Vlogging Pod

Hands Of Gold, Roni Robbins

Hands of Gold capitalizes on Roni Robbins' 37 years as a journalist. She is currently a freelance health reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Medscape/WebMD, where she was previously an editor.  
 
The novel won the 2023 International Book Awards, multicultural fiction, and the 2023 Global Book Awards, biographical-survival. It was a finalist in the 2024 American Legacy Awards multicultural fiction; 2023 Readers' Choice Book Awards, best adult book; and 2022 American Fiction Awards, family saga. 

http://www.ronirobbins.com

Voices of Conscience

Recently, Pope Francis once again took aim at policies that dehumanize and marginalize people on our borders. In a pointed letter to the American Catholic bishops, the Pontiff condemned mass deportations, saying:

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”
This isn’t just rhetoric. Francis has long championed compassion over coercion—reminding us that the migration crisis is not a criminal matter but a human one. He noted that many migrants are fleeing extreme poverty, persecution, and environmental collapse. To lump these people together as “illegal” or “criminal” is not only factually wrong—it destroys the very dignity of human life.

The Pope’s message is clear: policies that rely on force and fear only deepen social divides and create vulnerability among entire families. As we hear his words echoing from newsrooms like Reuters and The Guardian, we are forced to ask ourselves—what kind of nation do we want to be?

Now, let’s shift gears to a proposal that has emerged from some corners of Congress—HR 22, a resolution intended to amend our Constitution’s term limits, in effect to allow a president to serve a third term. This proposal, introduced by Rep. Andy Ogles, is designed explicitly with the idea of extending presidential power. In simple terms, it seeks to undermine the very principles that were hard-won by our forefathers to prevent an overconcentration of power in the executive branch.

Allowing any president—even one as controversial as Trump—to serve a third term isn’t just a political maneuver; it’s a fundamental attack on our system of checks and balances. Our Constitution, through the 22nd Amendment, was established to ensure a regular transfer of power and to keep the presidency from becoming a permanent office.

Yet here we are, witnessing a proposal that would literally “rewrite” our amendments to favor a particular political figure. It’s not only a betrayal of democratic ideals, but it also sends a dangerous message: that the rules of our republic can be bent when it suits political ambitions.

I find this especially galling when contrasted with the Pope’s call for respect for human dignity—whether in how we treat immigrants or in how we govern. We cannot claim to stand for justice and equality if we allow constitutional safeguards to be eroded for short-term political gain.

Closing Thoughts:
Today’s discussion lays bare a stark contrast. On one side, a moral leader—the Pope—reminds us that a society built on compassion, inclusivity, and respect for the vulnerable is the only way forward. On the other side, there is an attempt by some to twist our constitutional limits in the name of partisan advantage.

Both issues, though seemingly separate, underscore a common theme: when power is wielded without conscience, whether at the border or in the halls of Congress, our democracy—and our humanity—is at risk.

 

 

The Implications of President's Proposal to Annex Canada

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has recently expressed a serious interest in annexing Canada, proposing that it become the 51st state of the United States. This proposal has sparked widespread discussion and concern on both sides of the border.

During a pre-Super Bowl interview, President Trump cited economic reasons for this proposal, claiming that the U.S. is losing $200 billion annually to Canada. He also criticized Canada's reliance on U.S. military protection and suggested that merging with the U.S. would solve trade imbalances.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged Trump's intentions, linking them to access to Canada's natural resources. He emphasized that the threat of annexation is real and is likely driven by the U.S.'s interest in Canada's critical mineral resources.

This proposal raises several questions about its implications for the American people. Economically, integrating Canada could lead to significant shifts. Canada's GDP would contribute to the U.S. economy, potentially strengthening it. However, the process of integration could be complex, involving the harmonization of laws, regulations, and economic policies.

Politically, the addition of Canada as a state would alter the balance of power. An analysis by Politico suggests that the migration of House seats to Canada would lead to a significant shift in the Electoral College, reshaping presidential elections. This could potentially boost Democrats' numbers in the House, but the exact impact would depend on redistricting and the political leanings of the new districts.

Culturally, the integration of Canada would bring together two nations with distinct identities. While both countries share many similarities, there are also differences in social policies, healthcare systems, and cultural norms. The process of merging these aspects would require careful consideration and mutual respect.

It's also important to consider the historical context. Movements for the annexation of Canada to the United States have existed in the past, but none have come to fruition. The current proposal by President Trump is unprecedented in modern times and would represent a significant shift in international relations.

In conclusion, while the idea of annexing Canada may seem far-fetched to some, the fact that it is being seriously discussed at the highest levels of government means that its potential implications must be carefully considered. The economic, political, and cultural impacts on the American people could be profound, and such a decision should not be taken lightly.

Executive and Judicial Splits Concerns

In recent days, a significant controversy has emerged involving Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Vice President JD Vance. They have publicly challenged the authority of the judiciary over executive actions, raising concerns about the balance of power in our government

No More Words Used

CDC Potentially to censor terms such as gender, nonbinary, transgender, and LGBT wording.

Your news -sort-of- with Eri Nelson

10 Little Rules for Double Butted Adventures, Teri Brown

Teri M Brown's debut novel, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, is a historical fiction set in Ukraine, her second, An Enemy Like Me, is set in WWII, and her third, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, is a generational story about Appalachian healers. Her latest work, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure, launches February 2025 and is an inspirational look at the life lessons she learned riding a tandem bicycle across the US. Learn more at http://www.terimbrown.com.

Healing Art, Vasu Tolia

Vasu Tolia,MD embodies the spirit of thriving through reinvention. A former Professor of Pediatrics turned celebrated visual artist, Vasu creates vibrant acrylic and mixed media works that explore themes of transformation, healing, and human resilience. Her successful transition from medicine to art, marked by over 100 juried exhibitions and numerous accolades including the Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award (2024), exemplifies the potential for mid-life career changes. Tolia's unique background infuses her art with both scientific precision and emotional depth, resulting in works that not only captivate viewers but also support charitable causes. Her journey and art demonstrate that it's never too late to pursue passion and make a significant impact in a new field. 

http://www.vasutolia.art 

Vasu Tolia's gift to our listeners.

https://www.vasutolia.art/womensempowerment

 

Kite Of Courage, Jennie Milton

Jennie "AdrenaJen" Milton, an Australian kitesurfing and snowkiting champion, big mountain skier, captivates audiences worldwide with her dynamic storytelling and profound insights. Spending three months each year in Alaska, she passionately promotes extreme sports, coaching others to excel and embrace the thrill of adventure. 
 
Jennie's stories are heart-stopping tales with invaluable lessons in resilience and dealing with fear. Her experiences range from a thrilling escape from a polar bear to her remarkable return to competitive kitesurfing at age 48 after a major spinal surgery. Her stories not only thrill but inspire, embodying strength, determination, and an ageless attitude. Jennie is a sought-after speaker for companies aiming to motivate and impact their teams profoundly, leaving them with a surge of motivation and a renewed zest for challenges.

https://adrenajen.com/

A Story About Pizza Erica D"Arcangelo

"A Story About Pizza" is a captivating exploration of Italian immigration, cultural fusion, and the enduring allure of a universally loved dish. Erica D'Arcangelo masterfully narrates her grandfather Pietro's journey from the coal mines of Berwind-White to the heartwarming ambiance of his own pizzeria. Born in Abruzzo, Italy, Pietro's dream was not merely to escape the grueling life of a coal miner, but to transport a slice of his homeland to America. This compelling narrative traverses generations, chronicling Pietro's aspirations, adversities, and victories from the vibrant streets of Windber to the aromatic kitchens of D'Arc's Pizza Shop. Join Erica as she reveals the secret ingredient that transforms a traditional Italian pizza into more than just a meal: love. "A Story About Pizza" is a poignant tribute to the enduring influence of Italian-American heritage and the unifying power of food. 

http://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/

http://www.tiktok.com/darcspizza

By The Way, I love You.... Susan Beth Miller

Susan Beth Miller lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she works as a clinical psychologist. She is the author of three novels, including Indigo Rose and A Beautiful Land and, most recently, a YA novel, By the Way, I Love You, as well as five psychology books, including When Parents Have Problems, Shame in Context, and Emotions of Menace and Enchantment. She loves the natural world, surprising ideas, art, democracy, science, inspiriting friends, and dogs of all shapes and sizes. 

https://susanbethmiller.com/