Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock tackle some of the hottest issues making headlines—both at home and abroad. The conversation kicks off with a dive into history, reflecting on America’s ongoing struggle to balance free speech and government power, from the Alien and Sedition Acts of the 18th century to present-day campus protests and debates over censorship on social media.

The guys get into the nitty-gritty of the legal showdown between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump over the federalization of the National Guard during civil unrest. This is a topic with far-reaching implications for states’ rights and executive power. They relate this modern drama to past events, like Eisenhower’s historic call to federalize the Guard in Alabama during the civil rights era.

The discussion then shifts to today’s border and immigration challenges in Ohio and nationwide, exploring ICE enforcement, due process for asylum seekers, and the real-world impacts of shifting federal policies. Internationally, Steve and Norm dig into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, the role of U.S. foreign policy, and what it could mean for global stability.

As always, our hosts wrap things up with some common sense—sharing their takes on local happenings, the importance of cultural mainstays like baseball, and a touching tribute to the late Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

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Common Sense Moments

00:00 Adams-Jefferson Rivalry and French Tensions

09:00 History Repeats: Rights Contested

10:52 US National Guard Federal Activation

19:31 Private Security Mistake Leads to Fatality

22:17 Media Misunderstandings on Deportation

26:39 Trump's Middle East Strategy Unveiled

36:42 Shifting Perspectives on Border Control

37:43 "Border Control Failures Echo 9/11"

44:09 Impact of Arrest on Family

48:37 Trump-Era Tariffs & Market Impact

56:13 "Brian Wilson: Good vs. Evil"

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

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