There’s very little sympathy in the United States for the regime of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. His longtime terrorism connections, his pursuit of nuclear weapons and his nefarious ties to Iran have many people in the West cheering for his downfall. But while Assad clings to power in the midst of a civil war, the fate of the 1.6 million Christians in Syria may very well hang in the balance. According to Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors USA, the Christians in Syria have actually been treated quite well by Assad and are free to worship in their neighborhoods. In contrast, Dykstra says the rebels have frequently targeted Christian populations with violence. He adds that the rebels are joined by Al Qaeda figures and seem likely to bring in a much more repressive approach to religious freedom – much as we’ve seen in Iraq and Egypt. Dykstra explains what his organization is doing to support refugees from the civil war in Syria and what steps he would like to see the U.S. government take with respect to the freedom to worship in the region.
Three Martini Lunch 7/23/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review are happy to see more Americans concluding that President Obama deserves blame for the poor economy. They also discuss the Syrians threatening to use WMD if another country enters its civil war. And they scold ABC News for its reckless and unfounded linking of the Colorado shootings to the Tea Party.
Going Broke
Adam Ulbricht of Radio America looks at the increasing number of U.S. cities that are filing for bankruptcy protection. Increasing debt and unfunded pension plans are leaving city administrators with few options. Critics of the current public pension system are calling for reform. This trend may continue if the economy doesn’t improve. Mark Calabria of the Cato Institute, Ivan Osorio of the Competitive Enterprise Institute and Andrew Roth of the Club for Growth provide context to the issue.
Three Martini Lunch 7/19/12
Brett Winterble of Radio American and Jim Geraghty of National Review discuss increasing poll numbers that show good signs for Mitt Romney and Republicans. These numbers could spell trouble for President Obama in November. Also, California is increasing regulations on animal groomers. More regulations for businesses in a debt-strapped state. The midnight release of the new Batman movie is here. Liberals are trying to connect Romney’s time at Bain Capital to the terrorist Bane in the new film while ignoring possible Occupy Wall Street Themes of the villain.
Three Martini Lunch 7-18-12
Brett Winterble of Radio America and National Review’s Jim Geraghty discuss Pelosi’s advisory for democrats to stay home rather than go to convention. Obama’s economic team is full of CEO’s who’s companies are outsourcing jobs and losing employees. And in a new video, James O’Keefe exposes another liberal group willing to support the collection of government money for a fabricated green job business that specializes in digging and filling in holes.
Three Martini Lunch 7/17/12
Brett Winterble of Radio America and National Review’s Jim Geraghty talk about the hypocrisy among Democrats on fundraising. The leader for greater transparency in campaign donations left the fundraising debate to attend one. The drought in the Midwest foretells higher food prices and President and Mrs. Obama disappoint the “Kiss Cam” at the Verizon Center.
Chasing the American Dream
Adam Ulbricht of Radio America looks at the proposed Dream Act in congress and what it means for American business. Immigration reform has long been debated, but this temporary fix received a boost after President Obama enacted several key parts of the proposal through executive order. Thirteen states have already passed Dream Act legislation. Maryland State Senator Victor Ramirez, George Washington University’s Department of Economics Chair Barry Chiswick and President-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association Doug Stump each talk about the issue.
Three Martini Lunch 7/16/12
Radio America’s Brett Winterble and National Review’s Jim Geraghty discuss Obama’s comments on crediting teachers for your success, the Treasury Department’s secret escapades and Hilary Clinton’s poor treatment in Egypt.
Bolton Talks Syria, Egypt, Chavez
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton is offering his analysis on three international hot spots. Bolton says the Assad regime in Syria would on its way out of power if not for the Russians. He says Russian military assistance and diplomatic interference gives the brutal dictator a much longer lease on power. Bolton also worries that Assad may use chemical weapons against his own people. On Egypt, Bolton says we are witnessing a classic power struggle between Islamist groups and the military and we ask Bolton whether elections in Egypt and among the Palestinians several years ago suggest that democracy may not be in the best interest of the U.S. in all parts of the world. Finally, Bolton slams President Obama for suggesting that Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez has no been a national security threat.
Higher Taxes and Soda Wars
The Capitol Steps weigh in on two issues that have people fuming. First, the parody group brings in President Obama to explain why he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy – with some Broadway flair. Then the Steps plunge into the great New York City soda debate. Our guest is Steps star and co-founder Elaina Newport.