Upstream Ideas
Summary: "He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo. Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.
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Podcasts:
The Chicago Tribune wrote that the 15 Republicans who voted for Madigan's tax hike will look like chumps. Does the 32% tax hike change Illinois' fiscal trajectory? Does Governor Rauner want his veto overridden? Does Speaker Madigan want to override the veto? Is Madigan the master of blackmail politics? Illinois State Representative for the 97th district Mark Batinick joined Dan and John Kass to argue for a principled path forward that protects Illinois families.
The idea-free, identity-obsessed Democrat Party launched their new slogan: "Have You Seen The Other Guy." Has the left lost its mind? Is the Democrat Party lurching left? Is Bernie Sanders the new face of the Party? What are President Trump's chances for reelection? Dan and John Kass posed these questions and more to Rich Lowry, editor of National Review, Fox News contributor and author of “Lincoln Unbound.”
A CNN "New Day" associate producer was caught by Project Veritas saying Trump is a "clown" and the American voter is "stupid as sh*t." At least we can all agree that we wish Chris Cuomo would stop talking. Is Brian Stelter a ridiculous figure? Why does CNN keep making the media the story? Has the media lost their way? Dan and John Kass were joined by Frank Sesno, CNN’s former Washington Bureau Chief; currently Director of George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, and author of “ASK MORE: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change.”
What is the buzz in Springfield about Speaker Madigan and the override vote to confirm a permanent 32% income tax increase? What kind of game is Madigan playing by delaying the vote? Has he lost control of his caucus or does he want the downgrade? What's next for the 16 Republicans (15 House, 1 Senate) who voted for the Democrats' tax hike? Political Reporter for the Peoria Journal Star, Chris Kaergard joins Dan Proft and John Kass (in for Amy Jacobson) to discuss the three-dimensional chess game being played in Springfield.
Is the criticism that the media has become a caricature of itself in the Trump Era accurate? To what extent has editor-driven, narrative-driven reporting infiltrated the D.C. Press Corp? What are the traditional journalistic standards for using anonymous sources? Have those standards changed in reaction to the candidacy and presidency of Donald Trump? Award-winning journalist and author of The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think and How You Vote, Sharyl Attkisson joins Dan Proft and John Kass (in for Amy Jacobson) to give a fascinating insider's view of how the media has changed.
Illinois lawmakers are back in Springfield for a special session, and both Republicans and Democrats have tax hikes top of mind. On this edition of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes take calls from concerned Illinoisans and discuss why Republicans – led by Gov. Bruce Rauner – are capitulating and supporting tax hikes. They also talk to a downstate taxpayer activist who is fighting back against skyrocketing property taxes by taking the issue to court.
What is the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Senate Healthcare Bill in its current form? Why don't Republicans lead on the Healthcare issue instead of accepting Democrats premise that their plan is heartless? What provision in the GOP plan is most concerning? Peter Ferrara, former advisor to President Reagan and Senior Fellow of Entitlement and Budget Policy at The Heartland Institute joins Dan and Amy to diagnose the issue.
The Wall Street Journal framed the choice for Congressional Republicans this way: Republicans can put aside their narrow self-interest and fix Obamacare on their terms. Or they can collapse in disarray and bail it out on Mr. Schumer's. In 2018, will the GOP defend a success or try to explain away a failure? Why does the GOP always argue on Democrats' terms instead of just laying out their vision for the American people? Former Trump Advisor and WSJ Columnist Stephen Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss
Former ABC-7 political reporter Charles Thomas joined Dan & Amy to discuss his new project, The Chicago Drum, focused on elevating new voices in Chicago's Black community. Does the Chicago Democrat Party serve the interests of the Black community? How will the Chicago Drum help hold black elected leaders accountable? Can we change the narrative by changing the voices that are heard? Why are white liberals so resistant to give the black community a voice?
A big religious case adjudicated by the Supreme Court deals a blow against bigotry and for religious liberty. How does the Supreme Court view religious liberty and the right of free association in an individual's commercial life? Dan & Amy recap the Supreme Court's decision with Kerri Kupec, Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom.
The SCOTUS handed a partial victory to the Trump Administration. Is Trump’s temporary travel restriction a Muslim ban? Can Trump's tweets be used to show his intent? What impact will yesterday's SCOTUS decision have on religious freedom? Dan & Amy posed these questions and more to Randy Barnett, Georgetown Law Professor& Author of “Our Republican Constitution: Securing the Liberty and Sovereignty of We the People”.
The Supreme Court Of The United States affirms religious liberty and gives a qualified affirmation of executive power over immigration. What does the decision mean for Trump’s temporary travel ban? What should we make of the hysterical response from the left? Are Justices Gorsuch, Thomas, and Alito the three horsemen of the apocalypse? Dan & Amy were joined by Cato Institute Senior Fellow Walter Olson who offers his take on the SCOTUS' decisions.
The Senate GOP unveiled their Obamacare replacement and they're already two votes short. But is "nice" enough for President Trump? Dan & Amy were joined by HealthInsuranceMentors.com's C. Steven Tucker to distinguish between the Senate GOP and House GOP versions of Obamacare repeal.
Is it technically breaking news if it is the same news everyday for eight months? Should the Justice Department investigate Hillary Clinton? Is Robert Muller’s record as FBI Director relevant? Should House Democrats replace Nancy Pelosi? Tim Carney, Senior Political Columnist for the Washington Examiner, joined Dan & Amy.
Since Dennis Rodman's shuttle diplomacy failed, what can be done to avenge Otto Warmbier and end Kim Jong-un? Is the North Korea threat growing? Is ending North Korea the only way to end the North Korea threat? Should the U.S. impose sanctions? Dan & Amy asked former US Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton.
