New Orleans is the murder capitol of America with one of the worst murder rates in the world. And the killings continue at an ever growing rate.  When it comes to murder rates, America surpasses the developed world at some five per 100,000 people. New Orleans has more than ten times that number. But just as troubling is the fact that the criminal justice system that is supposed to protect the citizens of New Orleans is rife with corruption and incompetence.  New Orleans is the “city that care forgot.”  And in a tough and frank new column, Jim Brown writes that the those in the Crescent  City that are suppose to serve and protect are a major part of the problem.  You can read his new column now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Flashing Red Box above.

The countdown has begun for this week’s “Common Sense” radio program, and we have a full plate on tap for our listeners this Sunday. Check your local listings and you can always listen live right here on this website. Our network continues to grow and we want to welcome two new stations; WRJM 1270am and 107.5fm out of Charleston, Illinois, and WHOW 1520am and 92.3fm that broadcasts from Decatur/Bloomington, Illinois.  Glad you listeners in America’s heartland will be tuning in.

 Do we need to rewrite America’s constitution?  A number of people think so.  I was a delegate to a constitutional convention back in 1973 that rewrote my State of Louisiana’s constitution.  But a rewrite of what was conceived by the Founding Fathers?  That may be a big task to take on.  Paul Antinori has written a new book called “Convention: To Resurrect the U.S. Constitution,” and he feels the old document needs another good review.  He will join us on Sunday.  You can find out more of Paul’s ideas and new book by Clicking Here.

 We will also talk about the complete breakdown and dysfunction of the criminal justice system in New Orleans (See this week’s column).  And we always talk about what it takes to keep you healthy, with some good tips about vitamins.  Should you be taking them?  A full agenda on the “Common Sense” program this weekend, so be sure and turn in.

My friend and legendary former LSU basketball coach is the best motivator, hands down, that I have ever know.  Nobody gives an inspirational speech any better than Coach Brown.   He sent me the video below, that gives an excellent perspective of how much we take for granted, and the difficulties faced by so many others worldwide.  Thanks a look for yourself.  And thanks Coach Brown for all you do for others.

Can we even remember for how many years we have been listening to Diana Ross sing one hit after the other?  Back in my elected official’s days in the mind 1980s, I held a fundraiser in Baton Rouge with this music Diva.  She was a superstar then and still is today.  She had me up on the stage to dance with her, and she had to stop and laugh at my questionable but colorful dance steps. I was in that number on the Mississippi Gulf Coast recently for her sold out concert, and had the chance after the show to visit for a bit.  “Of course I remember dancing with you,” she told me.  Yeah, right!  Then she laughed again.  It was a treat visiting with her, she really seemed to enjoy her audience, and her voice has not changed on bit. Take a listen at the lady below.

Issues involving and affecting women will be a major focus of this presidential campaign.  Have the Republicans driving some women voters away with the GOP with so much emphasis on social issues?  And are the Democrats being too patronizing of women today?  Daughter Campbell has written an Opinion Page article in Sunday’s New York Times, raising questions about the catering on women’s issues by the President.  Take a look and see if you agree.  You can read her article by Clicking Here.

Will the big banks and the Wall Street profiteers ever learn?  Or do they even want to?  The latest financial fiasco involves my own personal bank.  It’s the guys at J.P. Morgan-Chase that, once again, crossed the line of responsible money management.   There was a “make the big bucks” mentality by the bank rather than a focus on the quality of the loans that were being made. I don’t need or want my bank to lay down a bet on some complicated credit default swap or other exotic roll of the financial dice.  But that’s exactly what Chase has been doing with my money.  They have taken a big hit.  And I’m not happy.  I hope you agree, but either way, take a look at my new column that looks at this whole sorted financial mess.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the Red Flashing Box above.