The Conversation: Angelle, Griffon, Starnes Talk Energy, Family, Religion
NewsTalk 96.5 KPEL hosted “The Conversation” Nov. 14, which featured discussion from Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, radio talk show host Moon Griffon and “Fox News & Commentary” host Todd Starnes.
Angelle began the conversation by discussing Louisiana’s energy boom, which he credits to recent news that the U.S. produced more oil domestically than it imported for the first time since 1995. This shift, he said, is paving the way for the country to surpass Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s top oil producer.
“This is nothing short of a game-changing, seismic shift due to three things that were invented and perfected by Americans: hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling techniques and deepwater technology,” Angelle said.
According to Angelle, the shift also “sparked more than $120 billion in U.S. investments last year,” shaving “$32 billion off the nation’s trade deficit” along the way.
“All we’re talking about . . . happened not because of the government, but rather in spite of the government,” he said, “demonstrating that capitalism and free enterprise can take you to places big government absolutely never will take you to.”
Fifteen-year radio veteran Griffon took the mic next to discuss the importance of family values and of keeping the youth in Louisiana.
“I love this state, and y’all do, too,” Griffon said. “And people that live in this state, you don’t wanna see your kids leave.”
Regardless of south Louisiana’s energy success, the Monroe native said his region of Louisiana isn’t seeing any job creation, noting it’s up to the state’s administration to foster better initiatives for business owners.
“If you don’t make this a friendly business state, you’re never gonna change this state,” he said. “You’re never gonna keep our people.”
Griffon also expressed his disappointment with Gov. Bobby Jindal, something stemming from his own wish that elected officials would hold more steadfast to the promises that got them elected.
“I’ve been disappointed in Jindal — absolutely, I’ve been disappointed,” said Griffon, “because I really thought we finally had the guy. And I’m not so much into parties, but I am into someone coming along and trying their best to make this a state where our kids are not leaving anymore.”
Starnes closed the conversation with commentary on the importance of maintaining religious freedoms in the U.S., and he also applauded an “exciting” time for the nation’s youth while warning of a “dangerous” shift in educational and military indoctrination that will happen regardless of party lines.
“Christians, those who believe in God, are facing incredible turmoil and hardship as a result of their faith,” said Starnes, a self-proclaimed southern Baptist.
Starnes cited one high school valedictorian’s criticism for reciting a prayer during his graduation speech and another incident when students were allegedly shooed from the U.S. Capitol for holding a group prayer. Both situations involved rebellion against those trying to shun the religious acts.
“Something is happening in this country — something exciting,” Starnes opined. “I’ve seen a new generation of Americans, young people, that are willing to stand firm in their faith.”
While he said he’d like to see a few million taxpayers march on Washington to make themselves heard, Starnes also said it’s important for community members to become involved with their local school system, as this is where “indoctrination” occurs.
“As a taxpayer, you need to understand what you’re paying for,” Starnes said. “Because you’re actually paying for this indoctrination.”
Indoctrination also occurs in the military, Starnes said, where he said the Obama administration is teaching servicemen and women that evangelical Christians and Catholics are extremists.
“One day there is gonna come a time when they’re gonna start shutting down our churches, and it’s gonna be a heck of a lot easier to do when you’ve got a military that’s been trained that what’s happening in those churches is extremism,” said Starnes. “It’s really unacceptable.”
But Starnes said U.S. citizens shouldn’t rely on the bipartisan government to protect these freedoms and should rely on their personal faiths, noting that “most of the major culture war decisions” were made by Supreme Court justices appointed by a Republican administration.
“We don’t need people in this country to bow down to the Republican elephant or the Democratic donkey,” expressed Starnes. “We need people willing to bow down to the line of Judah. I know that may be politically incorrect, and that may be a shock hearing a journalist say that, but that is my observation.”
The District at 4607 Johnston Street hosted the event, which featured catering by the Petroleum Club.
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