June 20-21 - From Iran to North Korea: We Face Real Challenges: Play Now | Play in Popup

This week, I discuss the aftermath of the Iranian Presidential election. Before the election results were announced last weekend, Mir Hussein Mousavi-Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s challenger-appeared to have won the election with 60% of the vote (according to exit polls). However, the government of Iran declared Ahmadinejad the winner with 63% of the vote. Hundreds of thousands of people continue to gather in the streets opposing these election results, even after state para-military forces beat protesters with clubs and fired into the crowds killing at least 8 people. I hope that liberty can be won in Iran, if not now, then in the future. I am so thankful that we live in a country where constitutional democracy and peaceful exchanges of power have been the norm for 220 years.

I also interview two guests. State Senator John Eichelberger updates us on the State budget fight currently underway in Harrisburg. He also offers alternatives to Democrat Governor Ed Rendell’s proposed 16% personal income tax increase, which will take money away from every Pennsylvania household and leave 24,000 additional Pennsylvanians jobless. We need to tell our political leaders in Harrisburg to balance the budget with no new taxes.

Tim Hayes, entrepreneur and public speaking coach offers some strategies on how we can improve our communication skills (both written and spoken). One key to success is communication. Even though we are in a recession, we must continually improve our abilities if we wish to succeed in life. Tim is my speech coach and when you listen to this interview, you will know why. If you want to learn more about Tim, go to timhayesconsulting.com.

Finally, I comment on North Korea’s recent actions. By test firing long range missiles, reactivating their nuclear weapons facilities at Yongbyon, testing nuclear bombs, declaring it will use its new weapons both defensively and offensively, and exporting their technology to rogue states and hostile regimes, Pyongyang has proven that it is a threat to peace and stability in its own region and around the world. We must consider a military option if we wish to eliminate this threat. I hope that President Obama has the courage to meet this challenge. If he does, I am confident that America will support him. For more information, please read my column, The Hard Facts of North Korea.