Episode 879: Arnie Arnesen Attitude December 23 2025

Our guests this day are:: Egberto Willies, Bill Curry, and Laura JedeedPart 1:We talk with Egberto Willies, activist, podcaster, journalist.We discuss the question that was asked during a congressional hearing: "What does a migrant look like?"Scotus has ruled that the National Guard is not authorized to deploy to Chicago or Illinois, a defeat for Trump. The approval ratings for SCOTUS is lower than ever before, just as Trump's approval ratings are.We discuss the education vouchers in Texas, which are not popular, though the governor has pushed them through, to please Trump.Part 2:We talk with Bill Curry and Laura Jedeed.Laura reported on the "Americafest" which has exposed the splits within various factions of the MAGA movement. Erika Kirk endorsed JD Vance for president in the 2028 election.The major networks are being silenced, and no criticism of the administration is allowed. The 60 Minutes cancellation of a the Salvadoran prison story shows the effects of government pressure.  WNHNFM.ORG production Music: David Rovics

This is a special edition for Christmas Day, 2025This program consists of several segments.The first segment introduces us to Prof. Nora Gilbert, who has researched the film "It's a Wonderful Life" as an allegory for human lives today. We interview her about her thoughts.The second segmentThis program celebrates the ideas and ideals in the film, "It's Wonderful Life."At a time when problems persist in Pottersville, George Bailey is considering whether he should have been born, or whether he should commit suicide. This film explores the things that are important in George's life, and what should be important in our lives, no matter the external factors that affect us. These could be financial, environmental, or political. The film can let the viewer see what is possible, when connecting with others in our lives.We hear a reading of the article Prof. Gilbert wrote.The third segment has remarks from other thinkers in this vein.The last segment is a discussion of a Mummers' Play, and how it also reinforces the idea of personal commitment to connect with others to create the changes one wants.  WNHNFM.ORG production 

Part 1:We talk with Dr. Douglas Teschner, co-author of"Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times".We discuss how we can talk with and attempt to connect with people who have wildly different political opinions from us. How to get over the tribalism that that now pervades in the US.Part 2:We talk with Prof. Jonathan Feingold, of Boston University, School of Law, and co-creator of Race Class.#RaceClass Ep. 51 | Trump Makes Whiteness Great AgainArnie and Jon discuss JD Vances openly white supremacist screed at last weeks Turning Point USA conference AmericaFest. Alongside remarks defending racist speech, Vance proclaimed that In the United States of America you dont have to apologize for being white anymore. As others have observed, this language invokes white supremacists from the past century " including leading southern Klansmen. Vances comments followed the Department of Justice eliminating disparate impact liability from its civil rights enforcement and the EEOC asking white men to file discrimination complaints when they feel victimized by DEI. Its increasingly hard to deny that segregation is the goal. Beyond putting everyone in their place, the Trump regime wants to normalize all of the hate-filled and empirical fraught racial and gender tropes that rationalized pre-civil rights America.Jonathan FeingoldProfessor of LawBoston University School of [email protected] | #RaceClass Podcast | researchWNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Umair Irfan, VOX correspondent.We discuss home preparedness for climate disaster events. In particular, we discuss how home buyers should approach buying homes that will be affected by climate activity. Zillow no longer provides this information about its listings. Other real estate companies may, and potential buyers should be aware of possible losses due to climate events. Homeowners insurance companies may choose not to write policies, or pay out in the event of a disaster.Part 2:We talk with Brett Murphy, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter with ProPublica.We discuss how the elimination of budgets to USAID has affected different regions of the world that used to get aid. Lack of aid and other support has caused deaths. We talk about how the administration has hidden all the actions that have caused this misery.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Our guests are: Lincoln MitchellJamie RowenDavid LevinthalStephen PimpareThis is a panel discussionThe topics:-What should be included in any 'recovery' from Trump's tenure-The Democratic Party performed an assessment of their performance, but did not publicize the result.- Many congressional races are scheduled.Part 2:-Recent murders: Australia, The Reiners, Brown University- Anti-Semitism- Epstein files- Lack of progress on health care fundingWNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report.We discuss Texas, which will likely have a pivotal year. School vouchers, the declining state budget, rise in communicable diseases due to lack of immunization, deteriorating infrastructure, and changes to property taxes, will all have effects.Part 2:We talk with Bill Curry and with Robert Hennelly.We discuss what is happening in Congress. Discharge petitions that the Speaker did not want have gone forward: The Epstein documents are to be released, and matters around the ACA are being discussed, though it is unlikely that Republicans will approve extension of the subsidies. Collective bargaining issues for federal employees are also being attacked by Republicans.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Kenny Torella, senior reporter for Vox.We discuss how meat animals are raised and processed in the US, and in the increasing use of antibiotics as a prophylactic in animal husbandry. This contributes to antibiotic resistance when used to actually treat disease.Part 2:We talk with Peter Greene, a educator and writer about education.We discuss how the use of vouchers acts as a sorting mechanism to divide students by race and income, and the effect on education in general. WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Nancy Levine Stearns, a freelance journalist who covers corporate social responsibility.We discuss the complaint filed by Stephen Miller against the NFL for their DEI practice. Miller objects.Part 2:We talk with Lincoln Mitchell, Professor at Columbia University, who teaches political science. He is also the author of several books.We discuss the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife.We also discuss the seizure by the US of Venezuelan oil cargo ships, under flimsy pretenses. This kind of high seas piracy will cause long term damage to US shipping, making US ships targets for retaliation.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Kalena Thomhave, a freelance journalist.We discuss the status of health aides and other health care workers, whom the administration is reclassifying as "companions", as a way of not including them in the minimum wage system, and deprofessionalizing their work. What implications are there for individuals? Part 2:We talk with Nora Gilbert, Professor of Literary and Film Studies, and Distinguished Teaching Professor, University of North Texas.We discuss the messages in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", and the parallels to the present day US.WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

This is a panel discussion in two parts.Part 1:- We note the 25th anniversary of Bush v. Gore, and discuss the circumstances.- What is the relevance of the US Constitution, since it appears that it is being ignored by the administration, with the collusion of the Supreme Court. Perhaps the reality is that the document was really designed to protect the wealthy, land-owning class (white, male)Part 2:- We discuss the farmer 'bailout', which will help mostly large agribusiness.-Scott Bessent, the 'fake farmer'-Elections to note are local, rather than national.- How can the country recover after Trump? WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics