Upstream Ideas
Summary: "He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo. Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
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- Artist: Upstream Ideas
- Copyright: Copyright 2018 Upstream Ideas
Podcasts:
Why isn't every football team using the King-Devick concussion test? It’s currently being used in the NCAA and in some parts of the military. Parents could even administer the test on the sideline. CEO of King-Devick Technologies, Steve Devick joins Dan and Amy to discuss his groundbreaking technology on concussion testing.
If the liberal media says the GOP tax reform plan is hardly a middle-class tax cut and only benefits the rich, then why are the wealthy in Illinois, Connecticut, and New York complaining that they will be paying more? Is there an even greater incentive for the Senate to pass tax reform before the Alabama special election? Does either party have a moral high ground in the Alabama Senate race? Wall Street Journal Columnist, Senior Economist for CNN, and former Donald Trump advisor, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Why does a County Commissioner's race in Erie, Pennsylvania matter for the rest of the 2018 elections? Will Democrats continue to lose their stronghold in districts made up of working class, union supporting, Catholic residents? Everyone is ready for the Clintons to get out of the public eye but what about Obama and his surrogates? Are the Democrats still trying to find out who their emerging leaders are going to be in 2020? Washington Examiner Reporter, New York Post Columnist and CNN Contributor, Salena Zito joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
The family of our technical producer was the victim of an elaborate scam that wiped out almost the entirety of their savings and led them to fear for their daughter’s life. They join Dan and Amy to discuss the situation in detail it so hopefully others don't have to experience it.
“He went after none of the facts, he went after me personally, and that’s what they do when they find any African American articulate, who understands what’s at stake and who disagrees with liberalism.” Star Parker testified in front of a House Committee and slammed Rep. Cohen (D-Memphis) for keeping his constituents locked in ignorance and government dependency. President and Founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, Star Parker joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Why did Todd Stroger decide to get back into Cook County government? What’s the big idea that’s going to be central to his campaign? If he enjoys helping people then why does he enjoy government? As things change, the more they stay the same with the personnel and the philosophy that believes we can tax and spend our way out of the debt ridden, dysfunctional government that is Cook County. Cook County Board President Candidate, Todd Stroger joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
“Man, I live in a bubble...I can’t believe that men think they can act this way. In the real world, there would be far greater consequences for these actions.” Will the reckoning continue for more members of Congress, Hollywood A-listers, and even Bill Clinton? Will this finally lead to a culture shift of no longer elevating the status of celebrities and politicians? Does the public recognize that not every allegation is equally credible? Nationally syndicated columnist and Senior Editor for TheFederalist.com, David Harsanyi joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
The Republican's tax plan will lower home values in Illinois and contribute to the burden of property-tax-weary IL families. Homeowners in Illinois are paying one percent to three percent of their home value depending on where they live in the Chicagoland region. Will the GOP tax plan finally stoke the revolt over property taxes in IL? Should the outrage be directed at Republicans in Congress or Democrats in Chicago? Founder of Wirepoints.com, Mark Glennon joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Marty Quinn, Chicago Alderman and top Madigan operative, is using the City's failed services systems as an excuse to illegally spend thousands of tax dollars. What’s the point of having laws when Tiny Dancer just overrules them? Will there be any ramifications for their actions? Is this just another indictment of the law enforcement infrastructure in Chicago politics? CEO of Project Six, Faisal Kahn joins Dan and Amy to discuss the latest investigation of Chicago politicians, Mike Madigan and Marty Quinn.
Conan O'Brien suggested an all-female reboot of America. The overall majority of sexual assault and harassment victims are women. But are women completely innocent? What about solidarity based on intellect rather than identity? Is the definition of sexual harassment and assault constantly being redefined? Is there really a “men” problem or could women be just as guilty? Dan and Amy discuss the losers in identity politics.
The GOP moves the tax reform bill out of the House. But, is tax reform headed for a deadlock in the Senate? Will it be a short-lived celebration on Capitol Hill? Is this a hard sell in the middle class? What will need to be reconciled with the Senate to get it on POTUS' desk? Congressman Peter Roskam from the 6th Congressional District joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
“Augie can’t change the way he looks but we can change the way we see.” Augie is a character in the new movie “Wonder”, based on the novel, about a young boy with facial deformities and his journey of self-acceptance and the relationships he makes along the way. The message of choosing kindness is prevalent throughout the film and inspires everyone to embrace each other’s differences; to see others for who they really are and not simply the way they look on the outside. Todd Lieberman, one of the producers of the film, joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
It’s viewer’s choice to discuss the ethics of sitting members of the Senate or potential members. Should we start with the sexual misconduct of Franken and Moore or the corruption of Menendez? How hypocritical are the calls to just now reanalyze the sexual allegations during the Clinton years? Does Trump not want to lose twice in Alabama? Is the House Hispanic Caucus for Democrat Hispanics only? Anchor of Special Report on Fox News Channel, Bret Baier joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Is culture everything? Are we losing sight of basic truths? Why has the left been effective in shutting down the conservative message? What are they doing that social conservatives are not? How has the Republican Party rendered themselves useless in the culture war? Senior fellow at the American Principles Project, Maggie Gallagher joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
“Science proves kids are bad for the earth. Therefore, morality suggests we stop having them.” Are people just creating a larger carbon footprint when they have children? Is it morally suspect to have children? Would you consider your children high-cost luxury goods? Has human life become nothing more than a carbon footprint? Dan and Amy discuss the once accepted “extremist” views of environmentalism.
