May 10, 2026 • 52 mins
Join us for expert discussions and analysis on today's politics, the Voting Rights Act, a House member who's MIA, prescription drug prices, car prices and the services of the Salvation Army along with a study of the Bible.
(00:00) The continued fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on redistricting, the importance of the Voting Rights Act and pending legislation which could restrengthen it.
(06:22) The latest about a member of Congress from New Jersey who has been absent from Congress for over two months and the political impact.
(13:02) Former U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, who's now a spokesperson with the Pharmacuetical Reform Alliance, shares the findings of a recent poll of Americans on the high cost of prescription drugs, who's to blame and what solutions are best.
(25:17) Ray Shefska, Co-Founder of CarEdge, reveals the reasons why buying a preowned vehicle isn't always the best buy when it comes to price and what's creating this situation.
(35:47) Major Brett DeMichael, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army NJ, talks about the services the Salvation Army provides and how people in NJ can raise money for those programs in NJ via their 5-K.
(47:33) Chris DeBello looks at all the Bible teaches about motherhood and honoring our moms on Mother's Day and every day.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Hello, welcome to Issues and Ideas.
I'm Chris Stabello.
You may have noticed thecontinuing fallout from the
Supreme Court ruling regardingthe Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The ruling came down last month,April 29th.
Case was Louisiana versusCallas, and it really narrowed
(00:20):
Section 2 of the Voting RightsAct, struck down a Louisiana
congressional map, created asecond majority black district,
but the conservative majorityruling at the map relied too
heavily on race, which made itunconstitutional racial
gerrymandering.
Justice Samuel Alito, he wrotethe majority opinion, argued
(00:40):
that Section two does notrequire states to draw
majority-minority districtsunless strict conditions are
met.
He stressed that traditionalredistricting principles like
compactness, for example, haveto take priority over racial
targets.
Immediate fallout from that, theruling's really been the
catalyst for Republican-ledstates across the nation to not
(01:02):
just consider but redrawcongressional maps, try to get
them done ahead of the 2026midterms, gain some kind of
advantage that they are eventhemselves confessing they
desperately need.
And this ruling is really it'sdeveloped into a trend regarding
the Supreme Court and the VotingRights Act and weakening it.
(01:24):
Go back to 2013 Shelby Countyversus Holder, the court
invalidated the coverage formulain Section 4B of the Voting
Rights Act, which pretty muchended the pre-clearance
requirement that was establishedin Section 5 that had forced
certain states that had ahistory of discrimination to get
(01:44):
federal approval before changingvoting laws.
Move forward to 2021 with theBrunovich versus DNC.
Court established guidepoststhat made it harder to challenge
state voting rules, like thingslike ballot collection limits
under Section Two.
Now here's the crazy part.
In light of the more recentruling of Section Two, Allen
(02:07):
versus Milligan.
The court previously upheldSection Two to require a second
majority black district inAlabama.
So did they not just go againstthemselves in the ruling last
month regarding Louisiana?
(02:27):
If not that, a lot of legalobservers saying the Supreme
Court went against what's calledthe Purcell Principle.
That's a legal doctrine thatsaid federal courts should
generally not change electionrules close to any election.
Named after a 2006 Supreme Courtcase, Purcells versus Gonzales.
It's based on the idealast-minute changes could cause
(02:51):
voter confusion and makeelection administration more
difficult than it's alreadybecoming.
Something that's been absentfrom the fallout, though, is any
serious discussion of the JohnR.
Lewis Voting Rights AdvancementAct of 2021.
It's formal legislation in theHouse HR 4, Senate S4, is aimed
(03:13):
at restoring, strengthening theVoting Rights Act of 1965,
which, in light of those rulingsI mentioned, the most recent
one, a lot of people say that ismuch needed strengthening.
It's named in honor of formerCongressman John Lewis.
The bill was designed to addressthe Supreme Court rulings that
weakened federal oversight ofstate voting laws.
(03:34):
It passed the House in August of2021, did not advance in the
Senate.
It's been reintroduced insubsequent sessions, most
recently in March of 2025.
Some of the key provisions ofthe John R.
Lewis Voting Rights AdvancementAct replaces the formula that
was struck down by the SupremeCourt in Shelby County versus
Holder in the 2013 case.
(03:55):
It were to require jurisdictionswith a recent history of voting
rights violations, measuredwithin the last twenty-five
years, to seek Department ofJustice or Federal Court
approval before changing votinglaws.
This would also imposenationwide preclearance for
specific practices, historicallyused for things like
discrimination likeredistricting, adding stricter
(04:18):
voter ID requirements orreducing polling locations.
It would restore Section Two tofull strength of the Voting
Rights Act, make it easier forcitizens to challenge
discriminatory voting rules incourt, and require public notice
of voting changes and expandvoting access on places like
(04:39):
tribal lands.
But yet the Senate turned theirbacks to to any of those ideas.
I should say Senate Republicans,and I think we know who who was
the catalyst for that eitherhappening or not happening.
As the the same person whocalled the Voting Rights Act
reverse discrimination, thatwould be Donald Trump.
(05:00):
People are confusing too withthe with the redistricting that
has been struck down by theSupreme Court.
They're saying, well, that'sjust to give favorable voting
opportunities for minorities,black and Hispanic people.
And that's not the purpose ofthe Voting Rights Act.
The goal of the Voting RightsAct was to give equal weight to
(05:21):
all votes.
We have those who say, well,they're a fraction of the
population, so let their vote bea fraction of the results.
Just give you a look too at whatthe impact of the Voting Rights
Act had been.
And again, let's go with thatunderstanding of fact that just
with the black population, forexample, they're roughly 18% of
(05:43):
the total U.S.
population.
Let's just look at what historyand statistics display and place
before us.
You go back to the Voting RightsAct time 1965, you have to go
all the way to 2024 before youfind the percentage of black
population in America matchingthe percentage of black Southern
(06:04):
representatives in the U.S.
House.
So the question becomes wouldthat equality in those numbers
continue to exist in light ofthe now GOP-led redistricting
that's been opened up because ofthe U.S.
Supreme Court ruling?
(06:56):
He hasn't been seen for quitesome time.
In fact, he has not voted on abill.
He represents New Jersey in theU.S.
House.
He's not voted on a bill sinceMarch 5th.
My count, he's missed 52 votesacross 15 days of voting.
His office has been kind ofvague about why this is
happening.
It's the obvious belief ishealth issues.
(07:18):
And any lack of detail is kindof out of the ordinary.
He's already facing a toughelection ahead.
We'll get to those numbers in asecond.
He represents a swing district,as they say, includes parts of
North and Central New Jersey.
Previously served 19 years inthe state Senate, 14 years as a
Republican Party's leader.
(07:39):
District he's in, Cain flippedit in 2022, defeating Democrat
Representative Tom Molinowski byabout three points, thanks to,
of course, redistricting thatpushed the seat toward the GOP.
He won re-election by about fivepoints in 2024.
But things have changed quite abit.
Thanks to Donald Trump's fallingapproval ratings, high gas
(08:02):
prices, a war that nobody wants.
It's going to make it tough forany Republican to maintain any
kind of razor-thin majority intheir seat as well as in the
House overall.
Already Kane was seen as prettymuch the most vulnerable
incumbent in New Jersey.
He has four Democrats who aregoing to be facing each other in
(08:24):
the primary on June 2nd, decidewho'll take on Kane in the fall.
Kane's 7th CongressionalDistrict is made up of 101
counties, parts of MorrisCounty, Somerset, as well as
Sussex County.
If you look at recent elections,a voted for Democrat Governor
Mikey Sherrill by about twopoints last year.
That was after voting for DonaldTrump by just about a point back
(08:47):
in 2024.
And of course, we've talkedabout here on issues and ideas,
Cain's district is also home tothat planned ICE detention
center in Roxbury, which is, ofcourse, facing loud opposition
from both Republicans andDemocrats.
And this might be an explanationof why Kane has really not been
an active participant in theoutrage regarding the ICE
(09:10):
detention center.
Gets even more strange,political reported a couple of
weeks ago not even hisRepublican colleagues could say
where Kane had been for the lastmonth.
I hadn't heard back from himwhen he reached out.
His team is citing unspecifiedhealth issues.
As a reason for this, Kaneconsulted Harrison Neal, he said
(09:31):
Cain will be back to his regularschedule soon.
Well, at least in say two weeks.
That doesn't work anymore withpeople.
Cain did break a silence ofsocial media statements.
This past Monday he posted tohis campaign account instead of
his official congressional one,which was kind of odd, saying I
want to thank my constituentsand colleagues for their
(09:53):
patience.
As I address a personal medicalissue, my doctors continue to
assure me that my recovery willbe complete, and I will be back
on the job I love very soon.
He also mentioned that hiscongressional staff continuing
the constituent services andlegislative work and his
campaign has continued to quoteunquote run strong, but still
(10:15):
kind of cryptic and not reallyfull of many details.
And how Kane is handling this isdisturbing when you compare it
with other high profile examplesin recent years, like John
Fetterman, Senator Federman, hisstaff, for example, disclosed
his stroke during the 2022campaign, his treatment for
(10:35):
depression the following year.
More recently a fall that led tohis hospitalization that was
back in November.
Both Donald Trump and formerPresident Joe Biden, they
informed the public when theybecame sick with COVID-19.
Two members of the New Jerseydelegation died while serving in
2024 Donald Payne.
New York Democrat, he died froma diabetes complication, and
(10:57):
Bill Pascal, Passaic CountyDemocrat, both oilmakers, their
staffs informed reporters of thereason for their
hospitalizations at the time.
Add to that, Kane's absence,that's making life even tougher,
with the narrow Republicanmajority in the U.S.
House, and Speaker Mike Johnsontries to do what he can to keep
(11:19):
the ship afloat.
Johnson said to the New YorkTimes recently in a statement he
expected Kane to be back to 100%very soon.
Kane's own campaign lawyer toldthe LA Times, Cain and his
father made it very clear it's apersonal matter, and he's
recovering and will be backaltogether now soon.
If you look at the campaign, whoTom Caine might be facing in
(11:41):
November, there's fourDemocrats, like I said, running
in the June 2nd primary.
They are Rebecca Bennett, formerNavy helicopter pilot, Air
National Guard officer andhealth care business leader.
She's raised the most money inthe primary.
She's sitting on about$2.7million.
Tina Shaw, an ICU physician, whowas appointed as a fellow in the
U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairsunder former President Obama in
(12:04):
his administration in 2016,worked as a senior advisor for
the U.S.
Service in general during theBiden administration.
Brian Varela, entrepreneur whoworked in marketing and
childcare, and Michael Roth, whoserved as an interim leader of
the U.S.
Small Business Administrationduring the Biden administration.
Candidates have each raised morethan a million dollars in the
(12:26):
district, but no one's outragedTom Kane, the closest being
Rebecca Bennett, but Kane rightnow is has raised$4.4 million
and is currently sitting on$3.4million cash on hand.
Creates an interesting curiositytoo, with the race being a
vulnerable one for the GOP withthe National Party come on in?
(12:50):
Or with that financial advantageKane has?
Will he be left to his own,especially in light of how he's
handled his absence?
Worth watching, I think.
Now you don't need me to tellyou the cost of prescription
drugs are outrageous andnauseating.
At the same time, how long doyou have to go back in time to
find when this wasn't the case?
(13:11):
Though I know promises have beenmade over and over.
Things would change, but theyhaven't, have they?
Only thing outnumbering thepromises have been the finger
pointing done to shift the blameoff of one to another and search
for a true bipartisan consensus.
My first guest is here forfindings of a report which
reveals that consensus, we thepeople, want what we desperately
(13:32):
need for our health andwell-being, and we want it to be
affordable.
This is found in a pollpublished by the Pharmaceutical
Reform Alliance, who alsoreleased a report earlier this
year, March, as a matter offact, called the State of U.S.
drug pricing unaffordable.
He's a former U.S.
House of Representatives memberrepresenting South Carolina.
He's now a spokesperson for thePharmaceutical Reform Alliance,
(13:54):
former Representative JoeCunningham.
How are you today, sir?
SPEAKER_02 (13:59):
I am excellent.
I'm excellent.
Thanks for having me on, Chris.
SPEAKER_00 (14:02):
Well, thanks for addressing what is a much needed
issue that needs a lot more thanjust addressing, but solutions.
Find out more too atPharmaReformAlliance.com.
And obviously, Joe, we look atthis financially where it's
costing people tens of billiondollars a year annually.
But again, according to thereport I mentioned that your
(14:24):
organization came out with oneout of five people are not
filling prescriptions due tocost, and one in seven are
cutting pills or skipping dosesbecause of the cost of their
prescription medication.
So this is a serious impact thatit is is hitting a lot of
people.
Why has this been happening?
What what's you know, why is whyis pharma getting the red carpet
(14:46):
treatment that creates thesituation for so many people?
SPEAKER_03 (14:50):
I mean I mean, Chris, as you mentioned, this
has been going on for quite sometime, and the shortest answer is
greed.
Uh it's greed by big pharma andit's impacting uh millions of
Americans, as you mentioned, uh,especially as the number one
concern about uh voters hasbecome affordability and uh
(15:10):
prescription drugs uh and theircosts.
This is something that you knowAmericans see every single month
when they go to get theirprescriptions filled.
That's as you mentioned, if theyget them filled, because so many
are foregoing that strictlybecause of price.
Uh not to mention the thelong-term impacts, how more and
more people are being forcedinto bankruptcy because of the
(15:34):
high cost of health care.
And this isn't, you know, thisisn't a a problem that other
developed developed nations facelike America does on the uh on
to the extent that we do.
SPEAKER_00 (15:48):
And what adds to the the infuriation that comes about
from all this is how when pharmaexecutives come before, or you
probably saw it firsthand andsee it to this day, they try to
play the victim in all this, yetthey have so much protection or
such monopoly, you think it wasthe mafia back in the 1950s
running New York City.
SPEAKER_03 (16:10):
It definitely seems that way, and anytime it's
brought up, obviously the bigpharma has an army of lobbyists.
And you know, I I've been there,I've been there in Congress, and
I've seen their lobbyists work,and I've seen the you know the
amount that they spend not onlyjust on lobbying, but on TV
commercials as well.
And you know, they may make thecase that uh you know these high
(16:33):
prices help uh them with theirresearch and development, but
the facts tell quite a differentstory.
It tells us that Americans arepaying high prices and
essentially subsidizing thelower cost of uh people who live
in other countries.
SPEAKER_00 (16:52):
And when you look at the results of the study that
your organization did, pharmawants to blame politicians,
politicians want to blamepharma.
We the people are blaming bothof them.
SPEAKER_03 (17:04):
Well, and and and you know, you know, like I said,
it comes back to the cost, andwhile big pharma keeps patting
their own pockets and theirprofits, profits are increasing
year after year, it's ordinaryAmericans who are paying the
price.
SPEAKER_00 (17:20):
Looking here too, and 77% of voters say they're
more likely to support acandidate for public office who
fights against the pharmacompanies as a campaign issue.
I'm looking at the politicalhorizon right now, quite
frankly, either party, I reallydon't see that happening too
much.
They're they're missing out onuh uh the the cry of the people,
(17:41):
literally and figuratively, onthis.
SPEAKER_03 (17:45):
I think the candidates who make this a
top-tier issue uh andaffordability is is gonna be on
the ballot, not only in 2026,but 2028 as well.
And I do think that thecandidates who make some of
these policies advocating forreform, like the most favored
nation uh uh policies, which uhput the prices of Americans'
(18:08):
prescription drugs in line withother countries.
Uh and so Americans areinfuriated, and it's it's no
surprise that they're placingthe blame at the feet of big
pharma uh where it deserves tobe placed.
SPEAKER_00 (18:22):
And the answer is resting with legislation, and
not just at the at a federallevel, it could be done at a at
a state level as well.
We'll get into some of the ideashere with Representative Joe
Cunningham, former member of theU.S.
House for South Carolina, now aspokesperson for the
Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance,Pharmareformalliance.com, their
website, and you are listeningto issues and ideas.
(18:44):
And some of the solutions youhave is, well, it sounds simple,
but obviously it's moredifficult than it is about
making prescription drug pricesmore affordable.
But if you make it a morecompetitive platform that
they're dealt from, would thatbe a big step forward in
achieving their goal?
SPEAKER_03 (19:06):
I I think there there are a lot of uh solutions
that could be put on the table.
Uh, you know, comprehensive,obviously, in my experience, you
know, comprehensive uh reformcan be difficult.
It's not impossible.
But there are a number of piecesof uh legislation or policies,
and I always refer to them aslike rifle shot policies, you
(19:27):
know, like a single policy uhwhich could be passed and gained
bipartisan support.
One of those that I mentionedwas um codifying the most
favored nation drug pricingpolicy into into law that would
lower the drug prices for allAmericans by matching U.S.
prices to lower the prices paidin other wealthy countries.
(19:51):
Uh there's also the ideas ofpatent reform because as we've
seen, you know, big pharma willmake you know will essentially
abuse the patent process to makecertain adjustments to extend
the life of their their ownpatent and uh block out or box
box out uh generic drugs comingto market.
SPEAKER_00 (20:15):
I think we sought that back with the with the uh
the gun laws, and it was vagueenough where a gun company could
make a minor alteration to anautomatic weapon and make it
passable under the law.
It's not that difficult unlessyou fine-tooth cone the law,
which is again that's part ofthe blame of the of the
legislative side of this issue.
(20:37):
How much are pharma companiesusing the patent rules to their
advantage and to what to whatdegree?
I mean, it's it it it's it seemslike they just want to limit, if
not restrict, any kind ofcompetition.
SPEAKER_03 (20:53):
Well, we've seen this with other drugs in the in
the past, how you knowmodifications are made to the
compound or to the dosage, andwhat that would do would be to
extend the the life of thepatent and again uh prevent
generic drugs uh from comingonto the market because uh the
(21:13):
their obvious goal is theirbottom line.
You know, it's notpatient-centered, it's
profit-centered.
And we are literally talkingabout issues of life and death.
As you mentioned, peoplebreaking their pills in half to
make it longer, people uh notnot filling their prescriptions,
um, is uh it's coming comingdown to the health and safety of
(21:38):
Americans.
And this this should not be a apartisan issue.
The health of Americans uh doesnot discriminate uh no matter
what party affiliation yousubscribe to.
So and as you mentioned, this isthis is gained, I mean, a few
issues gain this level ofsupport.
I mean, ninety-four percent ofVoters blame pharmaceutical
(22:02):
companies for high health carecosts.
Um, and then and that's you knowi i as a former candidate and
former congressman, if I'mlooking at poll numbers like
this, this would be an issuethat I would talk about
incessantly because it crossesover with Democrats,
Republicans, and independents.
I mean, eighty-nine percent ofvoters support drug pricing
(22:26):
reform.
That includes ninety-one percentof Republicans, ninety percent
of independents, andeighty-eight percent of
Democrats.
It's a it's a it's a winningissue.
SPEAKER_00 (22:37):
And certainly if I'm in a tight race, I'm looking for
something to put me up above themy opponent.
And as you said, with thosestatistics, this is the red
carpet to an election win.
But then you have to followthrough with what you promised,
which again we've seen that tobe a problem.
This is another great idea, too.
A requirement that every dollarthat pharma companies spend on
(22:58):
drug advertising, they have tospend an equal amount on drug
rebates for consumers.
88 percent total support forthat idea.
That would be that wouldactually be probably one of the
more easy easier to mandate thanall these other ideas because
it's uh uh literally point A topoint B.
There's no there's no middleground as far as having to
(23:19):
negotiate and get uh consensus.
Something an idea like thatwould certainly, if not n if
nothing else, give the farmercompanies the alert that uh
those in decision-making seatsare on to them and they need to
clean up their house as well.
SPEAKER_03 (23:37):
Any as you mentioned, any uh legislation
even narrowly tailored to onespecific uh policy can gain
broad bipartisan support.
You know, I I remember I was amember of the problem solvers
caucus, uh, which had halfDemocrats, half Republicans,
oftentimes the more moderateones.
And this could very well be oneof those issues that can gain
(24:03):
members on both sides.
And as you know, uh anybodywho's paying attention to the
House, with a razor thin marginlike that, if you have support
on both sides, no matter youknow how how large or small, uh
it has a real high chance ofsuccess.
SPEAKER_00 (24:20):
Learn more about this issue.
Study the reports too becauseit's important information that
I think first and foremostyou'll find yourself in
agreement with, and the ideaspresented by the by the
pharmaceutical reform alliancewill be ideas that you can
support.
You can find out how you cangive your support and add your
voice to their work at pharmareformalliance.com.
He's a former member of the U.S.
(24:41):
House, Representative SouthCarolina, now spokes first and
for the Pharmaceutical ReformAlliance.
Representative Joe Cunningham,thank you for helping us realize
there is a path to sanity in allthis, and we don't have to make
the sacrifice to our health, tohave fairness and price.
We just need a bettercooperation from the decision
makers in pharma and a lot moreforce coming from the
(25:04):
legislative side.
Thank you for bringing us thatattention and that focus today,
sir.
SPEAKER_03 (25:09):
Appreciate you having me on.
Thank you so much, Chris.
SPEAKER_00 (25:11):
Uh, if you're listening to us on your favorite
podcast platform, make sure youfollow or subscribe.
Uh current state of the economyhas certainly changed what had
been long relied on in a varietyof ways.
As more people have come, well,let's call it more price-aware
and focused.
Many traditional routes to thegoal of saving money have
changed.
Vehicle shopping.
(25:31):
Take that as an example.
If you wanted or you needed avehicle and wanted to save some
money, you would right look fora used, or as I like to say,
pre-owned vehicle.
You'd get the vehicle youwanted, save some money at the
same time.
As my next guest is here topoint out, that is not always
going to be true today.
Now, why is this happening andhow can you as a consumer watch
out for this?
(25:52):
Tater explained, is theco-founder of Car Reg.
Ray Shefka, how are you today,Ray?
SPEAKER_01 (25:57):
I am well, Chris.
Uh glad to be back with you.
And everything you just saidthere is a hundred percent true.
SPEAKER_00 (26:05):
And there were multiple reasons why this is
happening, as Ray's going toexplain.
Carregge.com, learn more abouthow you could raise your vehicle
shopping awareness and just be abetter consumer when it comes to
vehicles, CarReg.com, we havethat link, over at our website.
Did some searching around onCarvana and Carmax you could
(26:27):
also include in this, but I juststuck with Carvana.
2025, Toyota RAF4 XLE Premium.
The original MSRP was$37,000.
I saw it on Carvana for$40,000.
A 2021 Jeep Wrangler, theoriginal MSRP$50,245.
(26:48):
They had a list for$57,590.
What's going on here, Ray?
SPEAKER_01 (27:01):
And the reason for that is if you remember back to
COVID, there was a chip shortagethat the manufacturers needed
for the cars that they werebuilding.
And the result of that chipshortage is there were 10 to 15
million new cars globally thatwere scheduled to have been
built that were never built.
(27:23):
And since they were never built,they were never sold, so there
were never trade-ins on thosecars.
And hence we have a shortage ofused car availability.
Um I believe at the beginning ofMay there was 1.95 million used
cars in inventory, which is aseven or an eight-year low for
(27:46):
this time of year.
SPEAKER_00 (27:47):
And in a way, you can look at the several reasons
for the economy.
People are holding on to theircars longer because they can't
or don't want to invest in a newvehicle.
I just saw a report thatAmericans now owe$1.6 tr$1.68
trillion for auto loans, and agrowing number of those
outstanding loans are more than60 days behind.
(28:08):
But that in a way can explainfor a lack of inventory, too,
because not in doing anindictment of car dealers,
either Carvana, CarMax or thelocal car dealership, but for
them to exist, they needinventory.
SPEAKER_01 (28:21):
Absolutely.
And, you know, what we've seenis longer terms in order to make
payments seem more affordablefor people.
But for instance, that Toyotayou talked about.
Well, Toyota's in very, veryshort supply.
They have a huge demand and alimited amount of supply.
And so if someone's looking fora used RAM4 that's say one year
(28:45):
old, they can't find it at areasonable price.
But they are willing to spendextra to get it because they
can't buy a comparable new onebecause they're all pre-sold.
So there's that fear of missingout, and when there's that fear
of missing out, people tend topay more for things than they
(29:06):
should, unfortunately.
SPEAKER_00 (29:08):
And from personal experience, you can't kill a
Toyota.
They last forever.
SPEAKER_01 (29:13):
Exactly.
And that's why people arewilling to pay more than they
should.
SPEAKER_00 (29:18):
Is this a you know, turn it around?
It's a it's a wait for thoselooking to buy, but if you are a
car or vehicle owner and lookingto sell, this sounds like an
opportune time.
SPEAKER_01 (29:31):
Well, if you have an extra used car that you don't
need, yes, you can get topdollar for today.
Dealerships are clamoring forgood quality used cars, and
they'll pay uh the moon and thestars to get them at the moment.
SPEAKER_00 (29:47):
No doubt about that.
So as a consumer, what whatinformation is available so that
you have at least an idea that,okay, I really want or I really
need vehicle A, but how muchmore am I going to wind up
paying for versus what I shouldbe?
SPEAKER_01 (30:04):
Well, there are there's enough information
available on the internet todayto be able to look at various
markets.
Your market where you live,there might be a greater demand
for that Toyota where you are,as opposed to say, I don't know,
St.
Louis, Missouri.
So maybe instead of shopping inNorth Jersey, you need to shop
(30:25):
in in Missouri and where you canwork out and have the vehicle
shipped to you.
SPEAKER_00 (30:30):
You you have to look at the pockets in the country
where things aren't sellingquite as rapidly as they are
where you might be.com, theirwebsite, and you are listening
to issues and ideas.
Mentioned financing before.
That's something you have toconsider really seriously.
If you're going to pay more,you're going to finance more.
(30:53):
How flexible is that financingthese days?
Does it depend on make um make amodel to make a model, dealer to
dealer, or is it again aseller's market more than a
buyer's market?
SPEAKER_01 (31:05):
Well, once again, it's more of a seller's market,
but the the sad reality is 85%of all car buyers are what's
referred to in the industry aspayment buyers.
All they're focused on is whattheir monthly payment is.
They have no idea what they'reactually paying for the vehicle.
And that's the mistake that'smade.
(31:27):
You need to understand what yourmonthly budget allows you to
look at as far as a total priceof a vehicle and not just
concentrate on that payment.
And the reason I say that isdealers will keep extending the
length of the loan in order tomake you feel as if you have a
comfortable payment.
72 months, 84 months, 96 monthsloans are becoming more popular
(31:50):
today.
And well, the sad reality isyou're paying an extra five,
six, maybe ten thousand dollarsin interest in order to have
what appears to be an affordablepayment.
SPEAKER_00 (32:01):
In a lot of cases, too.
Again, this is going to dependon insurance companies, but the
more you pay for a vehicle, themore it's determined to have a
value, the more insurance isgoing to cost you.
SPEAKER_01 (32:11):
Well, that you also need to make sure that you have
guaranteed asset protection orgap coverage, uh, because if,
God forbid, you total thatvehicle, your insurance company,
your primary insurance companywill only tell you what its
wholesale value is, and then youneed a secondary insurance to
cover the gap between what thatvalue is and what you still owe.
(32:33):
The average amount of negativeequity on a trade-in today,
Chris, is$7,138.
SPEAKER_00 (32:42):
Yes, I mean, with a rare exception, buying a vehicle
is not an investment.
Like the old axiom goes, as soonas it rolls off the light, your
depreciation clock is started.
SPEAKER_01 (32:53):
Oh, absolutely.
I I always told people when Iwas selling cars and they said
to me, Well, you know, I this isan investment.
It is not an investment, it's anexpense.
If I was your stock broker and Icalled you up and I said, Chris,
give me$50,000 a day and I'llshow you how to turn that into
$25,000 in three years, I don'tthink you'd look at that as a
(33:16):
good investment.
And that is what a car is.
SPEAKER_00 (33:20):
As a result of all this, is this in turn going to,
or maybe it has alreadyincreased interest in buying new
because you can actually savemoney buying new, or even is
leasing going to become more ofa go-to for a lot of people?
SPEAKER_01 (33:34):
Well, I think a lot of the manufacturers are going
to look at the situation andrealize that sticking customers
into 72, 84, 96-month loansultimately is bad for business
in the long term, because thosepeople can't get back into the
market for five or six or sevenyears.
If we continue to sell payments,and most people are payment
(33:57):
shoppers, uh then leasing couldand does make more sense for
most people, where they can endup with a lower payment for a
36-month term and they can belooking at getting a new car
every three years.
The difference is you have toaccept the premise that you're
always going to have a carpayment.
And if that premise holds truefor you, then leasing does make
(34:21):
the most sense.
SPEAKER_00 (34:22):
As I mentioned, I'll repeat these numbers again.
Americans now owe$1.68 trillionfor auto loans, with a record
number of those more than 60days behind.
So as far as economy andbusiness security goes, those
aren't positive numbers in anyway, shape, or form.
Talk about Car Edge and what youmake available to make the car
consumer a lot more wiser andinformed.
SPEAKER_01 (34:44):
Well, you know, we we offer uh videos and uh we
have guides and and blogs thatreally help level the playing
field for customers when itcomes to navigating the car
buying process.
Um we we believe uh entirely intransparency, and we're doing
our best to convince moredealers out there that they
(35:06):
should operate in a transparentmanner.
SPEAKER_00 (35:08):
So as you go shopping for a vehicle, don't
let these ideas deter youbecause a need is still going to
be a need.
Ask questions, ask for clarity,and look for the best
opportunity.
Don't go to local because itmight not always be the best.
Look around, shop around.
And it's again, it's an oldsaying, but it's old because
(35:30):
it's true.
Buy or beware.
Find out more about CarRedge atCarRedge.com.
He is their co-founder, RayShevska.
Ray, thanks for theenlightenment explanation for
what's happening and givingpeople better direction on how
to respond to it.
Thanks for being here today.
SPEAKER_01 (35:44):
Thank you, Chris.
Always a pleasure.
SPEAKER_00 (35:47):
This coming week is National Salvation Army week.
It's important to have this weekof recognition for the
organization for severalreasons.
First, it reminds us that theSalvation Army is a 24-7,
365-day operation, as well aspresents.
Their activity isn't limited tothe Christmas season and their
annual kettle campaign, which bythe way, last year's campaign
(36:08):
raised over$100 million for theorganization.
It's also important to rememberthat the need for the many
services the Salvation Armyprovides is a need that exists
all throughout the year.
The next guest joins us todiscuss those services that the
(36:30):
Salvation Army provides, theimportance of your financial
support, and if you're listeningto us in New Jersey, one of the
fun and really easy ways thatyou can give that support is
divisional commander of the NewJersey Salvation Army, Major
Britt DeMarcle.
How are you today, Major?
SPEAKER_04 (36:46):
I'm good, Chris.
How are you today?
SPEAKER_00 (36:47):
Good to have you back to keep the organization
that does so much for so many inthe forefront of people's minds.
And we have these links at ourhomepage, but it's
SalvationArmyUSA.org is forwardslash NJ, if you're listening on
the stream of a podcast to findthe uh organization in your
state, SalvationArmyUSA.org, thestarting point.
(37:08):
I'm also talking about, as Isaid, for New Jersey, a really
fun, interesting way that isgaining not just attention but
needed funding for the SalvationArmy here in New Jersey.
But what do you think when itcomes to the Salvation Army
major that people know the leastabout that you hope that the
(37:30):
event and doing anything you cancan can can change and raise
that level of knowledge?
SPEAKER_04 (37:36):
Yeah, it's a really interesting question, Chris,
because as you say, there arethings and that people
definitely know us for, and andthat usually that list usually
includes the red kettle um atChristmas time and the thrift
stores that people uh peoplevisit.
I don't think people are fullyaware um of the kind of the
holistic service that we offerin communities and the idea of
(37:58):
being creative based on what thecommunity uh needs are.
Um like I said, traditionalSalvation Army service you're
gonna find in most places, andthat would be, you know,
addressing food insecurity andhomelessness and um and things
like that.
But you know, w there are manycommunities in New Jersey where
the Salvation Army offers ESLEnglish as a second language
(38:18):
classes, uh, which is a reallyunique opportunity.
The Salvation Army is, I think,the country's largest uh
provider of free musicinstruction for children.
Um so we have kids programs thatkind of fly under the radar to a
degree unless you're a familythat takes advantage of those
opportunities.
Um so you know, I like to saythat while we we serve in every
(38:39):
zip code in the state of NewJersey, but what that
specifically looks like is onlylimited by the imagination of
the people running the show inthat community and what the
community needs.
We try to cater our service towhat that community specifically
needs.
Uh so it's going to look alittle different in uh anywhere
you go just based on what thoseneeds are.
And I I think people kind ofearmark us for what we are
(38:59):
traditionally known for, butthere's a there's a lot more to
it than that.
SPEAKER_00 (39:03):
Which is living up to the slogan doing the most
good and doing it for all, bythe way.
And I think the what you justexplained helps uh add another
level of respect for theorganization.
It's not a cookie-cutteroperation.
You're not given a handbook andsay, here's the beginning, the
middle, or the end.
It's not the organization thatdictates to the people, it's the
needs of the people directingthe organization.
SPEAKER_04 (39:25):
Yeah, absolutely.
I mean, like I said, we youyeah, we serve unconditionally.
Our you know, it says right inour mission statement that our
mission is to preach the gospelof Jesus Christ and meet human
needs in his name withoutdiscrimination.
Uh whatever whoever is in need,we don't ask those questions.
We provide uh the need that'sneeded in that moment as best
we're able to, depending on theon the community.
(39:46):
But you're right.
Um, you know, it really can takethe the mission of the Salvation
Army in a community can take theform of the community.
And it is one of the beautifulthings um about us.
We are known as kind of anadministrative heavy
organization, but what peopledon't know is that their local
Salvation Army is given a lot offreedom to address needs in that
community that may be specificto that community.
SPEAKER_00 (40:07):
To the tune of five million meals, ten thousand
nights of shelter, over ahundred thousand toys to kids
and family just the past yearalone.
unknown (40:16):
Right.
SPEAKER_00 (40:17):
Given the economic times that we're in, how much
heavier has the demand becomefor the Salvation Army here in
New Jersey?
SPEAKER_04 (40:25):
Yeah, it feels like every day there's more people in
need.
Um, and there were there's morepeople at least under s
expressing need um to us, and itis it's an up and down economy.
Um there are multiple reasonsfor that, which only means that
it impacts different people indifferent ways.
And um and I think Chris, youand I have talked about this
before, but it's interesting tosee when people find themselves
(40:49):
in a position of need um thathave never been in that
situation before, and they don'tknow exactly where to go and and
who is available to meet thatneed.
But people tend to know that theSalvation Army is an
organization that helps.
You know, I you know, Mr.
Rogers, that he's kind of loston a newer generation, but when
I was a kid, Mr.
Rogers was well known and and heused to say that his mom told
(41:10):
him that whenever there was umdisaster or whenever there is uh
difficulty, look for thehelpers.
There are always people that arethat are helping.
And he he used that once todescribe the Salvation Army as
well.
And um and so I I think w ourreputation has become that we
are people that help and thatmeet need.
And um, even if you don't knowwhere else to go, um we hope
(41:32):
people know that they can cometo the Salvation Army.
SPEAKER_00 (41:34):
Governor Major Brett DeMichael, who is divisional
commander of the New JerseySalvation Army on the web
salvationarmyusa.org forwardslash New Jersey.
And if you are elsewhere besidesNew Jersey, you could find your
local organization of SalvationArmyUSA.org and you are
listening to issues and ideas.
You mentioned all the people andthe increasing need.
(41:55):
Has that made the receiving ofhelp more challenging where due
to more people in need who hadpreviously been the people who
were doing the giving?
SPEAKER_04 (42:06):
Yeah.
That's interesting too.
Um you you would think that, andthat is true to a degree, but
what we also find, which isreally interesting, and we've
seen this in times of economicdownturn in our country, is that
um that's when people becomemost generous.
Um and even y you know, if youif if someone did an analysis,
and they probably have, um, youwould find that a good portion
(42:29):
of the people that donate to theSalvation Army are people that
at one point or another havebeen supported by the Salvation
Army, have been served by theSalvation Army.
And uh we don't ask for anythingin return, but certainly I think
people find it in their heart umto give.
So even those that we supportare still willing to support and
help us help others as well.
(42:49):
It's a really fascinating thing.
So the need is always there, anduh, and we always accept gifts,
you know, thankfully andgraciously.
Um at the same time, we'realways stunned by how generous
people can be.
Even people in difficultcircumstances um have a desire
to help help their neighbors,and uh and we love seeing that,
and we love being a conduit tothat.
SPEAKER_00 (43:10):
Well, it's also uh a testimony to what the
organization is all about is allabout.
It's it's about community.
Uh you bring about for you know,for senior services, seniors who
lose a spouse and they're catthey feel like they're cast
adrift.
There's a place where they cango to be with others of their
age and even younger.
There's if you can't givefinancially, I'm I'm sure
donation of time at theSalvation Army store, for
(43:32):
example, or special events, oneof which we'll get to in a
moment here.
There there are so many ways tobecome a part of the Salvation
Army community.
SPEAKER_04 (43:41):
Yeah, absolutely.
And um yeah, we and we love thatas well.
There they're the idea that umthat it's people helping their
neighbors.
It's it's we people comealongside and we come alongside
a community so that we can allwork together uh to improve our
our neighborhood.
I mean, we are a worldwideorganization.
But at our heart, we are basedin communities.
(44:02):
We are based in towns and citiesjust like your listen your
listeners live in.
And uh and hopefully that's youknow something that really draws
people to the mission of theSalvation Army as well, that
they feel like they'reconnecting in their community.
SPEAKER_00 (44:14):
And I always say, too, that people unnecessarily
eliminate themselves from beingable to make a difference
because they think, you know,they'll they'll hear about this
five-figure donation,nine-figure donation to an
organization, they'll go, whatdifference can I make?
But it's those five and ten andtwenty-five and fifty dollar
donations that are really thetrue foundation of what uh the
(44:36):
Salvation Army is able to put touse for the community in one of
those ways is the running forthe most good, which is
happening this coming week, the11th through the 17th, where
it's sort of a DIY 5K run, Iguess would be a good way to
explain it.
SPEAKER_04 (44:53):
That's a great way to explain it.
I hadn't I hadn't heard that,but that's exactly what it is.
It's we call it a virtual 5K,which means that you know you
register and uh and you sign upand you can find that uh
registration opportunity atsalvationarmynj.org or the
website, the national website,then direct it to the state one
as well that you mentionedearlier, Chris.
But yeah, you do it on your owntime in your own place.
(45:14):
Um, you know, we joked about youknow the idea that you could do
it, you could do it on atreadmill, you could do it
walking in circles in yourliving room if you want if the
web report.
Um, you know, but if you have atracker and you can find out
what 5K is, uh you do itwhenever you want during
Salvation Army week.
But the registration then willsupport the Salvation Army.
And the unique thing about it isit's not necessarily meant to be
(45:35):
just an generic support of theSalvation Army in the state, but
when you register, there's adrop-down menu and you can find
a local Salvation Army unitthat's closest to you, and the
benefit of your registrationwill benefit that local
Salvation Army unit.
It can be designated to thestate as well.
Um but certainly if you live ina community and you're nearby
where the Salvation Army is, youcan choose that place, that
(45:56):
location from the drop-downmenu, and it will benefit that
local Salvation Army.
So uh yeah, we're excited aboutit.
It's gotten really good sometraction and and uh and
hopefully next week duringSalvation Army week, people will
be out there running, walking,crawling, whatever they need to
do to get that 5k done, and uhand they'll get their
certificate uh digitally and andand they'll just have an
(46:16):
opportunity to participate inthat way.
We're excited about it.
SPEAKER_00 (46:19):
No, for you listening, here's a here's a
great and easy way to mount upthat 3.1 miles walking anywhere.
Don't look for the closestparking space at the shopping
mall, the Walmart.
Take the furthest one away.
And with the number of times yougo to those stores and the
shopping malls, you'll nail that3.1 miles in no time.
Maybe just walking your dog willcover that in a couple of days,
maybe.
SPEAKER_04 (46:38):
Most likely people do five, they they do 5K
already, they just aren't awareof it.
So you're absolutely right.
Yeah, the some of those lotscould be pretty big.
So you find the far spot andtake a walk to the front door
and and you're part of the waythere.
That's a great idea.
SPEAKER_00 (46:51):
There you go.
Find out more onsalvationarminj.org.
If you're listening on thestream, salvationarmyusa.org.
And for here in New Jersey, I'llput a I have a direct link to
the signup page, 25 for basicentry,$50.
If you want to do a littleextra, you can find more details
at that link as well.
We'll put it all on thehomepage.
(47:11):
He is the divisional commanderof the New Jersey Salvation
Army, Major Brett DeMichael.
Major, always a pleasure topromote the work of the
Salvation Army and keep theawareness in front of people
that you're just more than thosered kettles.
So much more for every communitythat you serve.
Thanks for being here today.
SPEAKER_04 (47:28):
Chris, you're a great supporter, and I always
appreciate the opportunity totalk to you.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (47:32):
Today is Mother's Day.
You're welcome.
Bible contains many lessonsabout mothers and motherhood.
These lessons share God's wisdomabout motherhood, and they also
provide guidance for mothers,their husbands, and their
children.
Mothers are obviously veryprecious to God because they
carry and give birth to hiscreations.
We learn this from the verybeginning in Genesis chapter 3,
(47:54):
verse 20.
And Adam called his wife's nameEve because she was the mother
of all living.
While many claim that the Bibleexcludes, stifles women, the
truth of God's word, in fact,empowers them and recognizes
them.
This is especially true ofmothers.
Let's read Proverbs chapter 1,verse 8.
(48:14):
My son, hear the instruction ofyour father and do not forsake
the law of your mother.
Then there's this from Proverbschapter 14, verse 1.
The wise woman builds her house.
How valuable is a mother's love?
It's seen actually as beingequal to the love of God.
There are many examples of this.
(48:35):
Let's go to Isaiah chapter 66,verse 13, with God speaking, as
one whom his mother comforts, soI will comfort you, and you
shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Our mothers have always beenseen as highly valued by God, as
evidenced by their inclusion inhis Ten Commandments.
(48:56):
Now, quiz time, do you rememberwhich one of the ten?
It's number four.
It's found in Exodus chaptertwenty, verse twelve.
Honor your father and yourmother, that your days may be
long upon the land which theLord your God has given you.
It's also vital to note howhonoring your mother and father
is the fourth commandment of theten.
(49:17):
The first four place focus onthe relationship between God and
humanity, and how we're calledon to display reverence.
Word of God is also a means formothers to learn about how they
should embrace faith in God andbelief in his word.
Of course the most obviousexample is when the angel came
to Mary to clue her into whatwas about to happen.
(49:39):
Remember how Mary reacted?
Well, she asked forclarification, but then her
words of conclusion are there toteach mothers today in Luke
chapter one, verse thirty-eight,then Mary said, Behold the
maidservant of the Lord, let itbe to me according to your word.
And the angel departed from her.
The Bible gives instruction tohusbands, who are fathers as
(50:02):
well.
Let's go to Ephesians chapter 5,verse 25.
Husbands, love your wives, justas Christ also loved the church
and gave himself for her.
That means, by the way, totallove, not just occasional
part-time love.
There's also this instruction in1 Timothy 5, verse 8.
(50:22):
But if anyone does not providefor his own, especially for
those of his household, he hasdenied the faith, and is worse
than an unbeliever.
Now we turn to the children onthis Mother's Day.
Bunch of flowers in thesupermarket that is not going to
cut it.
Not even close.
This one day is here to remindyou of what you are expected by
(50:43):
God to do each and every day.
These instructions come to youcourtesy of Ephesians chapter
six, verses one through three.
Children obey your parents inthe Lord, for this is right on
your father and mother, which isthe first commandment with
promise, that it may be wellwith you, and you may live long
on the earth.
(51:03):
Children are to live a life andwalk a path which will lead
their mother to say these wordsfrom 3 John 1, verse 4.
I have no greater joy than tohear that my children walk in
truth.
A righteous mother is one who isfilled with the Holy Spirit.
One and the only way to honor amother is to live the words of
(51:24):
Galatians chapter 5, verses 22and 23.
But the fruit of the Spirit islove, joy, peace, long
suffering, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control against such thereis no law.
So don't just be there with yourmom on this one day.
Be there for your mom each andevery day in total, complete,
(51:46):
faithful obedience to what we'retold in Proverbs chapter thirty
one, verses twenty five throughtwenty nine.
Strength and honor are herclothing, she shall rejoice in
time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,and on her tongue is the law of
kindness, she watches over theways of her household, and does
not eat the bread of idleness.
(52:07):
Her children rise up and callher blessed, her husband also,
and he praises her.
Many daughters have done well,but you excel them all.
Be sure to check out ourwebsite, issues and ideas
radio.com.
That's where we have moreinformation by the guests who
joined us here on the showtoday.
And if you've been listening viayour favorite podcast platform,
(52:28):
make sure you follow andsubscribe.
Always glad to have you alongfor the ride.
Look forward to being with youright here this time next week
for our next edition of Issuesand Ideas.
Hello, welcome to Issues and Ideas.
I'm Chris Stabello.
You may have noticed thecontinuing fallout from the
Supreme Court ruling regardingthe Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The ruling came down last month,April 29th.
Case was Louisiana versusCallas, and it really narrowed
(00:20):
Section 2 of the Voting RightsAct, struck down a Louisiana
congressional map, created asecond majority black district,
but the conservative majorityruling at the map relied too
heavily on race, which made itunconstitutional racial
gerrymandering.
Justice Samuel Alito, he wrotethe majority opinion, argued
(00:40):
that Section two does notrequire states to draw
majority-minority districtsunless strict conditions are
met.
He stressed that traditionalredistricting principles like
compactness, for example, haveto take priority over racial
targets.
Immediate fallout from that, theruling's really been the
catalyst for Republican-ledstates across the nation to not
(01:02):
just consider but redrawcongressional maps, try to get
them done ahead of the 2026midterms, gain some kind of
advantage that they are eventhemselves confessing they
desperately need.
And this ruling is really it'sdeveloped into a trend regarding
the Supreme Court and the VotingRights Act and weakening it.
(01:24):
Go back to 2013 Shelby Countyversus Holder, the court
invalidated the coverage formulain Section 4B of the Voting
Rights Act, which pretty muchended the pre-clearance
requirement that was establishedin Section 5 that had forced
certain states that had ahistory of discrimination to get
(01:44):
federal approval before changingvoting laws.
Move forward to 2021 with theBrunovich versus DNC.
Court established guidepoststhat made it harder to challenge
state voting rules, like thingslike ballot collection limits
under Section Two.
Now here's the crazy part.
In light of the more recentruling of Section Two, Allen
(02:07):
versus Milligan.
The court previously upheldSection Two to require a second
majority black district inAlabama.
So did they not just go againstthemselves in the ruling last
month regarding Louisiana?
(02:27):
If not that, a lot of legalobservers saying the Supreme
Court went against what's calledthe Purcell Principle.
That's a legal doctrine thatsaid federal courts should
generally not change electionrules close to any election.
Named after a 2006 Supreme Courtcase, Purcells versus Gonzales.
It's based on the idealast-minute changes could cause
(02:51):
voter confusion and makeelection administration more
difficult than it's alreadybecoming.
Something that's been absentfrom the fallout, though, is any
serious discussion of the JohnR.
Lewis Voting Rights AdvancementAct of 2021.
It's formal legislation in theHouse HR 4, Senate S4, is aimed
(03:13):
at restoring, strengthening theVoting Rights Act of 1965,
which, in light of those rulingsI mentioned, the most recent
one, a lot of people say that ismuch needed strengthening.
It's named in honor of formerCongressman John Lewis.
The bill was designed to addressthe Supreme Court rulings that
weakened federal oversight ofstate voting laws.
(03:34):
It passed the House in August of2021, did not advance in the
Senate.
It's been reintroduced insubsequent sessions, most
recently in March of 2025.
Some of the key provisions ofthe John R.
Lewis Voting Rights AdvancementAct replaces the formula that
was struck down by the SupremeCourt in Shelby County versus
Holder in the 2013 case.
(03:55):
It were to require jurisdictionswith a recent history of voting
rights violations, measuredwithin the last twenty-five
years, to seek Department ofJustice or Federal Court
approval before changing votinglaws.
This would also imposenationwide preclearance for
specific practices, historicallyused for things like
discrimination likeredistricting, adding stricter
(04:18):
voter ID requirements orreducing polling locations.
It would restore Section Two tofull strength of the Voting
Rights Act, make it easier forcitizens to challenge
discriminatory voting rules incourt, and require public notice
of voting changes and expandvoting access on places like
(04:39):
tribal lands.
But yet the Senate turned theirbacks to to any of those ideas.
I should say Senate Republicans,and I think we know who who was
the catalyst for that eitherhappening or not happening.
As the the same person whocalled the Voting Rights Act
reverse discrimination, thatwould be Donald Trump.
(05:00):
People are confusing too withthe with the redistricting that
has been struck down by theSupreme Court.
They're saying, well, that'sjust to give favorable voting
opportunities for minorities,black and Hispanic people.
And that's not the purpose ofthe Voting Rights Act.
The goal of the Voting RightsAct was to give equal weight to
(05:21):
all votes.
We have those who say, well,they're a fraction of the
population, so let their vote bea fraction of the results.
Just give you a look too at whatthe impact of the Voting Rights
Act had been.
And again, let's go with thatunderstanding of fact that just
with the black population, forexample, they're roughly 18% of
(05:43):
the total U.S.
population.
Let's just look at what historyand statistics display and place
before us.
You go back to the Voting RightsAct time 1965, you have to go
all the way to 2024 before youfind the percentage of black
population in America matchingthe percentage of black Southern
(06:04):
representatives in the U.S.
House.
So the question becomes wouldthat equality in those numbers
continue to exist in light ofthe now GOP-led redistricting
that's been opened up because ofthe U.S.
Supreme Court ruling?
(06:56):
He hasn't been seen for quitesome time.
In fact, he has not voted on abill.
He represents New Jersey in theU.S.
House.
He's not voted on a bill sinceMarch 5th.
My count, he's missed 52 votesacross 15 days of voting.
His office has been kind ofvague about why this is
happening.
It's the obvious belief ishealth issues.
(07:18):
And any lack of detail is kindof out of the ordinary.
He's already facing a toughelection ahead.
We'll get to those numbers in asecond.
He represents a swing district,as they say, includes parts of
North and Central New Jersey.
Previously served 19 years inthe state Senate, 14 years as a
Republican Party's leader.
(07:39):
District he's in, Cain flippedit in 2022, defeating Democrat
Representative Tom Molinowski byabout three points, thanks to,
of course, redistricting thatpushed the seat toward the GOP.
He won re-election by about fivepoints in 2024.
But things have changed quite abit.
Thanks to Donald Trump's fallingapproval ratings, high gas
(08:02):
prices, a war that nobody wants.
It's going to make it tough forany Republican to maintain any
kind of razor-thin majority intheir seat as well as in the
House overall.
Already Kane was seen as prettymuch the most vulnerable
incumbent in New Jersey.
He has four Democrats who aregoing to be facing each other in
(08:24):
the primary on June 2nd, decidewho'll take on Kane in the fall.
Kane's 7th CongressionalDistrict is made up of 101
counties, parts of MorrisCounty, Somerset, as well as
Sussex County.
If you look at recent elections,a voted for Democrat Governor
Mikey Sherrill by about twopoints last year.
That was after voting for DonaldTrump by just about a point back
(08:47):
in 2024.
And of course, we've talkedabout here on issues and ideas,
Cain's district is also home tothat planned ICE detention
center in Roxbury, which is, ofcourse, facing loud opposition
from both Republicans andDemocrats.
And this might be an explanationof why Kane has really not been
an active participant in theoutrage regarding the ICE
(09:10):
detention center.
Gets even more strange,political reported a couple of
weeks ago not even hisRepublican colleagues could say
where Kane had been for the lastmonth.
I hadn't heard back from himwhen he reached out.
His team is citing unspecifiedhealth issues.
As a reason for this, Kaneconsulted Harrison Neal, he said
(09:31):
Cain will be back to his regularschedule soon.
Well, at least in say two weeks.
That doesn't work anymore withpeople.
Cain did break a silence ofsocial media statements.
This past Monday he posted tohis campaign account instead of
his official congressional one,which was kind of odd, saying I
want to thank my constituentsand colleagues for their
(09:53):
patience.
As I address a personal medicalissue, my doctors continue to
assure me that my recovery willbe complete, and I will be back
on the job I love very soon.
He also mentioned that hiscongressional staff continuing
the constituent services andlegislative work and his
campaign has continued to quoteunquote run strong, but still
(10:15):
kind of cryptic and not reallyfull of many details.
And how Kane is handling this isdisturbing when you compare it
with other high profile examplesin recent years, like John
Fetterman, Senator Federman, hisstaff, for example, disclosed
his stroke during the 2022campaign, his treatment for
(10:35):
depression the following year.
More recently a fall that led tohis hospitalization that was
back in November.
Both Donald Trump and formerPresident Joe Biden, they
informed the public when theybecame sick with COVID-19.
Two members of the New Jerseydelegation died while serving in
2024 Donald Payne.
New York Democrat, he died froma diabetes complication, and
(10:57):
Bill Pascal, Passaic CountyDemocrat, both oilmakers, their
staffs informed reporters of thereason for their
hospitalizations at the time.
Add to that, Kane's absence,that's making life even tougher,
with the narrow Republicanmajority in the U.S.
House, and Speaker Mike Johnsontries to do what he can to keep
(11:19):
the ship afloat.
Johnson said to the New YorkTimes recently in a statement he
expected Kane to be back to 100%very soon.
Kane's own campaign lawyer toldthe LA Times, Cain and his
father made it very clear it's apersonal matter, and he's
recovering and will be backaltogether now soon.
If you look at the campaign, whoTom Caine might be facing in
(11:41):
November, there's fourDemocrats, like I said, running
in the June 2nd primary.
They are Rebecca Bennett, formerNavy helicopter pilot, Air
National Guard officer andhealth care business leader.
She's raised the most money inthe primary.
She's sitting on about$2.7million.
Tina Shaw, an ICU physician, whowas appointed as a fellow in the
U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairsunder former President Obama in
(12:04):
his administration in 2016,worked as a senior advisor for
the U.S.
Service in general during theBiden administration.
Brian Varela, entrepreneur whoworked in marketing and
childcare, and Michael Roth, whoserved as an interim leader of
the U.S.
Small Business Administrationduring the Biden administration.
Candidates have each raised morethan a million dollars in the
(12:26):
district, but no one's outragedTom Kane, the closest being
Rebecca Bennett, but Kane rightnow is has raised$4.4 million
and is currently sitting on$3.4million cash on hand.
Creates an interesting curiositytoo, with the race being a
vulnerable one for the GOP withthe National Party come on in?
(12:50):
Or with that financial advantageKane has?
Will he be left to his own,especially in light of how he's
handled his absence?
Worth watching, I think.
Now you don't need me to tellyou the cost of prescription
drugs are outrageous andnauseating.
At the same time, how long doyou have to go back in time to
find when this wasn't the case?
(13:11):
Though I know promises have beenmade over and over.
Things would change, but theyhaven't, have they?
Only thing outnumbering thepromises have been the finger
pointing done to shift the blameoff of one to another and search
for a true bipartisan consensus.
My first guest is here forfindings of a report which
reveals that consensus, we thepeople, want what we desperately
(13:32):
need for our health andwell-being, and we want it to be
affordable.
This is found in a pollpublished by the Pharmaceutical
Reform Alliance, who alsoreleased a report earlier this
year, March, as a matter offact, called the State of U.S.
drug pricing unaffordable.
He's a former U.S.
House of Representatives memberrepresenting South Carolina.
He's now a spokesperson for thePharmaceutical Reform Alliance,
(13:54):
former Representative JoeCunningham.
How are you today, sir?
SPEAKER_02 (13:59):
I am excellent.
I'm excellent.
Thanks for having me on, Chris.
SPEAKER_00 (14:02):
Well, thanks for addressing what is a much needed
issue that needs a lot more thanjust addressing, but solutions.
Find out more too atPharmaReformAlliance.com.
And obviously, Joe, we look atthis financially where it's
costing people tens of billiondollars a year annually.
But again, according to thereport I mentioned that your
(14:24):
organization came out with oneout of five people are not
filling prescriptions due tocost, and one in seven are
cutting pills or skipping dosesbecause of the cost of their
prescription medication.
So this is a serious impact thatit is is hitting a lot of
people.
Why has this been happening?
What what's you know, why is whyis pharma getting the red carpet
(14:46):
treatment that creates thesituation for so many people?
SPEAKER_03 (14:50):
I mean I mean, Chris, as you mentioned, this
has been going on for quite sometime, and the shortest answer is
greed.
Uh it's greed by big pharma andit's impacting uh millions of
Americans, as you mentioned, uh,especially as the number one
concern about uh voters hasbecome affordability and uh
(15:10):
prescription drugs uh and theircosts.
This is something that you knowAmericans see every single month
when they go to get theirprescriptions filled.
That's as you mentioned, if theyget them filled, because so many
are foregoing that strictlybecause of price.
Uh not to mention the thelong-term impacts, how more and
more people are being forcedinto bankruptcy because of the
(15:34):
high cost of health care.
And this isn't, you know, thisisn't a a problem that other
developed developed nations facelike America does on the uh on
to the extent that we do.
SPEAKER_00 (15:48):
And what adds to the the infuriation that comes about
from all this is how when pharmaexecutives come before, or you
probably saw it firsthand andsee it to this day, they try to
play the victim in all this, yetthey have so much protection or
such monopoly, you think it wasthe mafia back in the 1950s
running New York City.
SPEAKER_03 (16:10):
It definitely seems that way, and anytime it's
brought up, obviously the bigpharma has an army of lobbyists.
And you know, I I've been there,I've been there in Congress, and
I've seen their lobbyists work,and I've seen the you know the
amount that they spend not onlyjust on lobbying, but on TV
commercials as well.
And you know, they may make thecase that uh you know these high
(16:33):
prices help uh them with theirresearch and development, but
the facts tell quite a differentstory.
It tells us that Americans arepaying high prices and
essentially subsidizing thelower cost of uh people who live
in other countries.
SPEAKER_00 (16:52):
And when you look at the results of the study that
your organization did, pharmawants to blame politicians,
politicians want to blamepharma.
We the people are blaming bothof them.
SPEAKER_03 (17:04):
Well, and and and you know, you know, like I said,
it comes back to the cost, andwhile big pharma keeps patting
their own pockets and theirprofits, profits are increasing
year after year, it's ordinaryAmericans who are paying the
price.
SPEAKER_00 (17:20):
Looking here too, and 77% of voters say they're
more likely to support acandidate for public office who
fights against the pharmacompanies as a campaign issue.
I'm looking at the politicalhorizon right now, quite
frankly, either party, I reallydon't see that happening too
much.
They're they're missing out onuh uh the the cry of the people,
(17:41):
literally and figuratively, onthis.
SPEAKER_03 (17:45):
I think the candidates who make this a
top-tier issue uh andaffordability is is gonna be on
the ballot, not only in 2026,but 2028 as well.
And I do think that thecandidates who make some of
these policies advocating forreform, like the most favored
nation uh uh policies, which uhput the prices of Americans'
(18:08):
prescription drugs in line withother countries.
Uh and so Americans areinfuriated, and it's it's no
surprise that they're placingthe blame at the feet of big
pharma uh where it deserves tobe placed.
SPEAKER_00 (18:22):
And the answer is resting with legislation, and
not just at the at a federallevel, it could be done at a at
a state level as well.
We'll get into some of the ideashere with Representative Joe
Cunningham, former member of theU.S.
House for South Carolina, now aspokesperson for the
Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance,Pharmareformalliance.com, their
website, and you are listeningto issues and ideas.
(18:44):
And some of the solutions youhave is, well, it sounds simple,
but obviously it's moredifficult than it is about
making prescription drug pricesmore affordable.
But if you make it a morecompetitive platform that
they're dealt from, would thatbe a big step forward in
achieving their goal?
SPEAKER_03 (19:06):
I I think there there are a lot of uh solutions
that could be put on the table.
Uh, you know, comprehensive,obviously, in my experience, you
know, comprehensive uh reformcan be difficult.
It's not impossible.
But there are a number of piecesof uh legislation or policies,
and I always refer to them aslike rifle shot policies, you
(19:27):
know, like a single policy uhwhich could be passed and gained
bipartisan support.
One of those that I mentionedwas um codifying the most
favored nation drug pricingpolicy into into law that would
lower the drug prices for allAmericans by matching U.S.
prices to lower the prices paidin other wealthy countries.
(19:51):
Uh there's also the ideas ofpatent reform because as we've
seen, you know, big pharma willmake you know will essentially
abuse the patent process to makecertain adjustments to extend
the life of their their ownpatent and uh block out or box
box out uh generic drugs comingto market.
SPEAKER_00 (20:15):
I think we sought that back with the with the uh
the gun laws, and it was vagueenough where a gun company could
make a minor alteration to anautomatic weapon and make it
passable under the law.
It's not that difficult unlessyou fine-tooth cone the law,
which is again that's part ofthe blame of the of the
legislative side of this issue.
(20:37):
How much are pharma companiesusing the patent rules to their
advantage and to what to whatdegree?
I mean, it's it it it's it seemslike they just want to limit, if
not restrict, any kind ofcompetition.
SPEAKER_03 (20:53):
Well, we've seen this with other drugs in the in
the past, how you knowmodifications are made to the
compound or to the dosage, andwhat that would do would be to
extend the the life of thepatent and again uh prevent
generic drugs uh from comingonto the market because uh the
(21:13):
their obvious goal is theirbottom line.
You know, it's notpatient-centered, it's
profit-centered.
And we are literally talkingabout issues of life and death.
As you mentioned, peoplebreaking their pills in half to
make it longer, people uh notnot filling their prescriptions,
um, is uh it's coming comingdown to the health and safety of
(21:38):
Americans.
And this this should not be a apartisan issue.
The health of Americans uh doesnot discriminate uh no matter
what party affiliation yousubscribe to.
So and as you mentioned, this isthis is gained, I mean, a few
issues gain this level ofsupport.
I mean, ninety-four percent ofVoters blame pharmaceutical
(22:02):
companies for high health carecosts.
Um, and then and that's you knowi i as a former candidate and
former congressman, if I'mlooking at poll numbers like
this, this would be an issuethat I would talk about
incessantly because it crossesover with Democrats,
Republicans, and independents.
I mean, eighty-nine percent ofvoters support drug pricing
(22:26):
reform.
That includes ninety-one percentof Republicans, ninety percent
of independents, andeighty-eight percent of
Democrats.
It's a it's a it's a winningissue.
SPEAKER_00 (22:37):
And certainly if I'm in a tight race, I'm looking for
something to put me up above themy opponent.
And as you said, with thosestatistics, this is the red
carpet to an election win.
But then you have to followthrough with what you promised,
which again we've seen that tobe a problem.
This is another great idea, too.
A requirement that every dollarthat pharma companies spend on
(22:58):
drug advertising, they have tospend an equal amount on drug
rebates for consumers.
88 percent total support forthat idea.
That would be that wouldactually be probably one of the
more easy easier to mandate thanall these other ideas because
it's uh uh literally point A topoint B.
There's no there's no middleground as far as having to
(23:19):
negotiate and get uh consensus.
Something an idea like thatwould certainly, if not n if
nothing else, give the farmercompanies the alert that uh
those in decision-making seatsare on to them and they need to
clean up their house as well.
SPEAKER_03 (23:37):
Any as you mentioned, any uh legislation
even narrowly tailored to onespecific uh policy can gain
broad bipartisan support.
You know, I I remember I was amember of the problem solvers
caucus, uh, which had halfDemocrats, half Republicans,
oftentimes the more moderateones.
And this could very well be oneof those issues that can gain
(24:03):
members on both sides.
And as you know, uh anybodywho's paying attention to the
House, with a razor thin marginlike that, if you have support
on both sides, no matter youknow how how large or small, uh
it has a real high chance ofsuccess.
SPEAKER_00 (24:20):
Learn more about this issue.
Study the reports too becauseit's important information that
I think first and foremostyou'll find yourself in
agreement with, and the ideaspresented by the by the
pharmaceutical reform alliancewill be ideas that you can
support.
You can find out how you cangive your support and add your
voice to their work at pharmareformalliance.com.
He's a former member of the U.S.
(24:41):
House, Representative SouthCarolina, now spokes first and
for the Pharmaceutical ReformAlliance.
Representative Joe Cunningham,thank you for helping us realize
there is a path to sanity in allthis, and we don't have to make
the sacrifice to our health, tohave fairness and price.
We just need a bettercooperation from the decision
makers in pharma and a lot moreforce coming from the
(25:04):
legislative side.
Thank you for bringing us thatattention and that focus today,
sir.
SPEAKER_03 (25:09):
Appreciate you having me on.
Thank you so much, Chris.
SPEAKER_00 (25:11):
Uh, if you're listening to us on your favorite
podcast platform, make sure youfollow or subscribe.
Uh current state of the economyhas certainly changed what had
been long relied on in a varietyof ways.
As more people have come, well,let's call it more price-aware
and focused.
Many traditional routes to thegoal of saving money have
changed.
Vehicle shopping.
(25:31):
Take that as an example.
If you wanted or you needed avehicle and wanted to save some
money, you would right look fora used, or as I like to say,
pre-owned vehicle.
You'd get the vehicle youwanted, save some money at the
same time.
As my next guest is here topoint out, that is not always
going to be true today.
Now, why is this happening andhow can you as a consumer watch
out for this?
(25:52):
Tater explained, is theco-founder of Car Reg.
Ray Shefka, how are you today,Ray?
SPEAKER_01 (25:57):
I am well, Chris.
Uh glad to be back with you.
And everything you just saidthere is a hundred percent true.
SPEAKER_00 (26:05):
And there were multiple reasons why this is
happening, as Ray's going toexplain.
Carregge.com, learn more abouthow you could raise your vehicle
shopping awareness and just be abetter consumer when it comes to
vehicles, CarReg.com, we havethat link, over at our website.
Did some searching around onCarvana and Carmax you could
(26:27):
also include in this, but I juststuck with Carvana.
2025, Toyota RAF4 XLE Premium.
The original MSRP was$37,000.
I saw it on Carvana for$40,000.
A 2021 Jeep Wrangler, theoriginal MSRP$50,245.
(26:48):
They had a list for$57,590.
What's going on here, Ray?
SPEAKER_01 (27:01):
And the reason for that is if you remember back to
COVID, there was a chip shortagethat the manufacturers needed
for the cars that they werebuilding.
And the result of that chipshortage is there were 10 to 15
million new cars globally thatwere scheduled to have been
built that were never built.
(27:23):
And since they were never built,they were never sold, so there
were never trade-ins on thosecars.
And hence we have a shortage ofused car availability.
Um I believe at the beginning ofMay there was 1.95 million used
cars in inventory, which is aseven or an eight-year low for
(27:46):
this time of year.
SPEAKER_00 (27:47):
And in a way, you can look at the several reasons
for the economy.
People are holding on to theircars longer because they can't
or don't want to invest in a newvehicle.
I just saw a report thatAmericans now owe$1.6 tr$1.68
trillion for auto loans, and agrowing number of those
outstanding loans are more than60 days behind.
(28:08):
But that in a way can explainfor a lack of inventory, too,
because not in doing anindictment of car dealers,
either Carvana, CarMax or thelocal car dealership, but for
them to exist, they needinventory.
SPEAKER_01 (28:21):
Absolutely.
And, you know, what we've seenis longer terms in order to make
payments seem more affordablefor people.
But for instance, that Toyotayou talked about.
Well, Toyota's in very, veryshort supply.
They have a huge demand and alimited amount of supply.
And so if someone's looking fora used RAM4 that's say one year
(28:45):
old, they can't find it at areasonable price.
But they are willing to spendextra to get it because they
can't buy a comparable new onebecause they're all pre-sold.
So there's that fear of missingout, and when there's that fear
of missing out, people tend topay more for things than they
(29:06):
should, unfortunately.
SPEAKER_00 (29:08):
And from personal experience, you can't kill a
Toyota.
They last forever.
SPEAKER_01 (29:13):
Exactly.
And that's why people arewilling to pay more than they
should.
SPEAKER_00 (29:18):
Is this a you know, turn it around?
It's a it's a wait for thoselooking to buy, but if you are a
car or vehicle owner and lookingto sell, this sounds like an
opportune time.
SPEAKER_01 (29:31):
Well, if you have an extra used car that you don't
need, yes, you can get topdollar for today.
Dealerships are clamoring forgood quality used cars, and
they'll pay uh the moon and thestars to get them at the moment.
SPEAKER_00 (29:47):
No doubt about that.
So as a consumer, what whatinformation is available so that
you have at least an idea that,okay, I really want or I really
need vehicle A, but how muchmore am I going to wind up
paying for versus what I shouldbe?
SPEAKER_01 (30:04):
Well, there are there's enough information
available on the internet todayto be able to look at various
markets.
Your market where you live,there might be a greater demand
for that Toyota where you are,as opposed to say, I don't know,
St.
Louis, Missouri.
So maybe instead of shopping inNorth Jersey, you need to shop
(30:25):
in in Missouri and where you canwork out and have the vehicle
shipped to you.
SPEAKER_00 (30:30):
You you have to look at the pockets in the country
where things aren't sellingquite as rapidly as they are
where you might be.com, theirwebsite, and you are listening
to issues and ideas.
Mentioned financing before.
That's something you have toconsider really seriously.
If you're going to pay more,you're going to finance more.
(30:53):
How flexible is that financingthese days?
Does it depend on make um make amodel to make a model, dealer to
dealer, or is it again aseller's market more than a
buyer's market?
SPEAKER_01 (31:05):
Well, once again, it's more of a seller's market,
but the the sad reality is 85%of all car buyers are what's
referred to in the industry aspayment buyers.
All they're focused on is whattheir monthly payment is.
They have no idea what they'reactually paying for the vehicle.
And that's the mistake that'smade.
(31:27):
You need to understand what yourmonthly budget allows you to
look at as far as a total priceof a vehicle and not just
concentrate on that payment.
And the reason I say that isdealers will keep extending the
length of the loan in order tomake you feel as if you have a
comfortable payment.
72 months, 84 months, 96 monthsloans are becoming more popular
(31:50):
today.
And well, the sad reality isyou're paying an extra five,
six, maybe ten thousand dollarsin interest in order to have
what appears to be an affordablepayment.
SPEAKER_00 (32:01):
In a lot of cases, too.
Again, this is going to dependon insurance companies, but the
more you pay for a vehicle, themore it's determined to have a
value, the more insurance isgoing to cost you.
SPEAKER_01 (32:11):
Well, that you also need to make sure that you have
guaranteed asset protection orgap coverage, uh, because if,
God forbid, you total thatvehicle, your insurance company,
your primary insurance companywill only tell you what its
wholesale value is, and then youneed a secondary insurance to
cover the gap between what thatvalue is and what you still owe.
(32:33):
The average amount of negativeequity on a trade-in today,
Chris, is$7,138.
SPEAKER_00 (32:42):
Yes, I mean, with a rare exception, buying a vehicle
is not an investment.
Like the old axiom goes, as soonas it rolls off the light, your
depreciation clock is started.
SPEAKER_01 (32:53):
Oh, absolutely.
I I always told people when Iwas selling cars and they said
to me, Well, you know, I this isan investment.
It is not an investment, it's anexpense.
If I was your stock broker and Icalled you up and I said, Chris,
give me$50,000 a day and I'llshow you how to turn that into
$25,000 in three years, I don'tthink you'd look at that as a
(33:16):
good investment.
And that is what a car is.
SPEAKER_00 (33:20):
As a result of all this, is this in turn going to,
or maybe it has alreadyincreased interest in buying new
because you can actually savemoney buying new, or even is
leasing going to become more ofa go-to for a lot of people?
SPEAKER_01 (33:34):
Well, I think a lot of the manufacturers are going
to look at the situation andrealize that sticking customers
into 72, 84, 96-month loansultimately is bad for business
in the long term, because thosepeople can't get back into the
market for five or six or sevenyears.
If we continue to sell payments,and most people are payment
(33:57):
shoppers, uh then leasing couldand does make more sense for
most people, where they can endup with a lower payment for a
36-month term and they can belooking at getting a new car
every three years.
The difference is you have toaccept the premise that you're
always going to have a carpayment.
And if that premise holds truefor you, then leasing does make
(34:21):
the most sense.
SPEAKER_00 (34:22):
As I mentioned, I'll repeat these numbers again.
Americans now owe$1.68 trillionfor auto loans, with a record
number of those more than 60days behind.
So as far as economy andbusiness security goes, those
aren't positive numbers in anyway, shape, or form.
Talk about Car Edge and what youmake available to make the car
consumer a lot more wiser andinformed.
SPEAKER_01 (34:44):
Well, you know, we we offer uh videos and uh we
have guides and and blogs thatreally help level the playing
field for customers when itcomes to navigating the car
buying process.
Um we we believe uh entirely intransparency, and we're doing
our best to convince moredealers out there that they
(35:06):
should operate in a transparentmanner.
SPEAKER_00 (35:08):
So as you go shopping for a vehicle, don't
let these ideas deter youbecause a need is still going to
be a need.
Ask questions, ask for clarity,and look for the best
opportunity.
Don't go to local because itmight not always be the best.
Look around, shop around.
And it's again, it's an oldsaying, but it's old because
(35:30):
it's true.
Buy or beware.
Find out more about CarRedge atCarRedge.com.
He is their co-founder, RayShevska.
Ray, thanks for theenlightenment explanation for
what's happening and givingpeople better direction on how
to respond to it.
Thanks for being here today.
SPEAKER_01 (35:44):
Thank you, Chris.
Always a pleasure.
SPEAKER_00 (35:47):
This coming week is National Salvation Army week.
It's important to have this weekof recognition for the
organization for severalreasons.
First, it reminds us that theSalvation Army is a 24-7,
365-day operation, as well aspresents.
Their activity isn't limited tothe Christmas season and their
annual kettle campaign, which bythe way, last year's campaign
(36:08):
raised over$100 million for theorganization.
It's also important to rememberthat the need for the many
services the Salvation Armyprovides is a need that exists
all throughout the year.
The next guest joins us todiscuss those services that the
(36:30):
Salvation Army provides, theimportance of your financial
support, and if you're listeningto us in New Jersey, one of the
fun and really easy ways thatyou can give that support is
divisional commander of the NewJersey Salvation Army, Major
Britt DeMarcle.
How are you today, Major?
SPEAKER_04 (36:46):
I'm good, Chris.
How are you today?
SPEAKER_00 (36:47):
Good to have you back to keep the organization
that does so much for so many inthe forefront of people's minds.
And we have these links at ourhomepage, but it's
SalvationArmyUSA.org is forwardslash NJ, if you're listening on
the stream of a podcast to findthe uh organization in your
state, SalvationArmyUSA.org, thestarting point.
(37:08):
I'm also talking about, as Isaid, for New Jersey, a really
fun, interesting way that isgaining not just attention but
needed funding for the SalvationArmy here in New Jersey.
But what do you think when itcomes to the Salvation Army
major that people know the leastabout that you hope that the
(37:30):
event and doing anything you cancan can can change and raise
that level of knowledge?
SPEAKER_04 (37:36):
Yeah, it's a really interesting question, Chris,
because as you say, there arethings and that people
definitely know us for, and andthat usually that list usually
includes the red kettle um atChristmas time and the thrift
stores that people uh peoplevisit.
I don't think people are fullyaware um of the kind of the
holistic service that we offerin communities and the idea of
(37:58):
being creative based on what thecommunity uh needs are.
Um like I said, traditionalSalvation Army service you're
gonna find in most places, andthat would be, you know,
addressing food insecurity andhomelessness and um and things
like that.
But you know, w there are manycommunities in New Jersey where
the Salvation Army offers ESLEnglish as a second language
(38:18):
classes, uh, which is a reallyunique opportunity.
The Salvation Army is, I think,the country's largest uh
provider of free musicinstruction for children.
Um so we have kids programs thatkind of fly under the radar to a
degree unless you're a familythat takes advantage of those
opportunities.
Um so you know, I like to saythat while we we serve in every
(38:39):
zip code in the state of NewJersey, but what that
specifically looks like is onlylimited by the imagination of
the people running the show inthat community and what the
community needs.
We try to cater our service towhat that community specifically
needs.
Uh so it's going to look alittle different in uh anywhere
you go just based on what thoseneeds are.
And I I think people kind ofearmark us for what we are
(38:59):
traditionally known for, butthere's a there's a lot more to
it than that.
SPEAKER_00 (39:03):
Which is living up to the slogan doing the most
good and doing it for all, bythe way.
And I think the what you justexplained helps uh add another
level of respect for theorganization.
It's not a cookie-cutteroperation.
You're not given a handbook andsay, here's the beginning, the
middle, or the end.
It's not the organization thatdictates to the people, it's the
needs of the people directingthe organization.
SPEAKER_04 (39:25):
Yeah, absolutely.
I mean, like I said, we youyeah, we serve unconditionally.
Our you know, it says right inour mission statement that our
mission is to preach the gospelof Jesus Christ and meet human
needs in his name withoutdiscrimination.
Uh whatever whoever is in need,we don't ask those questions.
We provide uh the need that'sneeded in that moment as best
we're able to, depending on theon the community.
(39:46):
But you're right.
Um, you know, it really can takethe the mission of the Salvation
Army in a community can take theform of the community.
And it is one of the beautifulthings um about us.
We are known as kind of anadministrative heavy
organization, but what peopledon't know is that their local
Salvation Army is given a lot offreedom to address needs in that
community that may be specificto that community.
SPEAKER_00 (40:07):
To the tune of five million meals, ten thousand
nights of shelter, over ahundred thousand toys to kids
and family just the past yearalone.
unknown (40:16):
Right.
SPEAKER_00 (40:17):
Given the economic times that we're in, how much
heavier has the demand becomefor the Salvation Army here in
New Jersey?
SPEAKER_04 (40:25):
Yeah, it feels like every day there's more people in
need.
Um, and there were there's morepeople at least under s
expressing need um to us, and itis it's an up and down economy.
Um there are multiple reasonsfor that, which only means that
it impacts different people indifferent ways.
And um and I think Chris, youand I have talked about this
before, but it's interesting tosee when people find themselves
(40:49):
in a position of need um thathave never been in that
situation before, and they don'tknow exactly where to go and and
who is available to meet thatneed.
But people tend to know that theSalvation Army is an
organization that helps.
You know, I you know, Mr.
Rogers, that he's kind of loston a newer generation, but when
I was a kid, Mr.
Rogers was well known and and heused to say that his mom told
(41:10):
him that whenever there was umdisaster or whenever there is uh
difficulty, look for thehelpers.
There are always people that arethat are helping.
And he he used that once todescribe the Salvation Army as
well.
And um and so I I think w ourreputation has become that we
are people that help and thatmeet need.
And um, even if you don't knowwhere else to go, um we hope
(41:32):
people know that they can cometo the Salvation Army.
SPEAKER_00 (41:34):
Governor Major Brett DeMichael, who is divisional
commander of the New JerseySalvation Army on the web
salvationarmyusa.org forwardslash New Jersey.
And if you are elsewhere besidesNew Jersey, you could find your
local organization of SalvationArmyUSA.org and you are
listening to issues and ideas.
You mentioned all the people andthe increasing need.
(41:55):
Has that made the receiving ofhelp more challenging where due
to more people in need who hadpreviously been the people who
were doing the giving?
SPEAKER_04 (42:06):
Yeah.
That's interesting too.
Um you you would think that, andthat is true to a degree, but
what we also find, which isreally interesting, and we've
seen this in times of economicdownturn in our country, is that
um that's when people becomemost generous.
Um and even y you know, if youif if someone did an analysis,
and they probably have, um, youwould find that a good portion
(42:29):
of the people that donate to theSalvation Army are people that
at one point or another havebeen supported by the Salvation
Army, have been served by theSalvation Army.
And uh we don't ask for anythingin return, but certainly I think
people find it in their heart umto give.
So even those that we supportare still willing to support and
help us help others as well.
(42:49):
It's a really fascinating thing.
So the need is always there, anduh, and we always accept gifts,
you know, thankfully andgraciously.
Um at the same time, we'realways stunned by how generous
people can be.
Even people in difficultcircumstances um have a desire
to help help their neighbors,and uh and we love seeing that,
and we love being a conduit tothat.
SPEAKER_00 (43:10):
Well, it's also uh a testimony to what the
organization is all about is allabout.
It's it's about community.
Uh you bring about for you know,for senior services, seniors who
lose a spouse and they're catthey feel like they're cast
adrift.
There's a place where they cango to be with others of their
age and even younger.
There's if you can't givefinancially, I'm I'm sure
donation of time at theSalvation Army store, for
(43:32):
example, or special events, oneof which we'll get to in a
moment here.
There there are so many ways tobecome a part of the Salvation
Army community.
SPEAKER_04 (43:41):
Yeah, absolutely.
And um yeah, we and we love thatas well.
There they're the idea that umthat it's people helping their
neighbors.
It's it's we people comealongside and we come alongside
a community so that we can allwork together uh to improve our
our neighborhood.
I mean, we are a worldwideorganization.
But at our heart, we are basedin communities.
(44:02):
We are based in towns and citiesjust like your listen your
listeners live in.
And uh and hopefully that's youknow something that really draws
people to the mission of theSalvation Army as well, that
they feel like they'reconnecting in their community.
SPEAKER_00 (44:14):
And I always say, too, that people unnecessarily
eliminate themselves from beingable to make a difference
because they think, you know,they'll they'll hear about this
five-figure donation,nine-figure donation to an
organization, they'll go, whatdifference can I make?
But it's those five and ten andtwenty-five and fifty dollar
donations that are really thetrue foundation of what uh the
(44:36):
Salvation Army is able to put touse for the community in one of
those ways is the running forthe most good, which is
happening this coming week, the11th through the 17th, where
it's sort of a DIY 5K run, Iguess would be a good way to
explain it.
SPEAKER_04 (44:53):
That's a great way to explain it.
I hadn't I hadn't heard that,but that's exactly what it is.
It's we call it a virtual 5K,which means that you know you
register and uh and you sign upand you can find that uh
registration opportunity atsalvationarmynj.org or the
website, the national website,then direct it to the state one
as well that you mentionedearlier, Chris.
But yeah, you do it on your owntime in your own place.
(45:14):
Um, you know, we joked about youknow the idea that you could do
it, you could do it on atreadmill, you could do it
walking in circles in yourliving room if you want if the
web report.
Um, you know, but if you have atracker and you can find out
what 5K is, uh you do itwhenever you want during
Salvation Army week.
But the registration then willsupport the Salvation Army.
And the unique thing about it isit's not necessarily meant to be
(45:35):
just an generic support of theSalvation Army in the state, but
when you register, there's adrop-down menu and you can find
a local Salvation Army unitthat's closest to you, and the
benefit of your registrationwill benefit that local
Salvation Army unit.
It can be designated to thestate as well.
Um but certainly if you live ina community and you're nearby
where the Salvation Army is, youcan choose that place, that
(45:56):
location from the drop-downmenu, and it will benefit that
local Salvation Army.
So uh yeah, we're excited aboutit.
It's gotten really good sometraction and and uh and
hopefully next week duringSalvation Army week, people will
be out there running, walking,crawling, whatever they need to
do to get that 5k done, and uhand they'll get their
certificate uh digitally and andand they'll just have an
(46:16):
opportunity to participate inthat way.
We're excited about it.
SPEAKER_00 (46:19):
No, for you listening, here's a here's a
great and easy way to mount upthat 3.1 miles walking anywhere.
Don't look for the closestparking space at the shopping
mall, the Walmart.
Take the furthest one away.
And with the number of times yougo to those stores and the
shopping malls, you'll nail that3.1 miles in no time.
Maybe just walking your dog willcover that in a couple of days,
maybe.
SPEAKER_04 (46:38):
Most likely people do five, they they do 5K
already, they just aren't awareof it.
So you're absolutely right.
Yeah, the some of those lotscould be pretty big.
So you find the far spot andtake a walk to the front door
and and you're part of the waythere.
That's a great idea.
SPEAKER_00 (46:51):
There you go.
Find out more onsalvationarminj.org.
If you're listening on thestream, salvationarmyusa.org.
And for here in New Jersey, I'llput a I have a direct link to
the signup page, 25 for basicentry,$50.
If you want to do a littleextra, you can find more details
at that link as well.
We'll put it all on thehomepage.
(47:11):
He is the divisional commanderof the New Jersey Salvation
Army, Major Brett DeMichael.
Major, always a pleasure topromote the work of the
Salvation Army and keep theawareness in front of people
that you're just more than thosered kettles.
So much more for every communitythat you serve.
Thanks for being here today.
SPEAKER_04 (47:28):
Chris, you're a great supporter, and I always
appreciate the opportunity totalk to you.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (47:32):
Today is Mother's Day.
You're welcome.
Bible contains many lessonsabout mothers and motherhood.
These lessons share God's wisdomabout motherhood, and they also
provide guidance for mothers,their husbands, and their
children.
Mothers are obviously veryprecious to God because they
carry and give birth to hiscreations.
We learn this from the verybeginning in Genesis chapter 3,
(47:54):
verse 20.
And Adam called his wife's nameEve because she was the mother
of all living.
While many claim that the Bibleexcludes, stifles women, the
truth of God's word, in fact,empowers them and recognizes
them.
This is especially true ofmothers.
Let's read Proverbs chapter 1,verse 8.
(48:14):
My son, hear the instruction ofyour father and do not forsake
the law of your mother.
Then there's this from Proverbschapter 14, verse 1.
The wise woman builds her house.
How valuable is a mother's love?
It's seen actually as beingequal to the love of God.
There are many examples of this.
(48:35):
Let's go to Isaiah chapter 66,verse 13, with God speaking, as
one whom his mother comforts, soI will comfort you, and you
shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Our mothers have always beenseen as highly valued by God, as
evidenced by their inclusion inhis Ten Commandments.
(48:56):
Now, quiz time, do you rememberwhich one of the ten?
It's number four.
It's found in Exodus chaptertwenty, verse twelve.
Honor your father and yourmother, that your days may be
long upon the land which theLord your God has given you.
It's also vital to note howhonoring your mother and father
is the fourth commandment of theten.
(49:17):
The first four place focus onthe relationship between God and
humanity, and how we're calledon to display reverence.
Word of God is also a means formothers to learn about how they
should embrace faith in God andbelief in his word.
Of course the most obviousexample is when the angel came
to Mary to clue her into whatwas about to happen.
(49:39):
Remember how Mary reacted?
Well, she asked forclarification, but then her
words of conclusion are there toteach mothers today in Luke
chapter one, verse thirty-eight,then Mary said, Behold the
maidservant of the Lord, let itbe to me according to your word.
And the angel departed from her.
The Bible gives instruction tohusbands, who are fathers as
(50:02):
well.
Let's go to Ephesians chapter 5,verse 25.
Husbands, love your wives, justas Christ also loved the church
and gave himself for her.
That means, by the way, totallove, not just occasional
part-time love.
There's also this instruction in1 Timothy 5, verse 8.
(50:22):
But if anyone does not providefor his own, especially for
those of his household, he hasdenied the faith, and is worse
than an unbeliever.
Now we turn to the children onthis Mother's Day.
Bunch of flowers in thesupermarket that is not going to
cut it.
Not even close.
This one day is here to remindyou of what you are expected by
(50:43):
God to do each and every day.
These instructions come to youcourtesy of Ephesians chapter
six, verses one through three.
Children obey your parents inthe Lord, for this is right on
your father and mother, which isthe first commandment with
promise, that it may be wellwith you, and you may live long
on the earth.
(51:03):
Children are to live a life andwalk a path which will lead
their mother to say these wordsfrom 3 John 1, verse 4.
I have no greater joy than tohear that my children walk in
truth.
A righteous mother is one who isfilled with the Holy Spirit.
One and the only way to honor amother is to live the words of
(51:24):
Galatians chapter 5, verses 22and 23.
But the fruit of the Spirit islove, joy, peace, long
suffering, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control against such thereis no law.
So don't just be there with yourmom on this one day.
Be there for your mom each andevery day in total, complete,
(51:46):
faithful obedience to what we'retold in Proverbs chapter thirty
one, verses twenty five throughtwenty nine.
Strength and honor are herclothing, she shall rejoice in
time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,and on her tongue is the law of
kindness, she watches over theways of her household, and does
not eat the bread of idleness.
(52:07):
Her children rise up and callher blessed, her husband also,
and he praises her.
Many daughters have done well,but you excel them all.
Be sure to check out ourwebsite, issues and ideas
radio.com.
That's where we have moreinformation by the guests who
joined us here on the showtoday.
And if you've been listening viayour favorite podcast platform,
(52:28):
make sure you follow andsubscribe.
Always glad to have you alongfor the ride.
Look forward to being with youright here this time next week
for our next edition of Issuesand Ideas.
Popular Podcasts
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com