This week, I interview David Patti, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Business Council and Greg Ross, Communications Director for Clarion Fund. I also have a few comments on man-made global warming, or the lack thereof.

David Patti and I discuss a recent study of Pennsylvania’s business climate. This new study—compiled by Dr. Michael E. Greenberg of Shippensburg University—reinforces information previously shared on this program. Pennsylvania scores very well on issues related to quality of life, such as the housing market, educational services, access to universities and even access to healthcare. However, this study also confirms that Pennsylvania maintains one of the worst business tax environments in the country. There are several problematic taxes, but at 9.99% of profits earned, Pennsylvania has the second highest corporate net income tax rate in the country behind only Iowa. This tax pushes businesses and jobs out of Pennsylvania, severely restricting growth and prosperity in our state.

Greg Ross, who distributed the film Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West, discusses the dangers of Radical Islamic teachings and the cultural and physical war some Muslims are waging against Western Society. Although considered controversial by some in the media, this documentary clearly articulates that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, while also making us aware of the political positions of the small minority who are waging war against the West. Listening to and watching these extremists speak in their own words is both a sobering and worthwhile experience. The world is both a complex and a “dirty” place. It is important that we all see it as it really is and do not delude ourselves when we are talking about our basic security.

I round out the hour by commenting on some recent global warming headlines. I will expand on this subject in future programs, but the bottom line is that the Earth’s climate has experienced enormous changes through many cycles long before human beings were a factor. New evidence is demonstrating that solar cycles that are way beyond our control are a much bigger determinant of the Earth’s climate than anything that we human beings do. Evidence is also rapidly accumulating that the recent warming trend we experienced from the early 1970s through 1998 has now ended and that the world has already returned to a cooling trend. I predict that as this new evidence becomes apparent to people and their leaders over the next few years, the recent political trend to embrace man-made global warming will end. I will discuss the important environmental and economic implications of these new findings in future programs.

Although President-Elect Barack Obama is our most left leaning leader in a generation, he has succeeded on the foundation of a rather “traditional” set of character traits and values, including hard work, intellectual success, and conservative family ideals.  I disagree with Obama and the Democratic Party on many issues and will fight against higher taxes, increased restrictions on international trade, the so-called “Fairness Doctrine,” and the elimination of the right of American workers to a private ballot in union organizing elections.  But all Americans should be proud that we have elected our first African American President, proving that America is a place where all people can achieve the highest levels of success.

This week, I review my article titled, “Time for Cool Change,” which will appear in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Tribune Review.  I argue that President-Elect Barack Obama is the “coolest” man in America right now, yet many of the character traits and values that have been the foundation of his success are decidedly “uncool” to boys and young men in the schools, streets, and neighborhoods of America.  Women outnumber men on college campuses around the country 54% to 46% and African American women outnumber African American males 2 to 1.  The very traits that led Obama to success should be made the popular traits for men and boys in America’s public schools and Universities.  Obama’s success should be an inspiration to us all.

Two guests, who appeared on this show in the recent past, return to offer their analysis of the 2008 election.  First, Tom Donlan, author of Wealth: How Capitalism Turns Profit into Progress, returns with his updated impression on the current U.S. economy.  He offers insight on what to expect now that Obama will be the next President of the United States.  Second, Aaron Cohen, President of Arena Strategies, also returns to offer insights into the current political climate of Pennsylvania and the country.  Aaron concludes that Republicans must once again become the party of opportunity.  Finally, I offer my own election “wrap up” analysis.  I know that many of you are disappointed with the election outcome, but I encourage you to have faith in America and trust our rule of law.  Now, more than ever, we must stay the course and be positive.

This week, I begin the program by interviewing Bob Fragasso, Founder and President of Fragasso Group, an investment advisory firm.  As many other guests of this program have stated, Bob reminds us to put the current economic crisis into historical context.  In every major economic downturn of the past 90 years, the markets not only recovered, but also went on to attain new highs.  Bob also offers some practical financial advice for navigating the coming years, and states that ultimately, we must stay the course.

I offer my final thoughts on some of the important issues of this election cycle.  I interview Kevin Shivers, Pennsylvania State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) about the legislation inappropriately titled the “employee free choice act” and also known as card check.  Kevin reaffirms what I have indicated in past programs, that this legislation strips the American people of our fundamental right to a private ballot in union organizing elections.  It is important to note that Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Jason Altmire, John Murtha and other democrat party leaders all support this anti-freedom legislation. 

 I also interview Lt. Col. William “Bill” Russell (Ret) who is running against Rep. John Murtha in Pennsylvania’s 12^th district.  Together, we revisit Murtha’s recent anti-Pennsylvania and anti-military comments.  Russell’s vision for Western Pennsylvania is to build an economy that outlasts a single congressman.  Instead of relying on Federal Government earmarks and pork barrel projects, Russell proposes we lead the nation in liquefied coal and clean coal technology. 

 I also explore the fallacy of Senator Barack Obama’s promise to cut net taxation for 95 percent of Americans.  Mark my words, if Obama is elected President, everyone’s taxes will increase.  Finally, I remind listeners of Jason Altmire’s recent attack on free speech when he filed an FEC complaint against this radio program, and I go on to exercise my First amendment rights and endorse a slate of candidates.  If Democrat Party Congressman Jason Altmire wants to deny me this right, I’ll be happy to see him in court.

 As you prepare to vote this coming Tuesday, I leave you with this poem—author unknown to me—sent via email by one of our listeners.

 ‘Twas the night before elections

And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise

I peered out of my window

Saw Obama and Pelosi with a sleigh full of toys

They had come for my wallet

They wanted me to pay

To give to the others

Who had not worked a day!

They snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on their sleigh

As I wondered how they think

They then rallied their henchmen

Who were pulling that big cart

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!

“On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Murtha”

They screamed at the pairs!

The sleigh took off for their course

And as they flew out of sight

I heard them laugh at the nation

Who wouldn’t stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note

If you don’t want socialism

Get out and vote!!!!

I begin this week’s program by opposing a second massive multi billion dollar federal stimulus package.  I argue that this handout is nothing more than another bad government spending plan in a growing list of economic blunders that do nothing more than waste our tax-payer dollars.  The good news is, the federal government has already managed to implement some effective changes by rationalizing the mark to market accounting rules, injecting massive amounts of liquidity into the U.S. banking system (putting more cash into the economy), and guaranteeing bank and money market deposits.  We simply do not need additional government intervention to restore confidence in the economy.  Our economy will recover.

 We are approaching the final days of this presidential campaign.  I examine how each candidate’s approach on taxes, labor, individual freedom, and foreign policy could affect the future economic, political, and social landscape of this country.  I consider “Joe” the plumber as case in point.  To address the growing issue of “fairness” in our media outlets, I interview Brian C. Anderson, co-author of the book A Manifesto for Media Freedom and editor of City Journal, a quarterly magazine devoted to urban affairs.  Brian and I discuss the current relatively free speech available to us on the internet, television, and radio, and how Liberal Democrats plan to use the Fairness Doctrine to restrict it.

 Finally, I revisit the degrading, erroneous, and incredulous remarks recently made by John Murtha regarding people living in Western Pennsylvania.  I ask the questions, “Why do many politicians on the left hate Middle America?  Why do they find our individualism and self reliance so threatening?” 

Here on the Glen Meakem program, we seek to not only inform, but to also stay positive.  I know the current economic crisis remains a serious concern for most people, and I want to encourage you to have confidence in America.  As a country, we have overcome difficult economic times in the past and I know we will overcome this crisis as well.  This week, I interview Allan H. Meltzer, Professor of Political Economy at Carnegie Mellon University.  Like me, he remains optimistic that we will not enter another Great Depression, and in spite of the shameful federal bailout package, our economy will recover.  Meltzer’s simple advice is to remain rational, do our best to ride out this crisis, and do not sell at the bottom.

I also discuss the recent wave of voter fraud charges, investigations, and convictions connected with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), and democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s inextricable connection with this organization.  Voter fraud is a crime against the rule of law and our democracy.  The right to vote is fundamental to our representative republic, like freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the freedom to own property.  This fundamental right is violated when a qualified voter is denied his or her vote, or when a legal vote is canceled out by an illegal one.  Since Obama has been so closely associated with ACORN over the years, providing training, legal counsel, and organizing services to the organization, ACORN’s activities and strategies raise serious questions about Obama’s qualifications to be the leader of the world’s most powerful and longest lived democracy. Barack Obama should immediately renounce ACORN and its fraudulent tactics.  More broadly, Congress must defend democracy and move decisively to cut off ACORN’s access to federal tax dollars.  Allowing continued funding of these anti-democratic activities is to enable a substantial weakening of our constitutional rights and the rule of law.  ACORN’s assault on voting rights, fair elections and our representative government should no longer be tolerated.

The good news is, I don’t believe we are entering another “Great Depression.”  Compared to 1929-1930, our government today has a much better understanding of how the economy works.  Yes, there has been wasteful spending and counterproductive “give-aways” imbedded in the huge economic bailout plan.  But the government also implemented some effective changes by rationalizing the mark to market accounting rules, injecting massive amounts of liquidity into the U.S. banking system (putting more cash into the economy), and guaranteeing bank and money market deposits. 

 In addition to these positive policies, there are three macro-economic factors that will prevent a repeat of an extended economic depression.  First, the U.S. government is already making better decisions than it did 80 years ago.  Second, the population is more economically informed.  And third, we have fairly free trade and peaceful relationships based on democracy with large countries all over the world.  Bad people are not ruling big countries the way they were in the 1930s.  Thomas G. Donlan, author of A World of Wealth: How Capitalism Turns Profits into Progress, confirms these trends in a spirited discussion during the first part of the program.  Tom reminds us there is an awful lot of value out there.  Despite this week’s historic panic, we all need to stay calm and keep our chins up.

 In order to provide some perspective, I describe the inspiring life of Klaus Rucker during the second half of the program.  Klaus grew up in Germany during the Great Depression and survived the death of his father and the rise of Adolph Hitler.  At age 18, he was drafted into the regular German Army.

 After surviving three years on the Eastern Front and several battlefield injuries, he was finally captured in the hospital by the American Army.  He then survived hunger and economic collapse in post war Germany while studying for his degree in Physics.  Once he had earned his degree, he emigrated to Canada and the United States.

 A former soldier (although never a Nazi), Klaus built a career as a highly successful engineer with Canadian Marconi and then with DuPont Corporation.  He was awarded seven U.S. patents and helped build a nationwide network of television broadcast towers.  He and his wife raised four extremely successful American children.

 Klaus was a good, courageous, smart, and hard working American immigrant, who survived and thrived through the most difficult of times.  He makes me proud of America and should be an inspiration for us all in difficult times.  He was born near Frankfurt, Germany on July 4, 1921 and died in New Jersey on September 11, 2008.  We at the Glen Meakem Program offer his family our most sincere condolences.

I begin this week’s program by discussing the current financial crisis with Jerry Bowyer, Chief Economist at Benchmark Financial.  Jerry and I agree that the government “bailout” bill passed into law this Friday is filled with unnecessary pork barrel spending, but does have some good features, including the extension of the Alternate Minimum Tax patch (AMT), the increase of the FDIC guarantee on bank accounts, and the purchase by the treasury of some troubled loans at market prices.  The problem is that almost $1 trillion in new potential government spending and government debt could create a long term drag on our economy.

 I also interview Chet Beiler, GOP candidate for PA Auditor General, who is running against Democratic incumbent, Jack Wagner.  Chet is a great man who believes that government—just like business—should exercise conservative fiscal responsibility.  He also believes that as the “tax payer’s fiscal watchdog,” the auditor general must insure Pennsylvanians that their tax dollars are being used correctly and efficiently.  Chet wants to clean up the toxic culture of corruption endemic to Harrisburg and reverse the financial crisis infecting PA.

 Because I believe that development of all economically viable energy sources is necessary to the long term health and prosperity of our nation, I explore the natural gas potential of the Marcellus shale, which runs through Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia with Scott Rotruck, Vice President of Corporate Development at Chesapeake Energy Corporation.  Finally, I discuss the performance of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden in the Vice Presidential debate Thursday evening.

On this week’s program, I revisit the financial crisis that continues to rock Wall Street and offer additional insights on this problem.  Andrew Busch, Global FX Market Strategist for BMO Capital Markets joins me in explaining what a rescue plan must include to best serve the interests of the American people.  Financial history teaches us that free trade and low taxes, with appropriate regulation, creates and sustains a strong economy.  To reinforce this point, I compare the events leading up to the stock market crash of 1929 with today’s crisis.  I emphasize that we must avoid similar mistakes if we wish to steer clear of another “Great Depression.”  Making the right decisions will guarantee economic growth and prosperity for all Americans.  In spite of all the bad news reported in the media, I remain optimistic that we will weather the current storm.

 Part of the solution to our current economic problems includes a comprehensive energy policy that allows us to extract domestic natural resources, and also develop alternative energy.  On this week’s program, I discuss drilling for more oil and gas in Northern Alaska and how this can be part of a broader, environmentally aware solution to our energy problems. 

 Finally, on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, I will be the moderator and event chairman of the Veterans Leadership Program’s annual awards event titled, “2008 Partners in Leadership Awards.”  This event will take place in the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  The VLP of Western Pennsylvania provides essential housing, employment, and other vital supportive services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families to improve self-sufficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

Please join me for this inspirational evening, when we honor and remember those who have served all of us in defending our freedom.

 For more information, visit www.vlpwpa.org.  You can also call Al Mercer at 412-481-8200 ext. 212.

On this week’s program, I talk about the financial crisis that has rocked Wall Street over the last few days.  I explain some of the causes of this crisis, but also take a step back and ask, “what is the big picture?”  Beyond fighting this crisis, what must government and individuals do to create a safe, prosperous, and secure future for ourselves, our children, and our grand children?  This future relies on individuals working hard and taking responsibility for themselves and their families.  It also relies on government maintaining a strong defense, low tax rates, free trade, a stable currency, appropriate regulation, and appropriate public infrastructure.  The current crisis was caused by inappropriate government regulations built up over three decades.  Keeping everything balanced is never easy, but I am confident that President George W. Bush, Secretary of the Tresury Henry Paulson, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will successfully navigate the current crisis. 

I also talk with Tom Pyle, President of the Institute for Energy Research in Washington D.C. about energy policy.  Tom and I agree, that while we must continue to protect and improve our environment, man made global warming is not the threat the left says it is.  The answer to our energy challenges is to get the government out of the way and let the free market reign.

Don’t forget, I am hosting the Veterans Leadership Program’s, 2008 Partners in Leadership Awards event on October 28, 2008.  Please join me for this inspirational evening, when we honor and remember those who have served all of us in defending our freedom.  Go to www.vlpwpa.org to purchase tickets.

On this week’s program, I revisit some of what I think is the most informative material covered recently on the program.  I begin by playing my interview with Lou Barletta, Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, who is running for Congress in PA’s 11th district.  Lou is a terrific leader and we need to do all we can to get him elected.  Mark my words, this November Lou Barletta is going to win a previously Democrat Party congressional seat and go to Washington.

 Next, I revisit my talk with Kenneth Green about his article, “The Ethanol Delusion,” which examines the devastating impact ethanol production has on the environment and our economy.  Government subsidies supporting ethanol have had many unintended negative consequences.  You need to know the facts. 

 I then turn to my interview with Paul Kengor, Executive Director of Grove City College’s Center for Vision and Values, in which we talk about President George W. Bush’s long-term vision for the Middle East and why, like Harry Truman, history will treat George W. Bush well despite his current low popularity ratings.

 Finally, success in business and in life requires tenacity and toughness.  Based on listener feedback I have decided to share a monologue from the end of June that my producer named “From Linebacker to Entrepreneur.”  Here I draw an analogy between handling challenges in business and playing linebacker in football.  In both, you have to overcome obstacles before you can “make the play.”

Remember, on September 17, 2008, I will be moderating a panel of entrepreneurs, thinkers, and foreign policy leaders as part of the Pittsburgh Middle East Institute’s Conference Breakfast Event.     For more information on this and other appearances, please visit http://glenmeakem.com/appearances/.