On Friday, July 28, "Against the Grain" was proud to welcome Myron Ebell, of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (www.cei.org), to discuss the impending polemics that will undoubtedly be directed at oil companies for "excessive profits". Interesting term, isn't it?

On Thursday, July 27, Todd joined Gardner on "Against the Grain" to discuss the resignation of Mass Turnpike Authority Head Matt Amarello, and the latest on the safety of the tunnels, including the fact that safety concerns were aired years ago.

Many thanks to Todd Feinburg!

On Thursday, July 27, Mass Turnpike Authority Head Matt Amarello resigned before he was forced from his position. Load this file to hear the reaction on "Against the Grain" to one of the major stories of the week.

For more information on this important issue, refer to this piece from ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1973051

Opening up a few thoughts about social morays and toplessness, this piece on a growing trend in the UK also inspires thoughts about the rules governing the "public square", and whether taxpayers can have their money taken for the creation of the public square, but be restricted in how they use it.

Local control is a close approximation of free competition in the market, but it is not free competition. At least in a small town, one can try to "excape" to a different locale if one is dissatisfied with the rules imposed by the majority. But anarcho-capitalism is probably a better option.

Here is the story, direct from England! Cheerio!

US District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly ruled Tuesday that there was no standing for a suit blocking ATT from handing phone records of its customers to the US government during the so-called "war on terror".

This is a troubling development, since this judge is supposed to be versed on the law, and ruling on matters of law. Since we are not LEGALLY at WAR, it is vexing to think that a judge could overlook that fact.

Check out the link!

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Terrorism/wireStory?id=2235480

This is a wonderful piece by Charlie Arlinghaus:

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?articleId=d499d2dd-19ae-4338-b26...

Check it out....

On Tuesday, July 25, terrorism and security expert Ilana Freidman joined Gardner Goldsmith to discuss the recent history of the Isrealia-Hezbollah conflict, why she feels it is important for US security, and what Condoleeza Rice and the President are doing to resolve the problems in those far off lands.

Thanks to Ms. Freidman. For more information on the Gerard Group, visit www.gerardgroup.com.

This is part one of two.

On Monday, July 24, Seth Cohn joined Gardner to discuss his piece in the Concord Monitor's Blog site. he also mentioned that the glorious Big Dig Ceiling Bolts were at times held in place by DUCT TAPE.

For more, visit these sites:

Seth's Piece: http://www.conmon.com/drupal/blog_entry/seth_cohn/keeping_mitts_mitts_of...

For info on the Duct Tape Tunnels:
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=149395

Part two of our conversation with Mr. Carney. Adam Smith would enjoy his book.

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money

In this, part one of two, Mr. Carney (Warren Brookes fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, contributor to Human Events, and frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC) joins El G Grande to discuss how big businesses use the corrupt political system in Washington to gain benefits at the expense of consumers and competitors.

His new book, "Big Ripoff" is available now!

Remember, there is a distinction between capitalism and mercantilism. Those who denounce capitalism are often misinformed. Freedom and free markets cannot be separated. Freedom requires government to get out of influincing business.

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money

Seth Cohn, well known by supporters of freedom, has an excellent piece, published by the Concord Monitor, which you can view online.

He wants Mitt to keep his "mitts" off money belonging to people in other states. Mitt seems inclined -- no, EXCITED -- to be going after more of your cash in order to fix the deadly government tunnel project in the Boston harbor.

Read Seth's piece here:

http://www.conmon.com/drupal/blog_entry/seth_cohn/keeping_mitts_mitts_of...

Sam Blumenfeld, the most well-versed expert on government education "Against the Grain" has featured, joined Gardner on Friday, July 21, to discuss the new revelations that more and more middle-grade and high school students cannot read.

Sam will be back, soon! For more on his Alpha Phonics program and book, call 781-899-6468.

Alpha-Phonics: A Primer For Beginning Readers

On Friday, July 21, Libertarian State Party Chair John Babiarz appeared in the NH Supreme Court to present the case for the party regarding ballot access. The 4% threshhold codified years ago for parties to attain ballot status is being challenged. Hear John report to Gardner on the court appearance, and the responses of the justices, from "Against the Grain".

The fetal stem cell funding bill was vetoed by George Bush -- his first veto. Here, "Human Events" editor, Terry Jeffrey discusses the ramifcations of the Senate vote, just prior to Bush's actions to stop the funding.

For an excellent piece on Senator Bill Frist's prevarication on this issue, go to www.humaneventonline.com.

Many thanks to Terry Jeffrey.

Join Gardner Goldsmith as he covers the issue of fetal stem cell funding from the federal government. This is not only a constitutional issue, but also a moral issue. One can evaluate this issue on two fronts, and come to the conclusion that federal funding for this kind, or any kind of scientific experimentation is unjustified.

We thank the former Vice President for being so knowledgeable.

For more on the Foundation for Economic Education, Richard Ebeling, Sheldon Richman, Henry Hazlitt, Leonard Read, FA Hayek, Walter Williams, and many others, please visit www.fee.org.

You will be delighted you took a look!

On June 29, 2006, Gardner Goldsmith was joined by Dr. Richard Ebeling, President of the Foundation for Economic Education. FEE, as it is known, is the preeminent free market educational organization in hte United States, and it has been publishing its magazine "The Freeman" for more than half a century. For more information on FEE, on the intellectual movers behind it, the magnificent publications it produces, and the seminars and progrmas it conducts, go to www.fee.org.

It is a website rich in resources, including written pieces on economics and limited government, and soud files of some of the best speeches delivered at FEE.

Gardner and Ian continue their conversation on national and state topics including education and "wellness".

Thanks, Ian.