Friday on Hot Talk: 90 minutes of your calls and the Police Chiefs from Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead together
9:05 viewpoint
listener rewards
first time callers to the front of the line
Higher Ed Board will discuss retiring Sioux name early
Bush pushes Dems to ok war funding
GOP Presidential race getting too rough?
MSUMankato vows to get tough on student drinking
MN Congresswoman meets with Syrian leader
problems at RRV Fair continue
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 chat with the chiefs, an area police cheifs summit with Fargo Police Chief Keith Ternes, Moorhead Police Chief David Ebinger and West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen discussing crime and law enforcement in our region and taking your calls.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...next week...Tuesday....Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center on his new book "Whitewash: What the Media Won't Tell You About Hillary Clinton, but Conservatives Will."......
Thursday....Pat Buchanan on his new book "Day of Reckoning: How Hubris, Ideology, and Greed Are Tearing America Apart".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/29/2007 at 7:30 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink
Thursday Hot Talk: live from the Northern Ag Expo with Senator Norm Coleman, Judge Tom Davies and Bob Farmer
live from the 2007 Northern Ag Expo at the Fargodome
9:05 Viewpoint
Who won GOP debate?
Should Romney's religion be an issue in race?
Standing Rock Leaders say they wont change stance on Sioux name issue
Nancy Pelosi vs. the english language
Congress near agreement on energy policy
10:07 Senator Norm Coleman drops by the show as he awards a belated purple heart to a WWII veteran in Moorhead.
10:25 Municipal Court Judge Thomas Davies discusses the Fargo School Board's decision to name a new high school after his father Ronald Davies.
10:45 Ellen Ratner
11:07 humorist and entertainer Bob Farmer with 2008 Farmers Almanac who is speaking at the Northern Ag Expo.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...tomorrow...a police chief summit with Fargo Police Chief Keith Ternes, Moorhead Police Chief David Ebinger and West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen discussing crime and enforcement in our region...next week,Tuesday...Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center on his new book "Whitewash: What the Media Won't Tell You About Hillary Clinton, but Conservatives Will"... Thursday...Pat Buchanan on his new book "Day of Reckoning: How Hubris, Ideology, and Greed Are Tearing America Apart".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/28/2007 at 8:11 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Wednesday Hot Talk....live from the Northern Ag Expo, PLOTS program, Davies victory and ND Wealth Transfer Study
live from the Northern Ag Expo at the Fargodome
9:05
Viewpoint
Fargo School Board votes unamiously to name new high school after Davies
Winter finally arrives in ND
anthem skipped before Monday night football game
MA debates ban on spanking
Bush: Worth it to try on Mideast peace
10:07 we'll meet the author of a study on ND Wealth Transfer, Dr. Paul Schervish, Professor of Sociology at Boston College and Director of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, who is in town sharing his work.
10:30 our hero of the week Army Cadet Clarence Ketterer who recieved the bronze star for successfully rescuing numerous members of Iraqi Security forces following a deadly attack two years ago.
10:45 Ellen Ratner
11:07 how successful is the PLOTS program for hunters and farmers? Randy Kreil chief of the Wildlife division for the Game and Fish Department joins us to share his thoughts.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK.... tomorrow again live from the ND Ag Expo at the Fargodome joined by Humorist and entertainer Bob Farmer with 2008 Farmers Almanac....next week....Tuesday....Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center on his new book "Whitewash:
What the Media Won't Tell You About Hillary Clinton, but Conservatives Will."....Thursday....Pat Buchanan on his new book "Day of Reckoning: How Hubris, Ideology, and Greed Are Tearing America Apart"
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/27/2007 at 8:18 PM | Comments (34) | Permalink
Tuesday on Hot Talk: Mark Levin and Congressman Collin Peterson
9:05 Viewpoint
WSI Board votes to go ahead with outside review
whos to blame for farm bill failure?
Annapolis Mideast Peace summit to begin
Gore and Bush meet at White House
10:07 talk show host Mark Levin on his new book "Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish"
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 our ag insider this week is the House Ag Committee Chairman Congressman Collin Peterson on prospects for a new farm bill for this year.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Wednesday and Thursday live from the Fargodome for the Northern Ag Expo....Next week...Pat Buchanan on his new book.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/26/2007 at 8:12 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Name That School: Judge Davies High
More schools in Florida are named for a sea-cow than for Presidents. Don't let it happen here! Take a stand. Join us in our growing effort to make sure the new high school in Fargo is named for a great North Dakotan Judge Ronald N. Davies. His role in the famous Little Rock 9 decision was momentus, yet is often forgotten here 50 years later. That's what schools are for. To teach future generations history and a whole lot more. We are gratified that so many folks have joined our effort to make sure Judge Davies receives this due and proper reward for his contributions to education in the United States. Senator Tim Flakoll, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Education Committee in North Dakota was one of those who nominated Judge Davies name for consideration joined me on Hot Talk to discuss this today. We also spoke with 2 member sof the Little Rock 9 who endorsed this idea as well today on-air!
The 3 finalists are:
-Dakota High School (which has been used my other schools already, some close to here)
-Lake Aggasiz High (confusing since this was also the name of a middle school in fargo for a time, now the Fargo South II campus...plus some places have since dropped the Aggasiz name because of a racist history of the namesake.
-Judge Ronald N. Davies High
The Fargo School Board will make the final decision at 5:30pm Tuesday Nov 27 in a regular monthly board meeting at the district office at 415 North 4th Street in Fargo. Many of you have asked for help in getting the contact info for school board members...so at your service, here are the members and contact info...hurry and let your voice be heard!
Laura Carley
| carleyl@fargo.k12.nd.us | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W 282-4977 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
H 293-1819 Don Faulker
|
Posted by: Scott Hennen on 11/26/2007 at 1:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink
Monday Hot Talk: two members of the Little Rock 9 and WSI Board Chair Bob Indvik
9:05 Viewpoint
Do you pay attention to where toys are made?
British paper cross a line on Hillary?
Dems tone on Iraq changing as surge succeeds
Obama open to legalization of marijuana
Gore to visit White House
10:07 WSI Board Chairman Bob Indvik responds to recent criticism.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 Two members of the Little Rock 9, Dr. Terrence Roberts and Carlotta LaNier, speak in favor of naming a new Fargo high school after Judge Ronald Davies.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Tuesday...Our Ag Insider is House Ag Committee Chairman Congressman Collin Peterson on propects for a new farm bill now that the bill is going nowhere in the Senate plus talk show host heard here on WDAY, the great one....Mark Levin.....Wednesday and Thursday, we are live at the Northern Ag Expo.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/25/2007 at 11:38 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
The Great One-Mark Levin writes a GREAT book
Tuesday on Hot Talk we welcome my friend and fellow talk-show host Mark R. Levin. He has written a fantastic book about his dog Sprite. Someone once said, "Show me a dog lover and I'll show you a good person". That describes Mark. He is an awesome human being. We welcome your questions for him on this fast-selling book here in the comments section or on-air Tuesday. Other interviews from Hannity & Colmes here, Sean Hannity radio show here and the ditto-cam interview of Mark & Rush here. Our latest rescue dog Teddy also made Mark's web-site with dog stories, see it here.
Posted by: Scott Hennen on 11/24/2007 at 8:42 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
What would you pay the Salvation Army for THIS Gold Coin?
UPDATE: Bid is at $800.00!!! It's A 1996 American Eagle Gold Coin valued at over $800. and it could be yours. WIll you help us help the Salvation Army? What would you pay? Email me at SHennen@wday.com, or post your bid and telephone number below and we'll contact you. No worries as no names or numbers will be published or announced on-air, unless you want the infoformation to be public. We'll only update what the bid total is at. And of course, the Salvation Army gets the cash, you get the Gold Coin and a great feeling of helping a great cause!
As first reported on WDAY-AM's Hot Talk this morning, an American Eagle gold coin (1996) showed up in a Salvation Army kettle over the weekend. Captain Adam Moore, Commanding officer of the Cass/Clay County Salvation Army tells me that it is not unusual to have a few of these show up in the kettles each year, but this is the earliest ever. The campaign kicked off this past Wednesday. We're out to help the Salvation Army here exceed their goal of $600,000. So when you hear and see the sounds of the season this year at one of 28 metro location, drop some bucks in the kettle so they can coninue to do the most good!
Posted by: Scott Hennen on 11/24/2007 at 2:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Thanks!
I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you who read the blog and also to those who take the time to post comments. You are the reason this blog has remained popular with 2000 to 3000+ views a day. I'd like to recognize, Epiphany, Doorgunner, Scriptureman, KevindF, Tony, John Hoff, Blog Reader, Truth Harvestor, Wanderer, Jeff, NDM, CSPurveyor, LJL, Just Curious, Truth, Bluetooth, Jeff, Elmer, Moorhead man, Reality Check, Baldwin Huey, The Icon, Jump, Politically Incorrect, and all the others I forgot for your comments over the past years. I wish each of you a most blessed and family-filled Thanksgiving!
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/22/2007 at 12:20 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink
A Thanksgiving Message from the President
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/22/2007 at 12:07 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy your holiday and some mashed potato soup....mmmm good. Here is our favorite recipe and some others to choose from here. Feel free to email more and I'll post them. SHennen@wday.com
Posted by: Scott Hennen on 11/22/2007 at 9:41 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Friday Hot Talk: your calls and Iraq
9:05 Viewpoint
Listener Rewards
First time callers to the front of the line
Will you shop today? Are the bargains worth the hassle?
Whats your favorite holiday and why?
Do you pay attention to buying local as the 2020 effort in MN is encouraging you to do?
Was Obama right to admit in front of students he used drugs?
Keystone pipeline moves forward
Fargodome arena additions are on target
stem cell breaktrough
hillary has more experience than obama?
supreme court takes up gun issue
Dems says Pentagon using scare tactics
11:07 Lt. Colonel Joseph Yoswa, a MN Native who is General David Petraeus's spokesperson, joins us from Iraq to discuss improving news over there.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Monday...members of the Little Rock 9 speak on the program in favor of renaming the new high school for Judge Ronald Davies....also Bob Indvik, chairman of the WSI Board, responds to criticism of the Board....Tuesday...Mark Levin
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/21/2007 at 7:37 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Thursday on Hot Talk, Rudy, Mitt and Lynne
A special Holiday edition of Hot Talk with a look back at recent interviews with 2 presidential candidates former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuilani and former MA Governor Mitt Romney, plus First Lady Lynne Cheney, former Senator Bob Dole on Honor Flight, former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow as well as US Attorney Drew Wrigley and Dru Sjodin's mother Linda Walker speaking out for victims.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/21/2007 at 7:32 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Scott Hennen's interview with Rudy Giuliani
Fargo, N.D. 11/14/2007
Click here to listen to Scott Hennen's interview with Rudy Giuliani
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/20/2007 at 2:30 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
In case you missed it: Rudy Guiliani's Fargo speech
Rudy Giuliani told supporters in Fargo Wednesday that his experience and his readiness to get things done make him the right choice as a presidential candidate.
The Republican spoke for a half-hour to a crowd of about 100 campaign contributors and volunteers at Seasons at Rose Creek.
Click here to listen to Rudy Giuliani's speech in Fargo
Click here to listen to Rudy Giuliani answer questions in Fargo
During his speech, the former New York City mayor highlighted his positions on the war in Iraq, illegal immigrants, energy independence, the economy and health care.
Giuliani said the United States should end illegal immigration and enhance efforts to do so through stricter checks and technology.
“The experiences that I’ve had in my career … give me the best background and the best experience to do something like this,” he said.
“I’m good at getting done the things other people talk about,” he added.
As for the economy, Giuliani said he would control and reduce government spending, reduce taxes and reduce regulations so businesses and people stay in the United States. He also wants to get control of a country “out of control in the way people sue each other.”
“If we do those four things, we can have the kind of America we want for our children,” Giuliani said.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/20/2007 at 2:28 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink
Tuesday Hot Talk: Fighting Sioux name done? farm bill, school name, Microsoft tax break
9:05 Viewpoint
what should new high school be named?
should microsoft have gotten tax break?
bid on gold coin for salvation army
will higher gas prices deter your holiday travel?
hillary dropping in polls
Chavez goes after US at OPEC meetings
10:07 our ag insider is USDA Chief of Staff Dale Moore on the breakdown of a new farm bill in Congress.
10:25 more ag insiders with Nick Revier of SessVanderhave and Greg Richards of American Crystal Sugar on changes to the sugar beet industry and release of the coded trial information.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 Bill Goetz, Chancelleor of the ND University System on the future of the Fighting Sioux name and logo at UND.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Wednesday....talking turkey with Tony Nasello of Sarellos....
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/20/2007 at 12:35 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Adam Hamm for Insurance Commissioner!
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/19/2007 at 8:53 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink
Monday on Hot Talk...
9:05 Viewpoint
farm bill stalls
Ellison wants felons to be able to vote
Bison lose bid to have undefeated season
Gibbs guilty
Sioux may be gone before 3 years
10:07 we'll meet one of the forces behind the film "Bella", an indepedent Christian movie with a pro-life message who has some connections to ND as the film wins awards and attention and has now opened in Fargo.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 NDSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor on the Bison football season, retaining coach Bohl and potential for a new basketball arena.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...Wednesday....former UN Ambassador John Bolton on his new book "No Surrender".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/18/2007 at 9:49 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Thursday on Hot Talk...
live from Microsoft
9:05 our exclusive interview with former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuilani
Viewpoint
Giuliani visits Fargo
Senate battles over farm bill
House passes Iraq bill
energy bill stalled as gas prices rise
another Hector land development proposed
Hillary now against failed Spitzer license for illegals plan, Obama still for
10:07 Don Morton, Microsoft's Fargo Site Leader talks about their expansion in Fargo.
10:20 Scott Anderson Microsoft's General Manager, Customer Service and Support and Dave Coulombe, General Manager of Microsoft Dynamics Development
talk about what the company does here.
10:45 Ellen Ratner
11:07 Dinesh D'Souza, author of "What's So Great About Christianity".
AHEAD ON HOT TALK.... AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Friday...live from the ND Farm Bureau's Convention in Bismarck...joined in-studio by RNC Chairman Mike Duncan as he visits Fargo...plus the President of the ND Farm Bureau Eric Aasmunstad and a rescheduled interview with Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota for our monthly chat....Next week...Wednesday....former UN Ambassador John Bolton on his new book "No Retreat"
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/14/2007 at 10:21 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink
WDAY WW2 Honor Flight III Re-cap
Kudo's to Haney's Photography for great work on capturing the aura of our WDAY Honor Flight vets visit to Washington, D.C. Check out the HUGE photo gallery here.
Click on the following links to listen to Honor Flight interviews...
James Rosendahl (interview #1 w/ Jim Monk)
Bob Evanson & Arthur Maleitzke
Ken Aasness & LeRoy Quernemoen
James Rosendahl (interview #2 w/ Scott Hennen)
Hilmer D.Zimbelman & Dean F.Peterson & Herbert Tschaekofske
Sam Donaldson of ABC news / Banquet speaker
Earl Morris - Founder of Honor Flight / Banquet speaker
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/14/2007 at 6:04 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Monday on Hot Talk
9:05 VIEWPOINT
Veterans Day
Hoeven orders WSI review
smoking ban
9:15 Major General Rick Lynch, commander of the Third Infantry Division in Iraq, joins us live to talk about progress in Iraq and Veterans Day
9:30 more viewpoint
10:07 Joel Vettel President of the Fargo Park Board, on Metro Sports Foundations proposal to donate a new hockey arena to the Park Board.
10:30 we'll hear from Metro Area Student Council Ambassadors - Student leaders from public and private high schools in Fargo, West Fargo who want to fill the floor---the entire floor----of the Fargodome with food, to help feed the needy in our community.
10:45 ellen ratner
11:07 Former White House aide Kathleen Willey author of "Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton," published by WND Books.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....tomorrow live from Echelon for Governor Hoeven's relection announcement... Wednesday....live at West Acres for the Salvation Army Bell Ringers kick off....Thursday...Dinesh D'Souza, author of "What's So Great About Christianity"...Friday....RNC Chairman Mike Duncan in-studio.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/12/2007 at 12:27 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Is It a Choice?
I posted this about 1 year ago and had some very interesting responses, but also some very offensive ones. Being we have some new contributors I decided to repost it and see what kind of comments I get this time around. Leading into an election year with candidates who span the entire spectrum (even within the republican party) on this topic it will surely come up on the national debate scene.
The question is, are you born a homosexual or do you choose that lifestyle?
We all have different idiosyncracies which make us unique. We each have different interests, hobbies, likes, and dislikes. I was raised with a sister in the same home by the same parents. We are similar in many ways and different in many as well. Similarly, we all have different physical desires which most of us cannot explain. Some people love bubble baths. I can't stand them. I can't tell you why that is. There was no "bubble bath incident" in my childhood. It is what it is. A preference. Without going into too much detail I feel that many humans are stricken with some innate sexual perversion. Some molest children, some molest animals, some have unusual fetishes, and some are drawn to relations with members of the same sex. It is rare that anyone can explain why they have the feelings or preferences they do, which makes me believe that these perversions exist for a reason which surpasses their ability to understand or account for them. In other words, they are born that way.
Here's where the choice comes in. I can't speak from personal experience, but can relate anecdotal evidence that we do have a choice in whether or not we indulge in inappropriate behavior. There are many things that we, as humans, may have a desire to do, but we don't because we know they are wrong. You can't arrest a man for privately fantasizing about some unspeakable act. If he acts on it, he is expected to face the consequences. Maybe he is tormented every day by his perverse desires, but refrains from acting out and accordingly is viewed as normal and decent.
I am a Christian and believe that homosexuality is unnatural and improper. If I were asked by a friend who feels he is predisposed to that lifestyle I would advise him to make the choice not to engage in any activity which he feels is morally wrong. If he chooses to act on his impulses it is his choice and he will have to account for it when he faces God. I don't feel the need to condemn anyone for their choices, but I do think that as a Christian it is my duty to recognize destructive decisions and help the individual to right them if I am able.
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/10/2007 at 10:33 PM | Comments (26) | Permalink
Friday Hot Talk...
9:05 Viewpoint
Listener Rewards
First Time Callers to the front of the line
Battle over farm bill, who's right?
alcohol penalties need stiffening?
House Dems ready new Iraq measure
surge seen in # of homeless vets
oil approaching $100 a barrell
Congress hands Bush first veto override on spending
Robertson endorsement matter?
10:30 Terry Richardson of United Patriotic Bodies on the Veterans Day events in the FM Area this Sunday.
11:07 a look at Veterans issues from those currently helping those who are serving and those who have came back from combat.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...NEXT WEEK...Monday...
Kathleen Willey, author of Target: Caught in the crosshairs of Bill And Hillary Clinton....Thursday... Dinseh D'Souza, author of "What's So Great About Christianity".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/8/2007 at 7:08 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Thursday on Hot Talk...
9:05 VIEWPOINT
ND PSC reopens Keystone Pipeline hearings for Fargo
Giuliani recieves Robertson endorsement
Playmakers unhappy with Ozzy bust
illegals arrested in Fargo
Bush vs. House on spending
do we need stiffer penalties for alcohol offenses?
10:07 Veteran journalist Sam Donaldson on his time spent with World War II vets from our region on WDAY Honor Flight III.
10:35 Governor Tim Pawlenty on his recent trip to India, the recovery from the bridge collapse and your calls.
11:07 ND Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem on the rise in alcohol related arrests in ND.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Friday, we devote our show to Veterans ahead of Veterans Day, we'll preview local events as well as discuss issues facing Veterans currently serving and formerly having done so. Plus extended open phones Viewpoint as on every Friday....Monday....Kathleen Willey, who claimed she was groped by then President Bill Clinton, on her new book "Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/7/2007 at 10:01 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink
Vote early & often for a great N.D Blog!!
Our friend Rob Port is up for a great honor for his blog, Say Anything Blog. It is North Dakota's most popular blog and his posts are often picked up by some of the nation's biggest blogs and the old media giants. Now he is up for a big-time award as the best conservative blog in the 2007 Web Log awards. You can vote here once a day and the winner will be announced Thursday Nov 8...so get voting! Thanks!!
Posted by: Scott Hennen on 11/6/2007 at 6:41 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink
Wednesday Hot Talk...
9:05 VIEWPOINT
should illegals get drivers licenses?
House votes to advance Cheney impeachment
Obey: Iraq #'s improving cuz less to kill
House votes to override Bush veto
should DUI penalties be stiffened?
10:07 rescheduled because of our last minute Bob Dole interview yesterday, why is the 40 days for life campaign continuing past 40 days?
10:30 we'll meet our hero of the week Navy Petty Officer Josh Chiarini from Rhode Island who Silver Star medal from dodged enemy rounds -making multiple trips to the battle field - to care for his injured Marines in Iraq, even taking care of them with one arm 10:45 ellen ratner
11:07 should there be stiffer penalties for dui's? clay county states attorney Brian Melton and a local defense attorney discuss it
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...AHEAD ON HOT TALK...Thursday....longtime ABC News Correspondent Sam Donaldson on his time with WW2 Vets on the last WDAY Honor Flight plus our monthly chat with Governor Tim Pawlenty...Monday...Kathleen Willey, who claimed she was groped by then President Bill Clinton, on her new book "Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/6/2007 at 6:39 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Abortion providers work to reduce abortions?
Today on WDAY's Noonday, Al Aamodt welcomed three representatives from the Women's "Health" Clinic in Fargo to discuss the 40 Days for Life Campaign, inaccurately called the 40 Days for Life Protest by the host. One of the guests made comments which sounded like a pitch. Pay equity issues? No affordable health care? Contraception just too expensive? Abortionists to the rescue! We'll kill your baby to ease the burden! The last thing you need right now is to be held accountable for your actions! When women are making 70 cents on the dollar as compared to men, (fraudulent information) why should you be forced to raise children which you didn't even want to create? Adoption? Are you kidding, we can rid you of your burden today!
Listening to these women talk about the "need" for abortion was enough to make me ill, and if that wasn't enough they went on to claim they are working to reduce the need for abortive services. I can only assume that they are screening the women who enter the clinic to ensure that they are really facing insurmountable consequences which can only be avoided by killing their baby. I doubt any women who are financially able to support a child, but just don't want to are ever given abortions. I'm sure that women are constantly sent to adoption agencies when their circumstances are deemed acceptable for the purposes of carrying the baby to term. I am positive that the fine folks at the abortion clinic are regularly counselling women and helping them to make life-affirming choices.
If reducing abortions is your game why don't you focus your energy on helping women find adoptive couples who will love and care for their children rather than providing abortions to anyone and everyone who walks through the door with a few hundred bucks? I applaud those who have participated in the 40 Days for Life Campaign. Those who continue to support abortion in this day and age are either decidedly ignorant or completely devoid of humanity.
Finally, shame on you Al Aamodt for providing a platform for these women to preach their destructive rhetoric. Advocating abortive services is along the same lines as speaking out in favor of the holocaust. I believe you are better than that.
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/5/2007 at 9:44 PM | Comments (51) | Permalink
Tuesday on Hot Talk...
9:05 Viewpoint
ND Public Service Commission looks like it reopen Keystone hearings for Fargo
Stenehjem calls drunken driving figures appalling
your thoughts on the plan to donate a new hockey arena to the Fargo Park Board
new fight in smoking bans: homes
Bush Administration threatens veto of farm bill
10:07 the debut of our new weekly ag insider segment will feature a live interview with former Ag Secretary Mike Johanns, currently running for Senate in Nebraska, who will discuss the Ed Schafer nomination
and the debate over the farm bill.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 an update on the 40 Days for Life campaign which will go beyond 40 Days plus more on the PSC's preliminary decision to reopen hearings on the Keystone Pipeline.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...Thursday....longtime ABC News Correspondent Sam Donaldson on his time with WW2 Vets on the last WDAY Honor Flight plus our monthly chat with Governor Tim Pawlenty....
Monday...Kathleen Willey, who claimed she was groped by then President Bill Clinton, on her new book "Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton".
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/5/2007 at 9:02 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Monday on Hot Talk....
9:05 Viewpoint
Honor Flight 3 Recap
Ozzy vs. Laney
Zaleski vs. talk radio what do you think of proposal to give arena to park board?
10:07 Three representatives from the Metro Sports Foundation, former Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness, Todd Berning and Al Hintz discuss their plan to give the Urban Plains Center to the Fargo Park Board.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 Sandy Blunt, head of ND Work Force Safety and Insurance, in his first interview since cases against him were dismissed discusses the future of the agency.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK....Tuesday...Former Ag Secretary Mike Johanns joins us for our inaugural Ag Insider segment to discuss Ed Schafer's nomination and the upcoming debate on the Farm Bill...Thursday...our monthly chat with MN Governor Tim Pawlenty....Next Monday....Kathleen Willey, who accused Bill Clinton of groping her.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/5/2007 at 12:18 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Dems continue to play politics
Representative Earl Pomeroy recently voted along with the majority of Democrats to kill a motion to censure California Representative Pete Stark for his unbelievable comments about President Bush. On the floor of the United States House of Representatives, Stark recently said:
“You don’t have money to fund the war or children, but you’re going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president’s amusement.”
At the same time, Democrats in the United States Senate were spending their taxpayer funded time trying to get Rush Limbaugh fired over comments on his radio program. The national Democrat machine either took these comments totally out of context, or more likely, they were stretching the truth to its breaking point to fit their national liberal agenda. Of course as head of the Democrat Policy Committee, Byron Dorgan was one of the first in line behind Harry Reid to sign the letter. Kent Conrad even took the time to walk over to Reid’s office to put his John Hancock down on the letter as well. Conrad’s signature appears right after Senator Ted Kennedy.
What am I trying to get at here?
Since Democrats took over Congress in January they have failed miserably. Very little of substance has come out of Washington and all of our federal government is running on continuing resolutions because they have been unable to pass any budgets. Conrad is still the chairman of the Budget Committee…isn’t he?
Now, how can the Democrats accomplish anything if they can not even attempt civil discourse with the other party? They are so busy playing politics that they can’t get a thing done. They pass bills knowing they will be vetoed without even an effort to talk to the other side, let alone compromise.
Pomeroy’s mean spirited comments towards President Bush are another good example of the nastiness that has been flowing from our nation’s capital. Pomeroy didn’t intend for his comments to be public, but that goes to show how deeply seated his resentment is of Bush.
We don’t put up with this kind of nonsense in North Dakota, so why should be put up with it from the people we send to Washington? We should expect that our congressional delegation would be part of the solution, not the instigators of the problem.
Posted by: J. Trandem on 11/1/2007 at 9:11 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink
Listeners comment on WSI
Here are two e-mails from Hot Talk listeners regarding WSI.
Mr. Hennen:
I rarely agree with your views but do in the case of WSI.
I know nothing of the politics and comment as a professional.
I wrote the following last week and sent to The Forum:
A WEEK OF CHAOS AT WSI
The chaos at WSI (Workforce Safety & Insurance) during the week of October 22, 2007:
* Conspiracy charges against Executive Director Sandy Blunt and Special Investigations Director Romi Leingang were dropped. They returned to work
* WSI attorney Jodi Bjornson accused the Burleigh County state’s attorney of defamation.
* Four WSI employees requested “whistleblower” protection.
* The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation seized a personal journal of a WSI employee.
Observations and questions about these events based on my 40 years experience as a Secret Service agent, senior business executive, and organizational consultant.
* In April 2007, Blunt was charged with two counts of misapplication of funds for allegedly misspending about $18,000 in WSI funds. Those charges seemed political to me and were rightly dismissed by a judge. It is an embarrassment for the state’s attorney when their case cannot survive a preliminary hearing. Why was this frivolous charge brought?
* Blunt and Leingang were charged with conspiracy to disclose confidential driver’s license photos. That charge survived a preliminary hearing, to my surprise: I saw an effort to put together a photo array, not to disclose confidential information. Last week this charge was dismissed. Why was it brought? Why was it dropped?
The Fargo Forum quoted Burleigh County Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia Feland: “…WSI witnesses have come forward with candor not previously offered…..” And, “I just wish people would have been candid in the beginning.” As I read, I imagined that someone at WSI had lied.
Bjornson, the person referred to, said she was defamed by Feland. She said her testimony was consistent in two depositions. The Bismarck Tribune quoted Burleigh County State’s Attorney Richard Riha: “In is the state’s position that Ms. Bjornson gave consistent testimony at both her April 17, 2007, and October 15, 2007 depositions.
Does this mean that Feland’s comments were incorrect? Did she try to blame Bjornson for her failure to properly investigate the case?
* Four WSI employees requested “whistleblower” status to protect them from retaliation by Blunt. Are the requests for protection and new charges of wrongdoing (seemingly petty, frivolous, and late in the process, calling into question the employee’s credibility) an effort to protect the requestors from being accountable for their actions at WSI?
Subordinates often try to sabotage their bosses. If you try to destroy your boss, you best succeed or you will be gone instead. Is it possible that the worst villains at WSI are not Blunt and his followers but others acting from political motives?
Leadership at WSI needs to enforce their code of conduct without fear. People who sabotage leadership should be fired. Whistle-blower protection should go to those truly deserving of such protection. In any case, those employees would be wise to update their resumes. They will never be happy at WSI again.
* Why would the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation search a WSI executive’s office in search of a personal journal that outlined thoughts about how to remove an elected official from office? The tactics strike me as Gestapo-like. Who called them? Which state’s attorney approved the warrant? What was the justification?
Do not citizens have the right to use lawful means to remove public officials? Is to do so a “plot” or “conspiracy?” I’d consider it a strategy to achieve a political goal.
It is good to remember that chaos always comes to order and it does so quickly. It will do so at WSI. People should avoid hasty decisions and actions, instead; let the dust settle and then assess the reality they have to deal with.
WSI is mean, petty, and the harm done to people will never heal completely. Whatever Blunt’s mistakes, I don’t like how the law has been used in this workplace political intrigue. I hope Blunt succeeds. My experience tells me, however, that WSI will require a major change in leadership (top to bottom) to renew trust and credibility. If so, I hope all those who created this situation will be identified and replaced.
I believe that the biggest concern for citizens is not the soap-opera at WSI but the conduct of the Burleigh County State’s Attorney. I hope someone asks some tough questions. They’ve wasted taxpayers money and the court’s time in bringing inappropriate charges and charges best handled by the WSI Board and the political process, damaged the lives and reputations of Blunt, Bjornson, and others unnecessarily, and acted in ways that call into question their motivations, capability, and stewardship of government power. Voters should ask if the Burleigh County State’s Attorney has served the law and the county well.
Tom Heuerman, Ph.D.
HOT TALK RADIO: I Agree
I worked for WSI for several years prior to the formation of the board. It does not appear that things have changed a lot since I worked there. During my employment, several directors were basically fired for various reasons, almost without cause, as were other staff members including claims analysts, which was my job. There were always issues with the governor's office or reporters getting involved in cases which they did not have all the information to make an informed decision. It was a difficult job, to say the least. I felt at that time and still do, that WSI should be privatized as it is in nearly the rest of the United States.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/1/2007 at 9:06 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Friday on Hot Talk...
Kevin Cramer guest hosts with Paul Bougie live from Scheels getting you ready for the final Bison home football game of the year
9:05 White House Communications Director Kevin Martin on the nominations of Michael Mukasey to be Attorney General and Ed Schafer to be Secretary of Agriculture
9:20 Viewpoint
Listener Reward
First time callers go to the front of the line
Should Keystone ruling be delayed?
Schafer nomination
What do you think of the plan to donate UP Center to Fargo Park Board?
Should child who started wildfire be charged?
Problem with Mukasey waterboarding statements?
throughout the show, coverage of the take off of the next WDAY Honor Flight to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial. Scott Hennen checks in as the plane departs full of WWII Vets.
10:40 Ellen Ratner
11:07 An interview with Scott Hennen conducted earlier this week with Steve Hinchman, Senior VP of Worldwide Production, Marathon Oil Corporation, to discuss rising oil and gas prices.
11:30 Kevin comments on the oil market and reacts to the interview.
AHEAD ON HOT TALK...Monday...members of the Metro Sports Foundation join us to talk about their plan to donate the UP Center to the Fargo Park Board...Tuesday...the debut of our new Ag Insider segment with former US Ag Secretary Mike Johanns as guest to discuss the new farm bill challenges and Ed Schafer's nomination.
Posted by: Hot Talk on 11/1/2007 at 6:17 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
