"seeking Justice" Live Radio Talk

Bill Hendrickson and I discuss the most important healthcare questions, promises and projections for 2019.  From the ACA to current challenges such as pre-existing conditions and rising healthcare payments, Bill's insight from present professional association and many years of experience with Health Insurers provoked a compelling interchange. We analyzed what may happen if the ACA continues to lose federal support as well as the potential of states like North Carolina to adopt Medicaid expansion. What consequences will we face?  Will our leaders truly take the steps needed to address our citizens' need for health insurance?  What about health insurance for all.  Could an A, B, & C options plan (similar to Medicare) that incorporates private insurers work?

I was pleased to host Harry Watson, Professor of History at UNC Chapel Hill and James Ward, Sons of Confederate Veterans to discuss the controversy surrounding the removal of "Silent Sam" or "Soldier Boy" statue. This monument was toppled by students and others on August 20, 2018. Harry, James & I discussed the depth of the controversy - stemming back to its deepest historical roots in slavery, The Civil War, Jim Crow Laws, Confederate and Southern Cultural history, and present feelings that this statue (as well as others) have stimulated in students and others.   We explored both sides of the issue in depth, including the options explored and being discussed as to how to best resolve the placement of "Silent Sam" also known as "Soldier Boy," which is his preferred title assignment by the UDC United Daughters of the Confederacy, that originated the statue's commission. 

Thomas Mills, Founder & Editor of Politics NC joined me for an analysis of the 2018 Election Results. We began with a slate of topics and questions - analyzing the mid-terms. Then a deeper conversation about racism emerged off-script.  This analysis dominated our discussion, as we delved deeply into the racial divide that is brewing in America. Reaching back through history to the Civil War era, we exchanged multiple views and perspectives on the driving forces behind racism in years past - through the Jim Crow era , post LBJ til today.  The cultural underpinnings of racism and some of the factors driving these feelings - including financial, cultural, and political were our subtopics.  We further analyzed the motivations driving the deepening Red (Republican) areas within the country, opening a conversation about the fuel giving the caravan sensation real echo's of truth - as "white" Americans continue to not find a voice in the Democratic Party and continue to be pasted with labels of racism - while lea

Waddy Davis, Chair of the Republican Party in Orange County, North Carolina brought 3 NC State Candidates. They discussed current national events such as the bombings, the angry divide, Immigration, Trump, the Mueller Investigation as well as state and local issues that included education, taxes, Voter ID in NC, student loan debt, and the environmental issues in our region. Ken Rothrock (R) for NC House of Delegates District 50. Dr. Marcus Cooke (R) for NC House of Delegates District 56 & Tom Glendinning (R) for NC State Senate District 23 all presented their platforms for office, commenting extensively and compellingly on issues that also impact our national dialogue. A compelling collection of views and discussion from this group of Republicans - two of which were former Democrats who provided eye brow raising answers to the most contemporary issues of our times.

Democratic Party Chair, Jim Bartow for Orange County, North Carolina discusses local and national preparations for the 2018 Elections.  Detailing the neighborhood ground work that has been mobilized both locally and nationally, he contrasted this person to person work with the big national statements being issued by the Republicans. Mr. Bartow discussed the Amendments presented to North Carolina voters - discussing the details of each and why these are an issue. We discussed the history of the supermajority in North Carolina and that even in the lame duck session that follows the election, the supermajority of Republicans will have the power to overrule and push through legislation.  He discussed the how partisan gerrymandering has created the supermajority in North Carolina, and the candidacy of Anita Earles - describing the legal fight she mounted and won in the Republican dominated Supreme Court to change this gerrymandering in NC. Mr.. Bartow presented the candidacy in several Democratic races including H

Ms. Barbara Howe (L) Libertarian Candidate for The U.S. House of Representatives presents her platform for Congress. She discusses what it is to be a Libertarian, and how this differs from the present political party beliefs. She further talked about the present Republican dominated branches of government (Executive, Legislative & Judicial) and her recommendations for integrating Libertarian views into these institutions. Barbara discussed her thoughts about Mr. Trump, the most recent Supreme Court confirmation, government spending, education, immigration reform and a host of other specific topics facing our leadership today.  She talked about past and present leaders in the Libertarian party and Reformist, Ross Perot's impact, the impact of Jill Stein and Gary Johnson on the 2016 race for the Presidency.

Director Rachel Raper, Board of Elections for Orange County, NC discusses the many ways our citizens can vote from Mail-In Ballots, Early Voting to Voting at the Precinct on Nov. 6th 2018. She further discussed the simple process to register to vote with a postcard or instantly at the DMV in NC.   We also talked about the history of Voter ID in North Carolina. Rachel clearly stated several times that citizens in NC do not have to present a photo ID for this election.  Lastly, we discussed the Kids' Voting and it's rise in popularity in the national media. We both shared that a early participation in voting for both of us - lead to a life time of voting and participation in the election process.

Dr. Michael C. Munger, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Duke University & Professor of Political Science analyzes FEAR by Bob Woodward with me. Dr. Munger further discussed the details of his book: Tomorrow 3.0: Transaction Costs & The Sharing Economy. I began our analysis of FEAR by presenting my disappointment with the book not living up to it's title and cover presentation. I expected Mr. Woodward to provide an analysis of the FEAR that the Trump Presidency has engendered in both the Republican Party and the American people. What the book presents is a series of reported interviews Mr. Woodward did anonymously. Dr. Munger pointed out that the material implied fear and the ambiguity was a source of interest and the title and cover were likely chosen by the publisher to sell books.  I agreed. We analyzed several perspectives from the book in which Mr. Trump is portrayed as focusing on the importance of money over nearly everything else. Which lead us into a discussion of his book: Tomorrow 3.0. Dr.

Dan Friedman (C) Conservative and Solomon Gibson, III (D) presented a lively, fun, and respectful discussion of current events ranging from political party labeling, The "Silent Sam" Confederate Monument Debate, Local vs. State Control of issues, Voter ID, and their own respective historical analysis of Presidents past. An unexpected analysis of the Presidency and Impeachment of Bill Clinton evolved as both Dan & Solomon discussed the human fallacies of Presidents as men.  Both Solomon & Dan disclosed that they had both voted for George McGovern and talked about their journey's politically since then and why they have the perspectives they presently hold. Dan talked about how good it was to have a cordial conversation yet explorative conversation with someone from a political perspective that he had felt opposed to his own in the past.

Recorded LIVE from WCOM 103.5 FM in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, North Carolina, veteran talk show host Bill Hendrickson of "Time Out" and I discussed our American political divide.  I gave a brief background of the formation, development & history of the "Seeking Justice" talk show concept from 2014 through it's move to the Triangle of North Carolina.  The show's objective: to reveal deeper perspectives of both sides of current events, contemporary issues of conflict, and social justice issues in which both sides are "seeking justice" from THEIR perspective. Seeking first to understand assists both sides to empathize with the deeper perspective of the other. I provided a list of future guests booked for September which include Political candidates (both Republican & Democratic) for office in the 4th District of Orange County, North Carolina -coming on the show together in two weeks. 

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R) of North Carolina's 5th Congressional District - began our interview with a brief history of what led her on her journey toward leadership.  From her days as a School Board Member, Professor at Appalachian University, President of Mayland Community College, NC State Senate then Seven Term Congresswoman, she revealed that her beginnings were humble and hard work guided her path. As Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, she detailed her work to improve the experiences of students of all ages. From the repeal of the Bush era's "No Child Left Behind" to improving the student loan accountability standards, Congresswoman Foxx continues to fight for educational standards that will improve the lives of young student learners and older students to obtain jobs. Regarding the present divide in our nation, Foxx emphasized the need to focus on our positive military strength world wide and on supporting our veterans. When asked if the military should add Peace & Co

Retired Police Chief & Current Director of Public Safety for Guilford College William Anderson shared his thirty years of experience as a veteran police commander and 4 time Police Chief.   The many conflicts that have received public attention and negative notoriety in the news during the last 20 years has stimulated a gradual opening of awareness in a police system that continues to face challenges between officers and members of the public.  William discussed how he and the public safety department at the college had systematically addressed multiple needs for training over the last two years in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. Mr. Anderson further commented in detail on newer state training protocols for police officers that include de-escalation.  He clarified that officers have mandatory requirements for training on a yearly basis.   He discussed how these training protocols could continue to include to help police and public safety officers to enhance their ability to interact with the

It's the topic no-one will bring up or talk about - the Trump Presidency and scandals. The short and long term effects that the political divide in America deepen by the day and month, as individuals on both sides of the aisle avoid even speaking the President's name in public. Dr. Roy Schwartzman and Dr. Thom Little Little and I analyzed the reasons why this topic has been the GOP elephant in the room. We further discussed it's affect on millennials - who seem so disconnected that they have turned off public media. We discussed ways to reconcile this divide and begin conversations, debates and respectful discussions about the events that have been happening. I recommended that these begin with changes in our public/mass media - bringing topics out and showing viewers how to talk to one another without grandstanding, "1 uping," and "I'm right" "your wrong" exchanges that make things worse.  We emphasized the need that each individual has for recognizing of confirmation bias by turning off comfortable viewing

Award winning student journalists: Praveena Somasundarum (Pulitzer Center Fellow) and Abby Bekele, Photo journalist from The Guilfordian discussed with surprise guest: Dr. Cheryl Hatch, Professor of English the latest journalism awards won by Guilford College.   The Society of Professional Journalists, Region 2 (NC, VA, Maryland, & Washington, D.C.) Mark of Excellence awards have been given for about 60 years and this year was the first collection of wins for Guilford College.  Praveena (2017 Pulitzer Center Fellow) won first place for her coverage of the Newcomer's School in Greensboro. Abby won first place in photo journalism for her picture of Former Vice-President Joe Biden (a guest during Guilford's Bryan Series this year). Abby also was a finalist for her photo of football action play. Praveena, Abby & Cheryl went on to discuss their "take" on the state of contemporary journalism - both in print and on television.  Both Praveena & Abby wanted to focus their future work in journalism on stori

Since our first beginnings as a nation, our culture has been shaped by cycles of violence. Even though there were periods of significant peace, a focus on our violent history paved a pattern of errors in reaction and formed a "tradition" that we have had a hard time overcoming. Dr. Mike Sistrom pointed out that the period between 1890 through the early 1900's marked an influential era of violent reaction that may have formed our 20th century patterns of gun violence.   Dr. Aqueil Ahmad discussed the history of use of guns in America. Both sides of the gun issue were brought forth, including the call by Retired Supreme Court Justice, John Paul Stevens to throw out the 2nd Amendment all together. I highlighted that this may make for a unique science fiction story line.   We discussed how the American forms of media (movies, television, comics, video games) continue to believe that violence sells and seem to refuse to consider the impact that intricate storytelling could offer by way of discussing conflicts with

Nicole Kaufman, licensed counselor joined me for our last women's history month show discussing relationships from a woman's perspective. We began by touching on the recent scandals in the news: "Stormy Daniels," Karen McDougal & Summer Zervos. We did not discuss the details of these incidents but rather how these factors are changing us. We compared current events to the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Describing the new monogamy, Nicole brought research data reflecting current data on cheating and the author Ester Perel. She discussed her books:  "Mating in Captivity" & "The State of Affairs." Ms. Perel is an innovative writing, describing how to keep relationships successful with monogamy and what / how to survive affairs through counseling. We discussed how women may or may not experience vulnerability in relationships. Nicole presented that women are no longer the "weaker sex." I presented that I feel that women are still categorized and often vulnerable and that the invisible judgments and stereotypes

Ann Hardee, Business Owner, Real Estate Agent & Retired Flight Attendant shares her experience as a working woman from the late 1970's to present.  Ann began her professional career as a flight attendant (stewardess) for United Airlines. She shared the specifics written into work expectations for women and men in the airline industry that were expected then. From the requirements to wear high heeled shoes, false eyelashes, short skirts and weight requirements that female "stewardesses" (the professional title then) had to adhere to. While men did not have these requirements nor any similar ones. Ann also revealed that women and men were paid equal salaries (as steward/stewardess). We discussed how the airline industry (originally dominated by female workers) had enabled this reality of equal pay that working professional women enjoy today. Ann further discussed what it has been like to be a real estate agent during the same time frame and the differences in how she herself was treated as a female home buy

Covering the Journalist As Witness Conference (March 17-18) at Guilford College and in continued support of Women's History Month, we focused on women in journalism and the experiences that participants will have at this upcoming event. From the earliest days of women in journalism through today, Cheryl Hatch and Richard Tsong Taatarii discussed women such as Dickey Chapelle, who indeed was a well known photojournalist from the WWII era through the Vietnam War. We discussed media legends like Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer - whose rivalry we've moved on from but continue to teach us a great deal about the human psyche. We also touched on the impact of the Mary Tyler Moore, whose broad appeal influenced - not only women in journalism - but working women everywhere. Students who come to and experience the Journalist As Witness Conference will have the opportunity to experience real reporting and hands on work with career journalists who wish to share their craft and provide this unique experiential weekend of

The "Seeking Justice" public radio talk show begins our honor of women borrowing this year's National Women's History month theme: "Nevertheless, She Persisted." Gwen Erickson, Tiffany Holland, and Sarah Thuesen present first a history of the women's movement and women's studies in colleges.   As these departments soon evolved into women, gender and sexuality studies, all three guests described how the intersection of these aspects of women's history helped shape the last decades of our American experience.  The impact of the #MeToo Movement, began by an African American woman ten years ago, which resurged last year has reawaken the women's movement and all three discussed this impact and where the movement may go from here.

Nora Jones from The Partnership Project talks about the Racial Equity Institute (REI) workshops such as Phase I - which educates participants about racial equity and stimulates discussions that empower and encourage while promoting increased awareness and understanding. Nora described the Phase II workshops as empowering individuals to take action - such as letter writing, community organization, protest movements and fostering active community discussions.  She discussed how these workshops are customized and read the list of upcoming workshops this spring. Mrs. Jones further expounded upon the excellent research initiatives that REI, Cone Health and other collaborative partners have accomplished and how the results of this research served to stimulate the creation of a Greensboro chapter of the Sisters Network.