Summary: The "War on Poverty" vs. The "War on the Impoverished" This week on Talking Left, we wanted to explain the difference between L.B.J.'s War on Poverty and the GOP's "War on the Poor." Thankfully, we had some great guests to help us sort it out, and help us figure out how to fight it! First, we spoke with David Bender, the political director for Progressive Voices. David went through the 2014 Senate races we need to pay attention to if we want to be sure that Republicans don't regain control of the upper chamber. And, just for fun, we had to touch on Chris Christie and "Bridge-gate" and explain why it's a perfect example of the right-wing mindset. Next, we were joined by progressive commentator and writer Sam Sacks, to discuss Jesse Myerson's new piece in Rolling Stone: Five Economic Reforms that Millennials Should be Fighting For. As we expected, Sam brilliantly broke down each of Jesse's proposals, and explained how they could fight economic inequality - and why the Right is losing their minds over the suggestions. Sam is a regular fill-in for the one-and-only Thom Hartmann, and we don't think it will be long before "Sam Sacks" is a household name. After that we heard from Nicole Flatow of Think Progress Justice. She recently covered a court ruling against Florida's drug-testing of welfare recipients. Not only did Nicole explain why the ruling was a victory for low-income Floridians, but she also helped us explain how these policies are nothing more than Republican dog-whistle politics that wage war ON the poor. People shouldn't be forced to sign away their constitutional rights in order to get government assistance, and Nicole's great coverage clearly shows why these discriminatory policies are wrong for Florida - and our nation. Last, but certainly not least, we spoke with Justin Duckham, the Chief Washington Correspondent for Talk Radio News Service. Justin gave us a preview of the unthinkable way Congress plans to pay for extending long-term unemployment benefits - by cutting disability checks. That news nearly left us speechless, but it only provides further evidence that Republicans don't give a damn about fighting poverty. We need to get active and get loud to put an end to these austerity measures before they completely destroy our nation. Thanks to We Act Radio - 1480AM WPWC, Radio or Not, and SoFlo Radio - for helping to ensure all listeners have corporate-free, independent radio! And, of course, thanks to you, our listeners, friends, and family - for supporting us through all of our crazy shows, dreams, and political addictions!! You can also follow all of the news about upcoming topics and guests on our Facebook page and on Twitter @TalkingLeft. And you can subscribe to Talking Left free on iTunes! As always, thanks for listening!
