Podcast 202

The Islamic State. What to do about it? Is it an existential threat to the United States? Is it the role of the US Government to avenge the horrible death of US Journalist James Foley? The bottom line? Emotional reactions to lurid coverage of a murder does not a foreign policy make. If you want to influence International Relations as practiced by the Executive and Legislative branches of the US Government, you also have to understand the disciplines behind the policy. The State Department, Pentagon, White House, Congress, the Clandestine Services and Non State Actors all speak a language different from ‘civilians’ being manipulated by the media. Where DOES foreign policy come from? What are the disciplines and philosophy behind the concepts driving executive, intelligence, military and legislative positions and, more importantly, actions. How will the death of James Foley be handled. Will airstrikes alone eliminate the ISIS threat? What about intervening in Syria? Is it The President’s fault? Which president? Media coverage of this story is terrible. Viewers and listeners aren’t getting any background in foreign policy development, and we’re hearing the same tired arguments from deliberations over the Iraq war in 2002 and 2003 all over again. Here’s some background and some facts about the situation. Sponsored by Autonomouscad.com.

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Podcast 201

Live from the Lake! A family celebration of music sparked thoughts about these summertime family rituals. Friends and families getting together at ‘the cabin’ or in their backyards in the upper Midwest, where summer is so short and so sweet. Whether it is a bar-b-que, bonfire, games at the lake, or someone’s birthday, family celebrations can be enriching for everyone involved. We live in a time of cynicism and negative judgement. Our media thrives on conflict. Yet, on this Saturday in August, 2014, a family, friends and neighbors gathered for a recital of beginning adult musicians and everyone got into the act. Some say ‘America’ is ‘lost’, beyond ‘redemption’ and that the country ‘we’ once new is dead. And yet, people are capable of doing truly incredible things. Whether it is art, crafts, or passing down lessons learned from elders on how to fish, or hunt, or just to play games, people are getting together and sharing with each other all over this country. And…it’s always been that way. We just never hear about it anymore. This is a chronicle of one Saturday in late August, at the lake in Wisconsin, and the lessons learned. Sponsored by X Government Cars.

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Podcast 200

Back Into The News. The News Cleanse is officially over, but there will be some changes on the podcasts due to lessons learned from it. What happened during the News Cleanse week? US Journalist James Foley got his head chopped off by Islamic militants (or, criminals, or thugs if you prefer). And, we’re surprised by this? And – gasp – that convoy of Russian military trucks painted white got into eastern Ukraine despite the red cross refusing to escort the convoy. Oh yeah, and the President played golf. After the guy got his head chopped off. At ease people. Go back to doing whatever you were doing. Nothing to see here folks. Meanwhile, the media keeps putting out noise. Fortunately Bob Davis is on it, to bring some clarity to these events, such as they are, and such as clarity is. An earthquake in Napa, California. The price of corn is down, which is bad for farmers, but good for steak eaters in the coming months. Fox Television is copying something from Bob Davis’ old radio show on KSTP. Bobovia will become a reality show called Utopia. You’re welcome, Fox. The Minneapolis Tribune is now taking its stories from the Bob Davis Podcasts, doing a big spread this weekend about gentrification in Uptown (where did they get that idea). You’re welcome, as well. And, oh yeah, the President played golf. And, a few more final observations about the cleanse. Sponsored by Baklund R & D.

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