Senators clash again on financial reform as floor debate gets pushed back to next week, Arizona gets tougher against illegal immigrants, Israelis celebrate independence amidst worsening U.S. relations and threat of nuclear Iran, Supreme Court overturns laws against making and possessing videos showing animal cruelty.
We Need a Coherent Strategy
South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson says Netanyahu is on the right track in the Middle East by advocating peace through strength. He says the Obama administration, in contrast, is projecting weakness. Wilson says empowering Iran’s disgruntled young generation is the key to stopping the Iranian nuclear program and transforming the entire region through regime change.
‘A Relationship in Crisis’
As Israel marks 62 years of independence, how much is the relationship between our nations deteriorating? Why? What is Obama overlooking on the part of the Palestinians while he scolds Israel for new construction? How much leverage does the U.S. have against Israel? And how does Israel plan against a nuclear Iran when no one seems to know how soon Iran will have nuclear weapons? We ask Clifford May, president of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
Is the Constitution Unconstitutional?
A federal judge in Wisconsin declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. Liberty Counsel Chairman Mathew Staver says that flies in the face of 200 years of precedent and the clear intent of the founders expressed in the first amendment. So where should the line be drawn on government involvement in religion? Does encouraging prayer diminish those who don’t pray? Why did the judge really make this decision? And what advice does Staver have for those who are offended by the National Day of Prayer?
The News
Iraqi forces lead the way in killing top two Al Qaeda leaders in Iraq, U.S. admits having no plan to deal with nuclear Iran, public distrusts government by wide margin, Iceland volcano still grounds most air traffic, Oklahoma City marks 15 years since 1995 bombing.
A Tale of Two Countries
Retired U.S. Navy Captain Chuck Nash says things are looking good in Iraq – not only because the top two Al Qaeda leaders were killed in the same mission but because Iraqis led and succeeded in carrying out a very tough operation. So how far have the Iraqis come and how degraded is Al Qaeda in Iraq? But Nash says the admission that the U.S. does not have a real plan for a nuclear Iran shows just how much we’ve dropped the ball on that issue. How have we done so little to prepare for a nuclear Iran? What will deter them? Listen here…
Airlines Suffering Huge Losses
Airline industry expert and veteran airline reporter David Field explains how much money the airlines are losing as the Icelandic volcano continues to ground tens of thousands of flights. Why is this ground halt so expensive? How long will it take to get the flight schedule back to normal once the skies are clear? We’ll also get David’s thoughts on the debate over charging fees for carry-on bags.
Squelching Religious Freedom
Now that health care legislation has passed, openly gay Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank is pushing the latest element in the homosexual agenda – the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. What does this bill supposedly do? What would it really force employers to accept in the workplace? Why do many believe it will take important rights away from Christian and non-Christian employers around the country? What it the outlook for this bill in Congress? We ask Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel.
The News
An ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland is causing the worst disruption of air travel since the days after 9-11, and experts can’t say when it will end. President Obama says Tea Party activists should be thanking him because he’s lowered their taxes. Civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Hooks and former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates have died.
Capitol Steps Discourage Scott Brown Copycats
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown was elected senator back in January, despite being a Republican and despite posing in a revealing manner for a women’s magazine almost 30 years ago. The Capitol Steps say the latter move may not have hurt Brown’s bid for office, but it would be horrific for most other members of Congress.