America’s Morning News

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

If you didn’t tune into The Washington Times’ nationally syndicated radio show “America’s Morning News” - heard in Washington on WTNT-AM 570 - here’s what just a few of Thursday’s guests told co-hosts Melanie Morgan and John McCaslin:

- Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican: Explaining the premise of his new book, “Saving Freedom,” Mr. DeMint decried America’s rapid descent into socialism and said the nation has never before strayed further from the “principles of freedom.”

He said out-of-control government spending and power-grabbing are draining the economic and political will of Americans.

- Rep. Peter Hoekstra, Michigan Republican and ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: In the wake of powerful cyberattacks against the U.S. and South Korea, the congressman said it is time for the U.S. government to “stand up” to North Korea, which is suspected in the recent attacks via the Internet.

If substantive action is not taken, North Korea will next target the U.S. banking system and electrical grid, possibly bringing Americans to their knees, Mr. Hoekstra told “America’s Morning News.”

- House Minority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor, Virginia Republican: Mr. Cantor said he will request a meeting with President Obama about “redirecting” the first round of stimulus funds, which so far have not worked.

Instead, the nation’s unemployment rate continues its rise toward double digits. The bottom line: Mr. Obama’s $787 billion stimulus bill has been an ineffective waste of money, Mr. Cantor said.

- George Weigel, Roman Catholic theologian and senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center: In advance of his meeting in Rome with Pope Benedict XVI, President Obama has no right to “insert himself” into the discussion surrounding positions and direction of the Catholic Church, Mr. Weigel said.

Mr. Obama is not “Catholic-friendly,” he warned.