Mickelson's Podcast

Iowans think about Harry Reid, liberal remorse,  Sarah Palin, Karl Rove, the gay lobby mugging the governor, Harkin on the minimum wage, and  Obama's limo getting  the wrong fuel in Israel.  All interesting stuff.

A.J. Spiker talks about the GOP...Growth & Opportunity Project. Senator Rand Paul to headline Lincoln Dinner.  Steve Deace, fresh from C-PAC...analysis.   Rand Paul says he was misquoted.    And Governor Branstad gets hustled by the gay lobby. He apparently thinks the Iowa Safe Schools project has something to do with safe schools.   Perhaps he should read the agenda of his own Conference.

Dr. Andy Bannister highlights and upcoming prayer breakfast with Ravi Zacharias...way pithy.  Cameron Caswell with Repair.com.    Then the legislature "abrogates" a court decision.  Weeeeelllllll,  now...  who would have thunk it?    

John Zimirak,  The Bad Catholics Guides talks about the new Pope.  Then, politicians change the subject.  Nannies now regulate parade candy.  And  Kurt Loving sings real purdy.  The Pleaser.

Joel McDurmon gives advice on "Restoring America: One County at a Time."   Powerful.   Dr. Ben Carson describes "America the Beautiful".  Inspirational.   Then "Why does anybody "need" an AR-15 anyway?  Is that a conversation ending cliché?  

Senator Rand Paul...issues.   Brazen, Bungling, Burglars.  And Copper Clappers.  

"Beautiful Nate"...Dennis Mansfield.  A touching of loss, love and restitution.   Then, an E-15 critic, David Holt...says the AAA has non-recommended it for good reason.  Plus,  Des Moines is adding dash board cameras to city vehicles...good idea?  

Tryin' to make sense of stuff on post DST Monday.  Then, Mike Hammond from GOA thinks Senator Grassley needs a push on another 2nd Amendment issue.

Mychal Massie talks about racial politics.   Capital Justice killed off during funnel week.  Noreen Gosch  and Senator Kent Sorenson promise to keep pushing for justice for murdered and abused children.  Jeff Burkett describes what has been accomplished for 2nd Amendment rights in this session.  National Firearms Museum's senior curator Phil Schreier tells about the real reason Lewis and Clark survived their expedition.  And a plague of locusts brought to a halt in Israel.

Dr. David Robbins with Des Moines Plastic Surgery talks about  Coolsculpting...using the power of cold to reduce body fat.  Then and some Iowa 6th graders make a video asking the president to re-open the White House for their class trip tour.  

The Dems move their agenda at the Statehouse....will the Republicans give theirs a try soon?   Johnston HS Principal Brian Carico talks about suicide prevention issues.  Powerful personal story.  Then,  Danny Carroll and Chuck Hurley give the Republican leadership a push on the marriage issue.

So a homeschool dad tries to fit his kids into the mold of the  modern Boy Scouts.  Didn't work.   More pot talk.  Then,  Wes Ehrecke want Iowa to consider internet poker.

Michael Voris is  The Church Militant.  He says the church is infested with Cardinals, Biships and clerics who are not true Catholics.  The Gay Mafia.  Senator Mark Chelgren with a legislative update.  He says with oughta save the surplus.  We are going to need it.   Ted Kerasote with Pukka's Promise...the quest for longer-lived dogs.  Then,  an ISU student group, NORMAL, wants to legalized medical marijuana...then recreational use.  Vigorous.

Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing.  Really great analysis by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman.  Friday Leftovers.  Then,  The Blue Highway.  Really great bluegrass. Musician Rob Ikes.  And Laurie King is Executive Director of the Iowa Bluegrass Music Association.  You'll like it.

Garland Scott takes us back to First Things First...expert in gang activity and fixin' what ails us all. Douglas Hurley has a gadget which can help teach newbies to shoot accurately.   Tom Coates updates us on inroads the gambling lobby is planning.  Then, should farming be considered a vice?  And be regulated by the Gaming Commision?  

Senator Randy Feenstra tells why that big new fertilizer plant is a good idea and worth Iowa's tax credit awards.  Senator Mark Chelgren worries about SF233 and its effect upon 2nd Amendment issues.  Jeanie Eller is a phonics expert. Action Reading.  Jeff Burkett from the Iowa Firearms Coalition says SF233 has even more issues.  And another session deals with Raw Milk legislation.  Plus some basketball sports talk.  Lotsa stuff.

Today... snow day...  mostly dedicated to Iowans giving each other traffic reports.   

Eating Disorders?  Iowans?  Michelle Roling talks about an upcoming "I am Enough" conference to help.  Senator Mark Chelgren...interesting legislative issues.  Then, Iowa kids form shooting clubs for skeet competition.  Representatives from Pella Christian School... Todd McQueen, Principal Darryl De Ruiter..Richard Vander Vort... Nathan Vander Vort...Shena Van Wyke...coaches and shooters.  Then NICHE Capitol Day...Vicki Crawford, Jamie Johnson, Brian Bopp, and John Desaulniers are home school activist and will participating at the conference.  Busy morning.

Can you pass the citizenship test?  Analyzing some of the answers.  John Lott say we are At the Brink...economic black hole.  And dropping dead mice on Guam.   

School-based plans for defending children from violent attackers.  Indianola Superintendent Michael Teigland with practical insight.  Dr. Peter Breggin really, REALLY doesn't respect widespread use of drugs to deal with mental issues...and he is a psychiatrist.  Mike Chapman thinks wrestling will be re-included in the next Olympics.  The rest of the story.

David Drew wants to STEM the Tide.  How to encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Iowa schools.  Kevin Welner want to get rid of the Electoral College system entirely.   Then,  a Colorado Democrat really does think the "pen is mightier than the sword".  At least the ball point ones are.

Crosstalk...area churches celebrate the  Easter season by encouraging the public display of crosses.  Pastor Phil Winfield.    James Bovard  is the Public Policy Hooligan...reports that if you don't hire convicts you could go to jail.   AJ Spiker talking about an upcoming pro-life celebration including Fox commentator, Mike Huckabee.  Economist Alice Rivilin  with the Fix the Debt campaign.  Jim Hawkins with Professional Educators of Iowa with survey results.  (Dr. Ben Carson scheduled for this morning,  missed his slot...sorry....will try again)

A review of the legislative week.  Then,  an immodest proposal. Why can't  the same logic of the bully bill legislation be applied to a bunch of other social issues?  Salt of the earth Iowans are afraid to spank their own kids?  Justified?

Steven Kennedy and Aaron Powell are with the Heart of Iowa Classical Guitar Society.   Purdy stuff. Upcoming concert.  (February 17th, Valentine Serenade, 2pm Capitol Hill Lutheran Church)  Then, can you get busted for drunk driving by just sitting in a parked car?  Apparently, yup.   Charles Bowden interviews a Mexican assassin.  "El Sicario".     Chilling

Dr. J...Jennifer Morse...is coming to Iowa..."It Takes a Family to Raise a Village".   Then,  stealing your own car back?  Rev Carlos Jayne...Iowans for Gun Safety...says its time for some more gun regulations.  Great conversation ensued.   :)    Oh,   and here's the link to the Katrina video.    Please pass it around to everybody.   Or monitor my Facebook.

Obama Bytes from SOTU.  Harkin Bytes pre-SOTU.   And a guy on Iowa's sex offender registry ends up as a Centerville, Iowa city administrator.  Iowan's are appalled...then pensive.   Steve Deace wonders about Senator Rand Paul's immigration position.  Lively.

 Capitol Day for NICHE coming up...Vickie with an update.  Pope quits.  John Zmirak,  Bad Catholic's Guide to Catechism explains what it all means.  Then,  Jonathan Last's What to Expect When No One's Expecting...calling us unto fertility.    Rep Tom Shaw and David Fisher want to liberate Iowa education for homeschoolers and Christian Schoolers.    A call to action.

Congressman Steve King deals with Karl Rove's attack on him.  Political directions.   Senator Mark Chelgren with Iowa Senate observations.  Then,  more from the front in the culture war.

Jeff Burkett ,  Iowa Firearms Coalition, talks about a Mt. Pleasant city councilman who says the 2nd Amendment has expired.   Then Vickie Crawford from NICHE talks about Capitol Day on February 26th.  (I've been invited to speak  around 2pm..."...Stuff What Ain't True"....)  Jeff Patch with 'nuther episode of the Harkin saga.  And why won't Abate support a helmet law for kids on mopeds?   

Professor Eugene Kontorovich, expert in international law and Israeli rights.  Vigorous. Then Roy Beck explains how the immigration amnesty plan offered by the "Gang of Eight" will hose taxpayers.   And a great 2nd Amendment speech...by a former Secret Service officer.  

"All I Could Be: My Story as a Woman Warrior in Iraq"  Miyoko HiKiji is an Iowan who ended up in harms way in Iraq.   Opinions about women in combat and sex abuse amongst the ranks, "The Invisible War."   A powerful conversation.

Scott Taylor talks health care common sense about inflammation and inflation....barnyard politics and health sense.   Then did Ron Paul make a mistake when he said,  "...live by the sword, die by the sword..."  regarding the death of Chris Kyle?  

A new fuel standard for Iowa?  Then,  "The Marketing of Evil"...David Kupelian says the Boy Scouts of America need to stand up to the homo-sexual lobby.  They need a Braveheart moment.  He describes the perils of propaganda...everywhere.

Paul Williams,   Crescent Moon Rising: The Islamic Transformation of America...sobering.  Then,  send in the drones...what does it mean for Iowa?  

Leah Durant, Ex. Dir. of Progressives for Immigration Reform...doesn't want an amnesty either.   Then, Obama and the Gang of Eight are negotiating on US immigration policy.   What would Iowans accept?  We get an earful.

A snow day in Iowa...and Iowan's sort out a bunch of stuff.   Everything from car-eating rabbits,  to what should Iowans do if the wheels come off.   Purdy good stuff.

Jan,

I wanted to say I was incredibly disappointed in your broadcast today.  You were obviously far to uneducated on the subject to make any valid points regarding the dairy industry and migrant/seasonal labor in Iowa.  It quickly became evident that your agenda was to knock congressman Braley, when in reality you were the one that has not educated yourself enough on the topic to adequately contradict anything he stated.  The fact is, and one of the final callers pointed this out, that often times the AMERICAN Farm Bureau organization has very different political objectives than the Iowa chapter of Farm Bureau.  The fact you didn't know there was a difference was quite disappointing. On a national level, migrant/seasonal labor is a much larger issue than right here in Iowa. Congressman Braley was just trying to illustrate how the national organizations goals may apply here in Iowa. The Market to Market show last Sunday on IPTV ran a good story showcasing just how big of an issue it is.  They interviewed several farmers in California who depend on nearly 100% migrant labor to grow and harvest their crop.  Also, by constantly referring to them as "cheap" labor is another instance proving your lack of knowledge on the topic.  It is absolutely fact that a high percentage of migrant workers earn well above the federal minimum wage.
 
Also, the fact that you couldn't understand why the dairy industry can't produce their product and provide the same level of service as it did decades ago (home delivery) showed me just how out of touch with the agricultural industry you really are (which is quite concerning since you make a living offering opinions on such things in an ag dominated state).  One caller did a pretty good job of pointing out that the rise in retail cost of their product has significantly lagged behind the rise in cost of production.  The sad reality is that, much like yourself, the American people have no idea what it costs to produce a gallon of milk, and have decided they are not willing pay over $3 or $4 per gallon (such is the case with many, many American made products, not just milk).
 
I certainly don't always agree with your opinions, but you typically prove to have educated yourself enough on the subject to have developed a valid opinion.  Today you showed me that you let partisan politics significantly influence your show, instead of the facts.  Please go back to doing your homework and make this a 1 time fluke of a show.  Just because it’s a Democrat politician making a statement, does not immediately make it false.

 Sir:

 It usually does…   especially Braley…   he’s the guy who knowing violates the Constitution by using blackmail to accomplish an issue for which there is no federal jurisdiction…  he’s now pushing school based radon testing…..another non-issue at the federal level…Kadyn’s Law.      Braley has a pattern of expanding federal authority and spending on issues which should be done at the state level.   Now he wants an amnesty for people who have busted the border.    You just demonstrated that the whole agri-business political mix is so convoluted and rife with cost shifting the public is clueless about how many ways they are being shafted.     Conversations like these are very useful in demonstrating the corruption of the system.    Importing people whose productivity doesn’t off-set the costs of their presence is stupid….worse is destructive to our culture.     If the US can’t produce milk at a profit to the farmers without vast subsidies and imported labor,  then milk may be a commodity which shouldn’t be on the shelves.  If demand has fallen to the point where profit isn’t possible,  or supply exceeds demand,  then politics isn’t the solution.    I’d use the same principle for any commodity.     By the way,   I’m still waiting for the Iowa Farm Bureau to issue a press release  repudiating the American Farm Bureau position.    When it does,  you may have a valid point.    And California is a real piece of work.   Several years ago,  California taxpayers ponied up millions of dollars to buy out California dairy farmers in order to reduce supply and cut subsidies.      California dairy farmers used the money to buy more real estate, build fancy houses in the middle of feed lots,  and wait out the moratorium.   Then they went right back in business with bigger units and a better house….right back on the public teat.   

 Yah,  this is a big issue with many  inter-related issues.   But it isn’t that mysterious.     As long as everyone is willing to live at the expense of others we’ll have a problem.    BTW…  it is cheap labor….  Iowa is a cheap labor state.    As I’ve often reported,   my dad and I both worked in the processing industry in the late 60’s…..  we made twice what these workers are getting now.    Now the industry passes on the real production costs to the tax payers.     Our welfare state mentality has almost destroyed us….whether we’re talking about making babies or growing milk.     Government has distorted the market for both.

Jan

Where is ObaMerica?   Who lives there?   How did they vote.   What's the murder rate in ObaMerica?    Daniel Greenfield has an excellent think piece.    Then,  Tim Case wonders about "Lawless or Armed Citizens."   Useful.  Then,  why do dysfunctional politicians treat the rest of us as if WE are dysfunctional too?

Heather MacDonald thinks women in unit level combat is worrisome.  Senator Mark  Chelgren makes some Iowa political predictions about the Harkin retirement announcement.  Congressman Bruce Braley calls for gun legislation and immigration reform.  Iowans respond.

Ann Korin says US is messing up its energy future...a Petropoly.   Flex-fuel cars will fix it.   Senator Kent Sorenson introduces a capital justice bill effecting the perpetrators of  murdering, kidnapping and sexual abuse of minors.  Families of victims demand justice.  Heather and Drew Collin, Adonis Hill, Tome and Jan Nichols, Noreen Gosch...powerful stories.  Then Senator Brad Zaun intros legislation to require the revenue raised by Gotcha Cams can only be used to fund an uninsured motorist fund.

Terry Jeffrey evaluates Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony.   Then,  Iowans respond to Obama's expansion of women in  military combat roles. Vigorous.

The kids from Joshua Christian Academy ... the kids are great .  Rev Keith Ratliff.   Then,  a great story about a dolphin which asked a human for help...really.  Plus,  Senator Rand Paul with an issues stop in Iowa.

Mark Doland is running for Mahaska County Supervisor...he and several local farmers don't want a regional airport, nor the use of imminent domain takings of local farmland which it would require.   Then,  Piers Morgan asks if the 2nd Amendment allows for private ownership of tanks.  The historical answer.  Spirited.

Juda Meyer has a remarkable story affirming life.  She is the result of rape.  On an abridged, pre-inaugural day, she is worthy of a listen.

An education horror story....with a positive ending.  Judy Hintz has a message for parents of school kids in distress...with a dad who finally got help for his son.   Then,   looking at the propaganda mill in action.  

Chip Duncan has produced a three part documentary The Reagan Presidency, for IPTV beginning 1/21.    Ray Comfort produced Genius, a peek at John Lennon, and the moral collapse of almost everybody.   President Obama delivers his 2nd Amendment  Executive Order Manifesto.  

"Beating Obamacare" Betsy McCaughey talks about how to minimize the damage. She advises that seniors to develop health issues before the law kicks in.  Seriously.  Gov Branstad with the State of the State Address.  Then,  an Iowa veteran,  Oath Keeper,  Gabe Lanz,  tries to explain the 2nd Amendment to the Des Moines City Council.  Crickets.   Applause from the rest of us.

Senator Mark Chelgren with a pre-session preview.  Issues.  Nan Stillians remembers Joan Bunke with great fondness.   Plus a Johnston math teacher shows the class a preview of a "Texas Chainsaw" movie.   Huh?

A panel deals with Iowa's educational collapse.  Iowalive.net,    Judy Hintz,   and former Superintendent Al Meyer...how to pick up the pieces.  Currency guru Jim Richards with some serious predictions.   Then,  should Obama swear off swearing in?  

Alexis Luscombe is a Valley HS student.   She is training in a hospice... her story.  And her mentor, Jen Eppert from the Career Opportunity in Health Care program at  Central Campus.   Inspirational.  Can pets cure narcissism?  Then an Iowan David Wilson,  goes to Turkey...as a missionary.  Stories.   Plus progressives declare war on the 2nd Amendment. 

An Iowa legislator  makes national news by recommending the government outlawing and confiscation of AR-15s.  Iowans respond.  Trying to make sense of the 2nd Amendment culture war.

Bruce Thatcher deals with "Immigration: How to Avoid it's Perils and Make it Work"....we're hosed.   Then,  MLK day bumped by snow days.  Negotiate?   Then,   Congressman Steve King wants to fix our "anchor baby" loophole.    Untangling the knots in the media shinola.   

 Bob Morrison says it's time to get ready for another round of Honor Flights for WW2 vets.  563-388-3271    Jeff Patch with another installment of Harkin Redux.  Monte Shaw defends ethanol against a Fox News story.  

Former Congressman Bob McEwen give us a cultural pep talk.   Then, Iowa Secretary of State, Matt Schultz,  explains how he's trying to qualify Iowa voters while answering some activists' objections.

In search of the perfect potato salad... then,  Iowans think "we're hosed"....  and it's only Thursday.