Opinion

We start with MIMI GERMAN and her laureate poem, as always.

Then we hear from “America’s Mayor” HEIDI LAMPERT of the latest miasma from Waldport, Oregon.

Legendary democracy activist JOHN BRAKEY tells us of his anti-democracy arrest in Las Vegas.

Former Arizona state Senate president & Secretary of State KEN BENNETT gives us the 5-point program to guarantee American rights.

Gerrymandering expert MIKE HERSH gives us a report on the latest assault on our right to representative government.

Legendary activist MARION EDEY chimes in with support from John & Ken, and a call for a memorial service for the late great BOB ALVAREZ.

We then turn to the legendary nuclear guru ARNIE GUNDERSEN who fills us in on the sorry state of collusion at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

From western Michigan we get deep reportage from the great ROGER RAPOPORT on the insane attempt to re-start the Palisades reactor.

From southern Ohio VINA COLLEY gives us the latest nightmare at the Piketon uranium nightmare.  

From GRETA MALAISE we hear of the gutting of New York’s farmer’s markets.

Dr. Bob Fitrakis and Dan-o Dougan reminisce about friends and family members that have left us and the music they enjoyed or reminds them of their loved ones. Hear music from Roger Miller to the Grateful Dead to Carole King to the Pogues.

Listen here

Listen live at 11pm Fridays, August 15 and 22 streaming at wgrn.org or on the radio at 91.9FM
and
Mondays at 2pm streaming August 18 and 25 at wcrsfm.org or on the radio at 92.7 or 98.3FM

The consequences of the Israeli genocide in Gaza will be dire. An event of this degree of barbarity, sustained by an international conspiracy of moral inertia and silence, will not be relegated to history as just another "conflict" or a mere tragedy.

 The Gaza genocide is a catalyst for major events to come. Israel and its benefactors are acutely aware of this historical reality. This is precisely why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a race against time, desperately trying to ensure his country remains relevant, if not standing, in the coming era. He pursues this through territorial expansion in Syria, relentless aggression against Lebanon, and, of course, the desire to annex all occupied Palestinian territories.

This article first appeared in The Buckeye Flame

As trans individuals and advocates in Ohio, we know that our community is facing extraordinary challenges right now. The fear, the hate, the legislation—it’s all real, and for many, it’s overwhelming. We completely understand that for some, leaving a state like Ohio—where anti-trans laws, rhetoric, and fear-mongering are rampant—might feel like the only viable option for survival. And for those who can afford to make that move, who have the resources and support to relocate and rebuild their lives elsewhere, that might be the right decision for their physical and mental health.

But here’s where we feel the need to speak up: When we start to frame “getting out” as the only solution, we risk abandoning the very people we’re trying to protect. Ohio isn’t just a place on a map; it’s home to thousands of trans people who, right now, are counting on the people who have stayed—who have chosen to dig in their heels and continue the fight, no matter how difficult.

We’re under assault in every direction without a safe space in sight. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that I’m referring to street crime or border crossings, both of which have been plummeting. I’m talking about our ability to believe what we see or hear. I’m talking about our ability to absorb what we read and believe that we are dealing with fact-based truths that are objective, nonpartisan, and, even real. The evidence is overwhelming and the intent is pervasive.

No small part of this lies with the White House. Trump is transparent about his interests in this regard: