April 11-12 - What Kind of Society do we Want? Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After discussing some of this week’s headlines, I again ask the question, what kind of society do we want?  Do we want a society that empowers government to enforce restrictions on success in order to guarantee government supervised equality for everyone?  Or, do we want true freedom for everyone to succeed?  President Obama’s policies (some already enacted and some still proposed) will limit liberty and freedom by substantially increasing the personal and corporate tax burden, increasing energy costs for everyone, forcing unions on workers and businesses that do not want them, and mortgaging the future of our children through outrageous government spending.  American culture has taught us to be self sufficient, to solve our own problems, and to pursue and be responsible for our own happiness within ethical boundaries.  We must fight to repair and preserve this culture and pass this legacy on to future generations.  This culture of self-reliance, hard work and innovation is the key to our future freedom and success.

Please join me this coming Wednesday, April 15, for a Tax Day Tea Party at Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. The event begins at 12 noon. We are protesting the government’s irresponsible spending and the looming tax increases that threaten our nation’s economy. What is truly amazing is that the ACORN organization (which is funded by the Federal Government) is trying to organize counter demonstrations that promote huge tax increases under the false premise that these increases will only affect the “rich.” Regardless of your political affiliation, please come out and support liberty and freedom. For more information, click here.)

(Also click here for a copy of the satirical press release, “Obama Orders Steelers to Forfeit Half of their Super Bowl Trophies.” The press release is a satirical piece sent to me by listeners, but it makes a great point.)

This week, I interview Dr. Margo Thorning, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist with the American Council for Capital Formation, about her recent testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee.  Margo describes the devastating impact that C02 regulation would have on the United States economy based on a recent study conducted by her organization.  According to the study, the proposed “cap and tax” (also known as “cap and trade”) legislation would reduce CO2 emissions in the United States to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 70% below 2005 levels by 2050.  However, this new cap and tax legislation would create much higher energy prices (gasoline, electricity, natural gas and home heating oil prices are forecasted to rise 20-60%) hitting every American household hard in the wallet.  In addition, our economy would shrink; and 4 million or more Americans would lose their jobs by 2030 (I think the actual impact would be worse).  Ironically, President Obama’s recent report on the economy (The Economic Report of the President) admitted that for all this pain, we would gain absolutely nothing in terms of environmental improvement because any reduction in CO2 emissions we achieve will be more than offset by increased emissions in India, China, Mexico and other countries.  In addition, a flood of new scientific evidence is suggesting that CO2 levels have little or no impact on the Earth’s temperature.  However, “cap and trade” is not about the environment for the Liberal Left.  It is about “feeling good that we are doing something” and weakening the United States in a dangerous world.  President Obama and his Liberal Left cohorts must be defeated on this legislation.

I also interview Pennsylvania Attorney General, Tom Corbett about his potential bid to become Governor of Pennsylvania.  Tom has earned a reputation as a reformer because of his successful assault against on-line child predators, and his recent indictments of a number of Pennsylvania politicians for fraud (the now famous “Bonusgate” investigation).  Tom also discusses his vision for Pennsylvania, which includes lower business and individual taxes, less government spending, and business friendly regulations.  Tom says that these changes will bring about real economic growth and help create a competitive business environment that will allow Pennsylvania to thrive.

For Andy Rooney’s “enlightened perspective,” click here.

Finally, I remember the three Pittsburgh police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty on April 4th.  The actions of these men, along with the brave actions of all the other police officers who fought a deranged killer that day, should be an inspiration to us all.  I extend my thoughts and prayers to all who are grieving, especially to the family members and loved ones of Officer Paul J. Sciullo III, Officer Stephen Mayhle, and Officer Eric Kelly.  They are American Heroes and their actions make me proud to be a Pittsburgher and proud to be an American.

Happy Easter and Passover!