Epstein Interview – Podcast May 22, 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Good News And Bad News From The Arizona State Capitol. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Senator Mitzy Epstein, minority leader of AZ State Senate, to report on this year’s legislative session.

Epstein begins by detailing the nearly $18 billion budget that Democratic Governor Hobbs recently signed into law, saying, “The good news is that there are a lot of good projects that will be funded. And the bad news is that they’re all just one time. So, on the one hand there will be a lot of bridges and roads that will be built in various parts across the state. And we will make sure…I personally made sure…that our K12 schools have some inflation funding.  The bad news is we don’t have anything next year.”

Despite the giveaways and pet projects the Republican majority included in the budget, Epstein says, “There are some wonderful points of pride in this budget. In addition to the K12 funding for ongoing covering inflation we have another $200 million for school buildings. There’s also unprecedented, historically large amounts of funding invested for affordable housing and homelessness.”

Responding to a question about Governor Hobb’s record-setting number of vetoes, Epstein says, “There was a reporter who said that Governor Hobbs was the veto queen. But I maintain only because our [Republican] Speaker and [Senate] President are the bad bill kings.” She adds, ““As you may know, the House passed 95 bills in one day before we broke for recess. The real tragedy of that is, not only were obviously many of those bills very controversial and…full of hate. In addition to that, 95 bills in just a few hours means that none of them got a full debate. Going through 95 bills all in one day was irresponsible.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Budget, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Democratic Governance, Domestic Extremism, Education, Education Funding, Ethics, Government, Hunger, Infrastructure, Infrastructure Investment, Interviews, LIberals and Conservatives, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Accountability, Public Education | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Epstein Interview – Podcast May 22, 2023

Riemer Interview – Podcast May 15, 2023

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

How Climate Change Impacts Populations In Different Ways. Karen McClelland welcomes Northern Arizona University professor, Frankie Riemer, to discuss the climate crisis and how it relates to many of the other issues we face.

Riemer says, “I think that what’s at root in all of these issues is this notion of intersectionality. When we talk about all of these issues, whether we’re talking about abortion or climate change or inflation, we tend to think that it affects all of us the same way. But the reality is that it affects us differently. And things affect us depending on whether we’re old or young, whether we’re men or women, whether we’re able or ably challenged, whether we’re black, whether we’re white, whether we’re poor, whether we’re wealthy…and so, when we talk about climate change, we have to think about who does climate change affect.”

Using the typhoon threatening Myanmar as an example, she explains, “You think about what happens when you have to get out of the house. First of all, you have to have transportation, but in many places poor people do not have transportation. They’re lucky if they have bicycles…for women, they have to take their children. They have to make sure that their elderly parents also get out. Women are generally the caregivers, and so that means they’re not only looking out for themselves, but they’re looking out for everybody. Right? In addition, the poorer you are, the more difficult it is to get out.”

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Biodiversity, Business Cultural Change, Child Protection, Class Conflict, Climate Change, Compassion, Cultural Change, Cultural Diversity, Environmental Issues, Food Insecurity, Foreign Affairs, Global Warming, Government, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Income Inequality, International Relations, Interviews, Mass Migration, National Politics, Poverty, Race and Class, Racial Discrimination, Refugees, Water Policy, Women's Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Riemer Interview – Podcast May 15, 2023

Neiberg, Thearle Interview – Podcast May 8, 2023

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Addressing The Growing Epidemic Of Gun Violence. Guest host and Democratic Perspective contributor Stephen Hanks welcomes gun safety activists, Teresa Neiberg of Moms Demand Action and Marie Thearle of Everytown For Gun Safety, to discuss possible solutions to the growing number of senseless shootings and mass murders in the U.S.

After Hanks offers his own recommendations to address the public health crisis, he turns to his guests for their ideas. Thearle lists safe gun storage as one important component given that guns are now the leading cause of death of kids under 18 years of age. She says, “The issue of safe storage really highlights the fact that, in this country…we’re failing to find the right balance between rights and responsibilities.”

In addition to safe storage, Thearle also endorses reinstating the assault weapons ban explaining, “Every mass shooting, it’s the same type of rifle.” Other reasonable options she mentions are closing the background check loophole and increasing the training required to purchase a gun.

To enact change, Neiberg encourages volunteers to reach out to their legislators and to write letters to the editor. She also lists several activities taking place on Mothers’ Day weekend regarding the assault weapons ban. “What we’re saying is: We don’t want flowers. We don’t want a brunch. What we want is the assault weapons ban reenacted.” Neiberg adds that there will be weekend events going on across the state, including a march in northern Phoenix.

Posted in Arizona Politics, Child Protection, Civic Renewal, Civil Society, Community Activism, Conservative Paranoia, Constitutional Issues, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Violence, Elections, Firearms and Explosives, Firearms Legislation, Gun Control, Interviews, Law Enforcement, Mass Shootings, Morality, National Politics, Policing, Public Accountability, Regulation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Neiberg, Thearle Interview – Podcast May 8, 2023

Hanks, Liggett, Riemer Interview – Podcast May 1, 2023

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Abortion In The Aftermath Of Dobbs: What Comes Next? Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Stephen Hanks, Jodi Liggett, and Frankie Riemer to discuss the latest political ramifications of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v Jackson decision overturning Roe v Wade. In doing so, the court took away a constitutional right that had stood for nearly 50 years.

Following that decision, red states have quickly tried to push a national abortion ban while blue states have passed legislation creating abortion sanctuaries. Our panel tries to envision what happens next.

Riemer predicts ramifications for Republicans in the next election saying, “I think we’re seeing that this issue is not playing as well for the Republicans as they had expected. We had a series of elections recently in which abortion was a key issue and the Democratic candidates won.” Liggett says, “I agree…this is an issue that wins. People want families to be in charge of their own medical decisions. We see that in poll after poll. So, Democrats can lean into this issue and win.”

Hanks adds, “Here’s the thing that occurs to me: You can’t divorce any of this from the issue of voting rights and what gerrymandering has done nationally, especially in the red states.” He explains that although 60 percent of the country is for choice, Republicans can ignore those numbers and pass these draconian laws because they have taken control of state legislatures.

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Civil Liberties, Constitutional Issues, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Policy, Elections, Government, Health Care, Health Care Delivery, Health Care Policy, Human Rights, Interviews, LGBT Issues, Misogyny, Morality, National Politics, Pharmaceuticals, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Health Policy, Religion, Supreme Court, Theocracy, Voter Suppression, Voting, Women's Issues, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hanks, Liggett, Riemer Interview – Podcast May 1, 2023

Coyne, Sovich, Williams Interview – Podcast April 24, 2023

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

An Art Event That Can Entertain, Teach And Inspire. Steve and Karen welcome visual artists Mike Coyne, Sheena Sovich and Rob Williams to discuss the upcoming Open Studios event in Sedona and the Verde Valley this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 28-30) from 10 AM to 5 PM. This annual event is an opportunity to visit 31 artists’ studios, to ask questions, and possibly even watch them work.

For a list of artists, visit the website of the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition.

Posted in Art, Community, Education, Interviews | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Coyne, Sovich, Williams Interview – Podcast April 24, 2023

Westbrook Interview – Podcast April 17, 2023

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

The Latest Targets Of GOP Culture War. Steve and Karen welcome Brianna Westbrook, VP of the Arizona Democratic Party, to discuss political strategies and the GOP’s attack on transgender Americans which is designed to excite the party’s white “Christian” nationalist base. With gay marriage now accepted by most Americans and with a majority opposed to restrictions on abortion, Republicans needed a new set of “panic” issues to drive turnout for the 2024 election cycle. So, a GOP think tank cynically turned to Critical Race Theory and supposed transgender grooming.

As a transgender woman, Westbrook knows the impact of transphobia all too well. She notes, “We have a day of remembrance in November of every year when we recognize the individuals who have been murdered by hate crimes.” And she says there are many other issues facing the trans community, including discrimination in the workplace and discrimination in housing. “We are the most marginalized group in all…I would argue…the world.”

Westbrook is grateful for the election of Governor Katie Hobbs, saying, “It’s good to have a governor here in Arizona that is fiercely opposed to enacting the laws our state legislature puts through that are going to harm the community here in Arizona.”

Turning to her role within the Democratic Party, Westbrook is excited about the direction of the party. “I think we’re in a great position to take the legislature,” she says. “Republicans have nothing to run on besides selling fear. That’s what they do.”

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Civil Liberties, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Conspiracy Theories, Cultural Change, Disinformation, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Terrorism, Elections, Government, Health Care, Health Care Policy, Human Rights, Interviews, LGBT Community, LGBT Issues, Local Politics, Morality, National Politics, Political Parties, Public Education, Public Health Policy, Religion, Scandal Mongering, Theocracy, Voting | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Westbrook Interview – Podcast April 17, 2023

Haben, Fernatt Interview – Podcast April 10, 2023

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Double Dose Of Energy For Northern Arizona Democrats. Steve and Karen welcome Llama Habern and Julie Fernatt, co-chairs of the Verde Valley Yavapai Democrats. Following a highly successful campaign serving as Field Organizers during Arizona’s 2020 election, these two energetic women have taken on additional roles.

Habern is involved with the Democratic Party in many ways. She is Educational Coordinator of the Arizona Democratic Party, Precinct Committee Chair of the Yavapai County Democratic Party, Co-Chair of the Verde Valley Yavapai Democrats, and Field Organizer for Democrats of the Red Rocks.

Fernatt is also a Field Organizer for the Yavapai Democratic Party having transplanted her expertise and experience from Indiana.

Both truly enjoy the opportunity to meet Democrats and Independents. Habern describes her role(s) as connecting voters to information about issues, about candidates, about what we’re doing broadly. She says, “My favorite part of that is when we get to do field work: Talking to voters at their doors, on the phones. I just [enjoy] finding out what matters to them, what issues they care about and then making sure that we reflect that because our purpose is to serve the Democratic voters – Democrats and Independents – of the Verde Valley.”

Fernatt adds, “I think we’re trying to organize in a way that is going to open the doors to more people to get involved. We want people to understand that this isn’t a closed group. Any issue that you have you can bring to us and we’ll work with you to try to further your goals. So, we’re reaching out to youth. We’re trying to get young people more involved. We’re trying to reach out to the LGBTQIA community, to women, to people who are for gun safety, whatever it takes.”

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Community Activism, Elections, Government, Innovation, Interviews, LGBT Community, Local Politics, National Politics, Political Clubs, Political Parties, Public Service, Voting, Women's Issues | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Haben, Fernatt Interview – Podcast April 10, 2023

Fogel Interview – Podcast April 3, 2023

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

From Educating Children To Educating Voters. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Mike Fogel, former teacher, school principal, school board member, state senate candidate, and current chair of the Yavapai County Democratic Party.

In a county with two-and-a-half times as many registered Republicans as Democrats, Fogel is already making plans to defy the odds in 2024. And as proof that every vote counts, he points to the fact that, in 2020, the county delivered 45,000 votes to help elect Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and Attorney General Kris Mayes whose margin of victory was just 280 votes.

Fogel’s primary reason for optimism involves young people. “The average voter 18 to 35 will predominately vote Democrat at the same rate someone 65 and older will predominately vote Republican,” he says. “So, we need to focus our attention on that age group of 18 to 35. When we’re looking at young people, we know pretty much what’s on their minds. Climate change is huge…education is huge…and thirdly is reproductive rights.”

Emphasizing the importance of the next election, Fogel warns of a totalitarian and theocratic impulse in this country stating, “It’s not a stretch to say that the future of the United States runs through rural Arizona.”

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Autocracy, Campaign Finance, Civil Liberties, Civil Society, Climate Change, Community Activism, Constitutional Issues, Cultural Change, Democratic Governance, Demographic Trends, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Terrorism, Education, Elections, Global Warming, Government, Interviews, Local Politics, National Politics, Political Candidacy, Political Clubs, Political History, Political Parties, Public Accountability, Public Service, Voting, Women's Rights | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Fogel Interview – Podcast April 3, 2023

Sonderegger Interview – Podcast March 27, 2023

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Unifying Progressives For 2024. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Aubrey Sonderegger of PORT (Progressive Organizers Round Table), a group created to unify progressive organizations in northern Arizona. Sonderegger is a mother who says she got involved in politics after Trump got elected and wondered how she could ever look her 3-year-old daughter in the eye again if she didn’t do something to protect our democracy.

In addition to her leadership role in PORT, Sonderegger is building a council to promote ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) for the investment of taxpayer money. As you may know, ESG is under attack by the political right as part of its “War on Woke.” Indeed, Sonderegger notes that, at CPAC, ESG was the number one agenda item. Never mind that most experienced investment managers believe that considering the future impact of environmental, societal, and governmental issues only makes sense as a way of protecting investments. And more than 80 percent of companies voluntarily report on ESG.

All of these companies would be excluded from Arizona.

Yet, in a display of stunning Republican hypocrisy, the Republican-led Arizona legislature wants to prohibit state contracts with any group that talks about abortion or that boycotts Israel.

Asked what the most important issues are for 2024, Sonderegger says, “The things I think are probably the most important that cover everybody’s interests are going to be making sure that we stay on top of voters’ rights and making sure that people are aware of the ESG issues that affect so many of the things we’re working on. Outside of that, of course, education…the voucher issue is going to blow up in a big way here in the next few months. And the energy around the abortion restrictions is going to stay. That’s a long-term energy,” she adds.

To learn more about PORT, you can contact Sonderegger through her email: aubrey.sonderegger@gmail.com.

Posted in Arizona Politics, Civil Liberties, Community Activism, Democratic Governance, Domestic Extremism, Education, Education Policy, Elections, Environmental Issues, Fiscal Policy, Funding, Government, Interviews, Investment Banking, Monetary Policy, National Politics, Political Polarization, Public Health Policy, Tax and Investment Policy, Voting, Women's Issues, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sonderegger Interview – Podcast March 27, 2023

Casteen Interview – Podcast March 20, 2023

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Bigotry Under The Banner Of Religion. Karen McClelland welcomes Jeanne Casteen of Secular Coalition AZ. The organization is a lobbying group and watchdog for policies that erode the separation of church and state which is enshrined in the Constitution.

Article VI states “…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” And the First Amendment begins: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Of course, that also means freedom from religion. Yet many still want to force their religious beliefs onto others.

Lately, Secular Coalition AZ has been particularly watchful of the Christian Nationalists who have been elected to public school boards and pushing for book bans and discrimination against gay and trans communities. Casteen says, “Folks that just got sworn in at the beginning of January have already come in and really tried to disrupt. What we’re seeing is kind of…it seems like a movement, a strategy to bankrupt the district through lawsuits. I’ve heard there are many districts throughout the state where superintendents are not renewing their contracts because the board situation is so volatile, And I’ve watched some of these meetings where these superintendents are really under attack. At this point we don’t just have a teacher retention crisis. We have a principal retention crisis. We have a superintendent crisis.”

“I don’t understand how religion is used to teach bigotry, but that’s what we’re seeing here,” she says.

Posted in Anti-Gay Discrimination, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Child Protection, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Community Activism, Constitutional Issues, Cultural Change, Cultural Diversity, Democratic Governance, Demographic Trends, Domestic Extremism, Education, Education Policy, Elections, Government, Interviews, Legal Issues, LGBT Issues, Local Politics, National Politics, Political Polarization, Public Education, Public Policy, Religion, Theocracy | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Casteen Interview – Podcast March 20, 2023