Posts tagged obama
The GOP Final Four
Feb 8th
And then there were four! Here we are in February and we are down to four real GOP candidates. Listen in as Mike and Matt break down the pros and cons (mostly cons) of Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, , and Rick Santorum.
Key details are coming out in regards to the sanity of the candidates (can you say moon base and child labor?) and how they move forward.
In addition to this, Stephen Colbert continues to make news not only for his ego but also for his dedication to exposing the wretched Citizen’s United ruling. Speaking of which, funding is a huge issue this year as President Obama reveals his bundlers and returns lobbyist money while no one else will commit to do so.
This is a really long episode, mainly because we have been behind. We are planning out some news segments to recap undercovered issues and bring on our long awaited panelists. Two are cued up already and chomping at the bit! Look for more detailed coverage as the season wears on. Let’s get our lefty on!
Not Enough Press When It Matters Most
Dec 20th
It is the holiday season so it has been especially hard to get our most recent podcast out. While we wait, I felt it especially necessary to comment on what may be the most important moment in our country in the last nine years. The Iraq War is finally, officially, over. Not “mission accomplished” bull shit over, I mean really over. Our men and women are, as we speak, headed home and out of harms way.
I think I speak for many, many progressives when I say, it is about damn time. Our countrymen have been putting themselves in harms way for years, some in countless tours of duty for a cause that many of us do not believe in. I believe that in historical terms, the future will judge this situation more harshly than even Vietnam in retrospect. Not only did we take a huge toll on our country, both physically, emotionally, financially and mentally, but we took another nation with us.
Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed, displaced, or forever scarred by the past nine years. We played a large role in this effort and will be accountable for many years to come. We will be trying to heal from all our wounds for years and will have less of a view of how that country heals after we leave.
I am very glad that everyone is coming home and hopefully we can move to a new chapter in these efforts. I have to applaud the approach to this chapter closing by the administration. There has been a low level of fanfare or exuberance, realizing the sobering reality of the moment, unlike others who have tried to capitalize on false rewards. But now is not the time to bicker about how this began or was run. It is a time to rejoice that it is complete.
So this is meant to be a quick thank you to those that made this happen…finally. Welcome home to all those that fought and gave their lives, pride and honor to this great country. You are all appreciated.
It’s the Economy Stupid
Nov 13th
Listen in right here!
NBL is excited to have sat down for a discussion on the state of the economy with economist Joe Daleiden! Joe has a long career of working in economics and has authored several books as well. Some really key details come out of this meeting to better understand issues we are facing in layman’s terms. Joe does an excellent job of explaining the impact of the housing crisis, consumer debt and shocking statistics on the standard of living for families.
Both Matt and Mike agree that if there is even one episode of NBL you plan to listen to, then this should be the one. It is enlightening, shocking, and important. Be sure to check out Joe’s book, which can be found on Amazon and other retailer sites. We picked up a copy too and plan to have Joe back to discuss it in detail. Also look for Joe on future episodes to discuss philosophy!
Resources from this episode:
- Link to the American Dream on Amazon
- Joe Daleiden web site
- The Betrayal of American Prosperity by Clyde Prestowitz
Joe’s Biography
Joe Daleiden is an economist, demographer, public policy analyst and long term planner. He has published books and papers in the fields of economics, sociology, philosophy and finance. He is frequently invited to deliver lectures on economics and demographics at universities and colleges.
As Manager of Economic and Demographic Studies for Illinois Bell, Mr. Daleiden developed long term projections of population, labor force and economic growth. He developed the first large scale econometric simulation model of a firm, as well as demographic models for forecasting future labor availability for specific jobs and geographic areas.
In 1978 Mr. Daleiden served as a consultant to the White House to provide recommendations for reorganizing the economic functions of the Executive Office of the President. He was also responsible for implementing a Presidential Executive Order, “The Metropolitan and Community Impact Analysis” designed to assess the long term impact of major budgetary and legislative initiatives on America’s urban areas.
In 1984 Joe was appointed Director of Corporate Planning and Capital Budgeting for Ameritech where he developed a planning system to integrate and assess the long term plans of all Ameritech companies.
In 1993 he retired from Ameritech to write and lecture on philosophy and economics. His third book, The American Dream: Can It Survive the 21st Century?, released in 1999, was rated “Highly Recommended” by Future Survey, the book review digest of the World Future Society.
Joe co-founded the Midwest Coalition to Reform Immigration (MCRI), a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization to educate Americans as to the long term consequences of mass immigration, and develop immigration policies in the best interest of present and future Americans.
Most recently Joe served on the McHenry County Planning commission.
