. Yes, it’s an illusion, but I’ll be darned if I have any idea as to how he is able to perform like he does. I have seen him in person, and I’ll say flat out that he is the world’s greatest magician. He weaves a story through his magic that is well worth the admission price for the show. Take a look below, and see if you can figure out how he is able to fly.

Was there a conspiracy by the Obama Administration to order the National Weather Service to file false weather reports?  That’s apparently what Rush Limbaugh is alleging.  Rush has raised the question of whether the Obama administration had tampered with the forecasts of the Hurricane Isaac to hurt the Republicans.  Far fetched you say?  Not according to Rush.  Take a look at his commentary and the video below to see what you think.  Look, Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer.  A good one who probably really believes about half of what he espouses on the air.  I’m sure he is chuckling about the controversy.  I take these types of comments from both sides with a grin of salt.

For months during the Republican presidential primary campaign, Mitt Romney has tried to focus the debate on economic issues.  He has continually argued that the campaign should be about the economy and job creation.   But try as he did during the campaign season, his cohorts, also seeking the Republican nomination, kept bringing up those nasty social issues.  Skinny dipping Republican congressmen,  the abortion issue that won’t  leave him alone, and a flip flopping vice presidential nominee, has kept Romney off balance.  Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read it now by hitting the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We will get a live report from the Republican National  Convention in Tampa this weekend on our weekly “Common Sense“ radio show.  Let’s hope Hurricane Isaac doesn’t spoil the show.  Poor Mitt Romney has had a tough enough wek, as you can read in my new column.  Go to the Flashing Red Box above to read the column. 

Charged with rebuilding Iraq, would you spend taxpayer money on a sports mural in Baghdad’s most dangerous neighborhood to promote reconciliation through art? How about an isolated milk factory that cannot get its milk to market? Or a pastry class training women to open cafés on bombed-out streets without water or electricity? According to Peter Van Buren, in his new book We Meant Well,we bought all these projects and more in the most expensive hearts-and-minds campaign since the Marshall Plan.  He will join us in the first hour of our weekend show.  You can read all about his book by Clicking Here.

 We will also talk with Professor Niels Nielson about his new book, God in the Obama Era. Nielson offers penetrating analyses of twenty presidents from Washington to Obama, and will discuss with us the place of religion in American history and culture, or religion in the Obama campaign and presidency. Check out his book by Clicking Here.

And how do you make any sense out of this  Medicare debate?  Republicans say one thing and Democrats saying something completely different.  What’s the straight information?  University of North Carolina Professor Jonathan Oberlander, an expert in the Medicare area, will join us to answer these questions.  His book, Political Life of Medicare, is  answers many questions, and you can find out more about it by Clicking Here.

This and much more on our weekend nationally syndicated program.  Be sure and tune in.  We will see you on the radio!

Campbell writes this week in Slate Magazine about the conflicts of being a journalist, and also being married to a Romney top adviser.  There are some who feel she should make full disclosure of her family relationships in every article she writes.  Take a look at her response by Clicking Here.  Also, she appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe this week to talk and dissect her dealing with potential conflicts.   Take a look at the video below.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A piece of chalk. Sometimes, something so simple can bring a young life into focus. Particularly when some of the world around you is not being so supportive. Take a look at this young man who takes inspiration form his piece of chalk. It’s worth the watching.

I live right on the Mississippi River. It’s been part of my life as far back as I can remember. I was raised in St. Louis, and grew up watching barges pass on the way to the Gulf of Mexico. I went to law school in New Orleans, where the river is the lifeblood of the economy there. I started practicing law in Ferriday, and fought raging high water that almost destroyed my home on two different  occasions. Now I live in Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi is part my daily life.  But there is trouble in River cities.

 The worst drought in more than 50 years is having a devastating impact on the Mississippi River. The Mississippi has become very thin and very narrow, and if it keeps on dropping there is a very real possibility that all river traffic could get shut down. And considering the fact that approximately 60 percent of our grain, 22 percent of our oil and natural gas, and and one-fifth of our coal travel down the Mississippi River, that would be absolutely crippling for our economy.  Check out the video below on the problems with low water.

What happened to Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal his efforts to obtain the Republican vice presidential nomination? He started out with great momentum, but when all is said and done, never really was in the running.  Did his actions, or inactions, cause a problem for eventual presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and why didn’t Romney give the Louisiana Governor a more serious look?  Jindal seeds to have been running for the spot for more than two years.  Just what happened?  Take a look at my new column now up that offers some explanations.  You can read it now by hitting the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And it may be time for the Guv to come back home and follow in the footsteps of past governors.  See below.

This Sunday’s “commonsense” radio show is shaping up to be a real barnburner, with a jam-packed list of guests and topics. You sure don’t want to miss tuning in. We will start off with the authors of the new movie, Patriocracy.  This new documentary by Emmy-award winning (and former TV news producer) Brian Malone, examines the mechanics of partisan polarization in our country ““ in large part fueled by media consolidation, the rise of media pundits and opinionators, and the tactics of spin doctors –  a dangerous dynamic that is defining the 2012 elections and our future.

Then Michael Cicchini, author of the best seller, TRIED AND CONVICTED, will join our show.  He argues, convincingly, that today we live in a hyper-vigilant, “tough on crime” society, and the criminal justice system has become big business for the government.  And as the government’s reach grows more expansive, citizens from all walks of life are being ensnared in the system and charged with crimes ““ often for things they didn’t even know were criminal.  This, of course, makes our constitutional rights more important than ever.  But just how strong are these rights?  We will ask Michael.

 And finally, as we often do, healthy eating and living will be on our list in a conversation with John Schlimm, author of THE TIPSY VEGAN and GRILLING VEGAN STYLE.  It may be time to give a listen and get yourself in good shape while loosing weight.  To find out more of John’s book, Click Here. So be sure and give a listen.  We will see you on the radio!

Campbell continues to be in the center of controversy over teacher tenure in New York. Here is what the New York Times wrote about her recent news articles and public appearances about protecting public school children. “Campbell Brown, the 44-year-old former CNN anchor and mother of two young sons, who from her home in Lower Manhattan had begun to insert herself into an uncomfortable political fight in a conspicuous way.

“Ms. Brown spoke about teacher misconduct at a July 26 appearance in the Bronx before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s education reform commission and in a July 30 spot on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” She also wrote an op-ed article on the issue that was published by The Wall Street Journal.” To read the entire lengthy article, Click Here.

We are all so busy in keeping up with our daily lives”¦.do you ever tune out, and really “get away?”Â  One of the most relaxing things I ever did was to take up scuba diving., and get certified.   It’s quite an experience to see the vivid colors that open up as you drift downward.  You can totally tune out and become consumed in a completely different world.  Outside of traveling in space, just about the only unchartered place to go is into the sea.  Take a minute to relax with the video below.  And you might consider taking up scuba diving.

Sarah Palin is making a comeback, endorsing Republican candidates nationwide.  She continues to advocate states rights, and even secession, for states that have had their fill of the federal government. Maybe the lady is on to something that could interest my home state of Louisiana.

We have tried this statehood thing for 200 years, but maybe it’s just not working out. The federal government continues to shortchange Louisiana on virtually every federal program, from hurricane recovery funds t0 getting a fair shake on offshore oil royalties.  So, since Sarah Palin has raised the issue of secession for Alaska, maybe us folks down in Cajun country should start considering the option of seceding from the Union and becoming our own nation, as well.  I wrote about this possibility in my new column.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Flashing Red Box above.

Sunday is just around the corner, and we here at the “Common sense” program are gearing up for another lively program.  Nationally syndicated radio show host Matt Bruce goes toe to toe with Jim over the bias in the media towards the more liberal point of view. Give us a break!  Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, a whole list of ritght leaning newspapers.  And it’s all about the liberals?  We will try to talk some common sense with popular commentator Matt in our first hour.

And what happened to thd recent Amelia Earhart expedition to find her plane? Now that the dust has settled over the failed South Seas exploration in July, what happened to Earhart and where the did the TIGHAR Group and the Navy’s deep sea ontractor went wrong?  S.J. Seed, who has dealt with psychics on a number of issues, joins us to talk about just what happened.

And when will Mitt Romney announce his vice presidential pick?  It could be any day, even before our show.  We will take a look at all the potential candidates, and give you our evaluation.  Finally David Nance will share what you need to know to remain safe when violence erupts suddenly in a public place. There seems to be more and more ssuch violance.  Nance is a nationally acclaimed safety expert who works with police departments around the world. So be sure and turn in this Sunday.  We will see you on the radio.

It’s hits home and becomes “personal” when your kids get attacked, even in the media.  Daughter Campbell has been a harse critic of treachers unions in New York that are excessively tolerant of misconduct by teachers.  American Federation of Teachers head Randi Weingarten is calling a New York school union’s use of the phrase “blood libel” against former CNN anchor Campbell Brown a “regrettable use of words,” the latest in what has been a week-long flap between Brown and the labor leader over a WSJ op-ed about firing teachers accused of sexual misconduct.  You can read all about the crossfire by Clicking Here.

And here are follow-up comments by actress Maggie Gyllanhal and how education reform is now cool, where she refers to Campbell.  You can read this New York Post story by Clicking Here.  The educational website Eduwonk.com interviewed Campbell on her educational views that have caused so much controversy in New York.  Read her interview by Clicking Here.

And finally, Campbell’s husband, Dan Senor, came under the scrutiny of the New York Times this week in a front page story on Dan’s influence over Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential nominee’s foreign policy adviser.  You can read the lengthy profile on Dan by Clicking Here.

If you could sit down with each of the two presidential candidates, what would you ask them?  What insights would you be looking for?  What knowledge would you expect them to have?  And just how much difference do you think they could really make?  Can a president create large numbers f jobs and dramatically affect the economy?  Maybe not.  So see what else I want to know.  You can read my new column now posted by Clicking Here or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

After a lively broadcast last week from Boone, North Carolina, the “Common Sense” weekly national radio show returns to Baton Rouge and its flagship station, WJBO, 1150 am, this coming Sunday. Kicking off our program will be a prediction of who Mitt Romney will choose as his vice presidential running mate. Will it be Louisiana’s own Governor Bobby Jindal? Or the present front-runner, Sen. Rob Portman from Ohio? We will share our thoughts and take our calls.

Also joining us will be national nutrition expert Doug Ingoldsby, who argues that 90% of what we et contains harmful chemicals. They are used to standardize flavor Doug sys. That’s why a McDonald’s French fry in Maine smells the same as one in Florida,” says Ingoldsby. The chemicals used to produce the smell and taste are the same.” How bad is it for us? We will ask Doug this very question. You can read his website by Clicking Here.

Much more on our schedule, and we will update it in the next few days. So be sure and tune in.

Daughter Campbell is back in he national spotlight with an Opinion Piece column in Monday’s Wall Street Journal.  As a mother, she is deeply concerned bout the safety of school age children in the New York City school system, and some of the abuses committed by teachers that seem to go unpunished.   You can read her widely circulated column by Clicking Here.

There’s a hot controversy going on down in Louisiana right now over who is in charge and who runs the state when current Governor Bobby Jindal crass crosses America in an effort to be chosen as the vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket.  Jindal’s staff says he is always in charge and will call the shots no matter where he might be.  But the Louisiana constitution says otherwise.  And I have a bit of personal knowledge about this issue.  Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.  Also, a bit of humor in the satire of Jindal below.

We are broadcasting live from the Blue Ridge Mountains this weekend in Linville, North Carolina.  (OK! OK!  I’m getting away for a brief family vacation, but remember.  This is the ne age of technology, and I promise you will hear me loud and clear from Linville, North Carolina.  And we have a lively and interesting show all lined up for Sunday, July 29^th.

 Republican Governors are now jumping on the online sales tax bandwagon as more and more states are looking for new and creative ways to tax, tax, tax.  But should not there be some relationship to what the consumer receives in return?  We will talk will tax expert David Selig, who heads up Selig and Associates in New York City, the pros and cons of online sales taxes. And you can read my recent column about this issue by Clicking Here.

 And are Americans losing faith in organized religion?  Not in religion itself, but in the hierarchy of the church and its leadership?  A new poll says so.  Take a listen and see what you think.  So lots to talk about on the “Common Sense” show this weekend.  Be sure and tune in.

Many years ago, and about 6 belt notches ago in the waist, I used to be a fair hurdler.  I won a championship ;or two, and had the chance to run worldwide on the U.S. Track Team back in 1962.  And I know about how important it is to have a good warm up routine.  But I never followed the routine of Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke, who has enthralled the world with her pre-race warm-up dance routine.  Take a look and you can see just why her video has gone viral.  She’s winning numerous races, so this may be the warm up of the future.  You think?

Those Democrats are at it again-now wanting to stick a sales tax on all out of state spending.  But now, can you believe it, Republican governors are signing on in an attempt to raise billions in states all across the country.  It strikes me as nothing more than a money grab by both political parties.  Those buying goods from out of state are getting nothing in return as I explain in my new column now up.  Both parties are being irresponsible and seem to be turning over every rock to tax and tax some more.  Take a look and see if you agree.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.   And full information  from the Wall Street Journal in the video below.

The weekend is just around the corner, and we have a lively “Common Sense” program all lined up for Sunday.  Are Americans continuing to lose freedoms that most of us think  we are guaranteed  by the Constitution?  Many citizens think so.  Under both Bush and Obama administrations, more and more of your freedoms seem to be  slipping away.  We will talk about it.  And a new Gallop poll just out says Americans are loosing faith in organized religion with only 44 % having any confidence in the church.  Does this disturb you?  It does me and we will take a look at why.

Professor Philip Romero willl join us to talk about the economic policies of both Mitt Romney and President Obama.  And are the good old days of investing now gone?  We will ask him and discuss his new book, “Your Macroeconomic Edge: Investing Strategies for the Post-rRcession World. ” You can read mnore about it by Clicking Here.

And New York Times best selling author Andrea Kane will talk about her new book, “The Line between Here and Gone.”Â  It’s a nerve racking thriller about a special investigations team battling corruption and questionable government interference.  More about the book by Clicking Here.

Columnist Jeff Kass will also join us to talk about the terrible Aurora movie theater killing.  Jeff is
author of Columbine: A True Crime Story, a victim, the killers and the nation’s search for answers.
In bookstores and online.  You can check out his website at www.jeffkassauthor.com.  A fully packed show, so we will see you on the radio.

Daughter Campbell can stir up a hornet’s nest when she calls a “spade and spade” in taking on both the left and the right”¦Republicans and Democrats. She did so again recently in an Op Ed article that appeared in the New York Times, and stirred up over 600 responses on the paper’s website. She was interviewed this week on the national NBC morning show, “Morning Joe.” You can read her column by Clicking Here, and you can see her TV appearance by watching below.

Is America exceptional? I think so. Is it the greatest country in the world? Well, it used to be and still can be. But is it? Here’s some food for thought. The HBO series , “The News Room,” poses some toughs questions when you compare the USA to other countries. We have some holes to fill and some values to re establish. Take a look and see what you think. The language is too rough for my taste but the message is worth considering.

Well, we all need some magic in our lives to spark things up”¦right?  Check out magician Steve Frayne below.  He’s pretty good, even if the film is photo shopped or some of those around him are in on the trick.  I wish I could do some of these tricks.

THE LAND OF THE FREE, MR. PRESIDENT?

 In the current presidential campaign, both parties harp on number of national problems that cry out for solutions.  The economy, tax reform, healthcare, and immigration all command front-page status in the continuing political debate.  But one issue is rarely discussed. In fact, it seems to be overlooked or ignored by both the Romney and the Obama campaigns — the dramatic loss of American freedoms.  Take a read of my new column about the deterioration of basic freedoms in the U.S.  Are you OK with the loss of what most of us think is guaranteed by the Constitution?  You can read the column by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

“Common Sense” radio show schedule will be posted here Thursday evening. Stay tuned and check back.

If you own an iPad, you know how versatile this amazing computer is.  But I’ll bet you did not know this?  Take a look at the video below and you will be amazed at what it can do.

Americans continue to become less healthy and less productive, mainly because of lifestyle.  That’s the conclusion of a new Gallup study released this week.  More than 30% of American workers are overweight and have one or more chronic health problems.  And the economic cost is staggering.  The American economy now suffers annual lost productivity costs of more than $153 billion. What can we individually do about it?  Check some of my thoughts that look at  “Common Sense” ideas to make us all more healthy and live longer.  You can read them now byClicking Here.  Also, check out former President Bill Clinton on his vegan diet and why he does it below.

We just finished celebrating Independence 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.

 

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal summed up Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s problem pretty well.  Jindal told the Wall Street Journal last week “there is only one candidate, Governor. Romney, who has committed that he will repeal the Obomney, uh, the Obamacare tax increase.”Â  A slip of the tongue, on a subject that continues to be an Achilles’ heel for Romney as he campaigns against the Obama healthcare plan.  Ids Romney wasting way too much time on a healthcare attack, and ignoring the only solid issue that could get him elected?  I think so.  Take a look at my analysis in my new column now posted.  You can read it now by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

Sunday’s Radio Show is shaping up to be full of controversy and excitement. Republicans and Democrats continue to beat each other up over the U.S. Supreme Court’s healthcare decision, yet how many voters are really tuning in? 41% of those polled were not even aware of the decision. And is it all that big of a campaign issue? We will also have on the show Dr. Mathew Edland who says staying healthy is the key to lowering the cost of healthcare. We will discuss his new book “Healthy Without Healthcare” and you can read more about it by Clicking Here.

Professor James Downs has a controversial new book out that concludes deaths related to the Civil War were way understated. I’ve written about this in the past. You will be surprised that over a million American’s died after the war because of inadequate medical help. So now we are talking about two million Americans who were died or killed. Was it worth the price? Read more of Prof. Downs’s book, Sick from Freedom, by Clicking Here.

So b sure and tune to the Common Sense show heard all lover America on the Genesis Communications Network. Sunday from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time, and other times in your local area.  See you on the radio!

Living down in Louisiana, I’m and outdoorsman and do enjoy fishing a god bit. I don’t get out in the Gulf much, especially now as you can well imagine. But I like to freshwater fish up at our family camp in St. Francisville, just north of my home here in Baton Rouge. And since my wife doesn’t fish, hey, I can appreciate the video below. Don’t tell her I posted this funny take on fishing and women.

It’s time that everyone in America speaks English. No exceptions. That’s the buzz phrase in many political campaigns around the country this fall. In Alabama, the leading candidate for governor looks into the camera and says: “We speak English so if you cannot speak

English or refuse to speak English, get out of Alabama and our country.” OK, so maybe government should only communicate in English. But what about your freedom of choice? Why should the government or anyone mess with your right to speak in any way you please? Humm! Take a look at a column I wrote several years back that is just as applicable today, and see if you agree. You can read it now by Clicking Here. And you will find the video below amusing and on target.

Or take a look below about how everyone speaks English, and what happensz when you do.

The U.S. Supreme Court upholds Obamacare?  Who would have thought it.  And what kind of a bet could you have gotten a few months ago that Chief Justice John Roberts would have lead the charge to keep the law constitutional, and write the majority opinion?  The ruling on healthcare will reverberate and be analyzed for years to come.  I sat down right after the decision came down this past Thursday morning to set out my thoughts.  Just what was going through Justice Roberts’ mind?  Take a look at my new column.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The Common Sense on Sunday will continue to update our listeners with information that is informative, compelling, and bizarre. Well, Republicans sure think this week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on Obamacare is “of the wall.” How could Chief Justice Roberts betray them? We will talk about it in some detail on Sunday’s “Common Sense” program. I’ll give you an update and my perspective.

 
And remember, the Mayan calendar, written some 2000 years ago, says the world will come to an end on December 21st. Are you ready? If so, what would you do in the final months of all our lives? Interesting, huh? We will talk about it.
Investigative journalist and historian Gareth Porter is an investigative journalist and historian specializing in U.S. national security policy. He just wrote the piece: “A Dangerous Game on Iran.” How big a problem is Iran for the U.S.? Porter brings lessons from his book, “Perils of Dominance: Imbalance of Power and the Road to War in Vietnam.” You can read about this book by Clicking Here.

And Dr. Cynthia Koelker will also be our guest. If the world goes deeper in crisis, and you have to fend for yourself and your family, could you coop? Dr. Koelker has written a fascinating book, “Armageddon Medicine,” which you can read all about by Clicking Here. So tune in for an informative show. And have a great 4th of July.

Indiana GOP Senate candidate Richard Mourdock enjoys one of the briefest moments of fame, but maybe not in the way he had hoped.  Trying to gain a political edge, and anticipating the rolling of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision of Obamacare, he tapes a response, in advance, for every possible outcome by the Court.  Guess he wanted to be first out of the shoot in putting his two cents in.  Well the guy puts up all is responses on YouTube, and you can imagine the response.  Check out Stephen Colbert’s take on Mourdock’s 15 seconds of fame.

The New York Times Op Ed page features an article this Sunday by daughter Campbell on the self-destructive behavior of Planned Parenthood, the national organization that has experienced so much recent controversy.  Whether you are for against abortion, and whether you are a Republican or Democrat, you should find the article thought provoking.  She leaves no doubt abut her strong concerns.  The article beings:

“PLANNED PARENTHOOD has a large target on its back. At no time in the organization’s history has it faced such a concerted Congressional challenge to its agenda. But most worrisome is the organization’s shrinking number of defenders, and Planned Parenthood has only itself to blame. It has adopted a strategy driven by blind partisanship, electing to burn bridges instead of building them. That strategy is damaging, and possibly imperiling, its mission.

To read the entire article in the Times, Click Here.

Whatever the U.S. Supreme Court decides in the healthcare debate, the system is still in grave trouble and needs a major overhaul.  Obamacare won’t do the trick, and the Republicans have offered few realistic solutions to giving affordable care.  Can the economy afford an employer mandate?  If not, what are the alternatives? Take a look at my new column that sets out a number of perimeters, and see if you agree.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio time over the weekend on the “Common Sense” program with so much ground to cover, and we sure hope you will tune in.  The show is broadcast live over the Genesis Communications network and sent out to stations all over the nation.  Our live feed goes out at 9:00 am central time, but numerous stations carry the “Common Sense” program later in the afternoon, with repeats throughout the week.  Will have a full program in store so if you cannot listen live, be sure and check lout our podcasts.  To listen to a podcast of a recent show, Click Here.

The crisis in healthcare is the topic of my column this week, and we will pursue how to handle this complicated issue on this week’s show.  In the first hour, we will be joined by Joe Flower, a healthcare expert who will discuss his ideas from his book,  “Healthcare Beyond Reform-Doing it Right for Half the Cost.”Â  You can check out Joe, his website, and his order his book by Clicking Here.

 We will also be joined in our second hour by Gregg Jackson, who, along with his co author Steve Deace, has written a controversial book titled “We Won’t Get Fooled Again: Where the Christian Right Went Wrong and How to Make America Right Again.  Talk about an opinionated subject.  You can find out about these guys and order their book by Clicking Here.

 Also in the pot, we will take a look at the controversy over holocaust victims in the U.S. being undermined by both the Bush and the Obama administrations.  And how about former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura’s idea to abolish both political parties?  He says it’s time to shake up the two party system.  See if you agree.  A full agenda set for this week’s show, so be sure and tune in.  We will see you on the radio.

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FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE JIM BROWN WEBSITE AND THE  “COMMON SENSE” RADIO PROGRAM.

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Jim Brown’s Common Sense

When you graduate from high school, are you particularly special?  Most commencement addresses tell kids how exceptional they are.  But check out the commencement speech below by Wellesley High School teacher David McCollum, son of the famous historian by the same name.  Of course, what he is saying is that a student has an opportunity, but they have to make the most if it.

I don’t know what you are doing at 5:30 in the moiri8ng, but I am of course up and about doing my work outs and tearing into the new day.  (Yeah, right!)  I do get up a bit later than that, and start my day with some juice, the morning papers, and I turn on Morning Joe, carried by MSNBC.  Joe Scarborough, a former Florida Republican congressman hosts the show along with Mika Brzezinski.  Cross sections of guests appear, covering the news of the day with heavy emphasis on national political news.  It is simply the most comprehensive show on politics that’s on TV.  Son-in-law Dan Senor is a regular guest, so there is even a family tie.  If you haven’t caught the show, tune in weekdays from 5:390 am until 8:00 am central time.  That’s Mika and Joe with me above on a recent visit to the show.

RESPECT FOR SUPREME COURT PLUMMETS!

 Respect and public support for the U.S. Supreme Court is at an all time low.  Several recent polls show that are large majority of Americans do not approve of the job they are doing, while three-quarters of those polled think the justices decisions are often influenced by their personal or political opinions.    Astoundingly, only one in eight Americans think that cases handed down by the Supremes are based on legal analysis.  What’s their problem?  Take a look at my new column and see what you think.  You can read it now by Clicking the Flashing Red Box Above, or by Clicking Here.

It will be Father’s Day this Sunday, and we will lhave some fun talking aout the trials and tribulations of fathers everywhere.  Dave Salters isn’t a child psychologist or a parenting expert. He’s a passionate, but flawed, father of three daughters who wakes up every morning to four females battling for two bathrooms, the blow dryer and the flat iron. He’s also the founder of the website FathersAgainstDaughtersDating.com. This self-admitted male chauvinist in rehabilitation will discuss what dads really want for Father’s Day, and why dads are so important. Salters is the author of several books including “Did I Just Say That?” a humorous parenting memoir. You can read all about is book by Clicking Here.

And in addition,  New York Times bestselling author, comes an exciting new adventure””one that challenges everything we thought we knew about the discovery of America.   If Ian Fleming and Doris Kearns Goodwin had a lovechild, it would be Steve Berry, the  bestselling author of The Jefferson Key, The Emperor’s Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandra Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy and The Amber Room. A fixture on the New York Times bestseller lists, Berry has been translated into 40 languages with more than 14 million printed books in 51 countries, worldwide.  Steved, who has become a regular guest on the Common Sense program,  will join us during our second hour.  Imformation on his new book, The Columbus Affair, is available by Clicking Here.

And, of course, we wil bring you up to date on all the weekend news.  So be sure and tune in to Jim Brown’s Common Sense, this Sunday.

And you thought politics in the U.S. was a “take no prisoners” blood sport.  We are pikers in this country compared to all the turmoil going on over in Greece.  If you want to see some real knockdown, drag out political confrontations; take a look at what happened in a campaign debate over in Athens last week.  You can read all about the confrontation by Clicking Here.  Check out the video below.

 

Remember the old Lego sets.  I grew up building with Legos, spending many hours building everything imaginable.  With all the computer video games available, today’s kids don’t have the interest to get down on the floor and mix and match the multicolored creative opportunities.  And all the fun building with my young friends (“Let go my Lego.”)  Here’s a great video that brings it all back to life.  Take a look and imagine for a while.

 

There are many cases throughout the nation where the judicial system fails an innocent victim.  But few are as egregious as the case of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.  Any neutral observer who looks at what happened to Siegelman will conclude that the whole sordid investigation reeks of party politics and stinks to high heaven.  The Governor was convicted of bribery, but you will have a hard time believing of just what he was supposed to have done.  It is a tragic case of one political party using the lowest of tactics to bring him down.

Those who perpetrated this injustice are the real criminals that should be behind bars.  Take a look at my new column and make your own conclusions.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.  Then after you read the column, take a few minutes to view this CBS investigation of this deplorable case that sent an innocent man to prison.

Let me tell you something.  I hate ants.  I occasionally step on an ant pile and squirm as thousands of ants crawl in every direction.  What do they do in that big pile?  Well now I know, and I will have to say I am impressed.  Have you ever watched just what these swarms of insect’s can create?  Take a look at the video below, and you will be amazed and the whole organized world of an ant colony.

Well Tiger seems to be finally coming around. This past weekend, there was a rejuvenated Tiger Woods. Even at the end of Saturday’s third round, Woods appeared to have a slim chance to win the classic Memorial in Ohio. He was down four and onlookers once again had despaired of an old-time charge. But suddenly it came, a winner by two and a tie with Jack Nicklaus at 73 for career victories with only Sam Snead better at 82. So the lesson here? Tiger just needs to listen to and play golf with me more”¦.right?

Well we have a new Miss America, and it is always nice to see so many lovely and bright young ladies representing the best of American women-right?  Well they may be lovely, but bright?  Check out the following story about the Miss USA contest. The winner was well deserved.  She is Rhode Island cellist Olivia Culpo, a student at Boston University.  But get this!  A majority of the contestants could not name the current vice president.  “Our “best and brightest”Â  need a little more learnin’.

 

No more daily newspapers?  The New Orleans Times Picayune will publish only three times a week.  Your only option is to go on line and read the digital addition over the internet.  But what happens if you don’t have access to the web? Some 40% of residents in my home state of Louisiana have no such access.  This number is similar across the country.  Should the internet be regulated as a utility and made available to all?  50 years ago, the telephone was a right.  Isn’t the internet just as necessary, particularly for your kids?  Read my new column now posted and see if you agree.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

So things have slowed down in your life and you need a little spark, right?  Something to get the adrenalin running, and some new challenges to make you feel young again.  Well of course Professor Brown has a few suggestions for you.  Take a look at the video

It’s a long, hot summer with plenty to talk about on the weekend “Common Sense” radio show.  This week, we look at healing thyself.  Stem Cell Therapy is quickly becoming a popular treatment for sports related injuries and as a fast and effective alternative to other injuries to the joints and spine. Stem cell therapy has proven to provide amazing results that has changed lives by using the body’s own stem cells to repair and heal itself.  Dr. Damon Noto is one of the few doctors in New York who perform stem cell therapy, and he will be our guest during the first hour of Sunday’s program.  For more information about his work, Click Here.

And have you heard about Diane Tran, an 11th grade honor student at Willis High School in Houston (TX), who was placed in jail after repeated truancy? Since her parents divorced and left her and her two siblings, she has been the sole income earner for the family. To support herself and siblings she works a full time job plus a part-time job while taking advancement and dual credit college level courses in high school. The Texas Judge, Lanny Moriarty, ordered the exhausted Ms. Tran to pay a $100 fine and spend 24 hours in jail as a lesson. There is a new support group trying to help this courageous young lady and their spokesman, Charlie Davis, will join us.  You can get full information on this young lady’s struggles by Clicking Here.

A full radio show schedule so be sure and join us by checking your local listing, or by listening live or by podcast right here on this site.  See you on the radio.

 

New Orleans is the murder capitol of America with one of the worst murder rates in the world. And the killings continue at an ever growing rate.  When it comes to murder rates, America surpasses the developed world at some five per 100,000 people. New Orleans has more than ten times that number. But just as troubling is the fact that the criminal justice system that is supposed to protect the citizens of New Orleans is rife with corruption and incompetence.  New Orleans is the “city that care forgot.”  And in a tough and frank new column, Jim Brown writes that the those in the Crescent  City that are suppose to serve and protect are a major part of the problem.  You can read his new column now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Flashing Red Box above.

The countdown has begun for this week’s “Common Sense“ radio program, and we have a full plate on tap for our listeners this Sunday. Check your local listings and you can always listen live right here on this website. Our network continues to grow and we want to welcome two new stations; WRJM 1270am and 107.5fm out of Charleston, Illinois, and WHOW 1520am and 92.3fm that broadcasts from Decatur/Bloomington, Illinois.  Glad you listeners in America’s heartland will be tuning in.

 Do we need to rewrite America’s constitution?  A number of people think so.  I was a delegate to a constitutional convention back in 1973 that rewrote my State of Louisiana’s constitution.  But a rewrite of what was conceived by the Founding Fathers?  That may be a big task to take on.  Paul Antinori has written a new book called “Convention: To Resurrect the U.S. Constitution,” and he feels the old document needs another good review.  He will join us on Sunday.  You can find out more of Paul’s ideas and new book by Clicking Here.

 We will also talk about the complete breakdown and dysfunction of the criminal justice system in New Orleans (See this week’s column).  And we always talk about what it takes to keep you healthy, with some good tips about vitamins.  Should you be taking them?  A full agenda on the “Common Sense“ program this weekend, so be sure and turn in.

My friend and legendary former LSU basketball coach is the best motivator, hands down, that I have ever know.  Nobody gives an inspirational speech any better than Coach Brown.   He sent me the video below, that gives an excellent perspective of how much we take for granted, and the difficulties faced by so many others worldwide.  Thanks a look for yourself.  And thanks Coach Brown for all you do for others.

Can we even remember for how many years we have been listening to Diana Ross sing one hit after the other?  Back in my elected official’s days in the mind 1980s, I held a fundraiser in Baton Rouge with this music Diva.  She was a superstar then and still is today.  She had me up on the stage to dance with her, and she had to stop and laugh at my questionable but colorful dance steps. I was in that number on the Mississippi Gulf Coast recently for her sold out concert, and had the chance after the show to visit for a bit.  “Of course I remember dancing with you,” she told me.  Yeah, right!  Then she laughed again.  It was a treat visiting with her, she really seemed to enjoy her audience, and her voice has not changed on bit. Take a listen at the lady below.

Issues involving and affecting women will be a major focus of this presidential campaign.  Have the Republicans driving some women voters away with the GOP with so much emphasis on social issues?  And are the Democrats being too patronizing of women today?  Daughter Campbell has written an Opinion Page article in Sunday’s New York Times, raising questions about the catering on women’s issues by the President.  Take a look and see if you agree.  You can read her article by Clicking Here.

 

Will the big banks and the Wall Street profiteers ever learn?  Or do they even want to?  The latest financial fiasco involves my own personal bank.  It’s the guys at J.P. Morgan-Chase that, once again, crossed the line of responsible money management.   There was a “make the big bucks” mentality by the bank rather than a focus on the quality of the loans that were being made. I don’t need or want my bank to lay down a bet on some complicated credit default swap or other exotic roll of the financial dice.  But that’s exactly what Chase has been doing with my money.  They have taken a big hit.  And I’m not happy.  I hope you agree, but either way, take a look at my new column that looks at this whole sorted financial mess.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Red Flashing Box above.

The “Common Sense” radio show returns back home to Baton Rouge this weekend, after a lively program out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina last week.  And boy, do we have a lot to talk about.  There is an obesity epidemic sweeping the nation.  Fine to eat what you want, but who is paying for those who are so overweight?  Is it fair for those of us who take better care of ourselves to pay the cost of those that don’t through higher taxes and higher health insurance costs? We will talk about it.

And what did US Seals find when they raided Osama bin Laden’s home last month?  Was he a continuing threat or just a tired old man?  Middle East expert Gareth Porter, who has been a guest on our show previously, will again join us to talk about the world’s most hated individual.  Porter is the author of a fascinating book, Perils of Dominance: Imbalance of Power and the Road to War in Vietnam  and you can find out more of the book by Clicking Here.

And since we are talking also abut obesity; did you know that a new study suggests that fatty foods can be as addictive as cocaine?  That’s right!  Your French fries and onion rings can get you “hooked.”Â  So can sweeteners says the study.  So how can you protect yourself. Nutritionist and fitness expert Todd Scarborough will explain and answer our many questions.  So a lively show, and we hope you will tune it this weekend.