Retail Politics Podcast

Hispanic voters: America's political futureApril 10, 2022 – Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the American population and could steer its political future, picking those who control the U.S. House, Senate, and presidency. “As long as we have this black-white dichotomy between the parties the real battleground is going to be over Hispanics,” says M.V. “Trey” Hood, a political scientist with the University of Georgia.

The Politics of KetanjiFirst Black Female Court Nominee on the ‘Defensive' March 20, 2022 – First Black female U.S. Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson will face criticism this week from Senate Republicans for serving as a public defender. “You've got a few guys up there running for president in 2024,” USA Today Supreme Court Correspondent John Fritze says. “They care about firing up the Trump base of the party.”

Rom Com to Rebellion, Irish Film Part of America March 6, 2022 – Decades of Irish movies focus on the theme of the island's violent struggle to free itself from British rule. “Happiness is not really a prevailing characteristic of the Irish,” says Irish Studies Professor Socky O'Sullivan. “We tend to actually celebrate our troubles.”

The Politics of the U.S. IntelligenceRadical Break from Past Strategies Stumps Russians March 6, 2022 – Twenty years after colossal blunders claiming Iraq weapons of mass destruction and failing to intercept the 911 hijackers, U.S. Intelligence agencies are being praised for exposing Russian plans to invade the Ukraine. “Someone decided to make a pretty radical break from what has been the practice for decades,” former New York Times national security reporter Scott Shane said. “What they did at each stage is they put the intelligence out.”

The Politics of the PutinCould His Ukraine Bullying Backfire? February 27, 2022 – Russia may capture the Ukraine capital, but the well-armed opponent could become Vladimir Putin's Afghanistan. “He's asking for trouble,” former longtime Russian correspondent Will Englund says. “You'll have a guerilla war.”

The Politics of the Robert T. LincolnLincoln Son Close to Three Presidential Assassinations February 20, 2022 – Our President's Day edition focuses on how Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert T., detested politics after his father's assassination. “The Republican Party tried five times to run him for president,” Robert T.'s biographer Jason Emerson says. “He said ‘To me the presidency is nothing but a gilded prison.'”

The Politics of the UkraineRussian President's Threats ‘Cold War Ghosts' February 13, 2022 – Communist Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to invade Ukraine to prevent it from aligning with the Democratic west hearkens back to the east-west battle of a half-century ago. “A lot of Cold War ghosts have been resurrected and scattered about,” Los Angeles Times Foreign Editor Jeffrey Fleishman said. “Is he willing to breach war to collect what the past has already taken from him?”

The Politics of Bashing BidenLiberal Opinion Writers are Turning on their President February 6, 2022 – America's liberal media is starting to criticize President Joe Biden's handling of national and international affairs. Is it wiping out his chances for reelection in 2024? “Some of it is deserved,” said Bill Straub, a former White House correspondent. “The withdrawal from Afghanistan was just a bloody mess.”

The Politics of Killing Police55 Shooting Deaths are Highest in 26 Years January 29, 2022 – An increasing number of American police officers are being gunned down in a wave not seen in a quarter of a century. “There's a variety of reasons and most of them most of them can be laid at the feet of our elected officials and police leaders,” said a former Baltimore police union leader. They have emboldened criminals in this country by the de-policing.”

The Politics of Bob DoleThe Man Once Called the Darth Vader of Congress Had a Soft Spot January 23, 2022 – Bob Dole died last month at 98 and left a legacy of a tough, grim Congressional curmudgeon who failed to achieve the presidency three times but quietly helped the poor, including creating a key economic lifeline: food stamps. “He had a very tough outside,” said author and Dole researcher Mark Zwonitzer. “He has a really soft core inside.”

The Politics of Racial ReckoningAre Companies Capitalizing Financially on Latest Civil Rights Struggle? January 17, 2022 – In the wake of the George Floyd killing, American companies are engaging in a racial reckoning not seen since the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960s. But is the inclusion of more Black Americans in news stories, TV ads and hiring sincere? “I think there are some companies that have leadership that realizes there has to be a change and are making a best effort,” said Phyllis Alexander of the National Coalition Building Institute. “The majority of our corporations are in the business of making money...not to do social justice.”

The Politics of Christmas SongsFrom the Political to the Bizarre December 26, 2021 – From war to nuclear holocaust, Christmas attracts songs with a purpose, in addition to those you wish remained a silent night. “There is a billion of hours of recorded Christmas music in the world that most people do not hear,” says technical producer, Brad Maybe, organizer of The Eggnog Playlist.

Homeless a Persecuted Class December 20, 2021 – As the number of billionaires in America has risen to 614 so has the population of our nation's most unfortunate residents: the homeless. Many communities are enforcing public nuisance laws to rid them from their streets. “Being homeless is not protected under our anti-discrimination laws and therefore many forms of what is blatant discrimination against unhoused people are very difficult for us to challenge using legal advocacy,” said Eve Garrow of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

The Politics of Build Back BetterPresident Biden's Signature Legislation Perilously Dangles December 13, 2021 – President Biden's ambitious Build Back Better legislation that he says will make historic improvements to affordable housing, childcare, education, and tax equity faces derailment in the Senate. “Any one member can unilaterally impose their will,” said Kevin Fogarty, former chief of staff for Republican Congressman Peter King. “When you're dealing with such a narrow majority, it hard to get some of these things done. It's like herding cats.”

Longstanding Kosher Rules in Israel Being Challenged December 6, 2021 – Israel's new governing coalition does not include ultra-Orthodox parties for the first time in a half century, causing a push to loosen longstanding food certification, religious and social policies. “In America, you have no guidelines on who says what is kosher,” said Rabbi Josh Yuter, considered the world's largest Jewish influence. “In Israel it's completely different, in order for you to claim your establishment was kosher, you had to have the official Rabbinut body certify you.”

America's Most Dangerous Criminals? Fire Setters November 28, 2021 – Footage of heartbreaking California wildfires consuming gorgeous homes seems to be a regular segment on the nightly news. But one in 10 of those devastating blazes are intentionally set, destroying communities, forests, and lives. “The wildland arsonist, in particular, is the most dangerous criminal that there is,” says the nation's leading arson investigator, Edward Nordskog. “They can burn a town or a county down with just a match.”

Nation's First Inhabitants Continue to Struggle November 21, 2021 – Native Americans lead the nation among ethnic groups in COVID outbreaks and death, while also ranking first in methamphetamine drug abuse. “There are decades of Native people not being heard,” said Kerry Hawk Lessard, executive director of Native American LifeLines, a Baltimore health center. “The identities of Native American people are so often asserted through stereotypes.”

Paper Shortage May Stall Santa's Holiday Book Delivery November 14, 2021 – A paper shortage threatens to disrupt holiday book sales and independent bookstores gain a small COVID victory over the nation's book selling king, Amazon. “During the pandemic, people have started to shop more consciously, looking at their local and retail businesses,” said book industry analyst Jane Friedman. “They want them to survive.”

The Politics of the Veterans AdministrationVeterans Care Healthy With Customer Contact Improvement Needs November 7, 2021 – Health care provided to 9.1 million American veterans is exceptional though improvements are needed in areas of patient access, ranging from answering the phones to providing adequate parking. “In a word, I would say the care we provide is outstanding,” said Tim Kelly, a recently retired Customer Care Coordinator with the agency. “But if I call, and nobody answers the phone, I'm not going to remember the care, I'm going to remember that someone didn't answer the phone.”

The Politics of BostonAfter Two Centuries of White Men Mayors, Women of Color October 31, 2021 – White men have served as Boston mayors since its founding but on Tuesday voters will elect one of two women of color in a city scarred with a national reputation for vehemently fighting busing and housing integration. “That's a reputation Boston maintains but it's definitely one that the city wants to move away from,” said Dr. Erin O'Brien of the University of Massachusetts Boston political science department.

Committee Backs Media Rebuking Oppressive World Leaders October 24, 17, 2021 – For only the third time in its 126-year history, the Norwegian Prize Committee gave the world's most coveted award to journalists, hailing their efforts to beat back the rise in rogue world leaders jailing, killing, and exiling the media. “Given that we're in the modern age, it's 2021, the fact that we're seeing a slide away from democratic behaviors from leaders around the world is pretty scary,” said Alex Mahadevan, program manager for Poynter Institute's Media Wise.

National Parks Turn into Human Zoos October 17, 2021 – Are Americans loving their National Parks to death? Tourism has hit a historic peak, wearing on our national treasures through crushing traffic, mounds of litter and damage to nature. “Of course, during COVID, parks are hugely popular because people can't travel outside of the country,” said Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of the National Parks Conservation Association. “Everyone is visiting these wonderful places.”

Supreme Court This Term? Lots of Drama October 10 – The U.S. Supreme Court has embarked on its most watched term in two decades, facing low approval ratings and handling volatile cases from gun rights to abortion, making it the Greatest Show on Earth. “This term, everybody's paying attention,” USA Today Supreme Court Correspondent John Fritze says. “People are fired up.”

Is Florida Governor Trump Heir Apparent? October 3 – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being held up as the leading Republican candidate for president should Donald Trump not run in 2024. And DeSantis is pushing all the right policy buttons to sway Trump supporters. “Would DeSantis be the best guess today?” said veteran political prognosticator Charlie Cook. “Absolutely.”

With A 50-50 U.S. Senate Split, One Man Stands Out September 26, 2021 – West Virginia Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin serves a state that former Republican President Donald Trump won by 39 percent. That puts the former governor's political life at risk when voting on every piece of legislation. “He's described as a centrist or conservative Democrat, “ The Washington Post's Paul Kane said. “He can be best described as a Joe Manchin Democrat.”

U.S: 5 Percent of World Population, 25 Percent of Prisoners September 19, 2021 – Why does the United States have five percent of the world's population and 25 percent of its prisoners, with two out of three returning to jail after being released? “It's complicated,” veteran national Corrections Administrator Gary Maynard said. “We are a second amendment nation and a prosperous nation and that attracts drugs and organized crime.”

The Politics of InfrastructureSpends a Little on a Lot, Not a Lot on Much September 12, 2021 – The U.S. Congress is ready to spend $1 trillion on American highways, bridges, railways, wastewater treatment plants, and the national electric grid. Is it enough? “This is something presidents have wanted to do for some time,” CQ Roll Call Reporter Jessica Wehrman said. “But the needs are really, really vast...There are wastewater systems that date to the 1800s.”

Unions Struggle Despite Popularity September 5, 2021 – A new survey shows six in 10 Americans prefer labor unions. So why is the movement still struggling to survive? “I think people are very hopeful this Labor Day,” said Steven Greenhouse, former New York Times labor reporter. “But also very frustrated,”

House Democrats Fight Instead of Unite August 29, 2021 – Despite a perilous two-vote margin, U.S. House Democrats are squabbling as the chamber loss to Republicans seems inevitable. “I think a lot of Democrats are looking at this moment and saying we have to get everything we can right now,” said Chief New York Times Washington Correspondent Carl Hulse.

Afghanistan, Afghanist-gone August 22, 2021 – The Taliban's swift Afghanistan conquer showed the tenuous American hold on the nation despite 20 years of war. “It was ultimately going to happen because the American mission failed,” Los Angeles Times Foreign Editor Jeffrey Fleishman said. “They don't call Afghanistan the Graveyard of Empires for nothing.”

Now, the “not so Secret Service” August 15, 2021 -- In her new book, “Zero Fail,” Washington Post Pulitzer prize-winning report Carol Leonnig exposes failures of America's elite agency. “It was a culture, the service had partied hard for decades,” Leonnig said. “They had worked hard and partied hard.” Join us, listen, learn, and share.

Cuba in Turmoil -- Again August 8, 2021 –Recent Protests in Cuba continue a history of turmoil from Columbus to Castro. And once again eyes are on the United States to respond. “The Cuban economy is in free fall,” said Dr. James Lopez, co-director of the Center for Jose Marti Studies at the University of Tampa. “There is great economic hardship, food shortages, the collapse of the medical system, COVID cases are on the rise.” Join us, listen, learn, and share.

Save the Postal Service Now August 1, 2021 –The nation's foremost postal service expert believes Congress has an opportunity to right the financially struggling agency established in 1775 by adopting a business model that separates its tasks. “You've got something that is expected to do things that are service oriented but not necessarily profitable, while at the same time keeping yourself reasonably balanced financially,” Leo Raymond said. “You're going to end up in a self-conflicting situation.” Join us, listen, learn, and share.

Who was the Best --- and Worst? July 18, 2021 –Howard University history professor, Dr. Edna Greene Medford, discusses the best and worst presidents in American history. Trump detractors thought finish last in the C-SPAN poll. Guess again. “When we're looking at them, we are looking at more than just what is happening in the four years or eight years that they're leading the country,” Greene says. “We're also looking at what they did when they got into the presidency and certainly what they do when they leave.” Join us, listen, learn, and share.

American Voting System Upended through New Laws, Courts July 18, 2021 –New voting rights laws in several conservative states combined with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding them have thrown the American voting system into disarray, a Florida Supervisor of Elections said. “The irony is that the 2020 election was the highest turnout in our country,” said Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles. “As an elections administrator who is trying to figure out how to run the election in 2022, we're trying to figure out what the norm is going to be.” Join us, listen, and share.

The Politics of the Supreme Court Highest Court in the Land Didn't Steer Right July 11, 2021 –Despite the hue and cry over Donald Trump creating a 6-3 conservative U.S. Supreme Court majority, the justices ruled more moderate than detractors and supporters anticipated. “For the vast majority of the term, that's right,” said USA Today Supreme Court reporter, John Fritze. “That definitely didn't happen.”

The Politics of George Former President, Commander, Also Skilled Politician July 4, 2021 –Though George Washington was America's first president and Commander, he also stands out as one of the greatest political figures in the nation's history, winning four key elections without having a single vote cast against him. “The man was incredibly successful politically, and that's not how we think of him,” said biographer David O. Stewart, author of the new book: George Washington: The Politic Rise of America's Founding Father. “We think of him as the soldier, a farmer, as an all-around upright guy,” Stewart said. “But we don't think of him as a political actor, and he really was for much of his life.”

The Politics of Violent Crime Murders Spike in America Post George Floyd ProtestsJune 27, 2021 –Murders across the nation have reached their highest in a half-century, and many blame the demoralization of American policing in the wake of the George Floyd killing a year ago.“They're doing the job that elected officials and some communities want them to do,” Gary McLhinney, former president of the Baltimore Fraternal of Police, told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. “They don't want them engaging with criminals,” McLhinney said.

The Politics of RansomwareU.S. Ill-Prepared for Cyber HijackersJune 20, 2021 –A U.S. Defense Secretary once ranked the United States a three out of 10 in its ability to stop computer hacker cyber-attacks. That number hasn't changed much in a decade; an NBC News reporter told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields on Sunday Computer hijackers are extorting tens of millions of dollars from American businesses handcuffed by the seizure of their technical operations. “There really seems to be no solution,” Jon Allen said. “Our government has not figured them out, our corporations have not figured them out, and other organizations have not figured out how to stop this from happening,” Allen, an award-winning former congressional reporter and author of the new book, Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency, discusses how the president is faring and the road potholes ahead.

The Politics of EthicsPast Committee Chairman: House Ethics Not Contradictory TermsJune 13, 2021 – The former Republican chairman of the U.S. House Ethics Committee found most members honest but recalls the greatest hit list of our generation's most ridiculous congressional scandals. Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania also admonished House Trump supporters for blocking the establishment of a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection and Trump's attempt to overthrow the government. “I thought Congress should have enacted an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the events of Jan. 6 that led up it, the day of the event, including the actions of the president,” Dent said. “I think it was a mistake that one was not established.”

The True House Speaker Prayer Before Congress Older than Bill of RightsJune 5, 2021 – As C-SPAN spokesman Howard Mortman watched a lot of congressional footage before one daily tradition caught his eye: the prayer before each session. Mortman has written the definitive history of congressional prayers with his book When Rabbis Bless Congress. “The very first thing that Congress does, both chambers, is open with a prayer,” Mortman tells the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. “It's like nothing else that happens during the day. There's no acrimony; there's no hatred, there's no debate, there are no votes.” Mortman describes how prayer even preceded the formation of the Republic and the Bill of Rights. Listen and learn.

Remembering Those Who Died – And Those Who Survived Many Silently Carry Physical and Psychological War Wounds May 30, 2021 – Though Memorial Day honors those lost in the war, the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields took time to remember and reflect on the wounded who survived. “It isn't just the 378,000 Americans who died in wars over the last 80 years,” Shields said. “But, also, the one million wounded, many who came home crippled without limbs carrying emotional and psychological scars.”And what is your most memorable war movie? We discuss.

The Monopoly on American Reading Big Five Publishers Dominate While More Books Published Than Ever Before May 23, 2021 – Despite more books published in the 5,000-year history of the printed word, America’s five largest publishing companies continue to dominate the market, an industry expert told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. “These big New York houses account for a large majority of what gets published in the U.S.,” said Jane Friedman, publisher of The Hot Sheet newsletter, an essential guide to the publishing industry.“It’s also what you see mostly stocked in bookstores,” she said. “Big publishers have the money and resources to really push these books into the hands of influencers, that includes reviewers.”Book reading exploded during the pandemic as people were confined to their homes, Friedman said. Children’s books, mostly the young adult genre, led the way, she said. Readers also resorted to purchasing “backlisted” books, classics providing a guaranteed good read, Friedman said.

California Scheming A Bear, Porn Queen and Transgender Run for Governor May 16, 2021 – What does a bear, porn star and transgender celebrity have in common? They’re all seeking to be California’s next governor. Los Angeles Times Columnist Steve Lopez discusses the bizarre election to recall and replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom. One candidate is touring the state with a bear, calling himself the “beast” who will rein in California spending. “I’m not embarrassed to say, I was rooting for the bear to break free and turn on him and maybe take a bite out of his rear end,” Lopez said.

Biden: Shows Ability Needs Agility Mid-term Loss of the House in 18 Months Could Sink PresidencyMay 8, 2021 – President Joe Biden is off to a fast start, remaining focused on vaccinating the country and restoring the economy, but faces monumental challenges in working with Congress on issues such as immigration and guns, the former editor of Congressional Quarterly Weekly magazine told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields.David Hawkings said the possible loss of Democrat control in the U.S. House of Representatives 18 months now could puncture Biden’s momentum.“He has not allowed himself to get distracted by things that other people want to talk about,” Hawkings said. “That was not the book on Joe Biden...whatever caught his fancy; he would talk about. In contrast, he’s stayed pretty focused.”And, should Donald Trump get more credit for his handling of the pandemic? Listen and learn.Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at: http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

Kennedy: Treat Mental Illness Like Cancer American Mental Health, Addiction Treatment “discrimination” April 25, 2021 – Former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy kicks off national Mental Health Awareness Month on the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields stating that America’s failure to adequately treat mental illness and addiction is driving overdose deaths and mass shootings. The son of former U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy discusses his own mental illness and addiction to deadly opiates, leaving Congress to start the Kennedy Forum, advocating for better mental health and addiction treatment. Kennedy lauded the nation’s commitment to fighting cancer, but notes we have spent trillions – with a T – on that battle. “We’ve spent a fraction of that on mental health,” he said. Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at: http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

The Persecution of Asian Americans has a Hidden, Horrible U.S. History. April 25, 2021 – Americans should enroll in racial sensitivity training and financially support anti-hate groups to combat the alarming rise of attacks on Asian Americans. A former journalist and Asian history scholar told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. Linda Chong, a former China correspondent, blamed the 3,800 reported incidents of assaults and harassment reported since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic on unproven claims that the deadly virus started in China.“The tensions have been simmering,” Chong said. “Suspicions of the Asian population in the U.S. is kind of something that unfortunately has gone hand in hand with American history...it seemed easier to scapegoat Asians.”Unlike more well-known persecutions of Blacks and Native Americans, the terrorizing of Asians in the United States has mostly gone unreported due to fears of repercussions, Chong said. Like Blacks, Asians have been the subject of massacres, lynchings, and U.S. Supreme Court rulings undermining their citizenship, Chong said.Chong has not told her 86-year-old parents of the recent violent spike against Asian Americans, she said.“They’re very patriotic and very proud of being Americans, and this would devastate them,” Chong said. “They disavowed their Chinese citizenship in the 70s to become Americans; my father was so proud of it. I’m not sure he would feel the same way.” # # #Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

A House DividedAmericans Being Cheated by Stymied U.S. House Undermined by Political Selfishness, Renegade Posturing, and the Disappearance of BipartisanshipApril 18, 2021 – The U.S. House of Representatives is paralyzed by growing political factions wielding disruptive power and the lack of bipartisanship that once made the American legislature respected, a longtime Republican House staffer told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. “The idea of reaching across the aisle is seen as a weakness now,” said Kevin Fogarty, a longtime chief of staff and legislative director for recently retired U.S. Rep. Peter King of Long Island. “Unfortunately, a lot of that is leading to things not getting done,” Fogarty said. Renegades in both political parties are putting their personal political careers over making the house function; Fogarty said: “You’re seeing the ‘not what you are for’ but ‘what you are against,’” Fogarty said. Fogarty dishes on Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, AOC, and Republican upstart Marjorie Greene of Georgia. Listen – and learn. # # #Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

American Police in Polar Peril Capitol Police Officer Death, George Floyd Officer Trial Puts Police Back in the NewsApril 4, 2021 – The testimony of eight Minneapolis police officers against colleague Derek Chauvin will likely doom the officer accused of murdering George Floyd, a veteran police analyst told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields.“If I put myself in the seats of the jurors, I think it’s pretty damning,” said Gary McLhinney, former president of the Fraternal Order of Police union in Baltimore. “You judge police officers’ actions by what their peers would do in a similar situation. I think the testimony so far has been that the average police officer, in that situation, would not have done what that particular police officer did.”McLhinney, also a former Maryland police chief, said the recent death of U.S. Capitol police officer Billy Evans should sound the alarm that the force is understaffed and in rising danger since the Jan. 6 attack on the building.“That job in particular now is very difficult because you’re trying to balance access with security, and those don’t go together very easily,” McLhinney said. # # #Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

Jesus Was a Political Rebel Christian Faith Requires Challenging Oppressive Authority April 4, 2021 – Being a true Christian requires challenging injustice and actively going out of your comfort zone to assist the poor, a former Washington journalist and men’s Christian minister told the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields. As part of a special Easter episode, former Newsday congressional correspondent J. Jioni Palmer, now a men’s minister at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church down the street from the White House, said the Biblical figure Jesus was lynched for challenging government authority. “If your religion ain’t a revolution, then you’re just getting high,” Palmer said. “I think Jesus was...definitely a political hero. Crucifixion was used to execute political prisoners.” Jesus would welcome much of the past year’s political turmoil in America because it aligns with his teachings to heal the sick, feed and house the poor, and challenge oppressive authority, Palmer said. # # #Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.

The Volatile Blend of Worship and Politics When Politicians Use God to Justify their Positions March 28, 2021 – The Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields goes international for the first time, interviewing one of the world’s top Jewish influencers, Rabbi Josh Yuter in Jerusalem, who cautions against the use of God to support political positions. “I do think, and this is something that bothers me from both the left and right, that when politics and religion get confused and overlap in that it’s hard to find the difference between the two...it is easy to corrupt that.” Yuter discusses killings by various faiths carried out in the name of God and the impact of the coronavirus on the Jewish faith. Join us. # # #Listen to the Retail Politics Podcast with Gerry Shields at http://www.retailpoliticspodcast or on Apple or Spotify.