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

Jordahl, Quezada Interview – Podcast March 13, 2023

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

GOP Attacks On The First Amendment Continue. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome attorneys Mik Jordahl and Martin Quezada to discuss bills that are being introduced in Republican-controlled legislatures across the country that would restrict free speech. Some of the bills would force government contractors to sign agreements that they and their employees will not boycott companies representing a long list of Republican issues, such as fossil fuels or firearms. Other bills would prohibit states and cities from investing in certain industries, for example, such as green energy.

In essence, both types of bills are a backdoor way to stop the necessary environmental and societal changes that are occurring. “It’s politicizing investment and government work,” says Jordahl. “Where does that end?”

Quezada, who recently lost his bid to become Arizona State Treasurer, explains one of the issues that Republicans used against him during his campaign was his commitment to ESG (Environmental and Social Governance), a tool used to evaluate investment risk that he and most investment managers use to make informed decisions and to evaluate risk. “In my campaign, it was described as woke investing.”

Asked who the bills benefit, Jordahl responds that it’s the fossil fuel companies, the firearms industry and anti-abortion groups. Not surprisingly, many of them are GOP donors.

Posted in Arizona Politics, Business Cultural Change, Capitalism, Civil Liberties, Climate Change, Conservative Paranoia, Constitutional Issues, Corporations, Democratic Governance, Domestic Extremism, Environment, Environmental Issues, Environmentalism, Ethics, Fiscal Policy, Government, Human Rights, Interviews, Investment Banking, Legal Issues, National Politics, Public Accountability, Public Policy, Public Private Collaboration, Special Interest Legislation, U.S. Court System | Comments Off on Jordahl, Quezada Interview – Podcast March 13, 2023

What Happened To The GOP? – Podcast March 6, 2023

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

The Decline Of The Republican Party Into Fascism.
Steve Williamson, Karen McClelland and Gary LaMaster discuss the modern-day GOP.  How did it happen? What does it mean for the US? No longer the majority political party and no longer conservative, the GOP maintains power only through its cultivation of the culture war combined with lies and fearmongering.

To demonstrate how depraved the party has become, Steve cites Trump’s fascist-style speech at the recent CPAC conference: “In 2016, I declared I am your voice. Today, I add, I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution,” he said. That statement could be likened to those made by autocrats and dictators throughout history. Or, perhaps as Karen says, a Marvel movie villain.

In the same speech, Trump described his own party this way, “We had a Republican Party that was ruled by freaks, neocons, globalists, open borders zealots and fools, but we are never going back to the party of Paul Ryan, Karl Rove and Jeb Bush.”

Though many have embraced Republicans like Trump out of the fear of societal change, Gary believes we must compare their statements against their actions. “They call themselves patriots. But they are trying to destroy our government. They claim to support freedom. But they are trying to limit the freedom of others. They claim to be anti-crime. But they have made military-style weaponry available to everyone, including criminals.”

Posted in Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Capitalism, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Civil Society, Climate Change, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Cultural Change, Cultural Diversity, Democratic Governance, Department of Justice, Disinformation, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Terrorism, Education, Elections, Government, Gun Control, Human Rights, LIberals and Conservatives, Misogyny, National Politics, Pharmaceuticals, Political Lies, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Education, States' Rights, Voter Suppression, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What Happened To The GOP? – Podcast March 6, 2023

Indicavitch Interview – Podcast February 27, 2023

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Fending Off Republicans’ Continuing Attacks On Education. Steve and Karen welcome Nicki Indicavitch, State Outreach Director for Save Our Schools Arizona. A mother of five kids, she became involved with the organization after discovering how difficult it is for public schools to buy the things necessary for education.

As part of her job, she spends much of her time lobbying the Republican-controlled legislature. But, she says, “This legislative session has been different. We do have a governor there who has been really clear that she will veto bills that are dangerous for kids, dangerous for communities, and bad for schools.” Nevertheless, she says, many of the same dangerous bills have been introduced again this year. “They kind of have their bills sent to them by out-of-state organizations. They’re not really Arizona bills. They’re just bills from any special interest that Republicans are willing to drive forward.”

According to Indicavitch, many of the Republicans’ culture war bills are simply fundraising tools. And they defy reality. “I mean we’re talking about banning books while kids are running around with cellphones that have access to literally anything they want at all times. What you should be talking about is how to retain teachers,” she says. “Because that’s a real problem. That’s an actual crisis for our kids that’s being ignored for some of these really toxic culture wars.”

“The reality is that today…almost a quarter of Arizona classrooms are struggling to get an educator or don’t currently have one. This has been chronic in Arizona. Teachers do not want to be in our state or in our classrooms. And one of the things I think that [Governor] Hobbs has done a really good job of explaining is that we don’t have a teacher shortage. We have plenty of credentialed teachers in this state. We have teachers that are unwilling to enter our classrooms as they stand today. You’re asking teachers to take shockingly low pay, a very high class size without resources that they know their students need, and then you also pile on the fact that the Republican Party is declaring war on them through these culture war issues.”

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Conspiracy Theories, Cultural Change, Domestic Extremism, Education, Education Funding, Education Policy, Government, Interviews, Local Politics, National Politics, Political Polarization, Privatization, Public Education, Special Interest Legislation | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Indicavitch Interview – Podcast February 27, 2023

Work Interview – Podcast February 20, 2023

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Compassion In Politics? Steve and Karen welcome Robertson Work back to the show. A former UN employee and teacher, he is currently an activist, writer, and poet. One of his most noted books is A Compassionate Civilization: The Urgency of Sustainable Development and Mindful Activism – Reflections and Recommendations.

He claims compassion is our very nature. Yet our politics are driven by fear and anger. And, as a society, we are causing irreparable harm to our planet. Work says that when we become fearful it becomes all about me. We have to acknowledge that we’re all connected. “How do we invent a society that cares for everyone and cares for nature?” he asks. “It’s possible. We can do it.” As for dealing with fear, Work says, “We can be kind to even those we disagree with. That’s so important – to be kind and include rather than be judgmental and exclude.

He goes on to explain that anger, fear and a lack of understanding are the result of being separated from others. “We are separated in our houses, our online bubbles,” he says. “How do we work through those bubbles? We chat.” He adds that we need to let go of ego, recognize others and listen to them. “It’s not about me. It’s about the group. Be careful of your words when speaking to others. Your gestures. Your actions.”

Asked how we can get in a more compassionate frame of mind, Work suggests taking time with nature. Being mindful. He recommends meditation, saying, “It’s a simple practice. Being aware of your mind. Being aware of your body, of others.” He advises, “Stop thinking and just be.”

Posted in Bigotry, Biodiversity, Civil Society, Compassion, Cultural Change, Environment, Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Human Rights, Interviews, LIberals and Conservatives, Mass Extinction, Mass Migration, Misogyny, Morality, National Politics, Philosophy, Political Polarization, Refugees, Wilderness Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Work Interview – Podcast February 20, 2023

Bahr Interview – Podcast February 13, 2023

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Thirsty For Solutions. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Sandy Bahr back to the show. Bahr is a long-time representative of the Arizona Chapter of the Sierra Club and spends a great deal of her time lobbying the Arizona legislature on behalf of the environment. In recent years, much of her focus has been on the growing scarcity of water in Arizona and the rest of the Southwest.

“The water in the Colorado River has always been overallocated even without the extended drought – the impacts of climate change – there wasn’t enough water for all of the straws that were being put into the river. And so, there’s a structural deficit with the Colorado River to begin with.  And anyone who’s been paying attention can see that, over the years, the amount of water was dwindling and increasing problems. But the people in the legislature, and in the governor’s office, pretty much ignored it until it got to a point where it triggered shortages for Arizona.”

Regarding the bill passed by last year’s legislature, she explains that the focus is on importing water from outside the state of Arizona. “There’s some focus on conservation,” she says. “But not nearly enough.” It’s true that former Governor Ducey got the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to consider a proposal for a desalination plant in the Gulf of California. But there are huge problems with it, Bahr explains. “First of all, we know now that the governor of Sonora said ‘no’, we’re really not planning to do this. Two, there are environmental impacts. Putting brine in the Gulf of California is a problem. Running a pipeline through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a problem. And the cost is quite significant, as well,” says Bahr.

Meanwhile, she notes, the legislature this session is doing nothing about water. “You’d think that we don’t have a serious water problem if you look at the bills being considered.”

Posted in Arizona Politics, Climate Change, Domestic Extremism, Environment, Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Government, Interviews, Native American Issues, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Accountability, Water Policy, Wilderness Preservation | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Bahr Interview – Podcast February 13, 2023

Lenze Interview – Podcast February 6, 2023

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Balloons, Borders, And Bullies. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Professor Paul Lenze, Jr. back to the show to discuss recent events affecting US foreign policy. They begin by talking about the Chinese spy balloon that was shot down after crossing the U.S.

Lenze cautions, “I would be careful in calling it aggression because it wasn’t physical aggression. We don’t know if it was an error. China and the U.S. still have a relationship because we’re heavily dependent on each other’s economies.” As for Xi Jinping’s threat of China invading Taiwan, he says, “Given what’s happened with Ukraine, Xi is unlikely to invade Taiwan in the near term.”

Turning to Ukraine, Lenze says the one big surprise is that the countries of Europe banded together, especially given how reliant they have been on Russian gas. But, he notes, “Given the fact that he [Putin] is doubling down, I don’t think we’re going to see this end anytime soon.” He predicts that two things can happen: There could be enough domestic protests to cause Russia to leave. Or there could be negotiations.

To put these things in context, Lenze has written a new book called, Searching for Monsters to Destroy, American Foreign Policy in a Multi-polar World. It examines American power in the world and how it has declined since 2001. It also looks at how China and Russia have engaged with the US over the crises from 2001 to 2023.

Asked if America can and should maintain its position of power in the world, he says, “Yes…but we have to find common ground with emerging powers like China because we have shared interests.” Lenze claims the authoritarianism we see in the world is a byproduct of influence and colonialism over the years. He says, “We need to defend the liberal international order. But it’s going to be a challenging endeavor.”

Posted in Capitalism, China, European Union, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Interviews, Pandemic, Russia, Ukraine | Tagged | Comments Off on Lenze Interview – Podcast February 6, 2023

Jablow Interview – Podcast January 30, 2023

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

A Mayor Who Listens. Steve Williamson welcomes Scott Jablow back to the show. Recently elected as Sedona’s Mayor after eight years on the City Council, Jablow says one of the things he enjoys most about the office is contact with citizens. To that end, he encourages Sedona citizens to call him with their questions and input anytime between 7am and 8pm.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Jablow details some of the issues facing the City along with his hopes and plans for the future. He begins by saying there is hope on the horizon for the return of local control from the state legislature to Arizona’s cities. That would have major implications for a number of problems the City is facing, including short-term rentals.

Other issues discussed include workforce housing, the City’s plans for the Culture Park property, forest lands and more.

Posted in Civic Renewal, Community, Democratic Governance, Development, Environmental Issues, Federal Lands, Fiscal Policy, Government, Health Care, Housing, Interviews, Local Politics, Public Accountability, Public Lands, Public Service, Regulation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jablow Interview – Podcast January 30, 2023