July 19, 2024 • 45 mins
Trump's stage bandage, Biden's decision, Elon's departure, and what Shannen Doherty represents for our healthcare future.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/facepalm-america--5189985/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/facepalm-america--5189985/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey, everybody, it's Michael Steele, host of the Michael Steel Podcast.
Each week I have a discussion aboutthe key political and cultural issues of our
day, joined by America's leading activists, experts, and academics for a conversation
that transcends political boundaries. So joinme each week as we work through real
solutions, have honest conversation, andjust keep it fresh. Listen to the
(00:20):
Michael Steel Podcast in the Spreaker podcastplayer app, where you can also comment
on individual episodes. New episodes availableevery week on the Spreaker podcast player app.
(00:41):
Well, that was quite a week, wasn't it. My goodness,
for very serious reasons and for reasonsof hilarity on a number of fronts.
(01:02):
Obviously, the attempted assassination of aformer president of the United States is not
a joking matter. That's horrific,and we we don't want anybody to be
killed. At least I don't wantanybody to be killed. It's not a
(01:23):
good thing. Now. I'm perfectlyhappy to, you know, put Trump
behind bars. I'm perfectly happy tohave him said to whatever the modern equivalent
of Saint Helena or Devil's Island is. But I don't want anybody killed.
(01:45):
I don't want anybody hurt. That'snot a good thing. That being said.
For those of you who have watchedthe Republican National Convention this week,
and I haven't been able to,I mean, I look, I caught
a glimpse here and there on television. Is not my own. I think
(02:07):
I was at the gym and Isaw a couple of bits and pieces here
and there. I have made noconscious effort to watch any part of the
Republican National Convention. In fact,it has like members of my family who
(02:28):
are trying to watch a Big Brotherhave found that their feet of that was
delayed as a result of the broadcastof the Republican National Convention. And frankly,
I think that Big Brother is altogether, you know, more important than
(02:50):
any anything new that we will seeat the Republican National Convention. But at
the Republican National Convention. Okay,So Trump got nicked in the ear by
someone who was trying to kill him, and if you saw any of it,
(03:15):
you might know that a new propappears to have gained steam. There
ear bandages, because Trump has anear bandage out. It's a very it's
a very prominent ear bandage. Wedon't have his medical records, so we
don't really know how extensive the injurywas. But the bandaging is very extensive.
(03:38):
It's very prominently visual. Let ussay, I don't think they had
to use as much gauze or bandagingas they used. Look, I'm happy
to be corrected once I see themedical records. I'm very happy to be
corrected. But I I get thathad the look of a stage bandage to
(04:03):
me. But ear bandages not juston Donald Trump. We're president at present
president president at the Republican National Committee. MAGA world is no stranger to Donald
Trump themed merchandise, whether it's Trumpthemed shoes more on that later, or
(04:28):
a new campaign T shirt featuring hisnew running mate's name, JD. Vance.
Yes, I know, but photosemerged of Trump supporters wearing bandages over
their ears. God, you seethis. Someone who's trying to make a
(04:50):
joke is always looking under dire circumstancesfor an opening which will make a bit
of humor socially acceptable. And tome, this is it. Trump supporters
wearing bandages over their ears in whatappears to be in solidarity. I show
(05:11):
a solidarity with Trump's own bandage hewore during his RNC appearances. Trump wore
the bandage after an assassination at temptleft the MAGA leader bloodied at a Saturday
rally. Now the convention has facedquestions over its vendors. This week,
a vendor was giving away a DanielDefense branded AR fifteen rifle days after the
(05:38):
assassination attempt. The military style weaponis the same type of rifle used in
the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting. SoI don't think that their concerns are in
the right place. If you reallywant to stop shooting, if you want
(06:00):
to stop shootings of this kind,and I get rid of the way that
you do a shooting, which isthe gun. Nobody but the military needs
assault rifles like this, and we'redealing with the consequences of it. They
could have been and we've already dealtwith so many deadly school shootings, and
(06:24):
we could have had a former presidentbe killed. Can we please get rid
of those things? Also? Canwe get rid of the Trump shoes?
Can we please get rid of theTrump shoes? I mean for gash sakes,
Because there's a new innovation with regardto the Trump shoes. A company
(06:45):
is now selling two hundred and ninetynine dollars sneakers showing an image of Donald
Trump. You guessed it. Youknow what image I'm talking about, with
streaks of blood on his cheek andpumping his fist in the air after we
he was the target of an assassinationattempt in Pennsylvania. The white high Tops
are being sold as Fight Fight Fighthigh Tops for two hundred and ninety nine
(07:11):
dollars. What a ripoff on awebsite that sells Trump branded shoes and that
is run by CIC Ventures LLC,a company that Trump reported owning in his
twenty twenty three financial disclosure. SoDonald Trump is selling shoes with a picture
(07:33):
of him with blood on his facepumping his fist in the air Fight Fight
Fight high Tops. The company saysthe new shoes are limited addition, with
only five thousand pairs, Are therefive thousand people who want to buy those
shoes? I guess there must be. There will be only five thousand pairs
(07:55):
available and estimated to ship in Septemberor October. Will anybody really be paying
attention to that at that point?I don't think so. It also says
ten pairs will be randomly autographed likea golden ticket like I can in Charlie
(08:18):
in the Chocolate factory. And thenif you get one of the Golden tickets
autographed by Trump, one of theGolden shoes, you get to smelly smelly
footlocker. These limited edition high topsfeaturing Trump's iconic image with fist raised honor
his unwavering determination and bravery, itsays, with only five thousand pairs available,
(08:43):
each one is a true collector's item. Show your support and patriotic pride
with patriotic pride Trump shoes with theseexclusive sneakers, capturing a defining moment in
history. See Ice Show your patrioticpride with your shoes, Ladies and gentlemen.
(09:05):
See Ice Ventures is the same companythat debuted and Never Surrender high Tops
shiny gold sneakers with an American flagon the back for three hundred and ninety
nine dollars, So they've reduced theprice. These are supposedly iconic, capturing
a moment in history the limited edition, but there are one hundred dollars less
than the Never Surrender high Tops.Yeah, you know, I think they've
(09:31):
I think they've reached the limit oftheir market. Here the sale is another
sign that the former president's allies,and given the fact that he owns at
the President the former president himself intendedto capitalize on how Trump reacted after the
shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. OnMonday, Trump got a hero as welcome
(09:54):
at the Republican National Convention opening night, appearing visibly emotional with a bantage over
his right here that's right, bigstage bandage, as musician Lee Greenwood saying
God Bless the USA. Of coursehe did, because it's Trump's RNC.
And by the way, I willjust mention that Trump gave a long ass
(10:18):
speech at the Republican National Convention.They talked like back in the day,
do you remember? Do you doyou remember? Back in the day It
was nineteen and eighty eight at theDemocratic National Convention, the man who would
be President, Bill Clinton, inintroducing that year's nominee, Michael Ducaucus,
(10:43):
gave a very long speech and hewas applauded, as he said in conclusion,
and this speech was longer than that. Trump's speech was longer than that,
is ninety minutes. I think youknow it's still maybe going on.
(11:03):
I think I think Trump's let's let'scheck out it is Trump's speech still going
on? What's happening? The onlyone way? Yeah, President Trump back
in the United States because he keptyeah, it's still going on. Trump's
speech is still going on. Peoplewere falling asleep. There are pictures of
(11:26):
people nodding, eyes closing in theaudience. We'll check back from time to
time and see whether Trump is stillspeaking. But there's some other issues that
I want to get to. Allthis kerfuffle, the assassination attempt, the
Republican National Convention, the world's longestspeech, have all, uh sort of
(11:54):
taken the spotlight off the fact thatJoe Biden ah not doing so well.
His polls are crashing ever since hehad that horrific debate performance. And again
it's not just a horrific debate performance, it is indicative of the fact that
(12:15):
he does not possess the requisite mentalacuity at this point in time to be
the nominee of the Democratic Party forPresident of the United States in twenty twenty
four, in the year where weare desperately trying to avert a dictatorship and
prevent Donald Trump from being dictator ofthe United States of America, which is
(12:41):
something that he has said he haswanted to do. It's taken the spotlight
off of that, and we shouldnot take the spotlight off of that,
because we want a country, wewant a democracy, and Joe, look,
you're not my favorite guy in theworld. I've never made any pretense
of that, but it's time foryou to go. It's important so that
(13:07):
the Democrats can win. Kamala Harrisisn't my first pick either, but she
can win. She can defeat DonaldTrump. And we're going to get into
the latest state of development on thatfront. What are people saying about his
thought process, what's the latest gapthat he's made, the latest proof that
(13:35):
his mental acuity is not there?And we'll be back in a moment to
go through some of that. I'mBabel Frockling. This is face Palm America
Facepalmamerica dot com and you can reachus any time or message us anytime at
two zebra two six five six sixtwo seven to one. We shall return.
(14:00):
Greetings, Facebam America listener, Thanksso much for listening today, But
did you know you could be gettingeven more serious news and comment and some
of the just playing silly variety twoOnce you finished listening here go to at
face Paul USA on Twitter and downloadstill more face pallm America content that's at
(14:20):
face Paul USA on Twitter. Don'tlapse into despondency, Save our democracy at
facebaum Usa. The John Peeplesaning podcastis now available six times a week with
me John Fugelsang, I've been murderedon CSI picketed by Westborough Baptist Church and
host tell me Everything on Serious XMProgress one twenty seven. You will hear
(14:41):
authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers, rock stars, journalists,
activists, unhinged callers, and waytoo many comedians. They all have a
place of the John Feaglesang Podcast,and so do you. The John Figlesing
Podcast Fair and Biased. Find iton Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher for
wherever you listen to bozz face PaulAmerica. I'm Babel Frocklinfacepaulamerica dot com.
(15:09):
So we know that Joe Biden gavea terrible debate performance a few weeks ago.
If you had been paying attention beforethen, you would have had very
grave concerns about his mental acuity andhis ability to be a successful candidate for
(15:33):
president in twenty twenty four. Youknow I saw it before then, but
this brought it to the attention ofthe United States and to the attention of
the world. But if you stillthink, if you still think that this
was just one lousy debate performance,allow me to present as counter evidence to
(15:54):
that a recent statement that he made, and I'll plan it for you here.
And it's about making sure that onecoming. For example, look at
the heat I'm getting because I nameda yeah, starturing defense a black man,
(16:17):
I named Katanji Brown. I meanbecause of the people I've named.
So that was President Biden during ab et interview Black Entertainment television, failing
to remember the name of his owndefense secretary. He could only remember the
(16:38):
fact that he appointed a black man, and that's what he said. There
are so many Look, we allforget names. We don't all forget them
as often as Joe Biden does.We don't forget the names of the people
that we appointed to the office.And even if you do, there's so
(17:00):
many better ways than referring to himas the black man. It's that's just
atrocious. So it wasn't just abad debate. We need a new candidate.
That's critical because it's true. Weare steering down the barrel of a
(17:22):
dictatorship, and apparently Biden and hisfamily are starting to seriously consider this,
and I think that's a good thingfor all of us. Members of President
Joe Biden's family have discussed what anexit from his campaign might look like.
This is according to NBC News.They spoke to a couple of different people
(17:49):
familiar with these discussions. The overalltone of the conversations has been that any
exit plan, should Biden decide totake that step, as some of his
closest allies increasingly believe he will,should put the party in the best position
(18:10):
to beat former President Donald Trump,of course, while also being worthy of
the more than five decades he hasserved the country in elected office. These
people said, look, I understandthat you've got to butter him up a
little bit. I understand that youhave to say to him in order to
assuage his ego, because anyone whoaspires to or certainly gets to be president
(18:37):
of the United States is going tohave an enormous ego and it's going to
be difficult for them to step awayfrom power unless they absolutely have to.
And so considerations of politics or beingpolitic are at play here, they have
to say something like an exit hasto be worth of the more than five
(19:00):
decades he served the country at electedoffice, and I look, Joe Biden
has a lot of faults. Hehelped Clarence Thomas get to the position he's
at now during the Submarme Court becausehe was I'm pretty sure he was the
chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Hecertainly on the Judiciary Committee. And he
(19:26):
also was absolutely for us getting intothe first Iraq War and absolutely for us
getting into the second Iraq War.I'm not sure we don't want to honor
that, but if we need tosay those words and pay lip service to,
you know, whatever we think he'sdone or hasn't done, in order
(19:48):
to get him to make that decision, then I guess that's the most important
thing, because what is most importantis stopping a dictator in the form of
Donald Trump, because we know that'scoming. Biden's family members have specifically discussed
how he would want to end hisreelection bid on his own timing and with
(20:12):
a carefully calculated plan in place.Considerations about the impact of the campaign on
his health, his family, andthe stability of the country are among those
at the forefront of the discussions.The people familiar with those discussions said,
now, obviously, certainly at thispoint, the existence of these discussions are
(20:37):
being denied officially. White House spokesmanAndrew Bates denied that any such exit discussions
are happening among the family. Thatis not happening, period. He said.
The individuals making those claims are notspeaking for his family or his team,
and they will be proven wrong.Keep the faith, Keep the faith.
(21:02):
What is this a faith based campaign? I guess it would have to
be, because there's nothing tangible toindicate that Joe Biden is going to be
able to defeat Donald Trump. Youwould have to take a leap of faith
because the polls are going down andthe men can't put a coherent sentence together.
(21:23):
So yeah, I guess keep thefaith would be the campaign slogan for
Biden. Twenty twenty four, Pallaceacolyte. As a report surfaced, including
from MSNBC I'm Sorry NBC News,that Biden had shown signs that he could
budge from his insistence that he remainedthe nominee. Rumors and reports, some
(21:45):
that the president's allies flatly denied,began to fly. They include speculation about
timing of a potential exit, whetherBiden would immediately endorse Vice President Kamala Harris
and who was on the short listto be her vice presidential running mate.
A major factor driving the private pressureon Biden is fear among Democrats that his
(22:10):
candidacy could rob them not only ofthe White House, yes it's true,
more even than that is at stakehere and the Senate, but also a
chance to flip the House to theircontrol. And think about that even if
Trump wins, Like, here's whatI was thinking three months ago when I
(22:33):
thought that Biden maybe still had achance but wasn't hopeful. I was thinking,
Okay, even if Biden loses,it's likely that the House of Representatives,
and I think this is still true, will flip to Democratic control.
(22:56):
But if Biden at the top ofthe tickets, the rest of these races
down, then we could have aTrump presidency, a Republican Senate, and
a Republican House of Representatives with absolutelyno bulwark against his madness. Is that
what we want? Is that whatwe want? Of course that's not what
we want anyway, There's a fearamong Democrats that is candidacy could rob them
(23:22):
not only of the White House andthe Senate, but also a chance to
flip the House to control to theircontrol. That explains why senior lawmakers have
pushed on Biden to reconsider his decisionto say in the race, the House
is on the brink, said BrianWolf, the treasurer of the House Majority
Pack, the main super pac supportingHouse Democratic candidates. These candidates don't deserve
(23:48):
that, No, they do not. We need to win this. Democrats
need to maintain the presidency. Andbelieve me, I'm not a fan of
so many things a Democrats, butat this point in time, it is
better to have Democrats in control ofthe White House. It is better to
have Democrats in control of the Houseof Representatives to prevent absolute madness. That's
(24:15):
That's a position that we can workwith realistically. That's a position that we
can fight from, negotiate from,strive from Trump winning plunges us into the
depths of the abyss that we cannotabide. Elon Musk can abide it.
(24:36):
Though. You know, every timeI see a Tesla on the road now
I think I think so differently.I know a lot of people who bought
Tesla's did too before Elon Musk justlike jumped off the edge, and I
always jumped off another edge. ElonMusk, SpaceX CEO and Twitter owner I
(25:02):
won't call it his thing, announcedTuesday that he plans to move the headquarters
of both companies from California to Texas. Musk shared the news on Twitter,
saying Governor Gavin newsom signing of alaw that bars California school districts from notifying
parents of the child's gender identification changewas the final straw. Of course,
(25:30):
of course, it's more transphobia thatpushed him over the edge. The SpaceX
headquarters will move from Hawthorne to Starbase, Texas, while the Twitter headquarters will
move from San Francisco to Austin.Musk said, and I say, good
(25:51):
riddance. I think that's just fantastic. I think I think that the more
evil billionaires that are in all thiscreation nonsense is nothing. If they're creating
insane, stupid jobs, or they'rejust a nutcase like Elon Musk, California
doesn't want them. They're a burdenon California, They're a drain on California.
(26:15):
Let Texas take them. Good riddness. I say, in fact,
let us celebrate because California, withthis announcement, has become a better place.
This would be a good time tomove to California. It's still ridiculously
expensive, don't get me wrong,but there's stole a lot of things wrong
(26:38):
with California. But Elon Musk movingout of California makes it a markedly better
place. And so California, wecelebrate you, Calebia. Oh yes,
right back I started from by Elonpower. My flowers in the morning at
(27:08):
Darning bern Is sad. Everything don'tbe late. That's why I can hardy
way your gold again. California.You're my farm. Oh Elon, don't
(27:30):
let that. Don't let that goldengate hit you where the good Lord split
you on the way out. Goodbye, off to Texas, Get get leave
California to same people. Come on, California can come back now now that
(27:56):
it's unburdened by that madman from SouthAfrica. My mom, right back where
I started from. Well hours,our flowers bloom in the sun each morning
(28:21):
at Donning, Bertie sing and everythinga sun kissed miss says, don't be
late. That's why I can hardlywait open up your golden gate, California,
here I came. Yes, itis a time for celebration. We
(28:45):
got to take a break, Ladiesand gentlemen, I'm being well frocklin.
This is faced Paul America. Weshall return. Greetings, Faceball America listener,
Thanks so much for listening today.But did you know you could be
(29:06):
getting even more serious news and commentand some of the just playing silly variety
two Once you finished listening here,go to at face Paul USA on Twitter
and download still more faceballm America content. That's at face Paul USA on Twitter.
Don't lapse into despondency, Save ourdemocracy at Facebaum USA. Hey everybody,
(29:30):
it's Michael Steele, host of theMichael Steel Podcast. Each week,
I have a discussion about the keypolitical and cultural issues of our day,
joined by America's leading activists, experts, and academics for a conversation that transcends
political boundaries. So join me eachweek as we work through real solutions,
have honest conversation, and just keepit fresh. Listen to the Michael Steel
(29:52):
Podcast in the Speaker podcast player app, where you can also comment on individual
episodes. New episodes available every weekon the Spreaker podcast player. At Face
Paul America. Ladies and gentlemen,I'm Babel Frock and Facepaulamerica dot com.
If you should choose to reach outto us with a message or desire to
(30:17):
speak with me on this program,you could do so at tuesero two six
five six six two seven to one. Is Donald Trump still speaking at the
convention? That was all I mean, that was a long ass speech.
Let's let's check in. Is hestill there? I'm not sure. I'm
meya under the current administration, underyeah Russia tuck, yeah, yeah,
(30:45):
yeah, he's still there, stillspeaking, still putting people to sleep.
Yeah, okay, good to know. Well, he'll be there for a
while. I suppose. In themeantime, there's real stuff going on in
the real world, not all ofthem just being caused directly by Donald Trump.
It's true. Dollar General, forexample, I brought up Dollar General
(31:07):
before. Hey, I used towhen I was a kid. I used
to love going to Dollar General becauseI could buy something for a dollar and
it was cheap and I didn't care. And I was a kid and I
didn't have much allowance, and Imy money went a long way. I
get it sometimes like that's the onlyalternative for people, and sometimes that's that's
(31:30):
the best place you can you canget a thing in an air of inflation.
Although it's not even a dollar storeanymore, it's a dollar twenty five
now used to be literally a dollarstore, a Dollar General. I guess
I used to mostly go to DollarTree. Dollar General, there's the one
(31:52):
in my town has agreed to paytwelve million dollars in penalties. Twelve million
dollars seem like much for a companylike Dollar General twelve million dollars in penalties
and improve safety at its nearly twentythousand stores across the US after claims that
the discount retailer put its employees indanger with its practices. The Labor Department
(32:15):
said, Hey, the labor departmentsdid something. That's great. Yay Labor
Department. I'm glad they're taking someaction. But twelve million dollars it's not
enough. Guys. Raise those raisethose penalties a little bit more. In
a news release last week announcing thesettlement, the Labor Department said that Dollar
(32:37):
General will have to significantly reduce itsstore inventory and hire new safety managers,
provide health and safety training, anddevelop a safety and health committee for employees.
Let's see if that actually happens.Let's see if that actually happens.
I'm not holding my breath. Theagreement also outlines the Dollar General must correct
(33:00):
any future safety violations regarding block exitsor access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels
within forty eight hours or face finesup to five hundred thousand dollars per violation.
Now that that would be something fivehundred thousand times twenty thousand stores across
(33:21):
the US. Then now we're talkingsome serious money. Let's do that.
Let's get on that. The AssistantSecretary of Labor for Occupational Safety in Health,
Douglas Parker, said in the statementthat the settlement demonstrates Dollar General's commitment
to making worker safety a priority.If you follow up on it, sure,
(33:43):
he said, the chain will implementsignificant and systemic changes in its operations.
We'll see, we will see.Since twenty seventeen, Dollar General has
faced millions of dollars in penalties.Discount Change was Chain was issued more than
fifteen million dollars in fines for numerous, willful, repeat and serious workplace violations.
(34:09):
According to a twenty twenty three OSHAnews release, look Dollar General makes
billions. It makes a lot morethan you know, twelve million dollars in
profit every year. It's a hugecompany. Let's let's add some zeros to
the ends of those finds. Howabout the next time they do it,
(34:30):
we add a zero to the endand make it, you know, one
hundred and twenty million dollars, andthen the next time they do it after
that, we'll make it one pointtwo billion dollars. How about that?
Or better yet, how about howabout like we in this ridiculous like penalty
(34:51):
thing, and we actually put theCEO in prison. If they continue to
do this, if they put peopleat risk, let's criminally charge them.
Let's forget this negotiation. Let's putthem in jail. Why don't we do
that? Maybe that'll solve the problem. I think it just might. Let's
(35:12):
give it a shot. Say what. In twenty twenty three, OSHA inspectors
discovered that the discount retailed chain continuouslyexposed its workers to unsafe conditions in two
store locations in Florida and in onein Alabama. In July twenty twenty two,
inspectors found that merchandise blocked exit routesat a Dollar General store in Alabama.
(35:37):
The chain was issued citations for tworepeat violations, racking up nearly two
hundred and five thousand dollars in that'snot nearly enough, and in recent years,
the discount chain stores have also beentargets for robberies and violent crimes.
Since twenty fourteen, nearly fifty peoplehave died and one hundred and seventy two
(35:58):
have been injured in dollars general storiesacross the US. According to data from
the Gun Violence Archive, of anonprofit organization that tracks gun use across the
country, fifty people so fifty peoplehave died. That just sounds like a
statistically unsafe to place to be adollar general. Look, Labor Department can
(36:21):
give them a chance to get theiract together. It sounds like they've had
several chances to get their act togetherbecause over the course of the last six
seven years they've accrued millions of dollarsin penalties. This isn't the first time.
Throw the CEO in jail, makeit happen. You're the federal government.
You can do that. Actually,put them on trial, prosecute them,
(36:46):
put some money behind it, throwthem in jail. That's what we
need to do. So I wantto take a moment here before we end
the show to talk about something thatI know I wouldn't ordinarily talk about,
and that's Shannon Doherty. I knowwho Shannondority is. I knew who Shannondoherty
(37:08):
was when I was a young person. Beverly Hills nine O two one zero
was pretty ubiquitous, especially when Iwas going to college around that time,
like late high school, early college. I never watched it, but I
know a lot of folks who did, Like in my college. It's so
(37:31):
adequate to say this, in mycollege TV lounge. When I was in
college, there were TV lounges becauseyes, most people did not have their
own TVs, and they certainly ina college dormatory, didn't have a little
(37:51):
thing in their pockets that they couldconstantly like stream video content on. So
it was it was a different ancientera. And folks would you know,
go to the the TV lounge andthey would watch TV, and they would
you know, talk to each other, like not text each other, but
actually like talk like and see theirone another's faces like in real life,
(38:16):
and and you know, touch eachother. Yeah, it was college,
and I think that I think,you know, it was it was like
nine O two one O fans.You know, it was more of a
female demographic, But there were alot of guys there too, a lot
of guys especially who who wanted tohang out with some of the some of
(38:42):
the young women there. I knowthat was a big draw for some males
of my age, of my era. But Shannon do already, as as
you may have heard, passed away. She was a star of one of
the stars of Beverly Hills nine twoand oh she was just in her early
fifties. But she passed away ofbreast cancer. And yeah, she was
(39:07):
fifty three. She had fought breastcancer for years. Her illness was publicly
revealed in a lawsuit filed in twentyfifteen against her former business managers, and
that kind of is the crux ofwhy I want to talk about her right
(39:27):
now. There's an article that I'vegot here from ABC News from August twentieth,
twenty fifteen, that talks about howthat came out and revealed some of
the details, and it says thisactress Shannon Doherty is accusing her former business
managers of being crooked and claims ina new lawsuit that they not only stole
(39:50):
from their clients, but habitually blunderedthe tasks they were hired for, including
paying her insurance premiums Beverly Hills nineO two to one O Star revealed that
she's battling breast cancer that she saysworsened because her former business managers allowed her
health insurance to lapse. This isa case about crooked business managers who not
(40:15):
only stole from their clients, buthabitually blundered the most critical tasks of the
professional alleges. The lawsuit filed Wednesdayagainst Tanner Mainstein, Glenn and Johnson and
its former business partner, Stephen D. Blatt. Tanner Mainstein is the name
of the company. She alleged thatTanner failed to pay her premium for twenty
(40:37):
fourteen after receiving an invoice in Novembertwenty thirteen. The firm then terminated its
relationship with Doherty in February twenty fourteen, after which time she discovered that her
insurance premium had not been paid andshe was completely uninsured until the next Sagaray
(40:57):
enrollment period four twenty fifteen. Shewas a member of this Great Actor's Guilt
SAG. That's where she got herinsurance from As a result, Dougherty states,
she did not visit the doctor regularlyin twenty fourteen. You know,
one of the biggest stars in televisionin the nineteen nineties, and she didn't
(41:20):
see a doctor because she was worriedhow much it was going to cost,
because healthcare costs a ridiculous amount ofmoney in this country, especially if you
don't have insurance. When she didreturn for a checkup in March twenty fifteen,
doctors discovered that she had invasive breastcancer metastatic to at least one lymph
(41:42):
node. She adds that she wastold her cancer had spread during twenty fourteen,
and had she been insured and ableto visit her doctor, the cancer
could potentially have been stopped, thusobviating the need for future treatment to be
in chemotherapy that she will likely haveto suffer through now and just in the
(42:05):
last few days now in twenty andtwenty four Shennon Doherty died of a breast
cancer that she'd been fighting that wholetime. And of course, you know
the company Tanner Mainstein. I don'tknow how this loss it was resolved,
or if it was resolved. Theydenied being in fault. It doesn't matter.
(42:29):
What matters is the fact that aperson who at one time was one
of the biggest stars on television,one of the most famous people in America,
possibly in the world at the time, someone with access to enormous amounts
of resources, still came to apoint in their lives where healthcare the thing
(42:54):
that can keep you alive and spotta disease and do something about it before
it gets out of hand. Thatwas too expensive for her because she didn't
have insurance for a year. Andif the shnnon Dohertys of the world are
(43:15):
worried about paying for their health care, it can't afford insurance and so don't
go to the doctors and eventually passaway because they didn't have access to health
care. What's going to happen tothe rest of us? What does that
mean for us? This is whywe need universal health care. Nobody's health
care should lapse. It shouldn't bea question. This is important, This
(43:39):
is so important. If it couldhappen to Shannondoherty, it could happen to
you, It shouldn't happen to anyone. We need universal health care. I
want to thank you for listening today. I appreciate you doing that. If
you want to reach us, tomessage or talk to us, you can
do that at two zero two sixfive one. You can go to facepalm
(44:01):
America dot com for past episodes andmore information. And until next time,
enjoy the day. I'm in aworld of miracles none of us know as
(44:24):
God's plans, life's adventuals. Iwant to thank Franklin. The John People
Saying Podcast is now available six timesa week with me John Fugel sang I've
been murdered on CSI picketed by WestboroBaptist Church and host tell me Everything.
On Serious XM Progress one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians,
(44:46):
actors, filmmakers, rappers, rockstars, journalists, activists, unhinged callers,
and way too many comedians. Theyall have a place of the John Feaglesang
Podcast, and so do you.The John Fiegel sing Podcast Fair and Biased.
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to fos
Hey, everybody, it's Michael Steele, host of the Michael Steel Podcast.
Each week I have a discussion aboutthe key political and cultural issues of our
day, joined by America's leading activists, experts, and academics for a conversation
that transcends political boundaries. So joinme each week as we work through real
solutions, have honest conversation, andjust keep it fresh. Listen to the
(00:20):
Michael Steel Podcast in the Spreaker podcastplayer app, where you can also comment
on individual episodes. New episodes availableevery week on the Spreaker podcast player app.
(00:41):
Well, that was quite a week, wasn't it. My goodness,
for very serious reasons and for reasonsof hilarity on a number of fronts.
(01:02):
Obviously, the attempted assassination of aformer president of the United States is not
a joking matter. That's horrific,and we we don't want anybody to be
killed. At least I don't wantanybody to be killed. It's not a
(01:23):
good thing. Now. I'm perfectlyhappy to, you know, put Trump
behind bars. I'm perfectly happy tohave him said to whatever the modern equivalent
of Saint Helena or Devil's Island is. But I don't want anybody killed.
(01:45):
I don't want anybody hurt. That'snot a good thing. That being said.
For those of you who have watchedthe Republican National Convention this week,
and I haven't been able to,I mean, I look, I caught
a glimpse here and there on television. Is not my own. I think
(02:07):
I was at the gym and Isaw a couple of bits and pieces here
and there. I have made noconscious effort to watch any part of the
Republican National Convention. In fact,it has like members of my family who
(02:28):
are trying to watch a Big Brotherhave found that their feet of that was
delayed as a result of the broadcastof the Republican National Convention. And frankly,
I think that Big Brother is altogether, you know, more important than
(02:50):
any anything new that we will seeat the Republican National Convention. But at
the Republican National Convention. Okay,So Trump got nicked in the ear by
someone who was trying to kill him, and if you saw any of it,
(03:15):
you might know that a new propappears to have gained steam. There
ear bandages, because Trump has anear bandage out. It's a very it's
a very prominent ear bandage. Wedon't have his medical records, so we
don't really know how extensive the injurywas. But the bandaging is very extensive.
(03:38):
It's very prominently visual. Let ussay, I don't think they had
to use as much gauze or bandagingas they used. Look, I'm happy
to be corrected once I see themedical records. I'm very happy to be
corrected. But I I get thathad the look of a stage bandage to
(04:03):
me. But ear bandages not juston Donald Trump. We're president at present
president president at the Republican National Committee. MAGA world is no stranger to Donald
Trump themed merchandise, whether it's Trumpthemed shoes more on that later, or
(04:28):
a new campaign T shirt featuring hisnew running mate's name, JD. Vance.
Yes, I know, but photosemerged of Trump supporters wearing bandages over
their ears. God, you seethis. Someone who's trying to make a
(04:50):
joke is always looking under dire circumstancesfor an opening which will make a bit
of humor socially acceptable. And tome, this is it. Trump supporters
wearing bandages over their ears in whatappears to be in solidarity. I show
(05:11):
a solidarity with Trump's own bandage hewore during his RNC appearances. Trump wore
the bandage after an assassination at temptleft the MAGA leader bloodied at a Saturday
rally. Now the convention has facedquestions over its vendors. This week,
a vendor was giving away a DanielDefense branded AR fifteen rifle days after the
(05:38):
assassination attempt. The military style weaponis the same type of rifle used in
the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting. SoI don't think that their concerns are in
the right place. If you reallywant to stop shooting, if you want
(06:00):
to stop shootings of this kind,and I get rid of the way that
you do a shooting, which isthe gun. Nobody but the military needs
assault rifles like this, and we'redealing with the consequences of it. They
could have been and we've already dealtwith so many deadly school shootings, and
(06:24):
we could have had a former presidentbe killed. Can we please get rid
of those things? Also? Canwe get rid of the Trump shoes?
Can we please get rid of theTrump shoes? I mean for gash sakes,
Because there's a new innovation with regardto the Trump shoes. A company
(06:45):
is now selling two hundred and ninetynine dollars sneakers showing an image of Donald
Trump. You guessed it. Youknow what image I'm talking about, with
streaks of blood on his cheek andpumping his fist in the air after we
he was the target of an assassinationattempt in Pennsylvania. The white high Tops
are being sold as Fight Fight Fighthigh Tops for two hundred and ninety nine
(07:11):
dollars. What a ripoff on awebsite that sells Trump branded shoes and that
is run by CIC Ventures LLC,a company that Trump reported owning in his
twenty twenty three financial disclosure. SoDonald Trump is selling shoes with a picture
(07:33):
of him with blood on his facepumping his fist in the air Fight Fight
Fight high Tops. The company saysthe new shoes are limited addition, with
only five thousand pairs, Are therefive thousand people who want to buy those
shoes? I guess there must be. There will be only five thousand pairs
(07:55):
available and estimated to ship in Septemberor October. Will anybody really be paying
attention to that at that point?I don't think so. It also says
ten pairs will be randomly autographed likea golden ticket like I can in Charlie
(08:18):
in the Chocolate factory. And thenif you get one of the Golden tickets
autographed by Trump, one of theGolden shoes, you get to smelly smelly
footlocker. These limited edition high topsfeaturing Trump's iconic image with fist raised honor
his unwavering determination and bravery, itsays, with only five thousand pairs available,
(08:43):
each one is a true collector's item. Show your support and patriotic pride
with patriotic pride Trump shoes with theseexclusive sneakers, capturing a defining moment in
history. See Ice Show your patrioticpride with your shoes, Ladies and gentlemen.
(09:05):
See Ice Ventures is the same companythat debuted and Never Surrender high Tops
shiny gold sneakers with an American flagon the back for three hundred and ninety
nine dollars, So they've reduced theprice. These are supposedly iconic, capturing
a moment in history the limited edition, but there are one hundred dollars less
than the Never Surrender high Tops.Yeah, you know, I think they've
(09:31):
I think they've reached the limit oftheir market. Here the sale is another
sign that the former president's allies,and given the fact that he owns at
the President the former president himself intendedto capitalize on how Trump reacted after the
shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. OnMonday, Trump got a hero as welcome
(09:54):
at the Republican National Convention opening night, appearing visibly emotional with a bantage over
his right here that's right, bigstage bandage, as musician Lee Greenwood saying
God Bless the USA. Of coursehe did, because it's Trump's RNC.
And by the way, I willjust mention that Trump gave a long ass
(10:18):
speech at the Republican National Convention.They talked like back in the day,
do you remember? Do you doyou remember? Back in the day It
was nineteen and eighty eight at theDemocratic National Convention, the man who would
be President, Bill Clinton, inintroducing that year's nominee, Michael Ducaucus,
(10:43):
gave a very long speech and hewas applauded, as he said in conclusion,
and this speech was longer than that. Trump's speech was longer than that,
is ninety minutes. I think youknow it's still maybe going on.
(11:03):
I think I think Trump's let's let'scheck out it is Trump's speech still going
on? What's happening? The onlyone way? Yeah, President Trump back
in the United States because he keptyeah, it's still going on. Trump's
speech is still going on. Peoplewere falling asleep. There are pictures of
(11:26):
people nodding, eyes closing in theaudience. We'll check back from time to
time and see whether Trump is stillspeaking. But there's some other issues that
I want to get to. Allthis kerfuffle, the assassination attempt, the
Republican National Convention, the world's longestspeech, have all, uh sort of
(11:54):
taken the spotlight off the fact thatJoe Biden ah not doing so well.
His polls are crashing ever since hehad that horrific debate performance. And again
it's not just a horrific debate performance, it is indicative of the fact that
(12:15):
he does not possess the requisite mentalacuity at this point in time to be
the nominee of the Democratic Party forPresident of the United States in twenty twenty
four, in the year where weare desperately trying to avert a dictatorship and
prevent Donald Trump from being dictator ofthe United States of America, which is
(12:41):
something that he has said he haswanted to do. It's taken the spotlight
off of that, and we shouldnot take the spotlight off of that,
because we want a country, wewant a democracy, and Joe, look,
you're not my favorite guy in theworld. I've never made any pretense
of that, but it's time foryou to go. It's important so that
(13:07):
the Democrats can win. Kamala Harrisisn't my first pick either, but she
can win. She can defeat DonaldTrump. And we're going to get into
the latest state of development on thatfront. What are people saying about his
thought process, what's the latest gapthat he's made, the latest proof that
(13:35):
his mental acuity is not there?And we'll be back in a moment to
go through some of that. I'mBabel Frockling. This is face Palm America
Facepalmamerica dot com and you can reachus any time or message us anytime at
two zebra two six five six sixtwo seven to one. We shall return.
(14:00):
Greetings, Facebam America listener, Thanksso much for listening today, But
did you know you could be gettingeven more serious news and comment and some
of the just playing silly variety twoOnce you finished listening here go to at
face Paul USA on Twitter and downloadstill more face pallm America content that's at
(14:20):
face Paul USA on Twitter. Don'tlapse into despondency, Save our democracy at
facebaum Usa. The John Peeplesaning podcastis now available six times a week with
me John Fugelsang, I've been murderedon CSI picketed by Westborough Baptist Church and
host tell me Everything on Serious XMProgress one twenty seven. You will hear
(14:41):
authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers, rock stars, journalists,
activists, unhinged callers, and waytoo many comedians. They all have a
place of the John Feaglesang Podcast,and so do you. The John Figlesing
Podcast Fair and Biased. Find iton Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher for
wherever you listen to bozz face PaulAmerica. I'm Babel Frocklinfacepaulamerica dot com.
(15:09):
So we know that Joe Biden gavea terrible debate performance a few weeks ago.
If you had been paying attention beforethen, you would have had very
grave concerns about his mental acuity andhis ability to be a successful candidate for
(15:33):
president in twenty twenty four. Youknow I saw it before then, but
this brought it to the attention ofthe United States and to the attention of
the world. But if you stillthink, if you still think that this
was just one lousy debate performance,allow me to present as counter evidence to
(15:54):
that a recent statement that he made, and I'll plan it for you here.
And it's about making sure that onecoming. For example, look at
the heat I'm getting because I nameda yeah, starturing defense a black man,
(16:17):
I named Katanji Brown. I meanbecause of the people I've named.
So that was President Biden during ab et interview Black Entertainment television, failing
to remember the name of his owndefense secretary. He could only remember the
(16:38):
fact that he appointed a black man, and that's what he said. There
are so many Look, we allforget names. We don't all forget them
as often as Joe Biden does.We don't forget the names of the people
that we appointed to the office.And even if you do, there's so
(17:00):
many better ways than referring to himas the black man. It's that's just
atrocious. So it wasn't just abad debate. We need a new candidate.
That's critical because it's true. Weare steering down the barrel of a
(17:22):
dictatorship, and apparently Biden and hisfamily are starting to seriously consider this,
and I think that's a good thingfor all of us. Members of President
Joe Biden's family have discussed what anexit from his campaign might look like.
This is according to NBC News.They spoke to a couple of different people
(17:49):
familiar with these discussions. The overalltone of the conversations has been that any
exit plan, should Biden decide totake that step, as some of his
closest allies increasingly believe he will,should put the party in the best position
(18:10):
to beat former President Donald Trump,of course, while also being worthy of
the more than five decades he hasserved the country in elected office. These
people said, look, I understandthat you've got to butter him up a
little bit. I understand that youhave to say to him in order to
assuage his ego, because anyone whoaspires to or certainly gets to be president
(18:37):
of the United States is going tohave an enormous ego and it's going to
be difficult for them to step awayfrom power unless they absolutely have to.
And so considerations of politics or beingpolitic are at play here, they have
to say something like an exit hasto be worth of the more than five
(19:00):
decades he served the country at electedoffice, and I look, Joe Biden
has a lot of faults. Hehelped Clarence Thomas get to the position he's
at now during the Submarme Court becausehe was I'm pretty sure he was the
chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Hecertainly on the Judiciary Committee. And he
(19:26):
also was absolutely for us getting intothe first Iraq War and absolutely for us
getting into the second Iraq War.I'm not sure we don't want to honor
that, but if we need tosay those words and pay lip service to,
you know, whatever we think he'sdone or hasn't done, in order
(19:48):
to get him to make that decision, then I guess that's the most important
thing, because what is most importantis stopping a dictator in the form of
Donald Trump, because we know that'scoming. Biden's family members have specifically discussed
how he would want to end hisreelection bid on his own timing and with
(20:12):
a carefully calculated plan in place.Considerations about the impact of the campaign on
his health, his family, andthe stability of the country are among those
at the forefront of the discussions.The people familiar with those discussions said,
now, obviously, certainly at thispoint, the existence of these discussions are
(20:37):
being denied officially. White House spokesmanAndrew Bates denied that any such exit discussions
are happening among the family. Thatis not happening, period. He said.
The individuals making those claims are notspeaking for his family or his team,
and they will be proven wrong.Keep the faith, Keep the faith.
(21:02):
What is this a faith based campaign? I guess it would have to
be, because there's nothing tangible toindicate that Joe Biden is going to be
able to defeat Donald Trump. Youwould have to take a leap of faith
because the polls are going down andthe men can't put a coherent sentence together.
(21:23):
So yeah, I guess keep thefaith would be the campaign slogan for
Biden. Twenty twenty four, Pallaceacolyte. As a report surfaced, including
from MSNBC I'm Sorry NBC News,that Biden had shown signs that he could
budge from his insistence that he remainedthe nominee. Rumors and reports, some
(21:45):
that the president's allies flatly denied,began to fly. They include speculation about
timing of a potential exit, whetherBiden would immediately endorse Vice President Kamala Harris
and who was on the short listto be her vice presidential running mate.
A major factor driving the private pressureon Biden is fear among Democrats that his
(22:10):
candidacy could rob them not only ofthe White House, yes it's true,
more even than that is at stakehere and the Senate, but also a
chance to flip the House to theircontrol. And think about that even if
Trump wins, Like, here's whatI was thinking three months ago when I
(22:33):
thought that Biden maybe still had achance but wasn't hopeful. I was thinking,
Okay, even if Biden loses,it's likely that the House of Representatives,
and I think this is still true, will flip to Democratic control.
(22:56):
But if Biden at the top ofthe tickets, the rest of these races
down, then we could have aTrump presidency, a Republican Senate, and
a Republican House of Representatives with absolutelyno bulwark against his madness. Is that
what we want? Is that whatwe want? Of course that's not what
we want anyway, There's a fearamong Democrats that is candidacy could rob them
(23:22):
not only of the White House andthe Senate, but also a chance to
flip the House to control to theircontrol. That explains why senior lawmakers have
pushed on Biden to reconsider his decisionto say in the race, the House
is on the brink, said BrianWolf, the treasurer of the House Majority
Pack, the main super pac supportingHouse Democratic candidates. These candidates don't deserve
(23:48):
that, No, they do not. We need to win this. Democrats
need to maintain the presidency. Andbelieve me, I'm not a fan of
so many things a Democrats, butat this point in time, it is
better to have Democrats in control ofthe White House. It is better to
have Democrats in control of the Houseof Representatives to prevent absolute madness. That's
(24:15):
That's a position that we can workwith realistically. That's a position that we
can fight from, negotiate from,strive from Trump winning plunges us into the
depths of the abyss that we cannotabide. Elon Musk can abide it.
(24:36):
Though. You know, every timeI see a Tesla on the road now
I think I think so differently.I know a lot of people who bought
Tesla's did too before Elon Musk justlike jumped off the edge, and I
always jumped off another edge. ElonMusk, SpaceX CEO and Twitter owner I
(25:02):
won't call it his thing, announcedTuesday that he plans to move the headquarters
of both companies from California to Texas. Musk shared the news on Twitter,
saying Governor Gavin newsom signing of alaw that bars California school districts from notifying
parents of the child's gender identification changewas the final straw. Of course,
(25:30):
of course, it's more transphobia thatpushed him over the edge. The SpaceX
headquarters will move from Hawthorne to Starbase, Texas, while the Twitter headquarters will
move from San Francisco to Austin.Musk said, and I say, good
(25:51):
riddance. I think that's just fantastic. I think I think that the more
evil billionaires that are in all thiscreation nonsense is nothing. If they're creating
insane, stupid jobs, or they'rejust a nutcase like Elon Musk, California
doesn't want them. They're a burdenon California, They're a drain on California.
(26:15):
Let Texas take them. Good riddness. I say, in fact,
let us celebrate because California, withthis announcement, has become a better place.
This would be a good time tomove to California. It's still ridiculously
expensive, don't get me wrong,but there's stole a lot of things wrong
(26:38):
with California. But Elon Musk movingout of California makes it a markedly better
place. And so California, wecelebrate you, Calebia. Oh yes,
right back I started from by Elonpower. My flowers in the morning at
(27:08):
Darning bern Is sad. Everything don'tbe late. That's why I can hardy
way your gold again. California.You're my farm. Oh Elon, don't
(27:30):
let that. Don't let that goldengate hit you where the good Lord split
you on the way out. Goodbye, off to Texas, Get get leave
California to same people. Come on, California can come back now now that
(27:56):
it's unburdened by that madman from SouthAfrica. My mom, right back where
I started from. Well hours,our flowers bloom in the sun each morning
(28:21):
at Donning, Bertie sing and everythinga sun kissed miss says, don't be
late. That's why I can hardlywait open up your golden gate, California,
here I came. Yes, itis a time for celebration. We
(28:45):
got to take a break, Ladiesand gentlemen, I'm being well frocklin.
This is faced Paul America. Weshall return. Greetings, Faceball America listener,
Thanks so much for listening today.But did you know you could be
(29:06):
getting even more serious news and commentand some of the just playing silly variety
two Once you finished listening here,go to at face Paul USA on Twitter
and download still more faceballm America content. That's at face Paul USA on Twitter.
Don't lapse into despondency, Save ourdemocracy at Facebaum USA. Hey everybody,
(29:30):
it's Michael Steele, host of theMichael Steel Podcast. Each week,
I have a discussion about the keypolitical and cultural issues of our day,
joined by America's leading activists, experts, and academics for a conversation that transcends
political boundaries. So join me eachweek as we work through real solutions,
have honest conversation, and just keepit fresh. Listen to the Michael Steel
(29:52):
Podcast in the Speaker podcast player app, where you can also comment on individual
episodes. New episodes available every weekon the Spreaker podcast player. At Face
Paul America. Ladies and gentlemen,I'm Babel Frock and Facepaulamerica dot com.
If you should choose to reach outto us with a message or desire to
(30:17):
speak with me on this program,you could do so at tuesero two six
five six six two seven to one. Is Donald Trump still speaking at the
convention? That was all I mean, that was a long ass speech.
Let's let's check in. Is hestill there? I'm not sure. I'm
meya under the current administration, underyeah Russia tuck, yeah, yeah,
(30:45):
yeah, he's still there, stillspeaking, still putting people to sleep.
Yeah, okay, good to know. Well, he'll be there for a
while. I suppose. In themeantime, there's real stuff going on in
the real world, not all ofthem just being caused directly by Donald Trump.
It's true. Dollar General, forexample, I brought up Dollar General
(31:07):
before. Hey, I used towhen I was a kid. I used
to love going to Dollar General becauseI could buy something for a dollar and
it was cheap and I didn't care. And I was a kid and I
didn't have much allowance, and Imy money went a long way. I
get it sometimes like that's the onlyalternative for people, and sometimes that's that's
(31:30):
the best place you can you canget a thing in an air of inflation.
Although it's not even a dollar storeanymore, it's a dollar twenty five
now used to be literally a dollarstore, a Dollar General. I guess
I used to mostly go to DollarTree. Dollar General, there's the one
(31:52):
in my town has agreed to paytwelve million dollars in penalties. Twelve million
dollars seem like much for a companylike Dollar General twelve million dollars in penalties
and improve safety at its nearly twentythousand stores across the US after claims that
the discount retailer put its employees indanger with its practices. The Labor Department
(32:15):
said, Hey, the labor departmentsdid something. That's great. Yay Labor
Department. I'm glad they're taking someaction. But twelve million dollars it's not
enough. Guys. Raise those raisethose penalties a little bit more. In
a news release last week announcing thesettlement, the Labor Department said that Dollar
(32:37):
General will have to significantly reduce itsstore inventory and hire new safety managers,
provide health and safety training, anddevelop a safety and health committee for employees.
Let's see if that actually happens.Let's see if that actually happens.
I'm not holding my breath. Theagreement also outlines the Dollar General must correct
(33:00):
any future safety violations regarding block exitsor access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels
within forty eight hours or face finesup to five hundred thousand dollars per violation.
Now that that would be something fivehundred thousand times twenty thousand stores across
(33:21):
the US. Then now we're talkingsome serious money. Let's do that.
Let's get on that. The AssistantSecretary of Labor for Occupational Safety in Health,
Douglas Parker, said in the statementthat the settlement demonstrates Dollar General's commitment
to making worker safety a priority.If you follow up on it, sure,
(33:43):
he said, the chain will implementsignificant and systemic changes in its operations.
We'll see, we will see.Since twenty seventeen, Dollar General has
faced millions of dollars in penalties.Discount Change was Chain was issued more than
fifteen million dollars in fines for numerous, willful, repeat and serious workplace violations.
(34:09):
According to a twenty twenty three OSHAnews release, look Dollar General makes
billions. It makes a lot morethan you know, twelve million dollars in
profit every year. It's a hugecompany. Let's let's add some zeros to
the ends of those finds. Howabout the next time they do it,
(34:30):
we add a zero to the endand make it, you know, one
hundred and twenty million dollars, andthen the next time they do it after
that, we'll make it one pointtwo billion dollars. How about that?
Or better yet, how about howabout like we in this ridiculous like penalty
(34:51):
thing, and we actually put theCEO in prison. If they continue to
do this, if they put peopleat risk, let's criminally charge them.
Let's forget this negotiation. Let's putthem in jail. Why don't we do
that? Maybe that'll solve the problem. I think it just might. Let's
(35:12):
give it a shot. Say what. In twenty twenty three, OSHA inspectors
discovered that the discount retailed chain continuouslyexposed its workers to unsafe conditions in two
store locations in Florida and in onein Alabama. In July twenty twenty two,
inspectors found that merchandise blocked exit routesat a Dollar General store in Alabama.
(35:37):
The chain was issued citations for tworepeat violations, racking up nearly two
hundred and five thousand dollars in that'snot nearly enough, and in recent years,
the discount chain stores have also beentargets for robberies and violent crimes.
Since twenty fourteen, nearly fifty peoplehave died and one hundred and seventy two
(35:58):
have been injured in dollars general storiesacross the US. According to data from
the Gun Violence Archive, of anonprofit organization that tracks gun use across the
country, fifty people so fifty peoplehave died. That just sounds like a
statistically unsafe to place to be adollar general. Look, Labor Department can
(36:21):
give them a chance to get theiract together. It sounds like they've had
several chances to get their act togetherbecause over the course of the last six
seven years they've accrued millions of dollarsin penalties. This isn't the first time.
Throw the CEO in jail, makeit happen. You're the federal government.
You can do that. Actually,put them on trial, prosecute them,
(36:46):
put some money behind it, throwthem in jail. That's what we
need to do. So I wantto take a moment here before we end
the show to talk about something thatI know I wouldn't ordinarily talk about,
and that's Shannon Doherty. I knowwho Shannondority is. I knew who Shannondoherty
(37:08):
was when I was a young person. Beverly Hills nine O two one zero
was pretty ubiquitous, especially when Iwas going to college around that time,
like late high school, early college. I never watched it, but I
know a lot of folks who did, Like in my college. It's so
(37:31):
adequate to say this, in mycollege TV lounge. When I was in
college, there were TV lounges becauseyes, most people did not have their
own TVs, and they certainly ina college dormatory, didn't have a little
(37:51):
thing in their pockets that they couldconstantly like stream video content on. So
it was it was a different ancientera. And folks would you know,
go to the the TV lounge andthey would watch TV, and they would
you know, talk to each other, like not text each other, but
actually like talk like and see theirone another's faces like in real life,
(38:16):
and and you know, touch eachother. Yeah, it was college,
and I think that I think,you know, it was it was like
nine O two one O fans.You know, it was more of a
female demographic, But there were alot of guys there too, a lot
of guys especially who who wanted tohang out with some of the some of
(38:42):
the young women there. I knowthat was a big draw for some males
of my age, of my era. But Shannon do already, as as
you may have heard, passed away. She was a star of one of
the stars of Beverly Hills nine twoand oh she was just in her early
fifties. But she passed away ofbreast cancer. And yeah, she was
(39:07):
fifty three. She had fought breastcancer for years. Her illness was publicly
revealed in a lawsuit filed in twentyfifteen against her former business managers, and
that kind of is the crux ofwhy I want to talk about her right
(39:27):
now. There's an article that I'vegot here from ABC News from August twentieth,
twenty fifteen, that talks about howthat came out and revealed some of
the details, and it says thisactress Shannon Doherty is accusing her former business
managers of being crooked and claims ina new lawsuit that they not only stole
(39:50):
from their clients, but habitually blunderedthe tasks they were hired for, including
paying her insurance premiums Beverly Hills nineO two to one O Star revealed that
she's battling breast cancer that she saysworsened because her former business managers allowed her
health insurance to lapse. This isa case about crooked business managers who not
(40:15):
only stole from their clients, buthabitually blundered the most critical tasks of the
professional alleges. The lawsuit filed Wednesdayagainst Tanner Mainstein, Glenn and Johnson and
its former business partner, Stephen D. Blatt. Tanner Mainstein is the name
of the company. She alleged thatTanner failed to pay her premium for twenty
(40:37):
fourteen after receiving an invoice in Novembertwenty thirteen. The firm then terminated its
relationship with Doherty in February twenty fourteen, after which time she discovered that her
insurance premium had not been paid andshe was completely uninsured until the next Sagaray
(40:57):
enrollment period four twenty fifteen. Shewas a member of this Great Actor's Guilt
SAG. That's where she got herinsurance from As a result, Dougherty states,
she did not visit the doctor regularlyin twenty fourteen. You know,
one of the biggest stars in televisionin the nineteen nineties, and she didn't
(41:20):
see a doctor because she was worriedhow much it was going to cost,
because healthcare costs a ridiculous amount ofmoney in this country, especially if you
don't have insurance. When she didreturn for a checkup in March twenty fifteen,
doctors discovered that she had invasive breastcancer metastatic to at least one lymph
(41:42):
node. She adds that she wastold her cancer had spread during twenty fourteen,
and had she been insured and ableto visit her doctor, the cancer
could potentially have been stopped, thusobviating the need for future treatment to be
in chemotherapy that she will likely haveto suffer through now and just in the
(42:05):
last few days now in twenty andtwenty four Shennon Doherty died of a breast
cancer that she'd been fighting that wholetime. And of course, you know
the company Tanner Mainstein. I don'tknow how this loss it was resolved,
or if it was resolved. Theydenied being in fault. It doesn't matter.
(42:29):
What matters is the fact that aperson who at one time was one
of the biggest stars on television,one of the most famous people in America,
possibly in the world at the time, someone with access to enormous amounts
of resources, still came to apoint in their lives where healthcare the thing
(42:54):
that can keep you alive and spotta disease and do something about it before
it gets out of hand. Thatwas too expensive for her because she didn't
have insurance for a year. Andif the shnnon Dohertys of the world are
(43:15):
worried about paying for their health care, it can't afford insurance and so don't
go to the doctors and eventually passaway because they didn't have access to health
care. What's going to happen tothe rest of us? What does that
mean for us? This is whywe need universal health care. Nobody's health
care should lapse. It shouldn't bea question. This is important, This
(43:39):
is so important. If it couldhappen to Shannondoherty, it could happen to
you, It shouldn't happen to anyone. We need universal health care. I
want to thank you for listening today. I appreciate you doing that. If
you want to reach us, tomessage or talk to us, you can
do that at two zero two sixfive one. You can go to facepalm
(44:01):
America dot com for past episodes andmore information. And until next time,
enjoy the day. I'm in aworld of miracles none of us know as
(44:24):
God's plans, life's adventuals. Iwant to thank Franklin. The John People
Saying Podcast is now available six timesa week with me John Fugel sang I've
been murdered on CSI picketed by WestboroBaptist Church and host tell me Everything.
On Serious XM Progress one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians,
(44:46):
actors, filmmakers, rappers, rockstars, journalists, activists, unhinged callers,
and way too many comedians. Theyall have a place of the John Feaglesang
Podcast, and so do you.The John Fiegel sing Podcast Fair and Biased.
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to fos
Popular Podcasts
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
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.