Common Sense Compilation 125-149

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”Mad About Torture – Common Sense 125 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date:Mon, 19 May 2008

Description: How will our grandchildren view our decision to use torture in the War on Terror? Dan gets mad just thinking about the long-term moral ramifications and the lack of accountability. Also: a Riffin on the News segment.

Show Notes:
1.”Wife of cleric Abu Omar testifies at U.S. spies’ trial in Italy” by Tracy Wilkinson, for The Los Angeles Times, May 15, 2008.
2.”Fat people blamed for global warming” by Patrick Sawer, for the U.K. Telegraph, May 17, 2008.
3.”Obama camp spies endgame in Oregon” by the Associated Foreign Press, May 17, 2008.
4.”UK seeks cluster bomb exemption” by Sangita Myska for BBC News, May 19th, 2008.
5. “Truth Serum” by Robert Samuelson for The Washington Post, May 14, 2008.
6.”Bush urges Mideast leaders to advance democracy” by Jennifer Loven, The Associated Press, May 18, 2008.
7.”I was tortured to confess, Pervez tells appeal court” by Kim Sengupta, The Independent (U.K.), May 19, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Way You Play The Game – Common Sense 126 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 27 May 2008

Description: In a weird show, a frustrated and ill Dan tries to make sense of the pro-torture emails he received after the last show. Also: The Libertarian Party sells out.

Show Notes:
1. “FBI, CIA Debate Significance of Terror Suspect Agencies Also Disagree On Interrogation Methods” byDan Eggen and Walter Pincus for the Washington PostDecember 18, 2007
2. “Junior: The clandestine life of America’s top Al Qaeda source” by Jane Mayer September 11, 2006[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Great Expectations – Common Sense 127″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008

Description: Dan breaks down the recent developments in the 2008 presidential race, and explains the downside of Barack Obama’s soaring oratory. Also: Should the News Media be “fair and balanced”?

Show Notes:
1.”Let the debates begin” by David Broder for the Washington Post, June 8, 2008.
2.”CNN reporter talks of pressure to be patriotic” by David Bauder,May 29, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The New Old Politics – Common Sense 128″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008

Description: Barack Obama makes a few moves that has Dan wondering if he isn’t a newer version of the same old political song-and-dance. Also: The benefits of watching the governmental sausage-making machine.
Show Notes:
1.”The Two Obamas” by David Brooks for The New York Times, June 20, 2008.
2.”Getting to know Obama” by David Broder for The Washington Post, June 22, 2008.
3. “White House uses executive privilege in EPA spat”by Erica Werner for the Associated Press, June 21st, 2008.
4. “Voted items at FCC are secret, agency says”by John Dunbar for the Associated Press, June 18, 2008.
5. “House Sends Senate Surveillance Measure” by Paul Kane for The Washington Post, June 21, 2008.
6. Jonathan Turley interview on “Countdown with Keith Olbermann”, June 19, 2008.
7. “High Stakes future of U.S. in Iraq hinges on fragile talks” by Robert Reid, for the Associated Press, June 22, 2008. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Kaputt – Common Sense 129″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008

Description: Is the U.S. political system broken? If so, Dan believes Americans need to be obsessed with fixing it. Everything from Impeachment to Generation X trash talking makes it into this show.

Show Notes:
1. “Anxious in America” by Thomas L. Friedman for The New York Times, June 29, 2008.
2. “Congress doesn’t want war powers” Timothy Noah for Slate [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The New Median – Common Sense 130″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008

Description: This show is mostly about things related to the current global economic situation. But Dan drags Paris Hilton, the “Chicken Little Gene”, Batman, Superman, terrorism, political land mines and Nazis into it too.

Show Notes:
1. “The Culture of Debt’” by David Brooks for The New York Times, July 22, 2008.
2. “U.S. Deficit estimate-biggest ever” by Andrew Taylor for the Associated Press, July 29, 2008.
3. “McCain: Bin Laden could face Nuremberg-like justice” by CNN, July25, 2008.
4. “Miliki votes for Obama” by Charles Krauthammer for The Washington Post, July 25, 2008.
5. “Admit it: The Surge is working” by Paul Greenberg for the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette, July 20, 2008.
6. “US envoy says Iraq insurgency has lost its clout” by Robert Burns for the Associated Press, July 24, 2008.
7. “House Committee Hears The “I-Word”” by CBS News/AP, July 26, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Intoxicated Priorities – Common Sense 131 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008

Description: A tragic mistake in an anti-drug raid has Dan questioning our priorities in the Drug War. Also: It’s the Revenge of the Former Communists as China and Russia have newsworthy weeks that Dan finds unsettling.

Show Notes:
1. “Police clear name of Md. mayor after drug raid’” by Brett Zongker for the Associated Press, August 8, 2008.
2. “Prince George’s raid prompts call for probe” by Doug Donovan for the Baltimore Sun, August 8, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Confronting the Hydra – Common Sense 136 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008

Description: The USA’s budgetary 3-headed Hydra is Dan’s target in a monologue that sounds like it is really part two of show #135’s monologue. Also, Dan channels Presidents Lincoln and Eisenhower to make a point about unity.

Show Notes:
1. “Are We Rome?” by Cullen Murphy.
2. “Vote drives defended, despite fake names” by Richard Danielson for the St. Petersburg Times, October 14, 2008.
3. “Ohio Elections chief appeals court ruling” by the Associated Press, October 16th, 2008.
4. “Still to Come, the Third-Party Debate by Leslie Wayne, the New York Times Politics Blog, October 15, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Imperial Invoice – Common Sense 135 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 03 Oct 2008

Description: Could there be an eventual upside to the current economic crisis? Dan thinks there might be. He also spends a lot of time feeling “vindicated” and talking about himself and the show a lot. Blah, blah blah.

Show Notes:
1. “A shattering moment in America’s fall from power” by John Gray for the Sunday Observer, September 28, 2008.
2. “The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers” by Paul Kennedy.
3. “Free speech? Speak correctly — or build a big bunker” by Kathleen Parker for the Orlando Sentinel, October 1, 2008.
4. “Case closed: The Rosenbergs were Soviet spies” by Ronald Radosh for the Los Angeles Times, September 17, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Immediate Gratification – Common Sense 134 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008

Description: Was it just plain Greed that led to the recent bloodletting in the U.S. financial sector or was there more going on? Dan has some Martian thoughts on the subject. Also: Riffin’ on the News.

Show Notes:
1. “From the Gut” by Thomas Friedman for the New York Times, September 9, 2008.
2. “U.S. Troops repelled from Pakistani border: Officials” by Agence France-Presse, September 15, 2008.
3. “Pakistan orders troops to open fire if U.S. raids” by Stephen Graham for the Associated Press, September 16, 2008.
4. “Joint Chiefs head, Pakistanis meet as airstrike kills six” by Nahal Toosi for the Associated Press, September 18, 2008.
5. “Saudi: OK to kill owners of ‘immoral’ TV networks” by the Associated Press, September 12, 2008.
6. “NATO rapid-response unit proposed to address fears about Russia” by Julian Barnes and Paul Richter for the Los Angeles Times, September 19, 2008.
7. “Russia defies West on Georgian pullout” by Steve Gutterman for the Associated Press, September 21, 2008.
8. “Proposed new FBI rules draw civil liberties worries” by James Vicini for Reuters News Service, September 12, 2008.
9. “History will judge” by Charles Krauthammer for The Washington Post, September 22, 2008.
10. “The American secessionist streak” by Christopher Ketcham for The Los Angeles Times, September 10, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”McCain’s “Hail Mary“ – Common Sense 133 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008

Description: Will John McCain save his campaign with the unorthodox choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate? Dan suggests a little candidate swap that might improve both political tickets. Also: Dan’s investigation fetish.

Show Notes:
1. “Miss July in the go-girl calendar’” by Kathleen Parker, for the Orlando Sentinel, September 4, 2008.
2. “If everyone’s talking, who will listen?” by Dusty Horwitt for The Washington Post, August 23, 2008.
3. “Obama might pursue criminal charges against Bush administration” by Elana Schor for the (UK) Guardian, September 3, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Biden Time – Common Sense 132 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008

Description: Barack Obama chooses a running mate that seems the antithesis of his message. Is Joe Biden the “Change we have been waiting for” Also: Dan explains why it is so hard to be him..

Show Notes:
1. “Mukasey: No prosecutions in Justice hiring scandal” by Mark Sherman for the Associated Press, August 13, 2008.
2. “White House details e-mail troubles” by the Associated Press, August 21, 2008.
3. “U.S. may ease police spy rules” by Spencer Hsu and Carrie Johnson for The Washington Post, August 15, 2008.
4. “Animal Rights Terrorism” by Frankie Trull for The Los Angeles Times, August 18, 2008.
5. “FDA says chemical found in plastic bottles is safe” by Matthew Perrone, for the Associated Press, August 15, 2008.
6. “Spike in measles cases fueled by vaccine fears” by Mike Stobbe for the Associated Press, August 22, 2008.
7. “60 Children Among Afghan Dead, U.N. Finds” by Carlotta Gall, for The New York Times, August 26, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”A Vote For None – Common Sense 137 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008

Description: It’s election time, and once again Dan is left wishing he could cast a legitimate vote for No One. Also: Another troubling policy change making it more likely the USA will clash with other nations.

Show Notes:
1. “Officials Say U.S. Killed an Iraqi in Raid in Syria” by Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker for The New York Times, October 28, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Permanent Division – Common Sense 138 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008

Description: The partisan blazes kindled during the campaign continue to intensify after the concession speeches. Dan talks about this and a number of election related issues. Also: Riffin of the News.

Show Notes:
1. “A Date with Scarcity” by David Brooks for the New York Times, November 4, 2008.
2. A  Nonviolent Revolution by Michael Calderone for politico.
3. “Bipartisan heat builds over use of bailout funds” by John Dunbar for the Associated Press, October 29, 2008.
4. “Memo to next president” by Robert B. Zoellick Special to The Washington Post Sunday, November 2, 2008.
5. “Petraeus says he’ll consider Pakistan criticisms” by Stephen Graham by the Associated Press November 06, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Betting on Corruption – Common Sense 141 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008

Description: If you like when Dan goes off on random tangents you will love this show (especially part two!). Dan talks about the latest corruption in government story and also looks for silver linings in anger and negativity.

Show Notes:
1. “Long Way to a Fall in Illinois” by David Broder for the Washington Post, December 11, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The U.S. of Earth – Common Sense 140 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 09 Dec 2008

Description: Should a global government replace the many nation-states that make up the modern world? Dan tries to defend his irrational, individualistic love of freedom. Also: Better living through chemistry.

Show Notes:
1. “And now for a world government” by Gideon Rachman for the Financial Times, December 8, 2008.
2. “Scientists back brain drugs for healthy people” by Malcolm Ritter for the Associated Press, December 8, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”39 Evasive Action – Common Sense 139″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008

Description: The early appointees to the Obama administration prompt a discussion of Competency versus Change. Also: The political consequences of the American people’s short-term memories.

Show Notes:
1. “President-Elect Promised Change, Picking Insiders” by Kevin Freking for The Associated Press, November 20, 2008.
2. “Activists Say Tobacco Settlement Is Being Wasted” by Steve LeBlank and Julie Carr Smyth for the Associated Press, November 20, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Samson Suicide Pact – Common Sense 142 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009

Description: Everyone wants Dan to discuss recent events between Israel and her neighbors. As usual, his views are likely to upset all sides. Also: will the latest global financial crisis increase Presidential power?.

Show Notes:
1. “Making Congress Moot” by George Will for the Washington Post, December 21, 2008.
2. “Time to reboot America” by Thomas Friedman for The New York Times, December 23, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Black Dog – Common Sense 143 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009

Description: Churchill called his bouts with depression “The Black Dog”, Dan sounds like he’s dealing with the same thing in today’s monologue. Also: Interview with U.S. Congressman Peter Defazio.

Show Notes:
None[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Defend Yourself – Common Sense 144 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Fri, 30 Jan 2009

Description: Do American taxpayers benefit from the U.S. foreign policy? Dan doesn’t think so and rails against super-patriots who think a large military is the definition of a strong America. Also: Would Yoo torture?.

Show Notes:
1. “Obama Made a Rash Decision on Gitmo’” by John Yoo for The Wall Street Journal, January 28, 2009.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Whoops! – Common Sense 145″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009

Description: Will Government efforts to combat the current economic downturn bear fruit? Dan gives his viewpoint. Also: Should Press and media prohibitions on showing the realities of war be relaxed?

Show Notes:
1. “Bailout Is a Windfall to Banks, if Not to Borrowers” by Mike McIntire for The New York Times, January 17, 2009.
2. “Wall Street’s Socialist Jet-Setters” by Maureen Dowd for The New York Times, January 29, 2009.
3. “If Spending Is Swift, Oversight May Suffer” by Robert O’Harrow Jr. for The Washington Post, February 9, 2009.
4. “U.S. Taxpayers Risk $9.7 Trillion on Bailout Programs” by Mark Pittman and Bob Ivry for Bloomberg News, February 10, 2009.
5. Big Budget Government expenditure data quoted in the show provided by Bianco Research.
6. “Family members of fallen soldiers urge President Obama to reverse photo ban on flag-draped coffins” by Daily News Staff Writer for The New York Daily News, February 10, 2009.
7. “4,000 U.S. Deaths, and a Handful of Images” by Michael Kamber and Tim Arango for The New York Times, July 26, 2008.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Continuity of Errors – Common Sense 146 ” icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009

Description: Why is it that U.S. foreign policy seems to stay the same no matter who is running the country? Dan compares the Bush and Obama policies in the Middle East trying to find a way to “win”. Also: Riffin on the News.

Show Notes:
1. “Mission Impenetrable” by William Pfaff for The International Herald Tribune, February 18, 2009.
2. “U.S. Concedes Afghan Attack Mainly Killed Civilians” byRichard Oppel Jr. for The New York Times, February 21, 2009.
3. The Center for a New American Security
4. “No Escape from Iraq for years to come” by Thomas Ricks, for The Washington Post (Syndicated), February 17, 2009.
5. “Global Security Newswire entry on missing nuclear material” by Katherine McIntire Peters, February 24, 2009.
6. “Bunning says he might sue if GOP backs another” by Roger Alford for The Associated Press, February 24, 2009.
7. “GOP punishing members who cross party lines” by Rachel Oswald for The Raw Story, February 24, 2009.
8. “New chapter in attempt to reform Security Council” by Edith M. Lederer for The Associated Press, February 18, 2009.
9. “Taxing Pot could become a political toking point” by Eric Bailey for The Los Angeles Times, February 24, 2009.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”A Little Less Evil – Common Sense 147″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009

Description: In this (long) episode Dan gets mad about both genocide and journalism…in that order. He has a pretty uncompromising viewpoint on both subjects. What else is new?

Show Notes:
1. “War Before Civilization: The Myth of the Peaceful Savage” by Lawrence H. Keeley.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Of Torches and Pitchforks – Common Sense 148″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009

Description: Populism is back in vogue and Americans are emulating the Boston Tea Party and exhibiting other signs of revolutionary discontent. Dan examines the issue as only a political alien can.

Show Notes:
1. “Bonfire of the Trivialities” by Charles Krauthammer for The Washington Post, March 19, 2009.
2. “Populism’s Virtues” by E.J. Dionne for The Washington Post, March 19, 2009.
3. “Does Tim Geithner Get It?” by Eugene Robinson for The Washington Post, March 19, 2009.
4. “What’s the dollar worth?” by Jack Cafferty for CNN.com, March 24, 2009.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Searching For Security – Common Sense 149″ icon=”microphone”][vc_column_text]Publish date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009

Description: The Obama Administration expands the government’s rationale for warrantless wiretapping and other activities that weaken the 4th Amendment protections of Americans. Also: Columnist and author Robert Samuelson.

Show Notes:
1. “Obama Administration Expands Bush’s Legal Defense of Wiretapping Programs” by John Byrne for The Raw Story, April 7 2009.
2. “The Great Inflation and its Aftermath: The past and future of American Affluence” by Robert Samuelson.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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