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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Podcasts:
“A penny saved is not a penny earned but a penny taxed.” Is there any way to rein in the out of control spending in Cook County? Is anyone willing to take on Burke and Madigan in the property tax battle that is starting to generate national attention? What has to be the approach going forward in negotiating with public sector unions? Former Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman and Candidate for Cook County Board President, Bob Fioretti joins Dan and Amy to discuss his campaign platform.
Wisconsin Senator, Ron Johnson, breaks ranks on tax reform stating he is not voting for the bill in its current form. Are Republicans heading towards another policy failure? Is pushback coming from upwardly mobile parts of the electorate? Will Republicans be able to put special interests aside and pass tax reform? Wall Street Journal Columnist, Senior Economist for CNN, and former Donald Trump advisor, Stephen Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
A new hotel is being constructed in DC to provide a safe haven for Democrats to engage in social activism and be surrounded by like-minded people. Will staff uniforms mirror Antifa garb? Will it offer cry rooms? What about the lost and found service called “What Happened?” Who’s going to be paying for all of this? Dan and Amy discuss the possible naming rights and features they’d like to see for the new hotel.
Is there room for legitimate frustration and resentment towards the Washington Post for publishing the story so close to the election? Were Alabama voters cheated? Will it be hard for Republicans to simply sit out this election since the opponent is so far to the left? Will the Obamacare mandate repeal in the GOP tax plan hinder the possibility of tax reform before Christmas? Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and author of “See No Evil: 19 Hard Truths the Left Can’t Handle,” Joel Pollak joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Chicago is the worst governed major city in America. In order to pay off the city’s debt, it would require $41,700 per taxpayer. Why is Mayor Tiny Dancer allowed to come out and say he created a balanced budget in 2016 when it actually ran a $3.6 billion deficit? Is it time for Chicago taxpayers to finally hold their elected officials accountable before the city goes completely under? Founder and CEO of Truth in Accounting, Sheila Weinberg joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
There was no vast right-wing conspiracy responsible for the impeachment of Bill Clinton. There is no vast left-wing conspiracy responsible for ending Roy Moore. Moore is still denying allegations and has a history of never backing down. Even if he does get elected will the Senate expel him? Senior Political Correspondent at the Washington Examiner, David Drucker joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Why aren’t conservatives boasting about the Trump administration for creating zero new regulations? Previous presidencies averaged 11,000 annually. Which president deserves the most credit for limiting the scope of government in the 20th century? Is the government always on autopilot to increase spending? Senior Fellow and Director of the Center on Peace and Liberty at the Independent Institute, Ivan Eland joins Dan and Amy to discuss.
Forgiveness is not an act of weakness but what is its purpose? What is the definition of forgiveness? What is a human being worth? Is preventing murder a priority in our society? Former Chicago newsman now filmmaker, Garrad McClendon joins Dan and Amy to discuss his new film documenting the horrific murder of his parents, “Forgiving Cain.”
Veterans Day is behind us but the need to support them is not. Pin-Ups for Vets, a calendar that draws inspiration from World War II pin-ups, was created as a way to boost morale for veterans that are hospitalized or currently serving. All proceeds from the calendars goes toward the purchase of rehab equipment for our wounded veterans. Pin-Ups For Vets Founder, Gina Elise joins Dan and Amy to discuss
Should Roy Moore step aside? Should the GOP stick with the "if proven true" qualification for Moore's candidacy? Should the GOP hierarchy play judge and jury or should Alabama voters? Also, is it possible for African Americans to develop real friendships with white Trump voters? Donald Trump supporters and hosts of the Viewers’ View, Diamond and Silk join Dan and Amy to discuss.
Public sector union workers across the country are forced to pay union dues, even if they disagree with their unions' political speech. The U.S. Supreme Court could soon change that. On this edition of Illinois Rising, Pat Hughes and Local Labs Founder Brian Timpone discuss how this might happen with Liberty Justice Center Vice President Diana Rickert. They also discuss Illinois' likely fruitless bid for Amazon's new headquarters with City Journal Editor Steve Malanga. And they analyze startling new school spending numbers in Illinois.
Springfield's Cultural Cesspool
Rauner's "Accomplishments"
Illinois' Amazon Bid
Public sector union workers across the country are forced to pay union dues, even if they disagree with their unions' political speech. The U.S. Supreme Court could soon change that. On this edition of Illinois Rising, Pat Hughes and Local Labs Founder Brian Timpone discuss how this might happen with Liberty Justice Center Vice President Diana Rickert. They also discuss Illinois' likely fruitless bid for Amazon's new headquarters with City Journal Editor Steve Malanga. And they analyze startling new school spending numbers in Illinois.
