On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold a federal banning any type of assistance for terrorist organizations – even humanitarian aid or efforts to peacefully resolve differences. Why was this an important decision? Why is it important to include humanitarian aid in this ban? Should we be surprised Justice Stevens sided with the majority? And what should we make of the U.S. giving $400 million to Hamas-controlled Gaza in light of this law? We ask Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, vice president of research at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
Obama Dumbing Down Fatherhood
President Obama is drawing blistering criticism Monday over what is usually an innocuous Father’s Day proclamation. But in his 2010 edition, Obama said nurturing families can be raised by “a father and mother, a single father, two fathers…”. What message is Obama trying to send by listing gay men in the same list as a traditional married couple? What is the reality for children raised in a homosexual environment – especially one with two men? What is Obama’s larger agenda? And how big should this and other social issues be in an election year that seems to be pushing cultural concerns to the backburner? We ask Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality.
Who Really Pays Taxes?
A new study from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) shows the middle class is paying a majority of federal tax revenues. In addition, the wealthies one-fifth of Americans are paying 69 percent of taxes. How does that compare to the percentage of income generated in the U.S. each year? How is it that the poor are actually making money from the current tax system? Who will get hit the most by the tax policy changes that will kick in at the end of the year? We ask these and other questions to Pete Sepp, vice president for communications at the National Taxpayers Union.
The News
After a week of withering criticism, BP CEO has been removed as the leader of the firm’s day-to-day efforts to address the massive oil leak. Rep. Joe Barton’s apology over accusing the White House of a shakedown against BP came only after a major threat from GOP leaders. And President Obama touts the results of his stimulus package.
Global Warming, Marital Cooling
The political world and much of America was shocked by the news Al and Tipper Gore were ending their marriage after 40 years. The Capitol Steps catch up with them and discover what really went wrong.
Another Step Towards Socialism
Texas Rep. Joe Barton is in hot water from Republicans and Democrats over describing the Obama administration as engaging in a ‘shakedown’ of BP by forcing the firm to fork over at least $20 billion to an independent fund through which an independent commission will issue compensation payments to those impacted by the oil spill. But Dr. Jerry Newcombe of Coral Ridge Ministries, and co-producer of the documentary “Socialism: A Clear and Present Danger”, says this is another brazen step toward socialism by this president. Newcombe says BP should be on the hook, but explains why the Obama tactics ought to frighten us all.
The News
BP CEO Tony Hayward offered little new information on the oil spill to members of Congress on Thursday, which left both parties frustrated. But the biggest event was Texas Rep. Joe Barton accusing the White House of a ‘shakedown’ against BP to create a ‘slush fund’ – a statement that sent Democrats into a rage. We’ll also tell you what Hayward was willing to say.
Was Barton Right?
Texas Rep. Joe Barton triggered a firestorm today when he accused the White House of launching a “shakedown” of BP by forcing the firm to put up $20 billion for Gulf restoration and having no control over where the money goes. Democrats have fired back in a major way, saying Republicans are defending BP over the residents of the Gulf coast. Who is right? What’s the political impact of Barton’s assertion? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events, who will also offer his thoughts on a bad week for North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge and the strange case of South Carolina senate nominee Alvin Greene.
Obama’s Absurd Offshore Moratorium
Texas Rep. Ted Poe is imploring Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and President Obama to lift the six-month moratorium on deep water oil drilling. Why does he believe shutting down every oil rig because of one disaster is ‘absurd’? Why does he say this decision will cost countless jobs that will not come back in six months? What does Poe think of the government forcing BP to put up at least $20 billion to make compensation payments through a third party? We ask these and other questions to Rep. Poe.
Etheridge Opponent Speaks Out
Earlier this week, North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge apologized for scolding and grabbing a college student who asked if the congressman supported the Obama agenda. So how is this impacting the campaign of his GOP opponent, Renee Ellmers? What is her reaction to Etheridge’s embarrassing incident? What has she heard from the voters? What is her background and why is she running? And what would be her biggest priorities if elected in November? Listen here to find out.