You can listen to June 16′s show by clicking on the graphic that has the “+” and says “Audio MP3″:
Tuesday, June 16′s episode opened with the story that isn’t a story, apparently, as far as the news media is concerned, which was the recent seizure of $134.5 billion in U.S. Treasury Bonds on the Italian border.
The coverage, or lack there of, of this story was highlighted, along with the implications of the seizure along with another, related story which didn’t get reported, which was statements by Rep. Paul Kanjorski in February on C-Span that $550 billion was withdrawn in the span of an hour on September 15.
Both video clips referenced during the show can be viewed by clicking here.
Both of these stories regard the value of the U.S. dollar, which is the world’s reserve currency. The result of all the reckless spending, borrowing, and printing of money is that the value of the dollar is seriously in doubt going forward. Earlier this year, several countries including China began to question whether it wise to continue with the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Some of those questions seemed to have faded until earlier on Tuesday, June 16, when Russian President Medvedev made statements challenging the dollar’s stability.
The seriousness of moving away from the dollar as the world’s reserve currency cannot be overstated.
Discussion on the show turned to the lack of any real value backing the dollar, in particular including the complete un-tethering from the gold standard in the 70s with “Brettenwoods II”. There has been a precipitous drop of the dollar’s value ever since.
Central to the devaluation of the dollar is the Federal Reserve, the private entity that has broad powers to manipulate the value of our currency. A chart from earlier in the year was referenced which dramatically illustrates the incredible amount of money that has been printed just since last fall.
All of these questions spotlight the bill, introduced by Congressman Ron Paul, H.R. 1207, to audit the Federal Reserve, which has recently gained enough sponsors to move the bill out of Committee and onto the House floor for debate. Questions remain as to the viability of the bill’s progress due to language in the Senate version.
Also briefly mentioned was the story that appeared announcing that ABC news would be turning broadcast time over to the President.
Focus turned to Liberty Rider Michael Maresco. On Tuesday evening, he crossed the border from Missouri into the state of Oklahoma with a group meeting him, including this show’s co-host Sandra Crosnoe, grassroots activist Kaye Beach, and 4th District Congressional candidate R.J. Harris, who rode ten miles with Michael to the Lucky Turtle Casino.
Michael reviewed the purpose of his trip, which is to not only symbolize Freedom to Fascism by starting at the Statue of Liberty in New York and ending at Alcatraz Prison off the coast of San Francisco, but to talk to as many people as possible about freedom and liberty, including a primary focus on the traditional local law enforcement officer, the county sheriff.
Michael gives each sheriff he meets a packet of information, including Sheriff Mack’s book. But he’s not limiting his efforts to reach out and spread the concept of freedom to sheriffs or to himself. He’s encouraging locals across the country to do the same. Oklahoma is leading the way in working with Michael to broaden the reach of his efforts throughout the state, beyond his route.
Michael spoke about the importance of a grassroots effort across the country, that people are tired of hearing from politicians and groups, they want to hear from real people.
Included in his efforts will be his attendance at an Independence Day Tea Party in New Mexico, organized by Adam Kokesh.
Michael’s day would end with an additional thirteen mile ride. A number of activities are planned for his time in Oklahoma.
R.J. Harris came on the show after Michael to talk about his ride from the border and what he and others in the state will be doing to ensure Michael’s efforts have as wide a reach as possible.
R.J. focused on the pocket Constitutions in Michael’s packets, which he realized was a document that as a National Guard member he’d sworn allegiance to but hadn’t read. He plans to introduce a bill, if elected to Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District, requiring that all members of the U.S. armed forces read and study upon enlistment.
Discussion turned to how brief the Constitution is in contrast to most of the pieces of legislation that are introduced today in the U.S. Congress. A provision to limit any legislation introduced to match that of the Constitution was pondered.
In addition to providing support for Michael Maresco’s ride, R.J.’s campaign is in full swing, including a major fundraising effort coming up on Friday, June 19, more information about which can be found on his campaign’s website.
Coming up on next week’s show is an appearance for the full hour by grassroots lobbyist Kaye Beach, who has been working on a “how-to” lobby a state legislature.
