TUESDAY: Rabbi Barry Weinstein and State Treasurer John Kennedy

January 27, 2015 Show Producer

HOUR ONE:

Rabbi Barry Weinstein joins us to comment on the Governor's recent prayer rally and the Israeli Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the United States. Weinstein gives a positive opinion on Jay Dardenne, the first Jewish state official in Louisiana.

He remembers a tornado that took his synagogue in Omaha in 1965.
Rabbi Weinstein says there are 12-15 synagogues in the state of Louisiana.

The Auschwitz prison camp was liberated 70 years ago today.

Rabbi Weinstein asserts that he himself has never experienced discrimination for his religion.

He affirms he did denounce David Duke when Duke ran for office in 1991.

"Republican parties have been more friendly and empathic to the state of Israel. I lament the current administration... I'm very proud of Israel, even with the weaknesses and mistakes," Weinstein says, "which we all have." He also comments on the war in Iraq and the state of Palestinians in Israel.

"What a marvelous rally it would have been if he would have said it was a rally for all religions and beliefs," Weinstein says of the recent prayer rally.

HOUR TWO:

State Treasure John Kennedy discusses Louisiana's budget. "We have to look at our spending side first," Kennedy says, "I don't think taxes will solve our problems... People want discipline."

The projected deficit for Louisiana for 2016 is over 1 billion dollars. 67% of the higher education budget has been cut over the past 7 years. Louisiana universities are about 35% below the national average of spending per student.

When asked if he is running for governor, Kennedy says, "I'm trying to work through and consider if, where, and how I can best contribute, but I haven't made a decision."

"49% of all of the children born this year will be born into families where the mother is not married to the father" is the biggest problem in our state according to Kennedy.

The Treasurer comments on the upcoming race for the governor and speculates about a potential presidential run for current Governor Jindal.

Republicans hold 31 governor offices and the majority of said governors engaged in the Grover Norquist Pledge.

MONDAY: Ravi Howard, C.B. Forgotston, George Glass, Jeff Sadow, and Mark Ballard

January 26, 2015 Show Producer

HOUR ONE:

Author Ravi Howard comments on his book, Driving the King, about singer Nat King Cole. Howard is a recipient of the Earnest Gaines Award. Howard says his interest in Nat King Cole began at a young age, "I took a tour of Montgomery when I was ten years old, and we saw his house and that was fascinating to me."

Political blogger C.B. Forgotston discusses Governor Bobby Jindal. Forgotston comments on the owner of the New Orleans Saints cutting out the Bensons. He also discusses the budget revenue for the capitol. "I expect him to be even less visible," Forgotston says of the prospect of Governor Jindal in the 2016 presidential race.

Author and psychiatrist, Dr. George Glass joins us to discuss his new book. Dr. Glass discusses how children of divorce feel and how this affects their relationships later in life. "People who grew up in the 50s and the 60s say that their parents were unhappy the entire marriage, and it won't hurt their child if they have a happy parent." Dr. Glass says of children of divorce, "Everybody wants to be special. They all feel like they don't have a place."

HOUR TWO:

Dr. Jeff Sadow from LSU Shreveport defends Governor Bobby Jindal. "Much of the rhetoric in the last six or so years has been very classed based trying to argue that those who are more advantaged aren't doing enough." Sadow also comments on the Governor's prayer rally. He asserts that the Governor is trying to occupy the space of the "social conservatives." Dr. Sadow thinks this rally will not hinder any votes for the Governor.

A listener comments, "politicians need to be politicians, and preachers need to be preachers," regarding the Governor's recent prayer rally.

Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate Mark Ballard to discuss the budget for the coming year. The Advocate is the number one newspaper in Louisiana.

"I think we are past the point where we think we can make cuts to higher education and have the results we want," Ballard says. "How can you run for president when you are unpopular at home?"

FRIDAY: Nick Abraham, Cynthia Rigby, Betsy Irvine, George Sells, and Henry Bushkin

January 23, 2015 Show Producer

HOUR ONE:

Reverend Dr. Cynthia Rigby and Minister Betsy Irvine to discuss Governor Jindal's prayer rally. They discuss the warring views of homosexuality among Christian groups. Irvine says, "Generally, the culture is moving in the direction of understanding that homosexuality is an orientation and not an abomination."

Dr. Rigby remarks, "I think it's always wrong when we are doing it {praying} for show and not being sincere."

A listener asks for advice about her religious friend who recently came out and how to deal with the spiritual repercussions. Dr. Rigby assures, "Of course, Jesus loves gay people."

The Covenant Presbyterian Conference will conclude on Dalrymple tomorrow to affirm that God "cherishes all human beings."

Former priest Nick Abraham joins the show to discuss his new book and the Governor's prayer rally tomorrow. Abraham comments on Governor Jindal's experience with an exorcism. http://blow.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/bobby-jindal-the-exorcist-pro-or-con/?_r=0

Abraham will host a book signing at the Citiplace Barnes&Nobles tomorrow at 2.

Abraham comments on the country's changing attitude toward the gay community and the refusal of some Christian groups to accept it. "I think fear is driving it. We're afraid of gays. This country is changing drastically..." says Abraham. He comments on the public prayer rally at the PMAC. Jim asks, "Is it necessary to pray in a closet for Jesus to love you?"

HOUR TWO:

Former WAFB anchor George Sells comments on the tenth anniversary of Johnny Carson's death. Sells says of Tom Snyder, "We called him "Snydely Whiplash.'" He tells stories about Tom Snyder and Johnny Carson. Sells comments on the impact of his career.

A listener notes that the O.J. Simpson trial started 20 years ago today.

Sells discusses David Duke and the recent media coverage with Steve Scalise.

He says there's a "delicate balance between what people should know and what they want to know."

Instant replay was invented in 1963.

When asked about the recent attacks in Paris, Sells says, "It's gonna get worse and worse."

Henry Bushkin, lawyer for the late Johnny Carson, remembers the tenth anniversary of Carson's death. Bushkin says, "Carson was never worried about Joan Rivers. He didn't think the audience could take her humor night after night."

"We found that she {Carson's second wife} was sharing an apartment with a well known football player, Frank Gifford." Bushkin says Carson used humor to get through most things in his life. "He was the endlessly witty, most fun person to be around," Bushkin says, "but he could also be the nastiest person in the room."

A listener asks if Carson was an alcoholic or just a heavy drinker. Bushkin replies with a definitive no.

Bushkin says that Carson never spoke about his wives after they divorced. He concludes, "One might consider him the best television personality in the United States."

THURSDAY: Steve Cochran, Bob Neese, Bert Jones, Albert Samuels

January 22, 2015 Michelle Southern

Hour 1

Steve Cochran - Director, Mississippi River Delta Restoration on BP and the Gulf Spill trial penalty phase.

BP is trying to get out of as many fines as possible citing falling oil prices. Cochran says it's been clear from the start who is responsible for the Deepwater Horizon Disaster. He says based on the data available so far, there is no plausible way for BP to argue on a scientific basis that there is no lasting damage to the Gulf.

He adds BP does not have a good history when it comes to accidents. Cochran says the work of restoring the coast in Louisiana is enormous and will require decades of work. BP money will help us pay for it.

Bob Neese with the Louisiana Public Broadcasting is up next to talk about Louisiana Young Heroes Day. It's happening Monday, April 27, 2015. The Young Heroes will be treated to a day full of activities including lunch on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion. The day will culminate in a banquet that night at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. Nominations are now open. For more information, call (800) 272-8161 or email kids@lpb.org.

Hour 2

We talk #DeflateGate with #LSU's 1976 NFL MVP Bert Jones of the #Colts. Patriots coach Bill Belichick claims ignorance of deflated footballs and blames QB Tom Brady. Jones, who knows Belichick, says the Patriots deflated ball controversy is a big much to do about nothing. Jones says he's known the Pats coach since he was 23 and he was and still is very serious about football.

Then we close the show with Albert Samuels, Chair of the Political Science Department of Southern University, discusses general politics and the future of Governor Bobby Jindal.

WEDNESDAY: Tim Muffitt, Mitchell Jackson, Beth Courtney, and Raymond Strother

January 21, 2015 Show Producer

HOUR ONE:

Conductor Tim Muffitt joins the show from the Baton Rouge symphony to promote Grammy Nominated Cellist Bion Tsang.

Mitchell Jackson, the winner of the Eighth Annual Gaines Literary Award comments on his new book, 'The Residue Years.' The Gaines Literary Award is a $10,000 prize for work from rising African-American fiction writers. Jackson says, "I was really just trying to tell the truth about what was happening in that area of Portland." He continues, "My story was kind of cliche... But what I think makes it stand out is the quality of the writing." Mitchell Jackson received an M.A. in writing from Portland State University and an M.F. A in Creative Writing from New York University. Jackson goes on to describe the racial tensions in his hometown, "I don't know if that segregation is ethnic and racial or social and economic." When asked if he thinks there should be more African-American writers, he affirms, but says, "There seems to be less emphasis put on the literary arts in school. If you don't have readers, you won't have writers."

Louisiana President of Public Broadcasting, Beth Courtney discusses the unveiling of the new digital media archive with Archivist Leslie Bourgeois. Courtney says, "Our mission: create TV worth watching and if that TV is worth watching, it is worth saving."

HOUR TWO:

Political consultant Raymond Strother discusses President Obama's State of the Union address. "Last night is perhaps the best State of the Union I have ever heard given by any president... sort of poetry in motion," Strother says, "Are we turning a new page? No, I don't think so." He comments on his past relationship with former President Clinton, "Clinton is a terrible rewriter." Strother remarks, "The Republican response last night was probably recorded two or three days ago..." Strother goes on to discuss Governor Jindal's remarks about the 'no-go' zones in London.

Raymond Strother worked handled the campaigns of the former Senator Mary Landrieu. Strother is also the author of Falling Up and Cottonwood.

Strother agrees with a listener, "The President did knock it out of the park last night." When the conversation returns to Governor Jindal, Strother comments, "He may run, but it's irrelevant." He continues, addressing the comments about the 'no-go' zones in London, "I guess he can only defend it now without looking like a fool, but he's still going to look pretty bad." Strother says, "Even Fox News apologized."

"Money rules all," Strother says of the trend of public sector presidents, "and you can trace money to the root of every problem we have." Strother says that Governor Jindal will limit himself to the majority by "courting the evangelical right wing voters" at the upcoming Prayer Rally in Baton Rouge.

TUESDAY: Juliet Huck, Steve Monaghan, Corey Saylor, Scott Wilfong, and Dayne Sherman

January 20, 2015 Show Producer

HOUR ONE:

Persuasion expert Juliet Huck comments on her book, Equation of Persuasion and discusses what makes a person a good communicator.

President of Louisiana Federation of Teachers Steve Monaghan discusses his battles with Governor Jindal on education legislation. Two years from now the 45th president of the United States will be inaugurated. Monaghan responds to a listener's comment about the brainwashing of students, "I think people are waking up to question where the laws are coming from." Monaghan continues, "I hope I outlast the politics of today to see something more visionary." He says, "We're somewhat quietly working with the legislature to blunt- or reform the reforms." He responds to a listener's question about he and the governor's stance on Common Core, "We have the same concerns that Common Core has now evolved into this toxic product." Monaghan hopes that the legislature will "stop further bleeding" in the universities.

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/politics/2015/01/19/sot-jindal-no-go-zones-0119.cnn

Legislative director for the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Corey Saylor joins the show to discuss Governor Jindal's comments about London's 'no-go zones.' Saylor says of Jindal's reassertions, "He's doubling down on an empty table."

HOUR TWO:

Republican Political Consultant Scott Wilfong and Liberal Blogger, Professor Dayne Sherman discuss who will be the 45th president and the next Louisiana Governor's election. "If it was truly a silly, ridiculous comment, then it would die in the news."

Sherman says of the Governor's recent bad press, "I think there will be a lot more international scrutiny to the prayer rally than he expected."

Sherman and Wilfong continue to discuss the capitol gains tax and the free two year community college program in the works. Wilfong says, "We don't want to exchange an engineer for a fry cook. That's whats being done in this economy."

A listener asked Wilfong his opinion of Ayn Rand.

Wilfong and Sherman speculate about the State of the Union address. Jim says, "I would suspect that in tonight's State of the Union, there won't be a Democrat who criticizes it or a Republican who praises it."