Earlier this week, Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain released a report detailing how billions of stimulus dollars were wasted on frivolous projects that only served special interests and created very few jobs. On Friday, Vice President Joe Biden responded with a list of 100 stimulus success stories. So which side has it right? Did the government essentially flush $800 billion or would our economy be far worse without the stimulus? We ask Illinois Rep. John Shimkus and get his thoughts on President Obama’s new czar – this one designated to head up the brand new Consumer Financial Protection Agency.
Archives for September 17, 2010
More Customers, Not More Loans
For weeks, President Obama implored Senate Republicans to allow a final vote on his small business bill. He got his wish, but will his plan be of much help? Why does Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns believe more access to credit is not what small business owners need? What very basic things do businesses need that are not provided in this legislation? We ask Sen. Johanns and get his thoughts on the tax cut debate. He also shares what concerns his constituents shared during the summer recess.
Constitution Day
On Friday, the U.S. Constitution turned 223 years old. But how many Americans have actually read it or even know what it says? How do adults of all ages and levels of education do when quizzed on basic elements of the Constitution? Why is it important for us to know the Constitution thoroughly? How is the Constitution impacted by some recent political debates here in Washington? And how would the framers react to what their founding document has created? We discuss all these questions with Rich Brake, co-chair of the National Civic Literacy Board at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
New York, New York
The proposed construction of an Islamic Center and mosque at Ground Zero has prompted a firestorm of debate. The Capitol Steps now have their own unique take on the story, including the real reason why this complex will never be built. Our guest is Steps impressionist Mark Eaton.