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New ideas in race for Portland City Council
“When we stand together against corporate interests, we can win”. So writes Julia DeGraw on her website.
We talk with Portland City Council candidate Julia DeGraw on why she is running and her plans to change the structure of city government if elected. Changes advocated include moving from present commission system with all officials elected city -wide to one elected by districts and the likely development of a strong mayor and a city council whose members would not be in charge of city bureaus. She also talks about her slogan (Tax the Rich) and why that is necessary; her vision; her pledge that to take corporate political contributions; her take on the FCC net neutrality rule change and why the City should develop it's own internet system; and the ideas keep coming.
First broadcast in Portland on December 27, 2017
“When we stand together against corporate interests, we can win”. So writes Julia DeGraw on her website.
We talk with Portland City Council candidate Julia DeGraw on why she is running and her plans to change the structure of city government if elected. Changes advocated include moving from present commission system with all officials elected city -wide to one elected by districts and the likely development of a strong mayor and a city council whose members would not be in charge of city bureaus. She also talks about her slogan (Tax the Rich) and why that is necessary; her vision; her pledge that to take corporate political contributions; her take on the FCC net neutrality rule change and why the City should develop it's own internet system; and the ideas keep coming.
First broadcast in Portland on December 27, 2017

District Attorneys: They should report to you
With the ever increasing numbers of incarcerated, we need to discuss how we want the criminal justice system to work.Part of that discussion needs to be around one of the least accountable aspects of the system - the District Attorneys. Daniel Lewkow, campaign manager for the Oregon ACLU's :"They Report to You" campaign, talks about the DA's power and how we can make them accountable. DAs have a lot of power without a lot of oversight. We can change that.
First broadcast in Portland on November 29, 2017
With the ever increasing numbers of incarcerated, we need to discuss how we want the criminal justice system to work.Part of that discussion needs to be around one of the least accountable aspects of the system - the District Attorneys. Daniel Lewkow, campaign manager for the Oregon ACLU's :"They Report to You" campaign, talks about the DA's power and how we can make them accountable. DAs have a lot of power without a lot of oversight. We can change that.
First broadcast in Portland on November 29, 2017

Just Energy Transitions Initiative - how we get to clean energy and just jobs creations
Guest Anais Tuepker talks about the proposed Portland Just Energy Transition initiative petition for the City of Portland. Noting that environmental groups and communities of color have not in the past worked together, she says that this has been written by a collaboration between them. It would apply a 1% surcharge on the business license fee of national and multinational retail business with revenue of over $1 billion with the funds being used for retrofitting existing homes for energy efficiency on residential structures with a target of homes of communities of color, included multi-family buildings. Job training would also be focused on. And local food production could also be a target area.
First broadcast in Portland on November 22, 2017
Guest Anais Tuepker talks about the proposed Portland Just Energy Transition initiative petition for the City of Portland. Noting that environmental groups and communities of color have not in the past worked together, she says that this has been written by a collaboration between them. It would apply a 1% surcharge on the business license fee of national and multinational retail business with revenue of over $1 billion with the funds being used for retrofitting existing homes for energy efficiency on residential structures with a target of homes of communities of color, included multi-family buildings. Job training would also be focused on. And local food production could also be a target area.
First broadcast in Portland on November 22, 2017

Single Payer health care - better care for more people for less money
Host David Delk talks with Tom Sincic, President of Health Care for All Oregon. Tom details the problem of present for-profit health care insurance model and how it does not serve the interests and needs of people. A single payer system would have quite different results. Single payer means better care, less wasted time, better care, all for less money.
Tom describes efforts at both the state and federals levels to create single payer health care. In Oregon, HCAO is working toward a ballot measure creating a Oregon Single Payer System for the 2020 ballot.
First broadcast in Portland on November 15, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Tom Sincic, President of Health Care for All Oregon. Tom details the problem of present for-profit health care insurance model and how it does not serve the interests and needs of people. A single payer system would have quite different results. Single payer means better care, less wasted time, better care, all for less money.
Tom describes efforts at both the state and federals levels to create single payer health care. In Oregon, HCAO is working toward a ballot measure creating a Oregon Single Payer System for the 2020 ballot.
First broadcast in Portland on November 15, 2017

Tom Neilson, progressive activist folksinger is our guest
First broadcast in Portland on November 8, 2017
First broadcast in Portland on November 8, 2017

Just Transitions, Deep Democracy aims of Environmental Justice
We talk with Nakisha Nathan, Environmental Justice organizer with the Oregon Sierra Club. Just transitions and deep democracy are two aspects of environmental justice and we talk about their interrelationship. We also talk about the difference between the environmental movement historically and who benefited from it, and the environmental justice movement seeking to bring everyone to the table; the differences between the environmental movement and the environmental justice movement and how we need to get all the voices to the table so that those people who have been left out become part of the movement and benefit from it. And we talk about the difference between the extractive economy and the regenerative economy.
First broadcast in Portland on November 1, 2017
We talk with Nakisha Nathan, Environmental Justice organizer with the Oregon Sierra Club. Just transitions and deep democracy are two aspects of environmental justice and we talk about their interrelationship. We also talk about the difference between the environmental movement historically and who benefited from it, and the environmental justice movement seeking to bring everyone to the table; the differences between the environmental movement and the environmental justice movement and how we need to get all the voices to the table so that those people who have been left out become part of the movement and benefit from it. And we talk about the difference between the extractive economy and the regenerative economy.
First broadcast in Portland on November 1, 2017

Future Visions: No More Freeway Expansions PDX
Portland has a future's vision option presenting itself now. Will Portland choose the technological "solutions" of the 20th century or new visions for the 21st century? Aaron Brown, with No More Freeway Expansions PDX, answers that question, stating that building or widening the Rose Quarter section of I-5 is the wrong answer, noting that such expansions do not relieve highway congestion and that new methods are needed. The 20th century industrial-highway complex would expand, but we can find other methods more suited to new thinking for the 21st century.
First broadcast in Portland on October 25, 2017
Portland has a future's vision option presenting itself now. Will Portland choose the technological "solutions" of the 20th century or new visions for the 21st century? Aaron Brown, with No More Freeway Expansions PDX, answers that question, stating that building or widening the Rose Quarter section of I-5 is the wrong answer, noting that such expansions do not relieve highway congestion and that new methods are needed. The 20th century industrial-highway complex would expand, but we can find other methods more suited to new thinking for the 21st century.
First broadcast in Portland on October 25, 2017

How the Educational System Does Not Meet Our Needs
Guest Greg Burrill, peace activist, entrepreneur and educator, talks about the Portland Public Schools and the financing of K-12 education in general in Oregon. Oregon is experiencing a funding crisis due to passage of Measures 5 and 50. Greg talks about what those measures did and continue to do, and how they took us from having a school system which was a national model to one characterized by underfunding and under-achievement. And we discuss Oregon's Quality Education Model, which sets standards for school districts, individual schools and students statewide and set out funding requirements, which, Greg points out, are not being met Finally we talk about the school systems in Finland and So. Korea, both of which rank much higher than American school, even as they are quite different from each other.
First broadcast in Portland October 18, 2017
Guest Greg Burrill, peace activist, entrepreneur and educator, talks about the Portland Public Schools and the financing of K-12 education in general in Oregon. Oregon is experiencing a funding crisis due to passage of Measures 5 and 50. Greg talks about what those measures did and continue to do, and how they took us from having a school system which was a national model to one characterized by underfunding and under-achievement. And we discuss Oregon's Quality Education Model, which sets standards for school districts, individual schools and students statewide and set out funding requirements, which, Greg points out, are not being met Finally we talk about the school systems in Finland and So. Korea, both of which rank much higher than American school, even as they are quite different from each other.
First broadcast in Portland October 18, 2017

Friends of Family Farmers v Corporate Farming
Host David Delk talks with Shari Sirkin, Exec Director of Friends of Family Farmers on what Friends of Family Farmers is and why it was formed and the conflict between family farmers and corporate farms, like mega-dairies. We talk about CSAs - Community Sustained Agriculture as a way for individuals to support local family farmers. CSAs represent a partnership between the eater and the grower.
First broadcast in Portland on October 11 , 2017
Host David Delk talks with Shari Sirkin, Exec Director of Friends of Family Farmers on what Friends of Family Farmers is and why it was formed and the conflict between family farmers and corporate farms, like mega-dairies. We talk about CSAs - Community Sustained Agriculture as a way for individuals to support local family farmers. CSAs represent a partnership between the eater and the grower.
First broadcast in Portland on October 11 , 2017

Renegotiating NAFTA: History and Expectations
"The pushers of the economic trend of neo-liberal capitalism looked at NAFTA as a way to be cutting edge in their free'trade agreements...with the intention of radically transforming Mexico's economy." Russell Lum, Trade Justice Coordinator with Oregon Fair Trade Campaign talks about the contradictory reasons for NAFTA's enactment; how NAFTA has transformed the US and Mexico; and what "We the People" should demand of a re-negotiated NAFTA.
First broadcast in Portland on October 4, 2017
"The pushers of the economic trend of neo-liberal capitalism looked at NAFTA as a way to be cutting edge in their free'trade agreements...with the intention of radically transforming Mexico's economy." Russell Lum, Trade Justice Coordinator with Oregon Fair Trade Campaign talks about the contradictory reasons for NAFTA's enactment; how NAFTA has transformed the US and Mexico; and what "We the People" should demand of a re-negotiated NAFTA.
First broadcast in Portland on October 4, 2017

We the People Can Protect Ourselves
Community Rights organizer, Paul Cienfuegos, talks about the concept and history of community rights. Community Rights measures are characterized by three specific provisions - they strip corporations of all constitutional rights ar the local level, ban specific corporate activities, and enshrines at the local level the right of a community to govern itself, regardless of what state or federal government says. Paul gives us a quick history of the founding of the US, and how we ended up with a system designed to protect property. 200 communities in 9 states have passed such ordinances. Here in Oregon, Lincoln County voters have enacted such a law recently, banned aerial pesticide spraying. Other Oregon Counties are also moving forward with community rights initiatives. And we finish up talking about a new community rights organization, Community Rights US.
First broadcast in Portland on September 27, 2017
Community Rights organizer, Paul Cienfuegos, talks about the concept and history of community rights. Community Rights measures are characterized by three specific provisions - they strip corporations of all constitutional rights ar the local level, ban specific corporate activities, and enshrines at the local level the right of a community to govern itself, regardless of what state or federal government says. Paul gives us a quick history of the founding of the US, and how we ended up with a system designed to protect property. 200 communities in 9 states have passed such ordinances. Here in Oregon, Lincoln County voters have enacted such a law recently, banned aerial pesticide spraying. Other Oregon Counties are also moving forward with community rights initiatives. And we finish up talking about a new community rights organization, Community Rights US.
First broadcast in Portland on September 27, 2017

Corporations, Revolving Doors and Water
Guest Floy Jones, founding member of Friends of the Reservoirs, talks about the now-approved Bull Run treatment/filtration plant (cost about $400 million) and why this is not only an expensive project but also an unneeded project. She cover the chain of events for the City having made the decision and why the events do not support the treatment/filtration plant approval. "The same corporations, the same revolving door consultants were involved in crafting the rule and they have bee the beneficiaries of the regulation every step of the way." ~ Floy Jones
First broadcast in Portland on September 20, 2017
Guest Floy Jones, founding member of Friends of the Reservoirs, talks about the now-approved Bull Run treatment/filtration plant (cost about $400 million) and why this is not only an expensive project but also an unneeded project. She cover the chain of events for the City having made the decision and why the events do not support the treatment/filtration plant approval. "The same corporations, the same revolving door consultants were involved in crafting the rule and they have bee the beneficiaries of the regulation every step of the way." ~ Floy Jones
First broadcast in Portland on September 20, 2017

Fear and Intolerance in Tillamook County
Helen Patti Hill talks about her book, A Brief History of Fear and Intolerance in TIllamook County, looking at the rise of fear and the resulting intolerance from the arrival of white people all the way to the current era with the Oregon Citizens Alliance (2000) and racism in the schools.
x Who was Robert Gray; why is thee a statue of him? x How did the triangular trade impact the area?
x Why was the KKK so strong in the county when there were no blacks living there?
x What role did the PR campaign building support for American participation in WWI have on the development of intolerance? x What was the Compulsory School Bill? x Who were the LOTIES? x What is the value of knowing our history?
First broadcast in Portland on September 13, 2017
Helen Patti Hill talks about her book, A Brief History of Fear and Intolerance in TIllamook County, looking at the rise of fear and the resulting intolerance from the arrival of white people all the way to the current era with the Oregon Citizens Alliance (2000) and racism in the schools.
x Who was Robert Gray; why is thee a statue of him? x How did the triangular trade impact the area?
x Why was the KKK so strong in the county when there were no blacks living there?
x What role did the PR campaign building support for American participation in WWI have on the development of intolerance? x What was the Compulsory School Bill? x Who were the LOTIES? x What is the value of knowing our history?
First broadcast in Portland on September 13, 2017

Transforming Portland City government to enhance democracy
We speak with Kristin Everhard, Senior Researcher with the Sightline Institute. Kristin works on how we can make democracy work. Today, Kristin talks specifically about Portland's government and its commission system. In its place, Kristin talks about creating a system which elects commissioners by district, instead of at large, and has a weak mayor. In addition, those districts could be elected by a multi-district system. Such changes would likely result in elected officials spread throughout the city with many more women and people of color. Another idea is enlarging the council, which would give voters more opportunities to have their voices heard. Other ideas include single transferable votes and use of ranked choice voting, reasons for elimination of primaries to engage more voters during the general election. Lastly, we talk about the importance of providing public funds to candidates.
First broadcast in Portland on September 6, 2017
We speak with Kristin Everhard, Senior Researcher with the Sightline Institute. Kristin works on how we can make democracy work. Today, Kristin talks specifically about Portland's government and its commission system. In its place, Kristin talks about creating a system which elects commissioners by district, instead of at large, and has a weak mayor. In addition, those districts could be elected by a multi-district system. Such changes would likely result in elected officials spread throughout the city with many more women and people of color. Another idea is enlarging the council, which would give voters more opportunities to have their voices heard. Other ideas include single transferable votes and use of ranked choice voting, reasons for elimination of primaries to engage more voters during the general election. Lastly, we talk about the importance of providing public funds to candidates.
First broadcast in Portland on September 6, 2017

Oregon Consumer League
In a wide ranging discussion, Oregon Consumer League Board President, Steve Weiss first discusses the anti-consumer behavior of Century-Link, before moving issues of American health care and how that issue currently is playing out in Oregon, specifically with the Referendum proposed by Rep. Julie Parrish which would overturn a law passed by the Oregon legislature. That law ensure health care coverage for 350,000 Oregonians. And the conversation ends with Steve's views on changes needed to the national political system, including ending the electoral college and moving to a parliamentary system.
First broadcast in Portland on August 30, 2017
In a wide ranging discussion, Oregon Consumer League Board President, Steve Weiss first discusses the anti-consumer behavior of Century-Link, before moving issues of American health care and how that issue currently is playing out in Oregon, specifically with the Referendum proposed by Rep. Julie Parrish which would overturn a law passed by the Oregon legislature. That law ensure health care coverage for 350,000 Oregonians. And the conversation ends with Steve's views on changes needed to the national political system, including ending the electoral college and moving to a parliamentary system.
First broadcast in Portland on August 30, 2017

Changing Tenant Rights from a fringe issues to a central human rights issue
Ending no-cause evictions! Lack of rent controls! Those are issues being targeted by guest Margot Black, organizer with Portland Tenants United, a two year old tenant rights activist organization in Portland OR. Margo talks about origins of the the organization and actions taken at both the city and state level to level the playing field between land and apartment owners and the tenants.
First broadcast in Portland on August 23.2017
Ending no-cause evictions! Lack of rent controls! Those are issues being targeted by guest Margot Black, organizer with Portland Tenants United, a two year old tenant rights activist organization in Portland OR. Margo talks about origins of the the organization and actions taken at both the city and state level to level the playing field between land and apartment owners and the tenants.
First broadcast in Portland on August 23.2017

The unique Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the undeclared wonders of the world. But in spite being a National Scenic Area, it still is endangered. We talk with Ryan Rittenhouse, Conservation Organizer with Friends of the Columbia Gorge about the dangers including oil and coal trains, and failed legislation in the last Oregon legislative session. Lastly we focus on the Columbia River National Scenic Area Management Review plan and how to the public can make comment on that.
First broadcast in Portland on August 9, 2017
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the undeclared wonders of the world. But in spite being a National Scenic Area, it still is endangered. We talk with Ryan Rittenhouse, Conservation Organizer with Friends of the Columbia Gorge about the dangers including oil and coal trains, and failed legislation in the last Oregon legislative session. Lastly we focus on the Columbia River National Scenic Area Management Review plan and how to the public can make comment on that.
First broadcast in Portland on August 9, 2017

Nuclear - A Dying Industry
Charles Johnson of the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility's Joint Task Force on Nuclear talks with us again about the current state of the nuclear industry. He starts by focusing on SB990 in the Oregon Legislature and its demise. And then move to discussion of the Columbia Generating Station in Wash. state and efforts to close it down with a focus on how we replace its energy production with wind and solar renewable energy. And combine the renewable energy with storage abilities like batteries and pump storage. And ends the program with a description of the current state of the nuclear industry - "This is a dying industry."
First broadcast in Portland on July 26, 2017
Charles Johnson of the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility's Joint Task Force on Nuclear talks with us again about the current state of the nuclear industry. He starts by focusing on SB990 in the Oregon Legislature and its demise. And then move to discussion of the Columbia Generating Station in Wash. state and efforts to close it down with a focus on how we replace its energy production with wind and solar renewable energy. And combine the renewable energy with storage abilities like batteries and pump storage. And ends the program with a description of the current state of the nuclear industry - "This is a dying industry."
First broadcast in Portland on July 26, 2017

Nestle keeps trying to bottle Pacific NW water; The People Resist!
Our guest Julia DeGraw, NW Senior Organizer with Food and Water Watch talks with us on the efforts of Nestle to establish its first bottled water plant in the Pacific NW in the Oregon town of Cascade Locks.
*How is Nestle different from other water bottlers?
*Where else in the Pacific NW has Nestle tried to establish bottled water plants?
*Was has caused Nestle's efforts to be different from the efforts of other companies and allowed for a state-wide opposition effort?
*What is Nestle's track record for other water plants?
*Why has Nestle proposed a permanent water rights exchanges with the State of Oregon?
*What is the Hood Rive County Water Protection initiative?
*What are expected future steps by Nestle and Nestle opponents?
*How do Waitsberg and Goldendale WA fit into all this?
First Broadcast: July 19, 2017
Our guest Julia DeGraw, NW Senior Organizer with Food and Water Watch talks with us on the efforts of Nestle to establish its first bottled water plant in the Pacific NW in the Oregon town of Cascade Locks.
*How is Nestle different from other water bottlers?
*Where else in the Pacific NW has Nestle tried to establish bottled water plants?
*Was has caused Nestle's efforts to be different from the efforts of other companies and allowed for a state-wide opposition effort?
*What is Nestle's track record for other water plants?
*Why has Nestle proposed a permanent water rights exchanges with the State of Oregon?
*What is the Hood Rive County Water Protection initiative?
*What are expected future steps by Nestle and Nestle opponents?
*How do Waitsberg and Goldendale WA fit into all this?
First Broadcast: July 19, 2017

Getting to 100% renewable by 2035
Host David Delk talks with Food and Water Watch's (FWW) Julia DeGraw about who and what FWW is and does. Julia continues with a discussion of current campaignswhich will focus on local and state action because we can not expect leadership on the climate crisis to come from the federal level. FWW has a new campaign to get "Off Fossil Fuels" by 2035. We also talk about their campaign for GMO labeling and the future of that. Julia also talks about the massive mega-dairy, Three Mile Dairy, in Morrow County and dangers to area water supply.
First Broadcast: July 12, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Food and Water Watch's (FWW) Julia DeGraw about who and what FWW is and does. Julia continues with a discussion of current campaignswhich will focus on local and state action because we can not expect leadership on the climate crisis to come from the federal level. FWW has a new campaign to get "Off Fossil Fuels" by 2035. We also talk about their campaign for GMO labeling and the future of that. Julia also talks about the massive mega-dairy, Three Mile Dairy, in Morrow County and dangers to area water supply.
First Broadcast: July 12, 2017

How we lower tensions with North Korea
Guest Martin Hart-Landsberg, retired economics professor at Lewis & Clark College and member of the board of the Korea Policy Institute, talks with host David Delk about the causes of the rising tensions between the US and No Korea. Martin also has a blog called Report from the Economic Front. We talk about the history of American involvement with both North and South Korea, how So Korea outspends No Korea on their militarys, the lack of good faith bargaining on the part of the US. Martin's perspective is that while No Korea has been open to engagement with the US and the world, the US has continuously built barriers to prevent the engagement.
Martin is also author of several books on US Korean relations, including "Korea: Division and Reunification and US Foreign Policy."
First broadcast: July 5, 2017
Guest Martin Hart-Landsberg, retired economics professor at Lewis & Clark College and member of the board of the Korea Policy Institute, talks with host David Delk about the causes of the rising tensions between the US and No Korea. Martin also has a blog called Report from the Economic Front. We talk about the history of American involvement with both North and South Korea, how So Korea outspends No Korea on their militarys, the lack of good faith bargaining on the part of the US. Martin's perspective is that while No Korea has been open to engagement with the US and the world, the US has continuously built barriers to prevent the engagement.
Martin is also author of several books on US Korean relations, including "Korea: Division and Reunification and US Foreign Policy."
First broadcast: July 5, 2017

Nuclear power, Columbia Generating Station, OR Bottle Bill profiteering, endangering public health
Our guests are Chuck Johnson, Director of the Joint Task Fore on Nuclear Power, OR/WA Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Dan Meek, legal advisor to the Oregon Progressive Party.
Chuck discusses the Hanford Nuclear site in Washington and the only operating nuclear plant in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia Generating Station. He covers efforts to close that plant down.
Dan Meek talks about how the Oregon legislature is working to undermine the Oregon Bottle bill by handing the beverage industry a huge profit windfall. He then talks about changes to the Oregon Clean Air Act, charges which would endanger the people's health.
First broadcast: June 28, 2017
Our guests are Chuck Johnson, Director of the Joint Task Fore on Nuclear Power, OR/WA Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Dan Meek, legal advisor to the Oregon Progressive Party.
Chuck discusses the Hanford Nuclear site in Washington and the only operating nuclear plant in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia Generating Station. He covers efforts to close that plant down.
Dan Meek talks about how the Oregon legislature is working to undermine the Oregon Bottle bill by handing the beverage industry a huge profit windfall. He then talks about changes to the Oregon Clean Air Act, charges which would endanger the people's health.
First broadcast: June 28, 2017

The Dangers of Small Nuclear Reactors
Chuck Johnson, Director of the Joint Task Force on Nuclear Power, Oregon/Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, talks with host David Delk about small nuclear modular reactors(SMR). Chuck explains the reasons for opposing the development of nuclear energy and the similarity between tradition nuclear plants and SMRs. We touch on the current difficulties of the nuclear industry with the bankruptcy of Westinghouse. And we look at the curret status of SB990 in the Oregon legislature, written to override existing prohibitions in Oregon to building nuclear facilities within the state.
First broadcast: June 21, 2017
Chuck Johnson, Director of the Joint Task Force on Nuclear Power, Oregon/Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, talks with host David Delk about small nuclear modular reactors(SMR). Chuck explains the reasons for opposing the development of nuclear energy and the similarity between tradition nuclear plants and SMRs. We touch on the current difficulties of the nuclear industry with the bankruptcy of Westinghouse. And we look at the curret status of SB990 in the Oregon legislature, written to override existing prohibitions in Oregon to building nuclear facilities within the state.
First broadcast: June 21, 2017

Ending political corruption in Oregon
Oregon Progressive Party Legal Adviser and advocate for ending political corruption in Oregon, Dan Meek, is our guest. He talks about money in politics in Oregon; defines the difference between political contributions and expenditures and talks about Initiative Petition IP 12, which seeks to amend the Oregon Constitution to allow limits on contributions/expenditures, and more. The program ends with a look at one proposal in the Oregon legislature which would undermine existing limits on corruption in the State.
First broadcast: June 14, 2017
Oregon Progressive Party Legal Adviser and advocate for ending political corruption in Oregon, Dan Meek, is our guest. He talks about money in politics in Oregon; defines the difference between political contributions and expenditures and talks about Initiative Petition IP 12, which seeks to amend the Oregon Constitution to allow limits on contributions/expenditures, and more. The program ends with a look at one proposal in the Oregon legislature which would undermine existing limits on corruption in the State.
First broadcast: June 14, 2017

Science in the New Dark Age
Our guest is Dr. Martin Donohoe, adviser to Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and author of Public Health and Social Justice. The topic is Science in the New Dark Age. What is the New Dark Age? What is science? How has science been attacked in the past? How has Pres. Trump attached science and with what consequences? What is the role of corporate lobbyists and the media in this present attack? After addressing that, we also talk about single-payer health care and more. We conclude with Dr. Donohoe giving a defense of the need for students to have what has traditionally been called a liberal education.
First broadcast: June 7, 2017
Our guest is Dr. Martin Donohoe, adviser to Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and author of Public Health and Social Justice. The topic is Science in the New Dark Age. What is the New Dark Age? What is science? How has science been attacked in the past? How has Pres. Trump attached science and with what consequences? What is the role of corporate lobbyists and the media in this present attack? After addressing that, we also talk about single-payer health care and more. We conclude with Dr. Donohoe giving a defense of the need for students to have what has traditionally been called a liberal education.
First broadcast: June 7, 2017

Nuclear power, a 28th Constitutional Amendment and Public banking
Departing from the usual Populist Dialogues format, today we instead watch three shorter clips. The first clip is of an interview with David Delk by Jim Lockhart on Oregon bill SB 990 which would overrule existing Oregon law which prevents the building of nuclear power sites in the state; the second clip is an advocacy piece produced by David Delk for a 28th Constitutional Amendment; and the third clip is of Walt McRee, Chair of the Public Banking institute.
First broadcast: May 31, 2017
Departing from the usual Populist Dialogues format, today we instead watch three shorter clips. The first clip is of an interview with David Delk by Jim Lockhart on Oregon bill SB 990 which would overrule existing Oregon law which prevents the building of nuclear power sites in the state; the second clip is an advocacy piece produced by David Delk for a 28th Constitutional Amendment; and the third clip is of Walt McRee, Chair of the Public Banking institute.
First broadcast: May 31, 2017

Organizing for the Common Good with Jobs with Justice
Justin Kertson is a Solidarity Organizer with Jobs with Justice (JWJ). Justin talks about JWJ, campaigns he has been involved with like 15 Now (to increase the minimum wage to $15/hour) and describes current campaigns like "Bargaining for the Common Good" and "Taking Action Against the Trump Agenda", working especially with the immigrant community. ""Why Unions Matter" is another JWJ current effort. Attacks on workers, including so-called "Right to work " laws proposed both at national and states levels. Justin ends the program with a strong statement of JWJ support for public banking.
First broadcast: May 24, 2017
Justin Kertson is a Solidarity Organizer with Jobs with Justice (JWJ). Justin talks about JWJ, campaigns he has been involved with like 15 Now (to increase the minimum wage to $15/hour) and describes current campaigns like "Bargaining for the Common Good" and "Taking Action Against the Trump Agenda", working especially with the immigrant community. ""Why Unions Matter" is another JWJ current effort. Attacks on workers, including so-called "Right to work " laws proposed both at national and states levels. Justin ends the program with a strong statement of JWJ support for public banking.
First broadcast: May 24, 2017

Nuclear Power Danger in Oregon - Small Modular Reactors
Host David Delk talks with environmental, anti-nuclear activist Lloyd Marbet about the latest nuclear danger, the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) being developed by NuScale, a spin-off company from Oregon State University. While smaller in size, these SMR still have the same dangers that older, larger nuclear plants have. We go on to discuss Oregon legislation, bill SB 990, which has passed the Senate. SB990 will essentially void Oregon law that no new nuclear plants be build in the state until a national nuclear depositary has been activated. Such a depositary does not exist. SB 990 would allow cities and counties to approve building of SMR within their boundaries, contrary to the 1980 initiative law forbidding them.
First broadcast: May 17, 2017
Host David Delk talks with environmental, anti-nuclear activist Lloyd Marbet about the latest nuclear danger, the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) being developed by NuScale, a spin-off company from Oregon State University. While smaller in size, these SMR still have the same dangers that older, larger nuclear plants have. We go on to discuss Oregon legislation, bill SB 990, which has passed the Senate. SB990 will essentially void Oregon law that no new nuclear plants be build in the state until a national nuclear depositary has been activated. Such a depositary does not exist. SB 990 would allow cities and counties to approve building of SMR within their boundaries, contrary to the 1980 initiative law forbidding them.
First broadcast: May 17, 2017

This Is What A Fair Trade Agreement Would Look Like
National Organizing Director of Citizens Trade Campaign, Elizabeth Swager, talks with us about corporate trade agreements, like NAFTA, CAFTA and many more. She draws the differences between these agreements and what progressive people and organizations would like. Progressives want policies which are fair and just for the people, no for multi-national corporations. She cites one specific example of how these agreements have elevated corporate rights over human rights. The conversation ends with a discussion of what the elements of a progressive agreement would be and who would be at the negotiating table.
First broadcast: May 10, 2017
National Organizing Director of Citizens Trade Campaign, Elizabeth Swager, talks with us about corporate trade agreements, like NAFTA, CAFTA and many more. She draws the differences between these agreements and what progressive people and organizations would like. Progressives want policies which are fair and just for the people, no for multi-national corporations. She cites one specific example of how these agreements have elevated corporate rights over human rights. The conversation ends with a discussion of what the elements of a progressive agreement would be and who would be at the negotiating table.
First broadcast: May 10, 2017

Social Insecurity: 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis with James W Russell
Guest James Russell is the author of "Social Insecurity, 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis. The retirement crisis is that people are going over a fiscal cliff instead of being able to retire with financial security. James states that this is the result of moving from traditional pension plans to 401(k)s and explains how that has happened with what consequences.
We also discuss the role of social security in preventing much poverty, doing so in a much more efficient manner than the private, Wall Street based sector does. James also notes the reforms which could be made in order the strengthen the social security system.
First broadcast: May 3, 2017
Guest James Russell is the author of "Social Insecurity, 401(k)s and the Retirement Crisis. The retirement crisis is that people are going over a fiscal cliff instead of being able to retire with financial security. James states that this is the result of moving from traditional pension plans to 401(k)s and explains how that has happened with what consequences.
We also discuss the role of social security in preventing much poverty, doing so in a much more efficient manner than the private, Wall Street based sector does. James also notes the reforms which could be made in order the strengthen the social security system.
First broadcast: May 3, 2017

Oregon to Create An Even More Regressive Tax System
Political economist Robin Hahnel discusses the problems with Oregon's tax system with an in-depth look at Measure 97 (defeated at the ballot in Nov. 2016). Oregon is in need of revenue; M97 would have made the corporate, especially the out-of-state, sector pay their fair share. Even through it was a gross receipts tax, it was progressive because of its narrow focus. Now the legislature is looking at the same type of tax, broadly based and regressive as a result. The discussion also examines the role of the almost-unique-to-Oregon single sales factor and the requirement that tax increases by the legislature be passed by at least 60% of both chambers. Lastly, Robin talks about how the tax system should be reformed.
First broadcast: April 26, 2017
Political economist Robin Hahnel discusses the problems with Oregon's tax system with an in-depth look at Measure 97 (defeated at the ballot in Nov. 2016). Oregon is in need of revenue; M97 would have made the corporate, especially the out-of-state, sector pay their fair share. Even through it was a gross receipts tax, it was progressive because of its narrow focus. Now the legislature is looking at the same type of tax, broadly based and regressive as a result. The discussion also examines the role of the almost-unique-to-Oregon single sales factor and the requirement that tax increases by the legislature be passed by at least 60% of both chambers. Lastly, Robin talks about how the tax system should be reformed.
First broadcast: April 26, 2017

Moving Toward a Brand New Congress
Marc Koller was a Bernie supporter, fan of the progressive agenda who is going to run for US Congress in 2018 as a Oregon Progressive Party candidate. We look at why he is running and what the issues are. "We need candidates who are not indebted to the corporate interests."
First broadcast: April 19, 2017
Marc Koller was a Bernie supporter, fan of the progressive agenda who is going to run for US Congress in 2018 as a Oregon Progressive Party candidate. We look at why he is running and what the issues are. "We need candidates who are not indebted to the corporate interests."
First broadcast: April 19, 2017

Now Is the Time (for universal, affordable health care)
Host David Delk talks with Lee Mercer, President of Health Care For All Oregon on the problems of Obamacare, Trump(Ryan)Care, and how a universal affordable health care system would solve those problems. Includes a history of how the American system developed; and a description of various proposals to create a single payer system, nationally and in Oregon.
First broadcast: April 12, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Lee Mercer, President of Health Care For All Oregon on the problems of Obamacare, Trump(Ryan)Care, and how a universal affordable health care system would solve those problems. Includes a history of how the American system developed; and a description of various proposals to create a single payer system, nationally and in Oregon.
First broadcast: April 12, 2017

The Remaking of An American City, with author Steve Early
Steve Early talks with host David Delk about his new book, Refinery Town - Big Oil, Big Money, And The Remaking Of An American City. Richmond CA has historically been a company town. The company has been Chevron. Steve talks about the formation of the Richmond Progressive Alliance and the transformation of Richmond into a progressive light port on the west coast. The role special interest money has played is a large part of the story as is how the RPA has used reforms lke public funding of political candidates and "tag" lines on political ads to take control of the city government. And Steve describes how RPA has been successful by running a grassroots organization to built on a strong relationship with the citizens, going door-to-door for voter turnout.
First broadcast: April 5, 2017
Steve Early talks with host David Delk about his new book, Refinery Town - Big Oil, Big Money, And The Remaking Of An American City. Richmond CA has historically been a company town. The company has been Chevron. Steve talks about the formation of the Richmond Progressive Alliance and the transformation of Richmond into a progressive light port on the west coast. The role special interest money has played is a large part of the story as is how the RPA has used reforms lke public funding of political candidates and "tag" lines on political ads to take control of the city government. And Steve describes how RPA has been successful by running a grassroots organization to built on a strong relationship with the citizens, going door-to-door for voter turnout.
First broadcast: April 5, 2017

Climate Jobs and Community Solar
Host David Delk talks with Mark Darienzo and Joana Kirchhoff with Climate Jobs Portland, They discuss the organization's origins and purpose in presenting labor to environmental organization, recognizing the unions need to join in the movement for a renewable, sustainable energy economy. Then we talk about community solar, described as providing a chance for Oregonians to invest in solar power even if they individually cannot purchase and install their own solar system. Community Solar is designed to help people work together for the good of the environment and the community.
First broadcast: March 29, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Mark Darienzo and Joana Kirchhoff with Climate Jobs Portland, They discuss the organization's origins and purpose in presenting labor to environmental organization, recognizing the unions need to join in the movement for a renewable, sustainable energy economy. Then we talk about community solar, described as providing a chance for Oregonians to invest in solar power even if they individually cannot purchase and install their own solar system. Community Solar is designed to help people work together for the good of the environment and the community.
First broadcast: March 29, 2017

Fossil Fuels Future in the Pacific Northwest
Host David Delk talks with Dan Serres, Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper. Dan describes the demise of most fossil fuel projects in the Pacific Northwest as well as the current state of those that remain - the coal terminal in Longview (WA), the methanol plant in Kalama, WA and the coal terminal in Longview, WA. We also discusses the proposal by Portland General Election to develop their old Boardman coal burning plant to use natural gas instead, exchanging one fossil fuel for another.
First broadcast: March 22, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Dan Serres, Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper. Dan describes the demise of most fossil fuel projects in the Pacific Northwest as well as the current state of those that remain - the coal terminal in Longview (WA), the methanol plant in Kalama, WA and the coal terminal in Longview, WA. We also discusses the proposal by Portland General Election to develop their old Boardman coal burning plant to use natural gas instead, exchanging one fossil fuel for another.
First broadcast: March 22, 2017

"Big Farms Make Big Flu" with biologist and author Rob Wallace
Host David Delk interviews evolutionary biologist Rob Wallace, author of Big Farms Make Big Flu, Dispatches on Infectious Disease, Agribusiness, And The Nature of Science. Rob talks about how as we have industrialized animal production, we have also industrialized pathogen production. Pathogens like influenza, Zika, Ebola, Swine and bird flu and more.
He notes that the economic model of industrialized agriculture drives the evolution and spread of deadly pathogens. And asks the question, "How do we get our economy to start speaking to our ecology by which we grow our food?"
First broadcast: March 15, 2017
Host David Delk interviews evolutionary biologist Rob Wallace, author of Big Farms Make Big Flu, Dispatches on Infectious Disease, Agribusiness, And The Nature of Science. Rob talks about how as we have industrialized animal production, we have also industrialized pathogen production. Pathogens like influenza, Zika, Ebola, Swine and bird flu and more.
He notes that the economic model of industrialized agriculture drives the evolution and spread of deadly pathogens. And asks the question, "How do we get our economy to start speaking to our ecology by which we grow our food?"
First broadcast: March 15, 2017

Trump loses popular vote but becomes President - what do we do?
Host David Delk talks with Joan Horton, treasurer of Alliance for Democracy - Portland, and board member of national Alliance for Democracy. The topic is the Electoral College and how the national popular vote proposal would end the problem the current system creates - a candidate who does not receive the highest number of popular votes becoming president.
Joan also talks about the Alliance for Democracy and the various campaigns it is involved with, because the Issue is not the issues, it is the system.
First Broadcast: March 8, 2017
Host David Delk talks with Joan Horton, treasurer of Alliance for Democracy - Portland, and board member of national Alliance for Democracy. The topic is the Electoral College and how the national popular vote proposal would end the problem the current system creates - a candidate who does not receive the highest number of popular votes becoming president.
Joan also talks about the Alliance for Democracy and the various campaigns it is involved with, because the Issue is not the issues, it is the system.
First Broadcast: March 8, 2017

Nicolas Roux, Friends of the Earth France on TTIP
Populist Dialogues host interviews Nicolas Roux, Friends of the Earth France, about the TTIP, TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. The TPP is dead but "free" trade, corporate trade agreements live on. We talk about what the agreement is and why people object to it.
First broadcast: March 1, 2017
Populist Dialogues host interviews Nicolas Roux, Friends of the Earth France, about the TTIP, TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. The TPP is dead but "free" trade, corporate trade agreements live on. We talk about what the agreement is and why people object to it.
First broadcast: March 1, 2017