| Summary | |
| Public Awareness, Reproductive Rights, and Vaccination | |
| Zach stated his support for reproductive rights, with emphasis on individual decision-making and government non-interference. They also explored the implications of family breakdown on society, with Zachary not agreeing that the breakdown of two-parent husband and wife families is the core of all societal issues. Zachary expressed his belief that vaccines are important for public health. Zach affirmed his support for vaccines based on scientific evidence, and expressed his disapproval of a recently proposed 100 billion-dollar bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, arguing that each issue should be examined separately. | |
| Warrantless Searches, Federal Spending, and Unions | |
| Richard and Zach discussed two main issues: the extension of warrantless searches and the high level of federal spending. Zach admitted he needed to investigate the specifics of the warrantless searches issue, but expressed his general disapproval of such practices. Regarding federal spending, Zach proposed reallocating funds from certain areas, such as the Department of Defense, to other sectors like social programs. He emphasized the need for auditing government organizations to identify wasteful spending. Furthermore, Zach clarified his stance on the ‘right to work’ issue, explaining that he strongly supports unions as they provide workers with the ability to advocate for themselves and protect against unjust dismissals. | |
| Discussing 2020 Election and Capitol Protest | |
| Zach and Richard discussed the events surrounding the 2020 US presidential election and the subsequent protests. Zach clarified his stance on the election fraud allegations, stating he didn’t believe the election was stolen. The pair also discussed the events of January 6, 2021, where a group of supporters of former President Trump protested election fraud at the US Capitol. Zach believed the leaders of this incident should be punished, but due process should be granted to those arrested. Richard, however, expressed his belief that many of the arrests appeared to be politically motivated. | |
| Discussing Government Spending Bill Transparency | |
| Richard and Zach discussed the recent government spending bill of 1.2 trillion dollars. Richard questioned Zach about his stance on this bill, which was passed to continue government funding for the year. Zach admitted he would need to know the specifics of the bill to give a definitive answer. They both expressed concern about the lack of transparency and the fact that such massive bills are often passed without adequate time for review and knowledge of their contents. | |
| Social Security Fund Depletion and Potential Solutions | |
| Richard and Zach discussed the potential depletion of social security funds within the next decade and possible solutions to address this issue. Zach proposed lowering the retirement age to allow people to live better, increasing taxes for high-wage earners, and reallocating funds from other areas, such as the military, to social security. However, Richard voiced concerns about the funding of these proposed solutions, given that a reduced retirement age would increase the program’s cost. | |
| Discussing Coal Production and Renewable Energy in West Virginia | |
| Richard and Zach discussed the impact of new environmental regulations on coal production and the shift towards renewable energy in West Virginia. Zach emphasized the importance of a just transition towards renewable energy sources, such as solar power, while also addressing concerns about the impact on rural farmland and the environment. | |
| Clarifying Zach’s Second Amendment Stance | |
| Richard sought clarification from Zach on his stance regarding the right to bear arms. Zach affirmed his support for the Second Amendment, emphasizing the importance of mental competence and thorough background checks for gun ownership. He also expressed his belief in closing loopholes and improving mental health care nationwide.. | |
| Criminal Justice System and Family Support | |
| Richard and Zach discussed various issues related to the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on trend for prosecutors in some areas to reduce penalties for certain misdemeanors. Zach expressed his concern about the mass incarceration problem in America and his opposition to for-profit prisons. Zach expressed that increasing the number of two parent families to help society could not be legislated. Richard, on the other hand, argued that the statistics showed that children who grow up with a mother and a father are less likely to get into trouble. | |
Tag: WV US Senate Election
Summary
Introducing Bryan McKinney as Senate Candidate
Richard introduced Bryan Mckinney as a primary candidate for the United States Senate. Mckinney, who works a regular job and has no prior political experience, expressed his excitement at the prospect of running. He discussed his views on politics, including his discontent with the establishment and his belief that the government should not have excessive control over people’s lives. He also shared his criticisms of the current Senator, Justice, and also Congressman Mooney, highlighting their support for unnecessary government spending and their lack of commitment to individual freedoms.
Opposing Congressman Mooney’s Bill and FISA Extension
Bryan and Richard discussed their opposition to the $60 billion bill voted for by Congressman Mooney to support Ukraine. Bryan argued that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved through a better solution rather than escalating it with more funds, and that the U.S. Government’s role should be to protect its own citizens and not provide aid to countries that do not share American values. He also expressed concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that military control might be a permanent solution to keep the country safe. Furthermore, Bryan criticized the recent FISA extension bill and the government’s approach of preventing crimes before they occur, comparing it to the tactics depicted in the movie Minority Report. Richard agreed with Bryan’s views on these issues.
Reducing Government Spending and Reform
Bryan and Richard discussed the issue of government spending, with Bryan expressing frustration about the large, unreadable spending bills passed by Congress. Bryan proposed that all spending bills should be one page (could refer to a more detailed explanation) and focused on the purpose of the government, with a focus on reducing unnecessary spending. He also suggested implementing term limits for government officials to prevent them from becoming entrenched in their positions and losing touch with the people they represent. Bryan further argued that many functions currently performed by the government, such as funding specific research projects, would be better handled by private organizations or state governments.
Addressing Poverty and Societal Issues in WV
Bryan and Richard discussed the issues of poverty and societal problems in West Virginia. Bryan criticized the government’s policies for driving businesses away and causing poverty, emphasizing the need to address the root causes rather than offering temporary solutions. Both agreed that family instability was a core cause of many societal problems and recognized the need for stronger families. Bryan highlighted the importance of providing good job opportunities to incentivize people to stay together and build a future. He expressed concerns about the economic impact of bringing in companies like Form Energy, suggesting they should collaborate with domestic manufacturers, and criticized the transfer of funds to companies connected to China and Bill Gates, who he believes have contempt for the coal and oil industries.
Job Market Challenges and Employment Barriers
Richard and Bryan discussed the current state of the job market. Richard expressed concern about the availability of jobs and noted that many people are out of the job market due to various reasons, including drug addiction and government assistance. Bryan agreed and highlighted the difficulties people with criminal records face in securing employment.
Family Structure, Work, and Government Involvement
Richard and Bryan had a discussion about the importance of family structure and the role of work in one’s success. Bryan agreed but highlighted the challenges of finding employment and questioned the government’s role in enforcing work requirements. Instead, Bryan suggested that such measures should be implemented at the state level, as they are easier to manage and more connected to the people. Bryan also shared their personal circumstances, working hard to support his family and being without pay for six months during the COVID crisis.
Education System and Vaccination Discussion
Bryan and Richard discussed the education system, with Bryan advocating for a more practical and competitive education for children, inspired by the education system in Japan. Bryan suggested that half of the school day should be dedicated to practical learning, including physical education, and that homework should focus on interesting and applicable topics. They also touched upon the topic of vaccination, with Bryan sharing his distrust of pharmaceutical companies due to the number of drugs withdrawn from the market due to side effects. He shared his decision to not vaccinate five of her six children, citing potential risks and the lack of liability for injuries. Richard acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining compensation through the Congressional fund for vaccine-related injuries.
Individual Rights and Government Overreach
Bryan and Richard discussed various issues related to individual rights and freedoms. They strongly supported the parent’s right to choose their children’s education, opposed mandatory vaccinations, and criticized the government’s overreach in healthcare. They also discussed the right to bear arms and supported the concept of national concealed carry. Bryan emphasized the importance of minimizing the government’s power and reducing its control over citizens’ lives.
Bryan’s Political Disillusionment and Campaign
Bryan expressed his disillusionment with the current political climate and his decision to run for office to provide an alternative choice for voters. He criticized his opponent, Alex Mooney, for his lack of private sector experience and his recent legal troubles. Bryan st wants his children to see him as a role model. Bryan shared that his campaign has been well received, with many people appreciating the chance to vote for someone other than the incumbent.
| Summary | |
| Introducing Bryan McKinney as Senate Candidate | |
| Richard introduced Bryan McKinney as a primary candidate for the United States Senate. McKinney, who works a regular job and has no prior political experience, expressed his excitement at the prospect of running. He discussed his views on politics, including his discontent with the establishment and his belief that the government should not have excessive control over people’s lives. He also shared his criticisms of the current Senator, Justice, and also Congressman Mooney, highlighting their support for unnecessary government spending and their lack of commitment to individual freedoms. | |
| Opposing Congressman Mooney’s Bill and FISA Extension | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed their opposition to the $60 billion bill voted for by Congressman Mooney to support Ukraine. Bryan argued that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved through a better solution rather than escalating it with more funds, and that the U.S. Government’s role should be to protect its own citizens and not provide aid to countries that do not share American values. He also expressed concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that military control might be a permanent solution to keep the country safe. Furthermore, Bryan criticized the recent FISA extension bill and the government’s approach of preventing crimes before they occur, comparing it to the tactics depicted in the movie Minority Report. Richard agreed with Bryan’s views on these issues. | |
| Reducing Government Spending and Reform | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the issue of government spending, with Bryan expressing frustration about the large, unreadable spending bills passed by Congress. Bryan proposed that all spending bills should be one page (could refer to a more detailed explanation) and focused on the purpose of the government, with a focus on reducing unnecessary spending. He also suggested implementing term limits for government officials to prevent them from becoming entrenched in their positions and losing touch with the people they represent. Bryan further argued that many functions currently performed by the government, such as funding specific research projects, would be better handled by private organizations or state governments. | |
| Addressing Poverty and Societal Issues in WV | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the issues of poverty and societal problems in West Virginia. Bryan criticized the government’s policies for driving businesses away and causing poverty, emphasizing the need to address the root causes rather than offering temporary solutions. Both agreed that family instability was a core cause of many societal problems and recognized the need for stronger families. Bryan highlighted the importance of providing good job opportunities to incentivize people to stay together and build a future. He expressed concerns about the economic impact of bringing in companies like Form Energy, suggesting they should collaborate with domestic manufacturers, and criticized the transfer of funds to companies connected to China and Bill Gates, who he believes have contempt for the coal and oil industries. | |
| Job Market Challenges and Employment Barriers | |
| Richard and Bryan discussed the current state of the job market. Richard expressed concern about the availability of jobs and noted that many people are out of the job market due to various reasons, including drug addiction and government assistance. Bryan agreed and highlighted the difficulties people with criminal records face in securing employment. | |
| Family Structure, Work, and Government Involvement | |
| Richard and Bryan had a discussion about the importance of family structure and the role of work in one’s success. Bryan agreed but highlighted the challenges of finding employment and questioned the government’s role in enforcing work requirements. Instead, Bryan suggested that such measures should be implemented at the state level, as they are easier to manage and more connected to the people. Bryan also shared their personal circumstances, working hard to support his family and being without pay for six months during the COVID crisis. | |
| Education System and Vaccination Discussion | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the education system, with Bryan advocating for a more practical and competitive education for children, inspired by the education system in Japan. Bryan suggested that half of the school day should be dedicated to practical learning, including physical education, and that homework should focus on interesting and applicable topics. They also touched upon the topic of vaccination, with Bryan sharing his distrust of pharmaceutical companies due to the number of drugs withdrawn from the market due to side effects. He shared his decision to not vaccinate five of her six children, citing potential risks and the lack of liability for injuries. Richard acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining compensation through the Congressional fund for vaccine-related injuries. | |
| Individual Rights and Government Overreach | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed various issues related to individual rights and freedoms. They strongly supported the parent’s right to choose their children’s education, opposed mandatory vaccinations, and criticized the government’s overreach in healthcare. They also discussed the right to bear arms and supported the concept of national concealed carry. Bryan emphasized the importance of minimizing the government’s power and reducing its control over citizens’ lives. | |
| Bryan’s Political Disillusionment and Campaign | |
| Bryan expressed his disillusionment with the current political climate and his decision to run for office to provide an alternative choice for voters. He criticized his opponent, Alex Mooney, for his lack of private sector experience and his recent legal troubles. Bryan st wants his children to see him as a role model. Bryan shared that his campaign has been well received, with many people appreciating the chance to vote for someone other than the incumbent. | |
Richie Robb of South Charleston, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in West Virginia who is a promoter of jobs for our state, is our guest on this May 18 edition of the Richard Urban Show where we present news and views from God’s point of view. I’m Richard Urban your host.
Richard: So please introduce yourself and tell us about why you’re running and about your family or anything you’d like to share.
“First of all, I’m a veteran of the United States Army. I was awarded the bronze star in Vietnam. I was the mayor of South Charleston, W.V. from 1975 to 2007. I serve on the state democratic executive committee, I’m a practicing attorney. I am married. I have two children and a delightful granddaughter,” Robb said.
Richard: Could you tell us the three main platform points of your campaign or three main things you’d like to the let people know about your campaign and why you’re running?
“It probably breaks down into this. Richard, good jobs, good jobs, good jobs. That is my primary emphasis. Most of West Virginia is being bypassed by the national economy. Now Jefferson County doesn’t appear to be, nor Berkeley county and perhaps Morgan County, as well and around the Morgantown area, but the rest of the state has not kept pace with the national economy. We need good jobs. We have a drug crisis in West Virginia. I think there’s a direct correlation to the lack of a good economy and that drastic uptake in drugs and I think with the corona virus pandemic that we’re experiencing right now West Virginia has a unique opportunity to come out of this and make itself better, but too many elected officials, including the one who occupies the seat I’m seeking, sit around and they talk about it all the time, about bringing good jobs to our state, but very little is done throughout most of the state,” Robb explained.
Richard: What would you do to stimulate or bring these jobs? Or, in your capacity as a senator, how could you help with bringing jobs to West Virginia?
“Well, as I said most folks, including the incumbent talk about it but things need to be done. One; federal contracting. We’re not getting our share of federal contracts, federal facilities. Robert Bird brought the fingerprint facility to Clarksburg and it spawned a number of other high-tech jobs in that area. The Appalachian Regional Commission. Why shouldn’t it have a federal tax incentive there as opposed to the grants that it has formally passed out?” Robb asks.
Richard: Let me just interject. The regional commission, one of the other candidates was talking about that too. What were you referring to, having an office in West Virginia versus just having the block grant?
“It wouldn’t be block grants. I’m more in for simplicity in government, I would say, the tax incentive within the; I served as mayor within the Appalachian regional commission, but that was largely grants. One applied, put together a program, got a grant. A tax incentive is if Toyota wants to put another facility in West Virginia, they get special federal tax benefits for that. And I know it’s gone on in the Eastern Panhandle, state and local tax benefits, and that’s going to happen. But let’s have federal ones as well. There’s another good example with the corona virus and particularly the tariff wars that have gone on for the last year or so, with China; supply chains for a lot of major industries, automobiles computers, pharmaceuticals have become disrupted. What’s happening in Arizona? One of the largest computer component companies is locating a billion dollar facility in Arizona. Why Arizona? Why not West Virginia? President Trump actually came out and said ‘The reason we are encouraging Taiwan to locate there is because the Republican Senator, Ms. McSally is facing tough opposition.’ Well, why shouldn’t that come to West Virginia? We have plenty of space up in the eastern panhandle part and the rest of the state as well, but the Federal Government is taking us for granted and they think, “Well we’ve got their votes, we don’t need to bring good jobs to West Virginia,” Robb said.
Richard: With the COViD-19 restrictions, there are a lot of questions about the constitutionality of lock downs and edicts and things like that. But on the national level, with the Patriot Act in 2001, there was the surveillance of the U.S. citizens. They’re continuing their surveillance of Americans presumably supposedly for national security reasons. What’s your thought on that? I know there was a move in the house to defund the NSA for the surveillance operation. Would you support such a bill should it come to the Senate or would you not support it?
“I’m not sure I would. I don’t know all the particulars and I know these measures were passed for security purposes after 9-11, and were there mistakes made, and were they overzealous on occasion? Well, yes, they were. I experienced that myself but now we’re also going through a situation where perhaps the surveillance needs to be done for healthcare reasons, and certainly mistakes have been made all across the board, including us as individuals respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. I would have to sit. I don’t want to sound like I’m giving you the limp leg, but the devil would be in the details. We need to be more concise and more brief in everything we’re doing in government. And I think some of these stimulus bills, are running to thousands of pages and we need to simplify things,” Robb answered.
Richard: Another issue I’ve been working on here in West Virginia that has national implications, has to do with the issue of vaccinations or what is called forced vaccination, meaning no vaccination, no school. And also President Trump has brought up this week, having military give potential COVID-19 vaccines, which I find very concerning. You may or may not be aware that in 1986, pharmaceutical companies were, with the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, removed from liability for vaccine injuries. Would you support bringing back liability for pharmaceutical companies, so they could be sued or would you support a kind of mandatory vaccinations like for COVID-19? Are you for that? What are your thoughts on that kind of issue?
“I come from the point of view, it again, it’s public safety, and with this pandemic we’re all at risk, so I think, yes, if there’s a vaccination out there, it needs to be administered to all of us to protect all of us. Now with respect to the liability. I was reading some articles about that this weekend and I think the way the liability can be structured is, if there’s a high higher degree of negligence as far as the pharmaceutical company, and if they’re grossly negligent and reckless and putting out certain medicine, whether it’s for this pandemic or anything else, I think there should be some liability,” Robb said.
Richard: Would you support safety studies for new vaccines?
“Well, I think, certainly, certainly before a vaccine is put on the market for the general population, I think safety studies are advisable and should be done but they should be done expeditiously to get that vaccine on the market or make a determination whether it’s safe or not, whether it does good. But there are situations in the past where people have been willing to try a new vaccine or they’re in a life-threatening situation; they don’t have time to wait for the vaccine, and in certain respects, maybe with the current pandemic we may feel we’re in that situation as well.” Robb answered.
Richard: Do you think that in the different reactions states have been doing – lock downs and the various regulations that many governors have put in place -has there been some overreach or what’s your feeling about it?
“Well, I’m in a part of West Virginia that’s not largely affected by the pandemic but we’ve taken the measures here as well. I can’t say that there’s been overreach, or under-reach. I think all of us from the president, United Nations on down to us as individuals that we’re going through something we’ve never gone through before and I think it’s important that we first look for public health and then let’s rebuild the economy. And on public health. We’ve invested millions in experts, millions in technology. Let’s use that. Let’s get safe first. You can always fix the economy. That’s going to be tough, not easy to do. But you can’t bring back a human life. So I lean on the side of public safety.” Robb responded.
Richard: On the Democrat side, you have a couple of opponents in the primary. How would you contrast yourself to them? What’s different about you? What are you bringing to the table that’s different or how do you contrast?
“I know very little about their campaigns but what I do know is, I’m the only candidate including Republicans, who are speaking about and has a plan and a willingness to work for good jobs, and West Virginia quality jobs and no one else is doing that. And one thing about bringing good quality jobs is the main ingredient is the experience and willingness and doggedness to do it,” Robb replied.
Richard: Are there other things you’d like to share with the voters?
“Well, I mentioned the jobs and I want to mention this too. It appears in the economy that education is critical and education is going to be a big factor in the new economy. I’m married to a school teacher. And education is going to change a lot with respect to those jobs, even coming out of the pandemic. Kids aren’t in school so I want to see education promoted in a visionary way. And the third thing would be medical care. I’m not, I’m wary of the one-size-fits-all approach, but I will agree, the American medical care system is a disaster. But I don’t believe there’s going to be a one-size-fits-all or a panacea. I think the Affordable Care Act was a legitimate first step that did some good on pre-existing conditions and children under 26 and eligibility for Medicaid, but we need to build on that, like we have on medical care and keep building but we need to do it sooner than later,” Robb answered.
Richard: Do you believe in the so-called single-payer healthcare model or whatever you call it?
“Well, it would seem to me that that certainly should be an option in that as I understand the single payer would be a government payment system, it would seem to me that needed to be an option, but even that needs to be a lot more efficient, a lot more effective, a lot more user-friendly than what it is,” Robb said.
Richard: With all the COVID-19 stimulus bills and more proposed, some people say, and it’s probably true, we’re printing up money that we don’t have, because of the current financial system, the money is not backed by any real assets, like gold. So my question is, are we really going overboard with debt that we’re going to load off to our grandchildren, and our grandchildren are going to be saddled with this incredible debt? Is that sustainable? Is that really a good thing? What do you think?
“Well, I think it is a legitimate concern. It just seems like what used to be a million, billions. Now we’re in trillions under this pandemic and it seems like we’re still spending, but we may have to spend it. Yes, I would agree that some day bills have to be paid. There is going to be a reckoning. I don’t think we can necessarily do that reckoning right now during what appears to be a serious emergency situation but I think we need to put together tax and spending policies that will address the debt down the road,” Robb responded.
Richard: I think we’re coming toward the close. If you’d like to make any closing comments or anything you’d like to comment on, or just in closing, why would voters choose you on June 9th?
“Well, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you and the voters. Appreciate your questions again. The primary thesis of my campaign has been wanting good jobs for West Virginia. Most of West Virginia does not have those good jobs and we’ll have a lot of opportunities as we come out of the coronavirus pandemic to maybe make a restart where we can do that. The only candidate who’s truly speaking about it and only candidate who has provided measures where it can be done. I’m the only candidate with the wherewithal to do that, I have the experience from doing it in a town that was prosperous. We have a unique location. We have good people. We have a good climate. We have a lot of advantages that aren’t being taken advantage of, and I’m willing to devote 24/7 as the United States Senator to do that very thing,” Robb concluded.