Episode 940: Arnie Arnesen Attitude March 19 2026

Part 1:We talk with Jen Fifield, reporter for ProPublica.We discuss the seizure of copies of Maricopa Co. (AZ) ballots by Republicans, apparently attempting to show that Trump won that county in 2020. We examine the pretexts, and and also examine the history of those ballots. This may be a prelude to 2026 and 2028 election interference by Trump.Part 2:We talk with Mechelle Dickerson, Prof. of Law at the University of Texas.We discuss how the changes made in the period after WWII have created the America middle class. This group is now under assault, and fragile. American workers are constantly in danger of falling off the economic cliff into poverty. They have been conditioned to look "sideways and down" at other workers as the causes of their economic fragility, rather than "up" at the bosses, who are responsible. We discuss possible 'fixes' for the situation that now exists.  WNHNFM.ORG  production Music: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Sasha Abramsky, writer, reporter.We discuss the movement of the US to a christian nationalistic theocracy, led by people who are not Christians, but are using the rhetoric to control their followers. They revel in war atrocities, control aspects of religious lives, and create economic anxiety. Experts in governance have been eliminated, and we are now reaping the results of the politics of idiocy.Part 2:We talk with David Gans, Director of Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Citizenship Programs at the Constitutional Accountability Center.We discuss the attempts by the Republicans to eliminate mail-in voting. Currently, according to the Constitution, the states are the regulators of the vote. These attempts infringe on states' rights. More than 30% of votes in the US in 2020 were mail-in votes. Who will be affected if mail-in voting is gone? WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

Part 1:We talk with Anders Croy, Communications Director for DeSantis Watch in Florida.We discuss the problem of lawmakers in Florida, who have NOT fulfilled their constitutional responsibility to produce a balanced budget for Florida. The top priority now is affordability. We discuss the role of property taxes, insurance premiums and income taxes in Florida.Part 2:We talk with Zachary Levenson, Associate Prof. of Sociology at Florida International University.We discuss how certain topics may no longer be taught due to the 'anti-woke' Act. There are no existing sociology texts that comply with this Florida law, in effect stifling all discussion of social and political issues. Oral directives are being sent to professors about this 'ruling', likely to avoid lawsuits citing freedom of speech issues.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: "Coming to America", Neil Diamond, 1980

This is a panel discussion.The panelists are: Ryan Cooper, Laura Jedeed, Stephen Pimpare, Jamie RowenThe topics are:-- increasing antisemitism, especially among young men in the US-- Trump consolidating propaganda network by taking over more and more news outlets-- Hegseth's rhetoric-- disruption in the oil price, due to the war, and Iran's determination to NOT give up what is an existential struggle-- The SAVE act will likely be selectively enforced-- attacks on veterans who need mental health services, and the threats to institutionalize them-- Epstein still a topic among Americans WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: "It's all right", The Impressions, 1963

Part 1:We talk with Egberto Willies of Texas.We discuss the primary elections just held, and the election of a new Democratic Party Chair in Houston.Part 2:We talk with Bil Curry and Robert Hockett.We discuss the Iran war, and the results in the Middle East. The "video game" war prosecuted by Hegseth is dangerous for the US and the Middle East.Is this a war to restore 'lost empires"? WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: "That's how empires fall," John Pine, 2015

Part 1:We talk with Arthur Allen, of KFF Health News.Mr. Allen describes the informal health care networks that have developed in the face of ICE actions, which caused many people to be afraid to leave their homes for health care, school, food shopping, or other tasks. This was especially true in Minneapolis. Should this be replicated in other cities when under this kind of siege?Part 2:We talk with Sarah Anderson, who directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies and co-edits Inequality.org. Anderson’s research covers a wide range of international and domestic economic issues, including trade, finance, inequality, and budget policies.We discuss how large corporations do not adequately pay their employees, and thus are subsidized by the welfare system. Most people who are getting 'welfare' assistance of various kinds are working, but simply not getting paid enough. Minimum wage has not changed in decades, even as the cost of living has risen greatly. WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: John Pine, "That's how every empire falls,"  2015

Part 1:We talk with Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani, Deputy Editor, Breaking News, The New Republic.We discuss the situation in Iran, with no plans in sight for either the continuation of the war, and no plans for outcome, only Trump's 'feelings' and whims. What are Netanyahu's desires for Iran? It appears that continued chaos and instability are what Israel is pursuing in the Middle East.Part 2:We talk with John Last, a Canadian freelance journalist. We discuss the MAGA Plot to Take Down Canada. A growing movement of MAGA Albertan separatists would happily break up the country to be closer to Trump. We discuss what may happen as a result.  WNHNFM.ORG productionMusic: "I'd love to change the world," Ten Years After, 1971

Part 1:Leonard S. Hyman and Bill Tilles talk to us about rising electricity costs in the US.We discuss why costs are rising, and the effects of increased costs to come: most generating plants are old and must be upgraded. There is certain to be more demand. We discuss how the price of natural gas is the 'price setter' for fuels.Part 2:We talk with Amy LIttlefield. We discuss how the anti-abortion forces have, over time, killed the right to abortion. We note that the first to be attacked on this issue was poor women, and now this right has been abrogated for all American women.  WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: ""That's how every empire falls." John Pine, 2015

This is a panel discussion. The members of the panel are: Chris Lehmann, David Levinthal, Lincoln Mitchell, Stephen PimpareThe topics:- Pete Hegseth's posturing, less safety for Americans- Constitutional safeguards are gone- talk of impeachment for Trump- the chances of a free and fair election in 2026- advice:-- do not vote alone-- do not obey in advance- the actual weakness of the Republican partyWNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: John Pine, "That's how every empire falls," 2015

Part 1:We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report in Texas.We discuss the Texas primary elections and the high turnout of voters. We discuss not only the Senate, US House candidates, but also the local candidates in Texas.Part 2:We talk with Bill Curry and Tim Noah, staff writer for The New Republic..We discuss the subpoenas issued to Bondi, Noem, and others. The Labor Secretary's husband, who has been barred from entering the building because of sexual harassment issues was also discussed.We also discuss the likely future of any regime in Iran.  WNHNFM.ORGMusic: John Pine, "That's how every empire falls," 2015