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.

It’s hard to believe that it has been 50 years since I graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  50 years.  Hey, time really flies.  I had not been back for earlier reunions, but I was amazed at the number of old college classmates that I remembered and recognized.  It was three days of receptions, lectures, dinners and getting reacquainted again.  The highlight of my return to Tar Heel country was to participate in the graduation ceremonies on Sunday morning at Kenan stadium with some 50,000 students and family members all in attendance.  You can check me out at the ceremonies below.

I drove around Chapel Hill to reacquaint myself with old memories and see all the changes over these many years. Check out the house below at 306 Church Street.  This is the vary house I rented during my junior and senior years.  And guess what?  Except for a fresh coat of paint, the house hasn’t changed a bit in 50 years.

It was 50 years ago last Saturday that I won the Atlantic Coast Conference hurdles championship at UNC.  This hurdle below really looks intimidating.  I’d have a tough time getting over it today.  But fond memories of long ago.

After graduation, I drove up to the Appalachian Mountains for a few days.  My therapy three or four times a year.  And I always stop for a while at my mountain.  Do you have your own mountain?  I sure like mine.

IS IT SAFE TO WEAR MY HOODIE?

 

The hoodie has become a symbol of the successful (Mark Zuckerberg), the criminal (see any intercity cop show) and the tragic in the most recent case of Trayvon Martin.  This young man found out that depending on when and where it is worn, a hoodie can put you in harm’s way.  We are told it is wrong to profile.  But we do it every day, and are foolish if we do not.  Read my new column about the confrontations that can be caused by a hoodie, and my own personal experience.  Murders take place in this country every day.  Why so much focus n the Martin case?  You can read it now by Clicking Here or by gong to the Flashing Red Box above.

A busy but fun filled weekend for the “Common sense” radio program.  It’s “LIVE” from the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  This is certainly one of the nation’s prettiest campuses, and it will be quite a treat for me to return to my alma mater.  I graduated from Carolina 50 years ago this weekend, so it will be quite a homecoming.  We will broadcast from Kenan Football Stadium as the graduation ceremonies take place.  Mayor Michael Blumberg from New York will be the commencement speaker, and we are looking forward to talking with the popular Mayor.  President John F. Kennedy spoke at my graduation ceremonies back in 1962.

We will remember our mother’s on this special day also.  I sure miss my mom.  And we will review the week’s news and have some fun with several special guests.  So be sure and catch the Jim Brown “Common Sense” show this Sunday on stations nationwide.

Anyone that knows anything about Rock and Roll has heard of Jerry Lee Lewis from my old hometown of Ferriday, Louisiana. He’s one of the three famous cousins that include Mickey Gilley (see interview below) and Rev. Jimmy Swaggart.  But Ferriday has a whole slew of musicians.  One is this pretty lady with above and below, Jerry’s sister Linda Gayle Lewis.

And the Lady really can perform.  Take a listen to my interview with Linda Gayle, and then listen to her knock out a song or two on the piano.  She is a great entertainer by herself.  You can imagine playing a concert with the “Killer,” Jerry Lee.  A side note about Jerry Lee.   I was dancing with my high school gal in St. Lewis back in 1958 to the hot new national hit, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”Â  Fifteen years later, I was living in Ferriday and doing some legal work for the killer himself.   Small world!

 Tobacco Smoke Enema Kit

Tobacco Smoke Enemas (1750s ““ 1810s)

The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum for various medical purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum.The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase “blow smoke up one’s a@@.”

This has been reintroduced in Washington D.C. by members of congress from both parties.  It’s about the best suggestion both Republicans and Democrats have come up with to deal with our anemic economy.

 

Those TSA guys (Transportation Security Agency), far from being more helpful at airport security lines, just seem to be ore belligerent and right down obstinate.  And the billions of dollars spent are, in many instances, for naught.  A waste of money that gives us little additional protection from the terrorists.  Israel, that is under constant terrorist threat, thinks much of the airport security efforts are a complete waste of time.  You don’t take off your shoes in Tel-Aviv.  They profile you, like any reasonable security guard should do.  Check out my column now posted on the frustrations of going through airport security.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by clicking on the Red Box above.

The weekend “Common Sense” Radio Show is close at hand, and we have another interesting line up for our listeners. Presidential politics is on our agenda, and we will take a look at who is seriously in the running for Mitt Romney’s vice presidential nominee.  Does he play to the voting blocks he needs, particularly Hispanics, or does he pick the best person to take over as President if the need arises?

And do you have a bad back?  We will talk to a back expert to give you tips on how to minimize the pain and get you straightened out.  Dr. Vaughn Dabbs will join us to talk about his ideas in his new book, “This is Why Your Back Hurts.”Â  You can read about it now by Clicking Here.

Also, we will talk with author J.D. Davis, about his new best seller, The “Unconquered.”Â  This book brings back many memories to me as it covers the lives of the three great Ferriday, Louisiana natives, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley (see next story) and Rev. Jimmy Swaggart.  You can get information on J.D.s book by Clicking Here, and see my interview with him below.
So be sure and tune in, this Sunday Morning.

Well it was quite a night in Natchez, Mississippi last weekend as country music star Mickey Gilley came to town and put on quite a concert.  If you are not a country music fan, Mickey Gilley is one of the all time greats, with 17 number one hits and some 40 records in the country top 10.  Mickey is a Ferriday, Louisiana native, as is yours truly, and has performed at several fund raising concerts for me when I was a statewide official in Louisiana.  We had a chance to visit a bit before the concert as you can see below.  Then take a listen to one of his all time hits, Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time?

 

American politicians, today, are saturating their rhetoric with religious references for the purpose of bolstering a particular political point of view.  Haven’t we prided ourselves as a country of insisting on a strong separation between church and state?  Render unto Caesar and all that stuff?  Almost every political conversation in this presidential election year seems to evoke religion in some way.  Is this the system our forefathers conceived of?  Weren’t they getting away from religious dictates from abroad when American was founded?  Where did we go astray?  Or did we?  Take a look at my new column now posted and see what you think.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

New York City was the venue last week for me, as I was invited to participate in an Ideas Festival with a gathering of news makers from around the country.  I guess I was included as the token “Redneck,’ but for whatever reason I was invited, it was a stimulating program and a lively debate about just who we are as a nation, and what directions the country should take in the years to come.  Being a presidential election year, sharing various perspectives of the nation’s future was a challenging and rewarding undertaking.  Below are a few of the participants that joined me in being a part of the program. They will all be guests on my radio program in the weeks to come.

David Gergen (with me above) served as key adviser to four presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton.  He now teaches at the Harvard Kennedy School for Public Leadership, and importantly, he has a real warm spot for New Orleans.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Meacham, who is also Executive Editor of Random House Publishing Group was part of the idea sharing gathering.  We swapped stories about his publishing company (one of the world’s largest) and my company, The Lisburn Press (one of the smallest).  Oh well, I do have high aspirations.

Grover Norquist has gained a great deal of clout in the nation’s capitol as President of Americans for Tax Reform.  His organization has asked all candidates for national office to sign a pledge not to raise taxes in the foreseeable future.  Grover creates a lot of controversy, and I look forward to a lively discussion on the radio with him in the next few weeks.

So what do you to do spice things up a bit, especially if you live in a small town? To advertise a new TV channel in Belgium, a company set up a large red button on a pedestal in a square of a sleepy Flemish town with the invitation to press it if you wanted some drama in your life.  I wish more exciting events like this happened where I live.  Take a look.

 LOUISIANA’S “GIVE THE CRIMINALS PLENTY OF NOTICE” LAW!

There’s a great new edict that’s about to become law in my home state of Louisiana.  It’s called   the GTCPTG statute.  Short for, “Give the Criminals plenty of time to get away.”Â  Louisiana legislators and the state’s insurance department are working overtime to assure that the Bayou State continues to hold the title of the country’s most expensive state in which to buy insurance.  And the legislature  in this deep southern state is on the verge of passing some of the most onerous laws ever conceived to stick it to the policyholders and tax payers.  Take a look at my new column by Clicking Here, or by Clicking on the Flashing Red Box above.

We hope you can join us on this week’s “Common Sense“ radio program, on Sunday morning from 9:00 am until 11:00 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time on stations coast to coast.  And a full agenda is on tap.  We will talk about taxes (did you remember to file by the 15?), Thomas Jefferson (it’s his birthday Sunday) and about he would be greatly disturbed over the lack of individual freedom throughout America today.  And it is also the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  Scott Seeds is the author of a new book on new facts as to just how the Titanic sank.  The book is called “Titanic:  After the Last Lifeboat,” and you can read more about it and order he book by Clicking Here.

And how’s your aching back doing?  As you get older, everyone seems to have one.  Just what can you do about a sore back?  Dr. Vaughan Dabbs joins us to talk about his new book, “Why Your Back Hurts.” You just might learn something new, so be sure and catch this segment at the top of our second hour.  You can read about it by Clicking Here. 

 We will end our show talking about the Civil War that began on this date in 1862.   Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard from Louisiana, on March 1, 1861, becoming the Confederate Army’s first general officer, and ordered the shot that began the Civil War at Ft. Sumter. New reports now show that some 750,000 Americans killed each other in this war. Was it worth all the lives lost?  We will talk about it.  So be sure and tune in to the “Common Sense“ show.

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

1)    Follow @JimBrownla on Twitter and share (tweet or retweet, as it’s known in Twitter-speak) likes to recent articles and videos on the Jim Brown site.

2)    Become a friend of Jim Brown on Facebook. If you are a member of Facebook, you can go to Jim’s Facebook account by Clicking Here.

3)    Become a subscriber to Jim’s regular columns and radio show up dates by signing up in the box at upper right on this page.

4)    Download the Jim Brown free app that brings every reader to your IPhone.  Available for download from iTunes.

5)    Email Jim’s weekly columns to friends who you think might enjoy reading some non partisan “Common Sense” views of the country.

Jim Brown’s Common Sense

 I don’t know about you, but I’m a big “Flash mob” guy.  I’ve never actually seen one live, but I hope one day that a group of young folks will break out in song and dance in a large crowd.  Here is one of the best.  It happened in Russia.  Look how decent and clean cut our former enemies seem to be.  If you hear of a good flash mob about to take place, let me know.

It the political rage throughout the country to demand that English should be the official language.  And quite frankly, I agree.  That is, from the public perspective.  I occasionally get a bit irritated when I’m told to “press one for English, two for Spanish” etc.  If a U.S. governmental body insists on printing forms, giving tests, and processing governmental applications only in English, then that is how the process works.  It’s the law.  But what about the right to decide what’s best for its citizens?  If any state feels the need to offer services in another language, that should be its prerogative.  In some areas of my home state of Louisiana, French is the only language spoken by older Cajuns.  Take a look at my analysis and see if you agree.  You can read my new column now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

A pleasant Easter Sunday nationwide, and a great surrounding for the “Common Sense” radio program all set for this weekend.  I hope you will have the chance to tune in.  National politics freedom  to speak whatever language you want in America, the history of Easter, getting ready for tax season, and a look back and Americans in Germany during World War II.  You can’t pack in much more than that in our two hour show.

Since tax due date is just a few days away, we will be joined by Dominique Molina to give you some tips on tax savings.  Her new book is called “Secrets of a Tax Free Life,” and you can read all about it by Clicking Here.

Then we will revisit history and talk with historian Andrew Nagorski about his new insightful book, Hitlerland.  We know about Americans in France and England in the 1920s and in the 1930s, but what about Americans in Germany? What were their lives like? And what did they think as they witnessed the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Hitler? It’s never been thoroughly explored ““ that is, until now.  We will have Professor Nagorski on the second hour of our show, and you can learn more about the book by Clicking Here.  We will see you on the radio.

What a weekend at the Final Four in New Orleans as March Madness came to a peak.  Whether you are a basketball fan, or just like to take in all the excitement of a big Big Easy event, I was all there from Bourbon Street to the Superdome.  Some 80,000 fans jammed into the dome”¦the largest basketball venue that ever hosted such an event.  And thousands more jammed the hotels, restaurants and the streets just to be in that number.  Below is former LSU head coach Dale Brown, who was honored for his many achievements at a sold out breakfast before the game.  Dale is a regular on my national radio show.

I joined Tim Brando at his CBS national show right in the heart of New Orleans.  Tim has become the leading CBS sports commentator.  He used to broadcast here in Baton Rouge, and I had the honor of being Tim’s radio guest on a number of occasions.  That was before he became such a big shot.  But we still keep in touch.

Comic, actor  and national radio host Dennis Miller was also in town.  He has been on my radio show in the past.  We had a nice visit at the famous Emril’s Restaurant.  He clearly says that New Orleans is his favorite city.

And you can’t go to New Orleans without trying several great restaurants.  Jon Besh, who owns six locations in the city, is one of the more popular chefs.  My favorite is August, located right in the center of town.  I’ve been a regular at John’s various restaurants for a number of years.  He needs to come open one inBaton Rouge.

One of the reasons the trip was so enjoyable was that I was able to spend time over a number of good meals with my law school roommate, Bill Weinberg and his wife Lois.  They are die hard Kentucky fans, and relished in the success of the Kentucky Wildcats.  My Tar Heels didn’t fare so well, so I’ll have to take the ribbing from Bill-at least until next year.

If you check out this blog on regular occasions, you will know that I’m a diehard bluegrass music fan.  I’ve played a variety of sting instruments all my life.  I started with the guitar, went to the banjo, and more recently, the mandolin and even the fiddle.  But my favorite has always been the banjo.  I once had the Rolls Royce of banjos, an Ode, some years back that was stolen from me.  Can you believe I once played on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a place called Your Father’s Mustache to pay for my law school tuition? I regularly attend bluegrass festivals in the North Carolina Mountains.  My mentor was Earl Scruggs, the founder of bluegrass music and the best banjo player I ever heard, bar none. You knew it was Earl playing from the first pick and roll.  His style was unique and I tried my best to copy him.  He died last week at 88.  He got me hooked on the 5 sting banjo.  With age and some arthritis, I can’t pick nearly as well as I used to. But in memory of ole’ Earl, I got several banjos of mine out last week to play a few of his songs in his memory. You can see them below.

THE DEBATE IS OVER A LOT MORE THAN HEALTHCARE!

For three days this week, the national news focus was on the U.S. Supreme Court’s hearing concerning  the constitutionallity of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare.  So for  folks like you and me, what do we know and what should we know about all the verbage surrounding this technical and complicated law?  The simple question this week before the Supreme Court is whether, under the Commerce clause, Congress has the power to require Americans to obtain health insuance.  But this gets complicated.  I try to make it simple for you in my new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.  Take a look and see if you agree.

We are jam packed for the “Common Sense” program schedule for this weekend.  The Supreme Court hearings on Obamacare will receive our attention. (See this week’s column on this subject)  So will the Travon Martin killing in Florida.  Are “Stand your Ground” shootings always justified?  And how do you react when you see someone in a hoodie?  I’ll  share some personal experiences with you.

Dr. Cass Ingram, a physican by training, has written a new book called: “Rigged: Who is Tampering with the 2012 election process and why?”   Is there a danger that a fair election will not take place?  Just how much voter fraud is there throughout the country?   And Alan Uke will be a guest to talk abut his new book, “Buying American Back.”Â  Do you know just where your goods and services are coming from?  Do you even care about “buying American?”Â  Alan will tell us why it’s important to do so.  You can find out all about his book by Clicking Here.

All this and a lot more on the “Common Sense” program this weekend.  Check your local lsting, or listen live right here on this site.  We will see you on the radio.

 

 I have been a Pat Boone fan for some 60 years. (oops!  Showing my age.) Pat gained fame in the 1950s with covers of tunes like “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Ain’t That a Shame.” Now he’s helping the 60 Plus Association, an advocacy group that bills itself as “the conservative alternative” to the AARP, to recycle material.

Boone is the pitchman in an ad that targets the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, the health reform bill often called Obamacare. I talked with him recently, and he was a lot more interested in making the country more conservative than in talking about his early music.  Take a look below.

 I hope you were able to read my column last week concerning prosecutorial misconduct that seems to be so rampant throughout the country. By coincidence, 60 Minutes did an in depth investigation into several cases, including one here in my home state of Louisiana on this subject.  It’s well worth watching.  This is a continuing saga of prosecutors, both state and federal, who know there is evidence to prove the accused or the falsely convicted innocent of the crime.  But they purposely hide such evidence.  Prosecutors who falsely bring changes and allow such injustice should be in prison themselves.  Take a look at the 60 Minute story.

 

STOP THE PROSECUTORIAL  MISCONDUCT!

Week after week, there are new reports of prosecutors, on both the federal and state level, engaging in premeditated acts of prosecutorial misconduct. Coaching witnesses to lie. Hiding evidence from the defense counsel that would favor the accused. And even calculated cover-ups that put a falsely convicted person on death row. Has justice run amuck? Has Lady Justice lost her way?  Why do federal and state prosecutors continue, at an alarming and growing rate, to subvert fair trials and allow unjust convictions to stand?  Is the “gotcha mentality” so pervasive that the truth is no longer important?  If you want to know just how serious this problem is, 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.

The nation will be watching Louisiana this weekend as the Republican presidential primaries reach the half way mark.  Will Louisiana make any real difference?  The former governor down here, Buddy Roemer, was running as a Republican.  But he became disillusioned when he was shut out of the national debates.  So he is taking his campaign on a quest to receive the third party nomination of Americans Elect.  He will join us Sunday to discuss his new strategy.  You can read about his new approach by Clicking Here.

Religion and Politics.  Can they mix responsibility?  And are there negatives to the religious challenges we see all across America today?  We will explore this controversial subject on the “Common Sense” program this weekend.  Author and Notre Dame Professor David Campbell has written that a “new religious fault line” exists in America, a deep political polarization that has transcended denominationalism as the greatest chasm in religious life.  His book is called “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us,” and you can find out more of this fascinating subject by Clicking Here.  Professor Campbell joins us in the first hour of hour show this weekend.  You can also hear some of his thoughts on this subject in the video below.

And are you happy with current gas prices?  We will talk to an expert about what to expect in the future.  Professor Michael Klare will be available to discuss high gas prices and his book, The Race for What’s Left: The Global Scramble for the World’s Last Resources. You can read all about his book by Clicking Here.  So a lively program and we hope you will tune in.  See you on the radio.

If you don’t live in the New Orleans, area, you may not be aware of the vile and disgusting shenanigans of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sal Perricone. He is one of the top dogs in the U.S. Attorney’s office, and has been hounded for questionable practices and prosecutorial misconduct for a number of years. But now, Perricone has really crossed the line. He created a number of aliases, and has taken shots at a cross section of public figures in New Orleans, including his own boss and the President. The state’s largest newspaper, The Times Picayune, has called for a major probe of Perricone’s actions, even thought he resigned this week in disgrace.

The Picayune says that Perricone apparently used an alias to go after former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. He is the posting: “For all of you who have a penchant for firearms and how they work, Ray Nagin lives on Park Island.” Is he encouraging the killing of Nagin? He thinks so. See the story by Clicking Here and Clicking Here. To the chagrin of most citizens throughout New Orleans, a rogue prosecutor has crossed way over the line. Many agree that Perricone should lose his law license, and be criminally prosecuted. Even prisoners have internet access, so some jail time will give him lot lots of time to blog. Below is a video telling about his threat on the Mayor. Perricone? A thug and a real embarrassment to Louisiana.

 

Nick Vujicic, 26, was born without arms and legs, but nothing and nobody can stop this brave guy. Despite the absence of limbs, he is doing surfing and swimming, and playing golf and soccer. This is what it means to have the real strength of mind. He is a preacher, a motivational speaker and the director of Life Without Limbs, an organization for the physically disabled. He regularly gives speeches across the world on the subject of disability and hope. Take a look at Nick’s inspirational speech.  He speaks worldwide, and I sure hope I have the chance to meet him one day.  This video will bring joy to your heart, a smile on your face, and maybe a tear or two.

 

LOUISIANA — WHERE BEING NUMBER ONE IS BAD NEWS!

 My home state of Louisiana again has the distinction of having the most expensive auto insurance rates in the nation.  Forbes magazine just released national figures indicating that not only do Louisiana’s drivers pay more than drivers in any other state in the country, but the costs are higher by a wide margin. The figures that rank Louisiana number one show that the average cost to insure a car for a Louisiana driver is $2,536.  Thant’s twice the southern average.  Something’s rotten in Denmark.  Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Flashing Red Box at the top of this page.

   After reading my column, take a minute to watch the video below.  We have a major drunk driving problem in Louisiana.  Hopefully, this video may be a wakeup call.

If, like me, you are a regular listener of the great national radio program, A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keeler, you will recognize the voice of Kacey Jones.  She is a regular in many of the skits with Keeler on the show.  Kacey is a popular song writer, humorist and a really good folk, country singer.  I had the chance to hear Kacey at the Red Dragon in Baton Rouge a few weeks ago.  She is a real delight and I hope to hear her again.  Take a listen and see what you think.

We have lived and relived the events and tragedy of 9/11 over and over during this past 10 years.  And new stories of special people who rose to the occasion still become public.  Here is a video I never saw about the courage of many boat owners who immediately began rescue efforts for the thousands trapped in lower Manhattan.  Take a look.

 

IS IT BASEBALL OR POLITICS?

 Just what is America’s favorite pastime?  Is it baseball or politics? The past few years have offered interesting comparisons. On one hand, the country is enmeshed in a full-blown presidential campaign with deep divisions over how to stimulate the economy and how to define America’s role in the world. Because of urgent concerns with these issues and others, politics has become a major spectator sport all over the country. But don’t sell baseball short. Not only has baseball been around longer than any of America’s professional team sports, the game’s highs and lows have been injected in national politics, almost from the sport’s inception.  Take a look at mynew column as politics gets into high gear and baseball season is just beginning.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Flashing Red Box above.

The Springtime means a busy radio time for us here at the “Common Sense” show.  There is so much going on as you can tell from looking over this website this week.  I will, of course, have a full report from baseball spring training in Tampa, Florida, as I do every year at this time.  Then we turn to March Madness, as the 68 teams to make the college basketball tourney will be picked on Sunday.  Lisa Belkov-Snyder is a national sports commentator, and she will give us an overview of this year’s competition.  Do you have a favorite team?  My North Carolina Tar Heels were the pre season favorite, but they will have their hands full to make it to the Final Four this year.  Lisa will join the show at 9:30 central time.

  The Bible, Nostradamus, the Mayans: These are just a few of several sources that seem to predict an apocalypse””or in other words, the end of the world””in the year 2012. Some believe that war or an asteroid will destroy everything, while others take a gentler view and predict an age of enlightenment. What, if anything, is really going to happen?  We will interview Bible scholar and author Damon Author on what to expect at the end of this year.  He is the author of “Codename:The Revelation, and you can find out more of this book by Clicking here.

And how about this big football scandel breaking in the NFL?  The New Orleans Saints now have admitted to putting a bounty on knocking an opposing player out of a game.  You do this by purposely taking “cheap shots” and trying your best to injure an opponent.  I personally think the league officials shoud come down hard on those teams that encouraged such a barbarian practice.  Sports Expert John Greenburg will join me to discuss the reprecussions of “Bountygate.”Â  His latest bok is called:”The Grand Old Man: Alonzo Stagg,” and you can find out more of John and the book by Clicking Here.  So be sure to tune in this weekend.

This time of year, every year, you ought to know where I’m hanging out.  It’s Spring training for all of us die hard baseball fans, and Tampa, Florida is the place to be. Within a few miles of Tampa, you can “hang out” with the Yankees, the Pittsburg Pirates, the Cincinnati Reds, the Baltimore Orioles, and a slew of other major league teams. It’s laid back with small ball parks and easy going fans who make it a ritual to “come on down” to the Tampa area each year.  Below are a few photos of the way I spend my days, and my video to tell you all about why you too should make it down for the beginning of baseball season.

Rick Santorum has been the surprise of the current presidential season. What were the odds 6 months ago that he would be in a neck and neck race for the Republican nomination? I was in New Orleans for the Southern Republican Convention back in August, and had a long visit with Santorum. He was quite friendly and seemed genuine in his convictions. I started to interview him with my camera, but thought, what the heck. This guy won’t even be in the race come the first of the year. Boy, was I wrong. I still think Romney gets the nomination, but if there is an award for perseverance and going way beyond expectations, Rick Santorum is the easy winner.

The president seems to be scurrying recently to “firm up” his support on Israel with the American Jewish community.  He met must this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the U.S. and Israel seek to deter Tehran.  But there are some solid concerns from pro Israel supporters that the President has not gone nearly far enough in the past few years.  Check out the Opinion Page column on this major issue in this week’s Wall Street Journal.  It’s written by Dan Senor, whose book “Start Up Nation“ is available from The Lisburn Press and listed on the right side of this page.  As an aside, Dan is a family member.  You can read the Journal article by Clicking Here.

 

A real legislative atrocity, created by Congress, now gives to this president, and any future president, the power to give an order to the military to detain and arrest American citizens, and indefinitely hold them without charges. That’s right.  No charges, no trial, and hold them indefinitely. What happened to the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments that were supposed serve as checks and balances, giving guaranteed protections to every American?  Now, because of this irresponsible new law overwhelming passed by our members of Congress, a real fire storm has justifiably erupted.  Some members of Congress are trying to cover their tracks.  Read all about this constitutional abuse in my NEW Column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

The Common Sense program has a full packed schedule for this weekend.  We will update the presidential race, with Mitt Romney moving a step closer to the nomination.  And how about Louisiana’s own Buddy Roemer, who says he will run as a Third Party candidate?  Maybe he won’t garner that many votes, but in a close presidential election, who will he hurt most?  I’ll let you know that I think!

We will talk with author Laura Caldwell, one of the nation’s most popular crime writers.  Her new book, “Question of trust” is moving towards the best seller lists, and she writes a good bit about those wrongfully convicted.  You can read all about her new book by Clicking Here.

And why don’t newly created nations look to the U.S. Constitution as a model?  Few countries revising their constitutions following what is written in America’s founding document.  Why?  Tulane Law Professor Vernon Palmer, who has written several constitutions for other countries, will be my guest to answer this question. He has written extensively about systems of “mixed jurisdictions”–legal systems with both a common and civil law content.  Read more about Prof. Palmer’s writing by Clicking Here.  So be sure and tune in this weekend.

Fred Eaglesmith has rapidly become one of North America’s most heralded and adventurous rock songwriters. There is no other musical artist quite like singer-songwriter Fred. Since his first album in 1980, he has forged his own distinctive and highly independent career path to acclaim and accomplishments, and built a timeless catalog of songs and recordings. He’s also a really funny guy. And a great song writer. I spent some time with him recently at the Red dragon Listening Room in baton Rouge. You can listen to his new lead album song below.

It was a heck of a Mardi Gras this year.  If you have never been “way down yonder in New Orleans,” you need to add it to your “must visit” destinations, especially for Mardi Gras.  Parades wind through the streets day after day.  The food choices are fantastic.  But it all has to come to an end as the Lenten Season commences.  Don’t worry about the city slowing down thought.  St. Patrick’s celebrations (New Orleans is a big Catholic city), Italian festivals in March and Jazz Fest, the biggest music gathering in the world, all on the agenda in the coming two months.  Twenty Five million pounds of beads were picked up after the various parades and celebrations.  Check out the lean up operations below.  Then at midnight on Fat Tuesday, the police clear Bourbon Street and announce that Mardi Gras is officially over.  I broadcast last week’s show right from the center of the French Quarter.  see you there next year.

 

A MAJOR SHAKE UP NEEDED IN CONGRESS!

We all know the approval of Congress is at an all time low.  Just how bad is it?   .  More Americans approve of polygamy than they do of Congress in Washington.  .  The most recent Harris and CBS polls show approval rates dropping to an all time low of 9%.  Like the guy sings in the Limbo Rock song, “How low can you go?”Â  Our congressmen get elected, rush off to the arms of lobbyists in Washington, and rarely come back home.  There’s  got to be a better way.  And there is.  Take a look at my new column just posted about how members of Congress can shake the doldrums of the nation’s capitol,  and get back in touch with the people whio elected them,  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Mardi Gras is over so it’s time for all of us to get healthy again.  The “Common sense” show kicks off this Sunday with Dr, Debra Braverman, who has a startling new procedure that helps overcome heart disease noninvasively.  That’s right.  No cutting or internal operations.  It could well be the wave of the future.  Information about her new procedure and book can be found by Clicking Here.

Congressman Steve Pearce from New Mexico will also be a guest to discuss the idea of a virtual congress.   He follows up our discussion last week with Jenny Beth Martin, the founder of the Tea Party. Keep our members of congress at home more instead of running back and forth to Washington.  His idea is the subject of my new column this week.  We will also have an update on the presidential race, more Jeremy Linmania and other breaking news.  So be sure and catch the “Common sense” program this Sunday on stations coast to coast.

Texas songwriter, author and twice a candidate for Governor Kinky Friedman came to Baton Rouge last week.  He’s writing a new book with Willy Nelson, and has plenty of stories to tell.  I caught up with Kinky several hours before his show, and he keep me laughing.  We both swapped stories of our quixotic gubernatorial runs.  He puts on quite a show with songs he has written, a lot of humor and readings from his books.  Here’s a bit of Kinky below.

Well it’s’ nice to find a little clean but funny humor from time to time.  Remember George Younce?  He was Lisa Doolittle’s father in My Fair Lady.  Here is one of his final appearances. He sings a unique rendition of Side By Side, originally written in 1927, lyrics by Gus Kahn and music by Harry M. Woods.  So if you are a bit older and looking for love, you will learn a thing or two.  Take a look below.

 

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!

Have you been following all the controversy surrounding the debate over the President’s new birth control rule?  Some religious leaders, especially U.S. Catholic Bishops, as well as a litany of republican politicians, have harshly criticized the White House proposal that all health insurance plans have to offer birth control options.  But is it the birth control requirement that has engendered so much animosity, or has it become more an issue of government interference of church related policy? Pelvic politics or religious freedom?  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by clicking on the Flashing Red Box above.  Below is a pretty balanced news report on this controversy.

 

Well, it’s a big Mardi Gras weekend “way down yonder” in New Orleans, and it goes without saying that the “Common Sense“ program will be broadcast live from the City that Care Forgot.  I’ll give a full report on al the colorful activities taking place, and try to educate those of you who don’t celebrate Mardi Gras on what the big fuss is all about.  You can check out some video below to give you some idea of what this time of year is all about, and why we here in the Deep South get so carried away.

And we will check on some health and medical news as we often do.  More and more people seem to be getting reflux, both young and old.  Do you know someone that has this problem?  Dr. Jamie Koufman, who is one of the world’s authorities on reflux, will join me to give us some cures and to talk about her new book, Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet and Cure. You can find out more about the book by Clicking Here.

And politics is always on the agenda, so we will talk with Jenny Beth Martin, author of TEA PARTY PATRIOTS: The Second American Revolution.  How effective is the Tea Party and can they make any difference in the coming presidential race?  You can find out more on the Tea Party and the book by Clicking Here.  So a full show all from the Crescent City, so be sure and tune in this Sunday.

 

Hey, it’s Mardi Gras time down here in Louisiana, and the good times and revelry will flow all this weekend and right through “Fat Tuesday,” the final day of celebration before the Lenten season begins.  Mardi Gras is hard to describe.  The season is much more than just a lot of parades, although the parade season can go on for weeks.  The brown Family will be in New Orleans this weekend, as family members ride in an all female parade on Saturday.  If you have never been to Mardi Gras, here are several videos below to give you a taste, and you can read all abour it by Clicking Here.  You haven’t lived until you have experienced Mardi Gras.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a Facebook guy. I try to post something on my site five times a week, and keep in touch with my legions of friends. Hey, it’s fun and enjoyable to many to be able to stay in touch. But Facebook has gone public now. So is it a good deal to buy the Facebook stock? Well now, that’s another matter. I have my doubts. Just how can servicing the sharing of information about people be worth a hundred billion dollars? Check out my new column now posted and see if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking here. And check out the joint appearance of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his nemesis in the Facebook movie The Social Network below.

The Common Sense on Sunday will continue to update our listeners with information that is informative, compelling, and bizarre.  How much more bizarre could this year’s Republican presidential nomination become.  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.”Â  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 turn in for an informative show.

(Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and I visited last week in Baton Rouge.)

Endorsements are coming right and left from major party officials in the Republican primary presidential race. The Wall Street Journal ran an opinion page column last week that concluded endorsements don’t make all that much difference in the final outcome. Nevertheless, the three current major Republican candidates continue to seek out anyone they can get to join their campaigns. But some Republican heavyweights, with possible future political ambitions for higher office, are reluctant to endorse. Take a look at my new column that looks at a few of these reticent Republicans, including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. I had the chance to visit with Gov. Bush just this week. You can read my new column now by Clicking Here are by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

 

 Well if James Brown was the hardest working man in show business, Jim Brown has just gotta be the hardest working man on the radio. Jim is now on weekends as well as every weeknight. Just check out his schedule below .

 Friday, February 3rd. Jim will host one of the nation’ most listened to programs, the Jason Lewis Show, that is produced through the Genesis Communications Network. Jason is as regular fill in for Rush Limbaugh, and Jim will be filling in for Jason. So Jim is the fill in for the Rush Limbaugh fill in. (Hey, the guy is working his way to the top, right?) Jim will be on for three hours this Friday night, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM central time. He has lined up an impressive array of guests to bring listeners current on presidential politics, the Super Bowl, some health tips, and a whole list of current national concerns. You can listen live to the show by Clicking Here.

       (Former Sec. of Education Bill Bennett will join Jim in a few weeks.)

Then next Monday night, Jim kicks off a new nighttime show called “Jim Brown in the Evening.” And it will air every weeknight, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM over Jim’s flagship station Clear Channel’s 1150-WJBO. Jim will review the day’s news and give his special “slant and take” on just what is happening around the country. You will be able to listen to a number of nationally know personalities and celebrities who have agreed to be a part of Jim’s new program. You can listen live over the worldwide web at www.WJBO.com.

(America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani will be on Jim’s new show this month.)

And then, of course, there is Jim’s regular gig, the Jim Brown “Common Sense” show that will continue to be broadcast each Sunday morning from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. This show is nationally syndicated and is heard on numerous radio stations coast to coast. This national show can also be heard live and over the worldwide web by Clicking Here. So ya think that’s enough of Jim Brown on the radio? We hope you will listen in.

Well, all these public issues we talk about each week can be a bit depressing. So it’s time to lighten it up a bit. Here is a little humor for you to get you through your day.

Well, you music affectionautos know that I love Texas grassroots music, and we have plenty of musicians coming over to Baton Rouge on regular occasions.  One of my favorite groups is the Fabulous Ginn Sisters from just south of Austin.  These ladies offer great singing, stunning sister harmonies, smart and melodic writing “” an all around savvy performance.

The sisters have a special way a sultry, sometimes-harmonizing take on Texas-toned Americana.  They played recently at the Red Dragon listening room in downtown Baton Rouge, and put on quite a show.  Yep, that’s me hangin’ out with the gals above, and you can hear a bit of their music below.

 

SOME OCCASIONAL COMMON SENSE FROM THE SUPREME COURT

Is privacy dead in America?  Many of us thought it was after a disastrous year of almost total usurpation of both freedom and privacy by the federal government. Since the founding of our country more than 200 hundred years ago, Americans have enjoyed the core rights and liberties that have made our country not just unique, but exceptional in protecting basic freedoms. But no more!  The Patriot Act was the beginning of stripping basic American civil liberties, and it’s been all downhill with one assault after another on basic freedoms.  There was a slight blip or light at the end of the tunnel this week, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers cannot arbitrarily attach a GPS  to your car to monitor everywhere you are going.  They have to get a search warrant.  Take a look at the positives of this Supreme Court decision, and more commentary on the erosion of basic liberties in this week’s column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.  Still not concerned!  Check out the video below.

Sunday means the Common Sense show is close at hand with a solid program for all our listeners.  Mitt Romney pays a 15% tax rate because of capital gains.  Is that fair?  We will talk to Wall Street Journal columnist John Berlau who will help us analyze the pros and cons of the tax system.  Bestselling author Col. Brad Taylor will also visit abut his new book, “All Necessary Force.”Â  It is fiction but reads like present day confrontations with the U.S. and terrorism.  Are counterterrorism tactics really effective?  You can read all about the Col. Taylor’s new book by Clicking Here.

Placing a bet on the Super Bowl?  Jim will have a Las Vegas odds maker tell us the current line, and just how much is bet every year.  And be sure to mark this Friday’s date, February 3^rd.  Jim will host the popular nationally syndicated radio show, hosted by popular host Jason Lewis.  Jason is a regular fill in for Rush Limbaugh, and he has asked Jim to fill in for him on Friday.  The show airs  from 5pm until 8pm central time, in major cities coast to coast on the Genesis Communications Network.

In the present presidential campaign, few words are ever spoken about international confrontations and the plight of our troops serving all over the world.  Many of us do not know any family that has a son or daughter serving overseas, so we can’t comprehend the anxiety and worry that they go through every day.  It’s almost like they are mercenaries who are far removed from our concerns. Pity.  There is so much at stake.  But are politicians in both parties see clueless, out of touch, as to the price so many of these soldiers and their families pay.  I hope much more concern is expressed and discussed as this campaign continues.

North Carolina has always been my second home, since I went to Chapel Hill as an undergraduate and we travel up to the western North Carolina mountains several times a year.  I always drive through Hendersonville and pass by the We Buy Gold store on the route through this small town.  I’ve never stopped in, but I can tell you, there is one tough Dude working there.  Take a look at the “Rocky” video below.  A great job of protecting his store.

I don’t know what’s happening where you live, but in my home state of Louisiana, property insurance rates have skyrocketed since 2005 — by an astounding 40%. No other state in the country has experienced such dramatic increases. And we continue to read that it’s all the fault of Katrina. There have been no major weather related losses in a number of years, but the rates continue to go up. There must be something rotten in Denmark. Sure the cost of living causes everything to be a little more expensive. But 40%? That’s confiscatory. And we continue to pour taxpayer dollars into the coffers of companies like AIG. Read over my column that is now posted and see what you think? Are you happy with your current insurance rates? And is your legislature doing enough to protect you against unscrupulous insurance practices. You can read my column now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Well, most of you have never heard of little Lindsey Williams College.  But they pulled the upset of the year in beating might Georgetown (well, not that Georgetown) with a final shot at the buzzer.  The announcer, obviously excited, goes wild.  So take a look at the final shot.

Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum is making his last stand in the Presidential race. It’s “do or die” in the coming primary in South Carolina. I had a long visit in Santorum in New Orleans a few months ago. He seems genuine and quite a personable fellow. But he seems to be running for president based on social issues. The country has some huge economic problems, and Rick, continually wearing his sweater vest, is preoccupied with how we live our lives. I like the guy. I’m sure I would enjoy having a beer with him. But he has failed to focus on ways to get our economic engine moving again. My prediction? Rick Santorum will be out of the race and on the Romney bandwagon shortly after the Florida primary.

My friend for more than 40 years, Sammy Nunez died this week.  He was a giant in Louisiana politics for all those years, and served as president of the Louisiana Senate for some 15 years.  I can’t recall an election of mine where Sammy was not there in full support.  He was with me in good times and bad, and I have always appreciated his friendship.  Sammy and I have stayed in touch long after political life.  I heard he was hospitalized and I made a trip this past weekend to Oshner Hospital in New Orleans.  Sammy was sleeping and full of a number of tubes.  I stayed for an hour to visit and remember in my mind the many campaigns we went through.  I left him a long note, but he never regained consciousness.  Sammy”˜s funeral service will take place this week at St. Louisiana Cathedral in New Orleans with the Archbishop presiding.  I will be there to pay my final respects to a true friend.  See story of his life by Clicking Here and in the video below.

 

There are special lessons to be learned fr0m those who are successful in the jobs they do.  Particularly at the highest level of accomplishment.  And I think we would all agree that being elected as President of the United States, or being the Head Coach of a National Championship football team qualifies as being exceptional.  Take a minute to look over my new column this week.  I take a look at Alabama Coach Nick Saban’s trouncing of LSU in the BCS Championship game this week.  And how about Mitt Romney, who is well on his way to becoming the Republican nominee for President.  What do these guys have in common?  You can read the column right now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

Coach Saban, in his post victory press conference, referred to the new movie of World War II black fighter pilots.  You can watch the trailer of the movie that game the Alabama team inspiration below.

The weekend is close at hand, and, as is usually the case, the Common Sense Show will pack 2 hours of lively discussion this weekend.  Our network continues to grow, and we hope you will be in that number of new listeners.  You can expect that we will rehash the Alabama victory in the Monday’s BCS Bowl, and we will also take a look at the fast paced Republican primaries.  Does frontrunner Mitt Romney have the nomination sewn up?

We will also be joined by Dr. Veronica Tomor on how you stay healthy while traveling.  Can you eat right, keep off the pounds, and still survive the travel temptations?  She’s written a great book called “L.E.A.N. Guide for Business Traveler,” and you can find out more about it by Clicking Here.

And how about some humor in dealing with the Good Lord?  Is there anything funny about God?  Author and humorist Linda Potter will be on the show for both fun and serious talk. She keeps one laughing in her new book, “If Only God Would Give Me a Sign.” Find out more of Linda and her book by Clicking Here.  We look forward to having you join us this weekend on the”Common Sense” radio program.

Well the LSU Tigers took in on the chin, and were completely outclassed by a better coached Alabama football team in the BCS Championship in New Orleans this past Monday night.  I was in the Big Easy, and broadcast the “Common Sense” program from the Hilton Hotel were the JSU team was staying.  It was quite a fun filled weekend with fans from both schools converging throughout the dawn town area.  I make reference to Alabama Coach Nick Sabin’s motivational expertise in this week’s column, so take a look.  And you can be assured that we have witnessed the creation of the nation’s top collegiate rivalry for many years to come.  Congrats to the Crimson Tide.  They are certainly No. 1.

(Visiting with republican  presidential front runner Mitt Romney in New York recently.)

Governor Mitt Romney’s Iowa caucus victory this week drew nothing more than a few yawns down in Louisiana.  Not much interest over a former east coast governor who, as best they know, has not stepped foot in the state.  Romney seems to be well on his way to winning the Republican presidential nomination, and, once again, Louisiana will be left on the side of the road.  Gov. Bobby Jindal’s candidate, Gov. Rick Perry and his campaign are toast.  And Louisiana blew the chance to have the first presidential primary.  So now it seems that Mitt Romney is well on his way to the Republican nomination, unless he can be over taken by former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. The former Pennsylvania Senator is pictured below, and will be a guest on our program the end of this month.  I talked with them both recently and you can read my views in my new column now posted. And what’s in store for the Louisiana Governor?  Read it all now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Red Flashing Box at the top of this site.

The “Common Sense” radio program will broadcast live from the heart of the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans this weekend. What a football weekend it is. The New Orleans Saints will be playing their first playoff game in the Superdome on Saturday night, January 7th, then comers Monday night and the BCS college championship game with home state favorite, the LSU Tigers. We will live reports on the game as our studio looks over the Superdome.

We will check in with former Louisiana Governor and presidential candidate Buddy Roemer. Did you know he received 55 votes in the Iowa caucus this week? And he may make his first television debate. Does Roemer have legs? We will talk with him at 9:30 central time.

Finally, how healthy is your heart? I personally am a believer in Dr. Caldwell Essselstyn’s lifestyle of being careful what you eat. What to live to be 100? Dr. Esselstyn will tell you how, and will also tell you have to wipe out heart disease. His book, “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” is available by Clicking Here. All this and a lot more on the “Common Sense” show. See you on the radio.

It’s crunch time for Presidential candidate and former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer. So far, he has been left out of all the televised debates and has not received much notice. But Roemer says he’s been gaining some “Roementum” in the New Hampshire polls””with a 3% showing in the most recent New Hampshire polls and it looks like ABC has agreed to allow him to participate in its jointly sponsored debate with Yahoo in Manchester, N.H., on Jan. 7 if he can reach 5%. The debate is just three days before the state’s primary, which is also the nation’s first.

Roemer says his uptick in the polls means voters in New Hampshire have “smelled all the other candidates and ended up throwing them away like yesterday’s garbage.” Governor Roemer will be a guest on our weekend “Common Sense” radio program at 10:00 central time, and you can hear him on stations nationwide over the Genesis Communications Network, and right here by Clicking on the blue button at the top of the page. Here’s the latest on Roemer from the Wall Street Journal. (Click Here). And you can view his latest TV spot running in New Hampshire below.

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New Year 2012 Pictures Comments – Photobucket

A lot of us are not all that optimistic about 2012.  At least, as well as politics and both national and international events go.  2011 was certainly nothing to brag about, and who can get excited about presidential choices barnstorming the country right now.  On the other hand, and we make resolutions for the New Year, maybe it’s a good time to focus more on personal relationships.  Friends and family”¦.and perhaps making new friends.  That’s the focus of this wonderful video someone passed along.  It’s well worth a look, so take a few minutes, sit back and enjoy some memories of the past that might make us focus on more important things for the future.

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 NEW YEAR THOUGHTS FROM THE BAYOU STATE

Did you make a New Year’s resolution yet? I always do.  Oh,  there are all the usuals.  Spend more time with the family.  Get in better shape. Read more books.  But I try to make a list of more personal challenges.  And let’s face it.  The year 2012 is going to be a real uphill battle for our country.  I have summed up my New Year’s resolutions for the future, and have taken a look  back at December 31st gatherings over a number of years.  You can read my new column by Clicking Here, or by hitting the flashing red box at the top center of this page.

You can also watch the final New Year’s countdown last year in Times Square in the video below.And also shown below is y9our list of government imposed New Year’s resolutions.  Happy New Year!

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Well I’m a regular on the workout circuit, and you can generally find me at Bally’s Health Club in Baton Rouge five days a week when I’m in town.  And these folks are certainly appreciative.  Check out my Christmas presents from Bally’s this year below.

 

With the New Year upon us, we look at the old and bring in the new.  My favorite New Year’s song, What are you doing New Year’s Eve?, is up on the juke box.  And how can you not love the final scene on New Year’s Eve in the movie, When harry Met Sally?  You can check out Billy Chrystal’s final pitch to keep Meg Ryan below.

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Merry Christmas Louisiana.  Here’s your present from your public officials.  A big boost in your property insurance premiums.  All from the same folks that have been sticking you with higher rates for years because of their lack of proper oversight and outright incompetence.  So enjoy your holidays and get out your checkbook.  More increases are on the way.  Check out my new column now posted.  It paints and chilling and troubling picture of one of the most incompetent state agencies in the country.  You can read it now by Clicking on the red flashing box above or by Clicking Here.

Yes, it’s Christmas on Sunday this year, but it doesn’t slow down the “Common Sense” radio show.  We will be on the air both this Sunday, as well as New Year’s Day for all you die hards who are up early and wasn’t to get caught up on news around the country.  Sure, we will talk about Christmas.  What’s it cost to replicate the twelve days of Christmas, and buy all the items on the list?  Partridges, pear trees and turtle doves?  What do they cost today?

Anything special going on in your family this holiday season?  We will open up the phone lines and give our listeners a chance to share their stories of family traditions.  And we can’t forget the meaning of this special day.  You know, the Lord himself created the idea of traditions.  Check out Numbers 28:6 and Deuteronomy 16:17, where he commanded the people to observe specific holy days and rituals every year.  So plenty to talk about, and we hope you will join in.

And you may also want to listen to our Baton Rouge show on Monday, December 26th, on WJBO FM in Baton Rouge.  I’ll be on the air from 5:30 am until 9:00 am.  You can listen over the world wide web at www.wjbo.com.   See you on the radio.

Happy Holidays to you and all your family.  Here’s a video well worth watching.  We have some very special men and women serving our country, and who also make the best of their duty to celebrate Christmas.  Take a look.[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/SDZcGz4vmJc" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]

If you are a bookophile like me, or just curious in trying to seek out real offbeat gems in beautiful cities, one of my favorites has always been the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in Paris.  It could not be in a more picturesque location,  right on the on the Rive Seine and directly opposite Notre Dame cathedral.  It was opened in 1952 by George Whitman, who set a goal of making book shop the center of English-language literary life in Paris.  His years of hard work made Shakespeare and Company the most beloved and famous bookstore in the world.  I have never missed spending “browsing time” there on numerous trips to Paris.  To read more of the passing of this special guy, Click Here.

As the end of the year winds down, there sure is plenty to talk about on the weekly “Common Sense” radio program.  Republican presidential politics will be our lead topic, and the fight for the GOP nomination becomes testy and confrontational.  How has the political drive and campaign rhetoric changed in the past 50 years?  Author Robert Mann, who is a professor at Manship School of journalism at LSU, has a new book out that takes us back.  “Daisy Petals and Mushroom Clouds“ reviews with us how one political ad by President Lyndon Johnson against Senator Barry Goldwater changed how the public views American politics.  You can read more about Prof. Mann’s book by Clicking Here.

With the coming holidays, we are all interested I holding down our weight and keeping good health.  Kirk Hamilton joins us for nutritional and fitness advice, all discussed in his new book, “Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane.”Â  Full information on Kirk’s book can be found by Clicking Here.

And we will check in with our old friend of the show, Dr. Ann Gittleman.  I drink one of her “Fat Flush”Â  smoothie shakes every day with fruit and yogurt, and we will visit with the Doc. about her new book, “Zapped,“ that tells you how to outsmart the hazards of electronic pollution.  You can read more about Dr. Gittleman and her books and products by Clicking here. So be sure to join us this Sunday Morning from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time on stations nationwide, or right here on this site by going to the flashing blue box above.  We’ll see you on the radio.

IN LOUISIANA, NO MORE HORSEMEAT

IN MY GUMBO?

This is virtually no limit on what a Louisianan will put in a gumbo.  So when one of our own politicians starts talking about banning anything we want to eat, “them’s fightin’ words.”Â  But that’s just what one on Louisiana’s U.S. senators, Mary Landrieu, wants to do.  Landrieu has for years led a national fight to ban the sale of horsemeat for consumption in the U.S.  So it’s apparently OK to eat Porky Pig, Bambi, and Donald Duck.  But please don’t mess with Mr. Ed or Trigger.  Jim Brown takes a tongue in cheek look at all the controversy over horsemeat in his new column now posted.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by Clicking on the flashing Red Box above.  And check out the taste of horsemeat in the video below.

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The Holliday season is busy for all of us, and we certainly will have a full agenda on this week’s “Common Sense” radio show.  For the rest of the year, I’ll be hosting the sow live from our flagship station, Clear Channel’s WJBO AM out of my hometown of Baton Rouge.  Christmas always gives us plenty of things to talk about (Oops.  Is saying “Christmas” politically?  Well it is on our “Common Sense” show.)  We will talk about the highs and lows of 201l, and discuss with several guests religious implications of all the turmoil that seems to be growing throughout the world.

Nationally known defense attorney and radio show host Misty Oaks, from Atlanta, will be on the show to talk about how inconsistent justice is handed out in criminal cases throughout the country.  She will touch on the controversially note that both religion and money unfortunately, pay large role in our sometimes “unjust” American legal system.

And what skin problems do you face in cold weather?  Still need sun scream?  What do you do about dry skin?  Dermatologist Dr. Scott Jackson will offer some practical advice as to how to deal with winter weather and still keep your skin healthy.  You can find out more of Dr. Jackson and his clinic by Clicking Here.

We will update this site with more show guests and schedules as the weekend gets nearer, so keep any eye out, and we hope you will be able to join us on the “Common Sense” show this Sunday morning, from 9:00 until 11:00 am central time,  on stations nationwide.  See you on the radio.

During this special time of the year, my favorite Christmas performance is to attend a presentation of the Hallelujah Chorus. This musical tribute  is part of the Messiah, an oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel, and is one of the most popular works in the Western choral literature. The most famous movement is the “Hallelujah” chorus, which concludes the second of the three parts. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation.  You can see quite an original version performed at a food court last year.  It’s well worth seeing, especially the crowd’s reaction,.  Take a look below.

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