Will A Government Shutdown Affect Ohio?

Dec 20

We talk through a packed episode covering critical issues, from state pension system woes, the looming government shutdown, to the lingering impacts of remote work culture and beyond.

State Pension Systems

We kick off the episode discussing the precarious state of pension systems in states like California, Illinois, and New York. They express frustration over the proposed solution to add new state workers to Social Security instead of addressing the underlying issues plaguing these pensions. The conversation underscores the hosts’ belief in the need for systemic reform rather than what they see as superficial fixes.

January 6th Committee Controversies

Turning to national politics, the hosts examine the controversies surrounding the January 6th Committee, focusing on allegations against Liz Cheney involving document destruction and witness tampering. We highlight a Department of Justice (DOJ) referral for further investigation, questioning the integrity and motivations behind the committee's actions.

The Biden Administration's Competence

Continuing with federal matters, we discuss a Wall Street Journal report that critiques the Biden administration's performance, claiming incompetence and a significant cover-up by Biden’s handlers. Palmer is particularly outraged by reports of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's minimal interactions with Biden during critical events like the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling the situation grossly mishandled.

Cultural Reflections and Christmas Movies

Shifting gears, we talk about Christmas movies, debating whether certain films like "Die Hard" and "Lethal Weapon" qualify as Christmas movies. We mention classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and new favorites like "Four Christmases," offering a mixed review of actors like Will Ferrell and Jim Carrey. Hallmark

Legislative Concerns and House Bill 8

The conversation then moves to Ohio's House Bill 8, which stipulates parental disclosure regarding students' gender dysphoria and mandates parental notification for sex education content. The bill also requires schools to allow release time for religious instruction, potentially disrupting students' regular schedules. The hosts express concerns about the bill’s complexity and its potential impact on education, contemplating whether Ohio Governor Mike DeWine might veto it.

Work Environment and Accountability

Steve shares his thoughts on driving as a privilege and the implications of implied consent for tests like blood, breath, urine, and oral swabs. We emphasize the importance of accountability in the workplace, particularly in-person interactions, which foster teamwork and oversight. Reflecting on personal experiences, Steve describes rebuilding camaraderie through in-office events like a Christmas lunch.

Government Shutdown and Federal Spending

We discuss the looming threat of a government shutdown, reflecting on past shutdowns and their implications for federal workers. We criticize Congress's focus on last-minute budget resolutions and the inefficiency of federal spending, which often prioritizes large corporations over local needs. This prompts a narrative on the absurdity of taxpayers from unrelated regions funding projects far from their own communities.

Crime, Legislation, and Social Issues

Steve and Norm talk about various legislative and crime-related topics, including a new law on sexual extortion and the importance of ballistics and DNA evidence in solving crimes. They recount a tragic school shooting incident, exploring societal issues like the impact of family dynamics and media consumption on young individuals.

Entertainment and Personal Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their least favorite Christmas songs, criticizing certain tracks while appreciating classics by artists like Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. They discuss the reflective and often sad nature of Christmas songs, linking emotions to historical contexts such as World War II.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Brett Johnson