Glen’s Latest Radio Program : Another Key Moment in American History
“Glen Meakem on the Weekend” is your source for rational, conservative, news and insights on the issues and events that shape our lives. This weekend, I talk about President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal, House Republicans’ cuts to government spending, unrest in the Middle East, U.S. energy policy, and the importance of the rule of law from Pakistan to Wisconsin.
The continuing standoff between government unions and their Democratic allies (which include President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the Democratic National Committee’s “Organizing for America”), and Republican Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin is a key moment in American history. 
Governor Walker is trying to balance a budget with a $3.6 trillion dollar deficit. In a press conference held Friday evening, Governor Walker reiterated the fact that placing reasonable constraints on union power is the only way to prevent mass layoffs of government employees across the state. The unions are upset because Walker’s bill requires teachers to contribute 5.8% of their wages to their pension plan (instead of nothing), and pay 12.6% of their healthcare premiums. While this proposal would save Wisconsin tax payers approximately $300 Million, it still leaves educators paying $100 LESS EACH MONTH in benefits on average than private sector employees. I believe that this proposal is more than fair, but even if you disagree, we all need to remember that elections have consequences. Even when Democrats lose, they should stand up and debate their principles rather than flee the state and fail the voters who elected them.
Bob Fragasso, Founder and CEO of Fragasso Financial Advisors, joins me in the studio with his insights on some of this weeks’ news headlines. Together we discuss the need for fiscal discipline in Washington D.C.& States across the nation, ways that we can improve our current economy, reforms that are needed in our public education system, and out-of-control public sector costs. Bob is a fountain of wisdom with rational advice on what we can all do to better our current situation.
Greg Wrightstone, a petroleum geologist with Texas Keystone, Inc, also joins me for our “Big 3 E” segment on energy, the economy, and the environment. Together, we have a “nuts and bolts” discussion on Marcellus Shale Gas, the natural gas extraction process known as “fracking,” and it’s impact on water aquifers. The fact is, with current DEP regulations and required fail-safe systems in place, it is physically impossible for a properly “fracked” gas well to contaminate the drinking water supply. Contrary to what many ill-informed environmentalists claim, natural gas development is one of the cleanest and safest ways to increase domestic energy production, and is absolutely necessary to achieve national energy independence.
If you are disappointed with House Republicans because they failed to cut $100 Billion from 2011′s continuing resolution, disappointed with President Obama’s “status quo” budget proposal for 2012 (that raises taxes, raises spending and continues to borrow from our future), or if you are unsure about the potential outcome of the standoff in Wisconsin, than please make certain you listen to the encouraging story I tell about “two pebbles.”
Remember, together we conservatives are winning the battle for the hearts and minds of the American people. We must continue to hold all of our elected officials accountable and remind them why they were chosen to represent us.
Have a great week ahead.
Sincerely,
Glen
Glen Meakem is a successful technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and conservative talk radio show host, who offers information and insights on how individuals and our nation can be more successful. Glen’s unique perspective has been shaped by his experiences as founder, chairman and CEO of the B2B internet success Freemarkets Inc – which he founded in 1995, took public in 1999, and sold to Ariba in 2004. In 2005, Glen co-founded Meakem Becker Venture Capital, a firm that invests in early stage start up companies. Concerned about the liberal political agenda that has gripped the United States and his home state of Pennsylvania, Glen launched the Glen Meakem Program in 2008. Glen served as an officer in the United States Army Reserve and is a veteran of the First Gulf War. He also earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his MBA from Harvard Business School. For more information about Glen and the Glen Meakem Radio Program, or to read his blog, please visit http://glenmeakem.com.
