Apr 10

SJR39: Protecting Religious Freedom or Anti LGBT Discrimination in Missouri?

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April 10, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – What happens when the rights of one collide with the rights of another?

In some ways, that’s what both sides of the “SJR39” debate are arguing over. If put on the ballot and if approved by voters, that would amend our state constitution and protect clergy and some businesses from civil legal action and criminal prosecution if they refuse to be part of a same-sex wedding.

Supporters say it’s about religious freedom. Opponents say it’s writing discrimination into the state constitution.

Monsanto’s Duane Simpson explains why his company, and several others, oppose the idea. State Rep. Paul Curtman (R) explains why he believes the measure is needed.

On the web:

SJR39 (actual text)

Monsanto (statement on LGBT rights/inclusion)

State Rep. Paul Curtman

MOVP Duane SimpsonMOVP Paul Curtman

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/sjr39-protecting-religious-freedom-or-anti-lgbt-discrimination-in-missouri/

Apr 03

Ferguson, Missouri: Updates and the Impact on the Entire State (and Nation)

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April 3, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – It’s been over a year and a half since Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

The unrest, protests and violence that followed is still regularly discussed across Missouri and even in the nation’s capitol. Calls for reforms in law enforcement, education spending, workforce development and our court system quickly followed and remain debated to this day.

The Missouri Legislature passed some judicial reforms in 2015 – specifically ones that limited the amount of revenue cities can collect from traffic fines. A court recently struck down parts of those reforms, which will result in an appeal by the state.

This week, Ferguson City Councilman Wesley Bell (below, left) gives us an update on the economic, cultural and political rebuilding of Ferguson and why he feels that progress is important to the entire state.

Also, State Representative Courtney Curtis (D), (below, right) who represents Ferguson in the Legislature, provides his thoughts on the state’s reaction to the events, conflicts and needs of Ferguson and communities like it.

On the web:

Ferguson, Missouri

Councilman Wesley Bell (Facebook Page)

State Rep. Courtney Curtis

wesley bellcurtis

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/ferguson-missouri-updates-and-the-impact-on-the-entire-state-and-nation/

Mar 27

Photo ID Requirements: Protecting Democracy or Suppressing Voter Turnout in Missouri?

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March 27, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Almost all registered voters in Missouri already have a photo ID. Almost.

Should all registered voters be required to show one before casting a ballot in Missouri?

Republican candidate for Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft thinks requiring a picture ID will protect the integrity of our elections and minimize the risk of vote fraud in our state. He explains why and also gives us a look at his goals for the office should he get elected in November.

Laura Swinford is the Executive Director of Progress Missouri, one of the most active and influential advocacy groups in on the left in the state. To her, requiring a photo ID is a thinly-veiled effort to suppress some of the poorest Missourians’ vote.

Hear both viewpoints and let us know what you think on the Missouri Viewpoints Facebook page.

On the web:

Jay Ashcroft for Secretary of State

Progress Missouri

Jay AshcroftLaura Swinford

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/photo-id-requirements-protecting-democracy-or-suppressing-voter-turnout-in-missouri/

Mar 20

Setbacks and Success: The Missouri-Made Story Of Jermaine Andre

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March 20, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Today’s pain, hardships and obstacles could be on your path to tomorrow’s success.

That’s just part of Jermaine Andre’s story.

The former ‪#‎MMA‬ and ‪#‎Kickboxing‬ world champion (and former UFC fighter) tells the story of turning his life around and how he hopes his experience can help others live a better life.

From poverty to prison to the combat sports cage to successful business owner to author to mentor for young people to in-demand motivational speaker, Jermaine’s life is a Missouri-made story of motivation, faith and accomplishment. That story is documented in his two-volume autobiography series, “Muay Thaiger”.

On the web:

Jermaine Andre

Andre’s Academy (martial arts school in St. Peters)

Jermaine

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/setbacks-and-success-the-missouri-made-story-of-jermaine-andre/

Mar 13

Encouraging Women In Government and Empowering Voters

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March 13, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – Within the last 12 months, three male state lawmakers have left office amid rumors, accusations or confirmations of inappropriate behavior towards women. Could that lead to fewer women considering a career in government-related fields in both the public and the private sectors?

A bi-partisan group of women has formed an organization to encourage other women going into public policy fields. It’s called the Women’s Policy Network of Missouri. Jennae Neustadt explains who they are, what they do and why it’s open to women pursuing a variety of careers – not just elected office.

Also, with the Presidential Primary happening in just a few days, Linda McDaniel from the League of Women Voters has tips on how we can empower voters to be more informed and, in turn, hold government more accountable.

On the web:

Women’s Policy Network of Missouri

League of Women Voters – Missouri

JennaeLinda

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/encouraging-women-in-government-and-empowering-voters/

Mar 06

Presidential Primary Preview for Missouri

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March 6, 2016

by Mike Ferguson

(St. Charles, MO) – It’s almost OUR turn!

Next week, Missouri voters head to the polls to have our say in the race for the Democratic and Republican Presidential nominations.

Neither nomination is secured, although Hillary Clinton has a substantial delegate lead over Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race.

Donald Trump continues to lead his Republican rivals, although Ted Cruz has gained ground over the last week. Marco Rubio and John Kasich continue to aggressively compete for delegates.

The Missouri Republican Party’s Grassroots Director, Brittany Wagner, explains the process of awarding Missouri’s delegates and assesses the GOP race*.

Lindenwood University’s Don Heidenreich assesses the Democratic race and the impact he thinks Missouri will have on it.

The Missouri Primaries are March 15th.

On the web:

Missouri Republican Party

Dr. Don Heidenreich

Brit Don

* At the time of the recording of this episode, Dr. Ben Carson was still actively campaigning for President.

Permanent link to this article: http://americanviewpoints.tv/presidential-primary-preview-for-missouri/

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