March 28-29 - The Democratic Party Leadership’s Policies are Destructive to our Economy Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I begin this week’s program by discussing how President Obama’s tax, borrow, and spend policies are hurting not-for-profit organizations like universities, social service agencies, arts organizations, churches and synagogues.  When the value of financial assets is declining, taxes are rising, the tax deductibility of donations may soon be restricted (under President Obama’s latest proposal) and overall economic power is centralized in the government, then private  individuals and foundations have a lot less money to give to non-profits.  Yes, non-religious organizations can beg for money from the government, but when economic power is centralized in one place, there is never enough money to go around.  Non-profits in the United States experienced tremendous growth over the 30 years since the Reagan Revolution ushered in pro-growth policies. During this time, Americans have been exceptionally generous with their earnings.  Now, non-profits are suffering as the pro-growth policies are being eliminated by the Democratic Party controlled Congress and White House and private Americans have less money to give.   This is deeply ironic because the majority of people who work for non-religious non-profits (universities, social service agencies, arts organizations, etc.) are traditionally Democrats.  Now that these organizations are being forced to initiate salary freezes and mass lay offs for the first time in 30 years, perhaps some of these traditional Democrats will learn that the general interest of our society (and their own best interest) is better served by pro-growth, rather than redistributionist economic policies.

I interview three guests this week.

Jerry Gorski, Chairman of the Washington, D.C. based “Associated Builders and Contractors” association, discusses the additional economic damage and hardship that the “Employee Free Choice Act”-backed by President Obama and the Democrats in Congress-would inflict on the U.S. economy and the American people.  Senator Arlen Specter (PA), a past supporter of this bill, announced this week that he would now vote against “card check” because of its negative economic consequences.  Early estimates reveal that “card check” will destroy 600,000 jobs in the first year alone.  Whether economic times are good or bad, legislation that removes an employee’s right to a fair and private vote in a union organizing election is always destructive to freedom and liberty, and always anti-worker.  Take a stand against “card check” and join Joe the Plumber at the National “Save My Ballot” event this coming Monday, March 30.  This event will take place between 5:30 and 7:30pm at the Radisson Hotel in Greentree, and is sponsored by Americans for Prosperity.

Next, I talk with Dr. Art Laffer.  Art is the world famous economist who created the Laffer Curve and advised President Ronald Reagan at the beginning of the pro-growth Reagan Revolution.  Art states his belief that Barack Obama is a “fine person with an exemplary family,” but offers insights on the negative effects that our new President’s policies are having and will continue to have on our economy.  President Obama is wholly responsible for the massive new government spending and will bear the responsibility when the economy performs poorly as a result.  Art asks the rhetorical question, “can a poor person become rich by spending money?”  Of course not!  Likewise, the notion that we as a nation can borrow, tax and spend our way to prosperity is ridiculous.

Finally, I interview Greg Knox, President of Knox Machinery in Franklin Ohio.  Greg and I discuss GM President Troy Clarke’s call for all workers and businesses in the automotive supply chain to support the tax-payer funded automotive bailouts.  Greg wrote a scathing reply to Troy and the rest of the American auto-manufacturer’s leadership and workers, calling them lazy, arrogant and overpaid. Greg states in his letter that “[w]e are living through the inevitable outcome of the actions of the United States auto industry for decades.”  The only way our domestic auto companies can downsize, revamp, and become competitive is for them to go through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations.  To read Greg’s letter, click here.

We have a fighting chance of stopping “card check” in the U.S. Senate.  We must remain diligent and work hard to convince key Senators to oppose other destructive policies such as national healthcare, increased taxes, and carbon Cap and Trade.  Join me for a Pittsburgh “Tea Party,” on April 15, between 12:00 and 2:00pm.  This event will take place in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh.  I hope to see you there.

(Click here if you need a picture of a tea bag)