Episode 876: Arnie Arnesen Attitude December 18 2025

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

Part 1:We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report in Texas.We discuss Texas political news. Jasmine Crockett has entered the race for the US Senate. We also discuss the of the additional five congressional districts, which the Supreme Court has approved for Texas, established by Gov. Abbott to please Trump.There are 68 days before the primary votes for 2026 in Texas. We also discuss the likely problems Republicans might face, in the expectation that Texas will be running deficits in the near future, due to the economic slowing due to Trump policies.Part 2:We talk with Bill Curry and Robert Hockett.We discuss the national economy, which has caused less security. The middle class has less disposable income, and is shrinking. The "Yeomen", the middle class (the producers of wealth) are being decimated. We also discuss the future of health care in the US.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Mark Joseph Stern, Slate Senior Writer.We discuss the actions of the US Supreme Court, and the cases they are now considering. Vaccinations for schoolchildren, religious exemptions to health initiatives, the power of the president with respect to dismissing the heads of independent agencies.Part 2:We talk with Susan Milligan, Contributing Editor, The New Republic.We discuss how large corporations who publish emissions data have been inaccurate in these publications, and the implications for climate effects. Often, executive compensation is linked to 'good' reports', but these are not accurate, and often revised after they have been published. These publications are voluntary, though may become mandatory in California, the fourth biggest economy in the world.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Harold Meyerson, Editor-at-large at The American Prospect.We discuss the foreign policy now in place in Trump's administration: White Christians only are our friends. All others, no matter how long they have been allies of the US, are not acceptable.Part 2:We talk with Aaron Regunberg, Contributing Editor for The New Republic.We discuss whether child endangerment charges should be brought against Zuckerberg, for the policies of Facebook, Instagram, etc. These applications are designed to be addictive, and to attract children and young users, who are targeted by adults for sexual and other reasons. There are at least 1/4 M interactions between children and adults daily on these platforms. Decisions about allowing this are made by company executives, with no real oversight.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Whitney Curry Wimbish, staff writer at The American Prospect, and with Emma Janssen, writing fellow at The American Prospect.We discuss the role of the middlemen in American health delivery systems. This applies to decisions about diagnostic tests, treatment, and drug and medical device use. These middlemen, employed by the large pharmaceutical and medical insurance companies, decide when or if patients are allowed to have tests, treatments, or drugs. They may not have any medical expertise but base their decisions on costs rather than medical necessity.Part 2:We talk with Michael P. Goodyear, Associate Professor of Law at NYU School of Law.We discuss a case now before the Supreme Court dealing with Internet Access. What "illegal acts" and what "actions" would necessitate the cutoff of Internet Access? Who should be punished, and how?  What fines should be imposed?WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

This is a panel discussion.The Topics we covered were:- The grand jury NOT indicting Letitia James, despite Trump's insistence- The criminalization of the US Justice Department- Destruction of Venezuelan fishing vessels, and subsequent killing of survivors- A 'gut renovation' needed of Congress, the Supreme Courtpart 2The need to show that solutions will be cheaper than the current methods for healthcare, food support and housing support for the needy.Everyone, both Democratic and Republican voters are disgusted with the current political system.The precarity of Americans.What is government for?Taxes should be reframed as a clawback from the rich.WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Natalia Contreras, who covers election administration and voting access for Votebeat in partnership with The Texas Tribune.We discuss how many Americans seem not to know how voting works. Some of this is that do not learn this as children, and much of this is the confusion because the mechanics of voting, voting laws, and procedures differ across states. We discuss the issues in Texas, specifically.Part 2:We talk with Aaron Rosenthal and Laura Jedeed.Aaron Rosenthal is the Research Director with North Star Policy Action, a think tank dedicated to improving the lives of working Minnesotans. In this role, he leads the organization's research efforts on issues ranging from building clean energy infrastructure to wage theft.Laura Jedeedis a freelance journalist who primarily focuses on the American conservative movement. Her bylines include The New Republic, Rolling Stone, and Politico, and you can find her newsletter at BannedInYourState.comWe discuss Trump's pardons. We also discuss the strikes on fishing boats from Venezuela, on the assertion that they are smuggling drugs. We also discuss the attacks by the administration on Somalis, focused on the largest group, in Minnesota. The ICE 'enforcement' actions are designed to terrorize what are perceived as "unsympathetic" groups, be labeling them as undesirable.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics