Indirect Democracy is a political process in which the PEOPLE control the government through elected political officials. This is also called a republic. This podcast is a progressive, hopefully humorous (I see you judging me) and creative take on the news, commentary and look at the history that…
The Words of Independence & The Queen of All BS - On this July 4th Holiday, I will share with you some words and thoughts from Thomas Paine's, "Common Sense," and from the Declaration of Independence. As well, She's Back...but maybe not for long. Governor...soon to be former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has announced her resignation as governor to avoid being a lame duck - some 18 months before her first term ends. Her reasons and her own physical reactions tell a different story than the unintelligible reasons she gave. Plus, my comments about the passing of Michael Jackson, the Global Warming Update, a New Sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
Egg Timer News/Torture - A review of the torture memos could not be complete without torturing you by giving you a real sample of how the news is really done. Yeah, they could talk about important issues...but Hey...Octomom, The Musical!!! We are also watching the decay of the old Republican Party into its fringe extremism. They should not be taken lightly...even if it is fun to make "teabagging" jokes at their expense. Also, there is the Global Warming Update, a guest speaker, the new "Happy Place" segment, music and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for Listening.
The Role of the Vice President - It is easily the most misunderstood and undefined role of the Executive Branch. For the past 20 years, the role of the Vice President has grown in stature. Yet, we still wonder at what it means to be the Vice President and if Gov. Sarah Palin not only understands the defined role of the Vice President but is she also qualified to be the Vice President? In this podcast, I will read to you a historical perspective from the U.S. Senate website that discusses how the Vice President "presides" over the Senate and how we determine its place in the Legislative and Executive Branches of our Government. Also, there is the Global Warming Update, the President's Love Horoscope, a Public Service Announcement and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
It's All About the Race - Say what you will. It's all about the economy. It's all about Iraq. It's all about Jobs. It's all about Healthcare. It's all a load of crap. We all know what this race is about. It is the sticky and sick little secret that disgraces us with its ugly head...mostly at the McCain/Palin rallies. For all our blustering and all our wishes for the better angels in ourselves, this election is all about Race and is a test of our progression to look beyond appearances to the heart and soul of what we want and who we think can lead us best. It is truly our time. It is our greatest test as a Nation. Plus, there is a reading of a Darfur blog posting by Maria Halyna, the Global Warming Update, the President's Love Horoscope, a Word from Our Newest Sponsor and, of course, the What a Weinie Award. GO VOTE on November 4th! Thanks for Listening.
The Speech He Should Have Given This is it! The General Election is on and after the two conventions, I felt it was time to get into the RED meat that we did not get to hear from the big speeches. As the election gets near - GET Involved. Work for your local campaign. Get your friends to register. BE ACTIVE. Please donate $5.00 dollars to help the American Red Cross during this deadly hurricane season. There is a link to the American Red Cross at the Favorite Links section of Indirect Democracy. There is a remembrance to the victims of 9/11, the Global Warming Update, the President's Love Horoscope, a new sponsor ad, a song by the Platinum Pied Pipers and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for Listening.
George Carlin & Marriage - When George Carlin died, I knew that after a long hiatus to plan my wedding that only one topic would be worth discussing. Carlin changed not how I perceived comedy but the importance of language....and how it shapes thought. "Because we do think in terms of language." As well, I will discuss my current nuptials and thoughts about how the issue of Gay Marriage has affected my marriage - here's a hint: Has NOT and guess what...if you are married, your vows are still in tact. Plus there will also be a Global Warming Update, the President's "Love" Horoscope (made an oopsie), and two "What a Weinie Awards." The Sponsor ads will be provided by the Great George Carlin.
Primary Season / Stimulate This! Super Tuesday has come and gone and we are now left with History in the making. Barack Obama versus Hillary Clinton in a campaign I never thought I would see in my lifetime. When this podcast was recorded, Mittens (Mitt Romney), was still in the race. He has dropped out but it does not change my opinion about the conservatives' view of McCain and how independents will look on it. As well, I will review why the current economic stimulus plan will not save us unless we invest in ourselves and not continued debt. I would like to thank Dan Coyle for allowing me to use his song, “Break Me Into Pieces,” as the featured song for this episode. You can find his music at: www.myspace.com/dancoyle You can also purchase his music at: http://dancoyle.com/purchasemusic.html Indirect Democracy is holding a contest to win a copy of Dan’s new album, “Briar Street – The Acoustic Sessions.” Please listen in the last 4 minutes of the podcast to hear the details. And of course, there is the Global Warming Update, the President’s Love Horoscope, a word from our newest sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
Since it is the Christmas Season - I wanted to drag out this little ad again
Impeachment - "It is wrong, I suggest, it is a misreading of the Constitution for any member here to assert that for a member to vote for an article of impeachment means that that member must be convinced that the President should be removed from office." Those were the words of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan as she spoke regarding the Impeachment of President Richard Nixon. They are words that have changed my stance on impeachment and I invite you to listen to more of this speech to the House. Although this is a long episode of Indirect Democracy, I invite you to enjoy the music and produced pieces for this episode. Plus, there is a Global Warming Confession, the President's Love Horoscope and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
A look back and a current look at Hurricane Katrina - Two Years Later. News story by Bill Moyers - Music by Matchbox Twenty. Podcast #28 is coming soon.
Dr. Phil's "Floppy Hairy Ones" Buy a set for your favorite member of the House or Senate NOW!
Offering incompetent and bloviating fools job opportunities since 2000.
Darfur and Immigration - After a long, and unexpected delay, Indirect Democracy is back. On this Podcast, I will cover a personal story involving a friend’s final step towards citizenship. It is important to remember all the people who come here to work and struggle to attain the American dream and be part of our collective experience as a nation. Sharing that moment with her is something I will not soon forget. I received an essay regarding Darfur that I am proud to share. It coincides with the Global Day for Darfur that passed on April 29. The writer, named Maria Halyna, runs a website dedicated to educating us all about the tragedy of Darfur – tragedy seems like such a small word when you consider this living horror. I encourage you to visit her site and learn more: http://blog.myspace.com/mariahalynal The music from this Podcast is entitled, “Still Waiting,” by the Greyboy Allstars. You can find their music at: www.greyboyallstars.com As well, there is the Global Warming Update, the President’s Love Horoscope, a word from a new sponsor AND, as always, the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
No, I have not podfaded. I have to post these ads to pay my bills. Will be back soon but these ads may date themselves if I don't post them soon.
Signing Statements (Part Two) - On this podcast, I will cover part two of my discussion regarding Signing Statements. This portion will discuss the dangers and legal validity of Signing Statements. I will also cover the American Bar Association's Task Force Recommendations regarding the future use of Signing Statements. I received a listener contribution entitled, Us vs. Giuliani. A great read and hope you enjoy it. The music for this podcast is by Megaphone. The song is called Freak from the album, "for cryin'out loud." As well, there are 2 new sponsors, a Cocktail weinie award, the Regular What a Weinie Award and the President's LOVE horoscope. Let me know if you like it better than his career horoscope. You can email me at David@indirectdemocracy.com or call the listener line at (206) 339-4797. Thanks for listening.
Signing Statements (Part One) - On this episode, I will share with you part one of my review of Presidential Signing Statements. From President Monroe to President Bush, Signing Statements have been used. Although once considered ceremonial and innocuous, I will explain how their use has grown and been abused. I will explain what they are, why they are used, their role and place in history, and how this President has placed them in the forefront of our national attention. I also want to share a theory with you regarding the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq. As well, give a quick review of the movie, Amazing Grace that tells the story of William Wilberforce. The man who fought to end the British slave trade. Plus, there is the Global Warming Update, a new sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
My Inner Conservative - No big news or discussion points on this podcast. I am fighting a cold but I wanted to share a NyQuil dream that brought out my Inner Conservative. I found a new song by an independent band called, Boy Howdy. The song is called Righteous Fool. You can find their music at www.myspace.com/countrygrunge. Please also enjoy the podcasts of the 24 Weekly Debriefing at www.twentyfour.podomatic.com Plus, there is a Global Warming Update, the President's Horoscope, a new sponsor and The What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
We Are Being Played! The increase in violence in Iraq has caused an increase in the rhetoric and actions against the Iranian government. Yet, the majority of the violence directed at Americans is not from the Shia extremists - it is from the Sunni extremists - funded by the Saudis. We are being played. Told that violence is coming from one enemy yet ignoring the ally that pays to kill our soldiers. The government will not allow the truth because oil and money is involved. Yet, what is at stake are the lives of our fighting men and women. Plus, a tribute to Molly Ivins, the Global Warming Update, the President's Horoscope, a new Sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
The State of Our Union - This week saw the President give a State of the Union. In his speech, he lays down the framework for a war against Iran. He failed to keep us up to date with Katrina recovery. He also offered a plan to make health insurance tax deductible. On this podcast, I will discuss each of those issues. At the end of the week, cities across the nation held protests against the War in Iraq. I attended that event and recorded speeches from the key speakers, spoke with attendees at the rally. There are also photos available at a new page entitled, "Jan. 27 Photos" in the favorite links section. The State of Our Union cannot be any clearer. The people voted for change and the President has offered little in showing that he understands that. Plus, there is the Global Warming Update, a new sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
Music by Sir Paul McCartney - "Pipes of Peace"
Massachusetts v. EPA - The United States Supreme Court heard this landmark case that is the first that may affect Greenhouse Gas emissions in new cars and trucks. It is a Global Warming first and will be watched closely by environmentalists and the industrial sector alike. Will the states be able to prove their case? I will read to you portions of the most interesting questions and arguments by the court. Pay special attention to what Justice Thomas has to say. Also, this week sees the anniversary of the death of John Lennon. I have a tribute to him this week. Be sure to listen to the unheard portions of a Fox broadcast of Brit Hume that the public did not get to hear. As always, there is the President's Horoscope, a Word from a New Sponsor and The What a Weinie Award. I will be giving out a What a Weinie Award for 2006. The one person or group whose actions are worthy of being called a Weinie for their overall role or impact this year. If you have any suggestions or nominations, please feel free to email them to me at David@indirectdemocracy.com Thanks for listening.
Civil War & The N-Word - NBC finally took the plunge that many people already knew. They have taken a "courageous" claim in declaring the war in Iraq as a Civil War. It's about time. Glad they joined the club of many people who have called this a civil war. Now, find out what that means and why the government is refusing to acknowledge this fact. The incident with Michael Richards has sparked controversy, but has it caused us to go down the wrong road to censorship. Maybe George Carlin can show us the path to enlightenment and get reminded of what true hate sounds like. I have that clip too. Plus, an email from a listener, the Global Warming Update, the President's Horoscope, a Word from our New Sponsor and The What a Weinie Award. Thanks for Listening.
The No-Fly List – On this Podcast, I will review the history, purpose and dangers to American travelers found in the government’s No-Fly List. Did you know there are actually two lists? Surprised – well, this information at times will shock you at how the names are compiled, how people are subjected to the list, the major loopholes in the list and what to do if you are kept from flying. Is it a government plan to keep liberals and progressive opposed to this administration from flying? Or is it just an ill planned and poorly executed safety tool that is not making us any safer? Listen and decide. Plus, a Global Warming Update, the President’s Horoscope, a Word from our New Sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for Listening.
The 2006 Midterm Elections The Elections are over and the ripple effect has begun. Although, there is much to enjoy about the end of the One Party Rule, we still have much work to do. From Election Reform to Accountability, we need to hold this new Democratic House and Senate in check. There are a myriad of problems left unaddressed by the 109th Congress and the White House. It's now time to fix them. Plus - A Global Warming Update, the President's Horoscope, a Word from Our Sponsor and the What A Weinie Award! Thanks for listening.
Iraq Without any doubt, Iraq is the key issue of our times. It will define our strategy and discussion for years, perhaps decades, due to how it was mishandled and the incredible amount of government waste. I will try to cover the history of the Iraq War in a five minute song. However, our strategy, as progressives, should be to take the debate from the point of the start of the war and how this government must be accountable for its failures. Even the conservatives amongst you have to agree when you listen to the clips from “Iraq For Sale.” Go and purchase “Iraq for Sale.” Watch it. Share it. This should be our focus. Our security was bought and sold by companies like Halliburton. Although, it was not metioned in the Podcast, according to Senator Levin, 30 percent of the money we send ends up in Al Qaeda hands. This MUST STOP NOW! Plus, a Global Warming Update, the President’s Horoscope, the What a Weinie Award and I discovered the newest ad against Prop. 87. Thanks for Listening.
Iran & The Torture Bill - Oct. 18, 2006 On this podcast, I will cover the possible upcoming war with Iran, the Torture Bill signed by the President and the volunteer work I did for the Brandt campaign. Our civil rights and their continued use of fear are in play making this election even more important. Do what you can to win back the House and Senate. Vote! Plus, there will be a Global Warming Update, a new sponsor, the President's Horoscope and the What a Weinie Award. (Melting of the Larsen B Ice Shelf - Antarctica) Thanks for Listening.
The Foley Scandal & Hacked Elections On this podcast, I was not sure - but couldn't help it - had to talk about the Scandal involving Mark Foley and the GOP reactions. Also, Robert Kennedy has written another incredible article about the Election Process and the use of Electronic Voting Machines. It's a must read. As always, there is a Global Warming Update, a Presidential Horoscope, a Word from our Newest Sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for Listening. (I linked this as explicit due to the text read and spoken regarding the Foley emails - just in case)
This podcast we take a look at how the price of gas is subject to manipulation with the upcoming elections. Also, the Path to 9/11 spawned a discusssion between myself and a family member as to the use of torture on suspected terrorists. Plus a Global Warming update and a way to get your local mayor involved, the Presidential Horoscope, a word from our new sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thanks for listening.
With the country remembering the events of September 11, 2001, it's important not to forget the Hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Five years later, and while others scream about a Pre-9/11 mindset, the focus should be on a Post 9/11 world where Bin Laden is still at large and the Taliban has regained power. Cut and Run, Mission Not Accomplished..the War against Al Qaeda cannot be won until we complete the mission in Afghanistan and bring Osama Bin Laden to justice. Plus, The Presidential Horoscope, A Global Warming Update, a Word From Our Sponsor and the What a Weinie Award. Thank you to those people who called and or wrote to Dave Kinser at Watch it Burn to show your support. Keep doing so. The phone number for Watch it Burn is 888-82-REVOLT. Thanks for Listening.
Global Warming Update - Hurricane Katrina - Strippers to Iraq - The Presidential Horoscope - The What a Weinie Award On this clip heavy edition of Indirect Democracy we will discuss Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Our government has a Pre-Katrina mindset. We must never forget what happened and is still going on in the Gulf Coast. We cannot let this stand in OUR America. The research links will be up later tonight.
Forgive the small production issues, but there is a real issue we have to address. The threat of Global Warming is very real. On this podcast, we will discuss the effects, the predictions for the future and how to help reverse them.