Host Neal Asbury opened his nationally syndicated “Neal Asbury’s Made in America” show on Radio America (now on 70 stations) with a reminder that despite the rosy employment projections by the White House, there are 102 million able-bodied people not in the workforce – 56 million of whom are women.
The first guest on Made in America was Kathleen Hartnett White, Distinguished Senior Fellow in Residence and Director of the Armstrong Center for Energy & the Environment, who noted that while there have been a series of environmental regulations over the past 40 years, none have had the severe detrimental effects on industry as the recent onerous ozone regulations recommended by the EPA.
“The magnitude of the new ozone regulations is unprecedented. The EPA is attacking industry by manipulating science using exaggerated data. They ignore the fact that over the past 20-30 years the air quality in the U.S. has greatly improved thanks to new technologies employed by industry,” maintained White.
Neal noted that the new regulations are having a detrimental impact on employment, while the EPA is advocating that the regulations are designed to protect public health.
“Protect public health? This is from Gina McCarthy, the head of EPA, who when asked what the level of ozone is in the U.S. responded that she didn’t know. These regulations are so unrealistic that the natural parks are in violation,” remarked co-host Dr. Rich Roffman.
White agreed, adding that the ozone levels are so ridiculous that the EPA wants to see water and air quality levels the way they were before humans walked the land.
“The EPA keeps attacking industry about contaminant levels without acknowledging that industry has lowered lead levels by 96 percent,” concluded White.
The conversation turned to Donald Trump’s contention that eminent domain has its advantages. While Neal’s own family home was purchased as a result of eminent domain, which left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, Neal admitted that there are some instances where eminent domain makes sense, especially when by building a railroad or other large project that puts people to work.
“Something else that puts people to work are free trade agreements. But Hillary now doesn’t like the Trans Pacific Partnership even though Obama is a big advocate and she, while Secretary of State, initiated the negotiations and advocated for it. Instead, she’s pandering to unions that don’t like free trade agreements. So she’s trying to get more union support and appeal to her far left supporters,” proposed Dr. Roffman.
Neal agreed, adding that our trade deficit has reached more than $40 billion
The next guest on Made in America was Daniel Ikenson, the Director of Trade Policy for the Cato Institute, who concurred that the Trans Pacific Partnership is a good agreement that will help consumers, although he wants to see all of the text, which is being studied by congress now. Ikenson notes that tobacco carve-outs and other tariff issues are a concern.
Ikenson would like to see Biden get in the race, because unlike Hillary, Biden supports the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and would make sure it goes forward.
Neal is optimistic that TPP will pass through congress, thanks to Republican votes.
Ikenson agreed, noting that Obama has failed to meet some of the benchmarks as part of his Trade Authority and is setting a bad precedent. But the GOP will eventually support it.
Dr. Roffman is not yet convinced that the TPP will guarantee the jobs that it promises to create. With global growth eroding, Dr. Roffman wants to ensure that U.S. jobs are being created, not just third-world jobs.
“Even the IMF is concerned about the potential corporate credit crunch which could hit $3 trillion,” added Dr. Roffman.
Neal segued to a report that Rupert Murdoch is supporting Ben Carson, suggesting that he is the “real black president” who will do more to support minorities “There is a troubling trend in this country where more and more workers are claiming discrimination, adding financial pressure to employers. The laws have shifted away from employers, which has given rise to favorable rulings regarding work-related allegations,” proposed Neal.
Dr. Roffman revealed that the American Federation of Teachers spent $37.6 million last year on political-related activity – a $12.7 million increase over the previous year. All of the funds went to Democratic causes and candidates.
“The real tragedy is that teachers who don’t agree with the union’s policies have to pay their union dues, supporting blatant cronyism,” concluded Dr. Roffman
Each week Neal Asbury’ Made in America provides Neal’s insights into the week’s top news stories and their impact on the worlds of entrepreneurship, small business ownership and the overall economy. Neal’s analysis, together with co-host Dr. Richard Roffman, a veteran 30-year publisher with extensive domestic and international experience, takes a non-biased approach based on real life experience in business as an American manufacturer and exporter. Made in America airs nationally each Saturday from 7-8:00 PM on Radio America. Link to Made in America at http://www.nealasburysmadeinamerica.com.
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