At this writing we’ve learned that 97.1 FM Talk continues to soar to new heights in St. Louis radio, led by Dave and Tom who lead afternoon drive.  Across the board, you’ve made it clear that entertaining, informed and provocative content is what you want.  Management and all of us on air work hard to earn your ear, and are thankful that you have make every day a pleasure to spend some time together talking about the American experience........

‘Genuine’……there’s a great springboard to what’s been on my mind recently.  I’ve been trying for some time to put my finger on just what’s behind the malaise that seems to be consuming many folks these days.  Despite facts to the contrary, many Americans are cynical and pessimistic, almost to the point of defeated.   While living the most materially abundant lives on the planet, enjoying nearly 6 years of post 9/11 domestic safety, and a robust economy (just check your pension value) with under 5% unemployment, you’d expect jubilation at the water cooler every day.  Instead, there’s something peculiarly American that’s in short supply.  We’re thirsty, no, downright desperate for the equivalent of a drop of live giving water.  That quintessential American ideal?  The real McCoy, unadulterated, 120 proof…..Authenticity. 

            Just look at the polls.  Whether it’s the president, the Congress, the bureaucracies they proliferate and anoint as immortal every day, we’re all on to the scam….the game’s up.  While the Democrats claim their darling Senators Clinton and Obama are the real deal, a closer look at their ‘new direction’ reveals a triptik to more of the same.  The GOP has played charade too, with a bloated federal government the main ‘payoff’ of what should have been a return to conservative, small government leadership we thought when we gave the Republicans both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. 

            That’s why this cycle, authenticity will be a defining trait of whoever triumphs in November.  At all levels of government, look for the victor to be candid, authentic and transparent.  Look for the person who exhibits down home common sense, relative independence from elite academia, a dogged work ethic particularly with regard to applied history, and the ability to resonate with you and me by laughing at the self absorbed media who already have made it clear a Democratic should occupy the Oval Office.  Newt Gingrich said as much in the Q and A after a speech to the National Press Club the other day, and specifically mentioned former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee as one to step forward in the coming weeks.  This Baptist minister turned governor is from Hope, just like Bill Clinton, but as best we can tell is not a triangulator, governed with tough love, and is unabashed about his stances. 

            So whether it’s Huckabee, or Newt, or whoever, I’ll bet the winner will give us a sorely needed quenching with honesty, transparency and the ability to show the passion and stifle the pandering.  I’m ready…are you?

Finally, the summer is thumping us with another great torrid, stifling heat wave…..the last, I hope.  Be sure to hydrate before, during and after any more than a casual stroll from your car to the office or a shopping stop.  Choose water or one of the sports drinks like Gatorade; alcohol or caffeine on the other hand are diuretics, so avoid them until after your sunny jaunt.  Wear loose, light and tight knitted clothing, minimize activities between 12:00 and 4:00 and listen to your body.  If you are nauseated, light headed or become fatigued, get inside and soak up the A/C.  While this advice is old news to many, the sad fact is that scores of Americans succumb to summer’s sizzling days every year, often the elderly and very young, or those with chronic heart or lung disease.

Have a great rest of the summer….the whole Saturday morning gang, Kelly, Steph and I look forward to getting our weekends off to a great start with you each and every week.