Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2004(archived broadcast 
) (.mp3 download)
The First Amendment prohibits government both from “establishing religion” and from “preventing the free exercise thereof.”
What is the proper balance for government between respecting the wishes of
the majority of Americans who are Christians and respecting the minority of citizens who are not Christian but are guaranteed freedom of religion under our Constitution?
Is the proper greeting “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings”?
Do you ever resent it when one greeting is used but not another?
How do you feel about Government-sponsored nativity scenes, Menorahs, Christmas trees, and Santa Clauses?
How do you feel about prayer in public school? Teacher-sponsored, student-led, or after school? “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance?
What of Christmas music and pageantry in public schools? In the shopping malls? Does the commercialization of Christmas downgrade its religious meaning?
And what do you think of the nine-year-old boy in Plano, Texas who sued in order to provide to all his fellow students candy canes (shaped like a “J” for Jesus, he says), along with a note stating his belief that “Christ died for our sins”? If you support his lawsuit, would it bother you if he were Hari Krishna? Wahabi Muslim? Athiest? Satanist? Scientologist? Should children of these religions also be allowed to distribute materials in our schools?
What is the proper balance here?
PLUS a shocking INSIDE SCOOP: Are Jerry Falwell, Bob Dole, and George Bush Sr. anti-Christian? Reporter John Gorenfeld will update us on Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s “Tear Down the Cross Campaign” and the surprising support of the fanatical Messiah-claimant Rev. Moon by President Bush and Members of Congress.
Former President George H.W. Bush said of the Moonies: “Your theme is right on target � faith, family, freedom and peace centered on God.” Bush Senior also pocketed millions of Moonie dollars. For more on this breaking story, click here
2004: The Year in Review
December 22, 2004(archived broadcast ) (.wma download)
What went wrong and right for progressives in 2004?
Mostly wrong, right?
Are the rich getting richer? The poor getting poorer? Are the middle class getting squeezed?
Mark’s guest, Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Executive Director of the progressive think tank, the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, will give us the hard numbers, so that next time a Bush-supporter talks about the “rosy economy,” you’ll have the hard facts.
Debate Tuesday
December 21, 2004(archived broadcast ) (.wma download)
Every Tuesday, Mark debates someone with an opposing viewpoint. Today’s guest is the State Chair of the Ohio College Republicans, Ian Ellis.
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US CORRUPTION IN THE UN "OIL FOR FOOD" PROGRAM
December 20, 2004(archived broadcast ) (.wma download)
Think the Iraqi “Oil for Food Program” is just another example of U.N. corruption? Think again.
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Did a Republican Congressman Rig the 2004 Election?
December 19, 2004(archived broadcast ) (.wma download)
Mark’s guests will be Clinton Curtis, who says he was contacted by Congressman Tom Feeney (then-Republican Speaker of the Florida House), and asked to develop software to rig the election. To read Mr. Curtis’ sworn affidavit, click here (courtesy of The Brad Blog, which broke the story and buzzflash.com)
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