Podcast
Consumer Watchdog's Podcasts
Welcome to our Podcasting Series, where you can listen to recent commentaries and analysis about news of the day from the seasoned advocates at Consumer Watchdog.
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http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast.xml
Sign the petition at JustifyRates.org to Rein In Health Insurance to Rein In Health Insurance Rates
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Radio host Norman Goldman and JustifyRates.org Campaign Manager Carmen Balber talk about how citizens can take on the health insurance companies.
California voters can download, print, sign and return the official ballot petition at JustifyRates.org to make health insurance companies get rates approved before they take effect. The all-volunteer initiative campaign will rein in health insurance premiums that have increased 153% in the last decade - 5 times the rate of inflation.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_02-08-12_balber.mp3
Jamie Court announces the launch of the Justify Rates initiative.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Jamie Court announces the launch of the Justify Rates initiative, which is seeking to put a proposition on the 2012 ballot that would force health insurers to publicly justify their rates - under penalty of perjury - before they take effect.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_02-02-12_court.mp3
Jamie Court describes the implications of Google's new privacy policy and corporate direction.
Thursday, 26 Janurary 2012
Jamie Court discusses the implications of Google's choosing to compile all its users data into one profile and sell it to advertisers, as well as altering search results to favor their own products and services.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_01-26-12_court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses SOPA, PIPA and the future of intellectual property rights.
Thursday, 19 Janurary 2012
Jamie Court discusses the effectiveness of the anti- SOPA and PIPA social media campaigns, as well as the future of intellectual property rights in what he describes as a battle between privacy and piracy.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_01-19-12_court.mp3
Jamie Court talks with Norman Goldman about the destruction of our 7th Amendment rights through corporate-directed arbitration clauses.
Thursday, 12 Janurary 2012
Jamie Court discusses the spread of arbitration clauses in contracts which undermines a person's right to a trial in court. Making matters worse, arbitrators are hired by corporations, and as such rule in favor of the corporation an overwhelming percentage of the time.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_01-12-12_court.mp3
Jamie Court announces his intention to get a proposition on the 2012 ballot to regulate health insurance costs in the state of California.
Thursday, 5 Janurary 2012
Jamie Court discusses the hows and whys of getting a proposition on the 2012 ballot that will allow California citizens to choose whether they want health insurers to have to publicly justify their rate hikes before they take effect.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_01-05-12_court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses the evolving debate and future of the national health care legislation.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Jamie Court discusses the implications of the national health care law, which is slated to be reviewed by the Supreme Court next year. He also discusses Obama's decision to protect a key provision of the law against waivers requested by certain states.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_12-15-11_Court.mp3
Jamie and Norm discuss "The Dirty Thirty" corporations that manipulate the system to pay no taxes.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Jamie Court discusses how corporations like those in "The Dirty Thirty" list use tax loopholes and massive lobbying efforts to take without giving back to our country, and infringe on our rights and liberties at the same time.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_12-08-11_Court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses smart phones tracking users every move, phone call and internet search.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Jamie Court discusses the scope and consequences of recent revelations regarding the "Carrier IQ" program loaded on every Android smartphone - which cannot be turned off or deleted - and reports on every move and / or keystroke performed by the user.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/ng_12-01-11_court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses the possibility to impose the financial transaction tax on Wall St. traders.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses why the national nurses union is marching on the office of Tim Geithner, and how he is a major source of oppositon in getting Wall St. to pay their fair share of taxes on the money they make every day.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_11-03-11_Court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses the trajectory of the Occupy Wall St. Movement
Thursday, 27 October 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses the trajectory of the Occupy Wall St. movement, and the mounting opposition to their prolonged presence at the entrance to the halls of power.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_10-27-11_Court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses health insurance rate regulation in CA and putting a proposition on the ballot.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Jamie Court, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, discusses plans to put an initiative to add a state-run health care public option on California’s 2012 ballot.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast-9-13-11_puboptprop_jamie.mp3
Jamie Court discusses the great news on the health care front in CA.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses the health insurance rate regulation bill AB 52 making it out of the California Assembly with only 7 votes in opposition.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_06-02-11_Court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses the need to enact AB 52 - a proposed law that would require health insurers to ask the Insurance Commissioner's permission before raising rates.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses the newly revealed millions in annual salaries for the top executives at Blue Shield of California - a supposedly non-profit health insurer - and how those salaries coupled with their attempt to raise rates by 86% this year serves as a clear argument as to why Californians need the Assembly Bill AB 52 to be made into law.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/NG_05-26-11_Court.mp3
Jamie Court discusses changes to the American mortgage market.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses how the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, being lead by Elisabeth Warren just issued new rules making homeowner/mortgage contracts simpler and easier to understand.
http://normangoldman.com/uploads/media/2378/NG_5-19-11_Jamie-Court.mp3
Jamie Court spells out the necessity of tough and fair state-run rate regulation for health insurance.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court spells out the necessity of tough and fair state-run rate regulation for health insurance. With all U.S. citizens being required to purchase private insurance plans starting in 2014, the states must step forward to ensure those policies are both affordable as well as comprehensive.
http://www.normangoldman.com/uploads/media/2367/Jamie_05-12-11.mp3
Jamie Court Discusses Online Privacy and the Nation's First Hearings On a Proposed "Do Not Track Me" Law in California
Thursday, 5 May 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses the issue of online privacy and the forces aligned against your rights. The nation's first legislative committee hearings over a proposed "Do Not Track Me" law were held in California this week. Despite an overwhelming presence of lobbyists from Big Tech, the proposal made it out of committee on a 3-2 vote.
http://www.normangoldman.com/uploads/media/2356/Norm_JCourt_5-5-11.mp3
Jamie Court Discusses Gas Prices and the Supreme Court's Devastating Decision Against Class Action Rights
Thursday, 28 April 2011
In this week's spot on the Norman Goldman Show, Jamie Court discusses the price of oil and how speculation is driving the price up, rather than on the ground / real-world costs. He'll also discuss the Supreme Court's ruling that class action lawsuits cannot occur if there is an arbitration clause in the contract.
http://www.normangoldman.com/uploads/media/2347/Jamie-Court.mp3
Jamie Court is a guest on the Norman Goldman Show
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Jamie Court discusses the implications of a POTUS visit, iPhone secret tracking, Earth Day, and traffic jams.
http://normangoldman.com/uploads/media/2335/court-interview.mp3
Viacom v. Google Copyright Infringement Suit Documents Released... kind of
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Despite the release of records to the public from the highly contentious Viacom v. Google Copyright Infringement Suit, depositions from major players within Google's increasingly secretive inner circle were kept from public scrutiny for untold reasons.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_3-18-10_Simpson.mp3
Anthem Blue Cross As Best Spokesman For Health Care Reform
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan discusses how, after Obama's latest speech on health care reform, Anthem Blue Cross's announced 40%+ rate hikes remain an important ally in backing up his argument.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_3-2-10_Dugan_BCasHCAdvoc.mp3
Google's Buzz, And Lingering Issues Of Privacy
Tuesday, 12 February 2010
Consumer Watchdog's John Simpson comments on Google Buzz and the company's continuing problem with properly protecting the privacy of individual users.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_2-12-10_Simpson_GoogleBuzz.mp3
Google Feigns Privacy, Then Feigns Responsible Corporate Action When Caught
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Consumer Watchdog's John Simpson discusses the ongoing breaches of privacy Google seems conveniently unaware of.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_2-2-10_Simpson.mp3
Persistent Lies Employed In Shaping The Health Care Debate
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan discusses how, despite being exposed again and again as lies, several sources of misinformation useful in dismantling support for the Public Option remain active in the evolving debate meant to shape health care reform.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_11-12-09_Dugan-LiesInHealthCareDebate.mp3
Google's False Promise Of Control and Privacy
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Consumer Watchdog's John Simpson discusses the false promise of control and privacy with Google's Dashboard.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_11-12-09_Simpson-GoogleDashboard.mp3
Medical Tourism - "In Netork" Is Just A Continent Away...
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan discusses the emerging market of medical tourism and how foreign countries are trying to woo American HMOs and Employers to make their hospitals "in network."
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_10-3-09_Dugan-MedTourism.mp3
The Medicare Advantage Scam
Tuesday, 21 October 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan explains how Medicare Advantage has been turned into a profiteering machine for private insurers.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast_10-21-09_dugan_medAdvantScam.mp3
Making Health Insurers Accountable For Their Actions
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jerry Flanagan takes a minute to discuss the travesty of ERISA, and how health insurers are free to deny coverage without fear of any form of legal reprisal for doing so.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast-Instant_10-8-09_JerryERISA.mp3
Strict Regulation Is Shown To Foster Strong Competition And Healthy Profits
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court takes a minute to advocate strict regulation for any company hoping to get a piece of the impending health insurance deal running through Congress. He reminds us that history shows regulation is good for the consumer and for business.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast-Min_10-1-09_Court.mp3
The Officers Of The National Association Of Insurance Commissioners Are Trying To Write The Laws
Monday, 29 September 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan takes a minute to describe the dire circumstances surrounding the National Association Of Insurance Commissioners' attempt to write the framework for the national health care system, including plans that would circumvent state laws and leave little recourse for individuals when they have to sue.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast-judynaic092609.mp3
Formation Of The Consumer Financial Protection Agency, And Those Who Want To Stop It
Monday, 29 September 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Carmen Balber takes a minute to describe the formation of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency and the Big Banking forces aligned to gut, or stop it's implementation all together.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast-carmencfpa092809.mp3
Baucus' Anemic, Expensive Health Insurance Reform Bill
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jerry Flanagan talks with Judy Dugan about the Senator Max Baucus' anemic health insurance reform bill and it's ridiculous price tag.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_9-15-09_Dugan-Flanagan.mp3
Congressional Hearings On Google's Book Deal
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Consumer Watchdog's John Simpson discusses his testimony for a congressional committee investigating Google's book deal.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_9-15-09_Simpson.mp3
Baucus' Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform Analyzed
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jerry Flanagan talks with Judy Dugan about the Senator Max Baucus' plan for health insurance reform and its pitfalls for consumers.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast-9-8-09-CompHealthReformAnalyzed.mp3
Town Hall Meetings And The Debate Over Reforming Health Insurance
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jerry Flanagan talks with Barbara Bogaev about the mood found at town hall meetings when debating health insurance reform.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_8-13-09_Flanagan-Bogaev.mp3
National Health Insurance Reform Needs To Hold Health Insurers Legally Accountable
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jerry Flanagan and Judy Dugan discuss why we need more legal accountability for health insurers federal health reform legislation.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_8-4-09_Flanagan-Dugan_ERISA.mp3
GM's Bankruptcy Leaves Victims Of Faulty Products With No Protection
Friday, 3 July 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Doug Heller and Jamie Court talk about how GM's bankruptcy deal is going to leave the victims of catastrophic accidents caused by crippling design flaws out in the cold, with no recourse and no compensation.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast_7-1-09_GM-Bankruptcy.mp3
Turning Obama's Fuel Efficiency Standards Into Affordable Cars
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Doug Heller and Judy Dugan talk about the President's announcement that he's overhauling fuel efficiency standards and about Consumer Watchdog's new report card on the best and worst technologies for getting cleaner cars.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/podcast_5-19-09_Cheaper-Cleaner_Future.mp3
Health Care Reform, Or HMO Bailout?
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Jamie Court and Judy Dugan discuss how universal health care reform efforts in Washington, DC are going astray, and what's needed to get reform back on track.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Podcast_5-13-09-HealthCareReformOrHMOBailout.mp3
Allstate's Federal Deregulation
Monday, 4 May 2009
Jamie Court and Doug Heller discuss Allstate's effort to use the financial crisis as an excuse to remove the insurance industry from state oversight.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Allstates_Federal_Deregulation_Podcast_5-4-09.mp3
Costco Cools The Hot Fuel Ripoff
Wedesday, 22 April 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court and Judy Dugan discuss Costco's decision to sell temperature-adjusted fuel to consumers; and how this concession represents the first chink in the armor of Big Oil's multi-billion dollar fleecing of American consumers.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Pod_OilWatchdog_Court-Dugan-4-22-09.mp3
Limiting the Google Books deal
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court and John Simpson discuss their recent conversation with the US Justice Department about curbing Google's monopolistic power under the Google Books settlement.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Pod_DogHouse_Court-Simpson_3-14-09.mp3
Consumer Watchdog's Conversation About the White House Western Regional Forum On Health Care
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court and Doug Heller discuss and analyze the recent White House forum on Health Care.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Pod_HlthCare_Heller-Court_3-7-09.mp3
Why Obama Shouldn't Listen to Arnold on Health Care Reform
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Jamie Court explains why "Arnold Care" wasn't a model for the nation.
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/Pod_ObamaWatch_J-Court_3-2-09.mp3
Our Previous Podcast Series:
June 26, 2007 - 'Sicko' Could Cure American Apathy
Michael Moore's latest film comes out this week, and commentator Jamie Court thinks it might provide the emotional kick in the pants Americans need to finally demand universal health care and put private insurers out of business.
June 21, 2007 - Sue the Banks
OK, let's say you've been swindled. Who are you going to trust to get your money back - Uncle Sam or private plaintiffs' attorneys?
May 10, 2007 - The Market's the Problem with Health Care
Jamie Court says some of the biggest names on the Fortune 500 claim they want market forces to fix the problem of high health care costs. So they support the government making every American buy health insurance.
March 26, 2007 - Fuel Prices a Hot Topic
Jamie Court says it's simple physics. When it gets hot, gasoline expands. So you get less energy per gallon. Unfortunately, our gas pumps don't account for that.
February 26, 2007 - Health Security Is Now Mandatory Health Insurance?
Jamie Court says politicians and the medical insurance complex have morphed the universal heath care debate into a government campaign to force patients to buy health insurance.
February 9, 2007 - Three California Elections in 2008?
Jamie Court says California politicians are up to their dirty tricks. They're using the call for an early presidential primary as a Trojan horse to end term limits and keep their jobs in November. And saddling taxpayers with a $90 million bill to boot.
January 25, 2007 - "Gold-plated" Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder
Jamie Court On Bushcare: "Gold plated" health insurance is in the eye of the beholder says Court, who believes, "Government must force insurers to price their policies more fairly before it taxes people who are unfairly charged."
January 2, 2007 - Gas-price conspiracy? You bet!
The 110th Congress will be sworn in on Thursday. Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi has promised a whirlwind first 100 hours of the session. On the Democrats' list of things to do is cut subsidies to the oil industry. Perhaps as a result, the American Petroleum Institute � that's big oil's main lobbying group � is launching a public relations offensive.
November 2, 2006 - Eminent domain's slippery, costly slope
Measures in four Western states would force local governments to pay property owners if regulations � such as zoning � reduce their property value. Commentator Jamie Court argues that would actually hurt taxpayers and homeowners.
October 11, 2006 - Take the Politics Out of the Money
Members of Congress are back in their districts campaigning hard, many on the dime of lobbying groups after not passing any lobbying and ethics reform. Commentator and consumer advocate Jamie Court says it all comes down to getting what you pay for.
August 24, 2006 - Taking the ZIP-code Out of Auto Insurance
FTCR's Jamie Court explains why the nation should follow California's lead.
July 07, 2006 - Lay's Legacy
Ken Lay may have left the earth, but FTCR president Jamie Court talks about how his spirit is still with us in this Marketplace commentary from American Public Radio...
June 22, 2006 - AT&T Wants To Takeover Your World....
AT&T is lobbying on capitol hill for a pay-tv deregulation bill that�s likely to make it to the President�s desk. FTCR President Jamie Court tells you what it means to you.
May 24, 2006 - Going After The Gasoline Price Gougers
The oil industry is gouging Americans. FTCR's Jamie Court explains what the government needs to do about it. Listen to his commentary from American Public Media's Marketplace program.
March 20, 2006 - Will Bush and Congress Undo States' HMO Patients Rights Laws?
Junk health insurance coverage that does not includes benefits required by state law will be all too familiar in every state if President Bush and Congress have their way. The Senate could pass a bill soon. Listen to Jamie Court's commentary from American Public Media's Marketplace program.
January 23, 2006 - "Go Ahead and Die" by Austin Lounge Lizards and FTCR
Watch the animated music video featuring a new song - Go Ahead and Die - by the Austin Lounge Lizards urging Americans to sink the Pirates of the Health Care-ibbean.
Watch Other Health Care Animations & Videos by FTCR - Stay Tuned for More Podcasts.
- Stop the Pig People From Outer Space (PPOs).
- Fight Big Pharma: Prescription Drug Bulk Purchasing.
- HMO Merger Watch: PacifiCare Pig Out.
December 8, 2005 - Should Your Auto Insurance Rates Go Up If You Live Near a Restaurant?
A new insurance industry study says your auto insurance rates should change if you live near a church or a supermarket. FTCR's Doug Heller explains why this scheme should never be used and why the current system of ZIP Code based insurance rates is just as bad.
October 31, 2005 - If You Don't Show, You Can't Vote "No"
Jamie Court says that Arnold Schwarzenegger and his corporate backers want voters to stay home from the polls during next week's special election. And here's why.
October 10, 2005 - Katrina Relief Efforts Need Public Works, Not GOP Contractors
Jobs are the ultimate hurricane relief, so how can it be that federal government sponsored relief jobs are going to out-of-state contractors? By FTCR President Jamie Court
October 7, 2005 - Oil Companies Exporting Heating Oil To Drive Up the Price
Oil refiners should not get tax breaks to export petroleum products to Japan and drive up the price in America. By FTCR President Jamie Court
September 28, 2005 - Will Frist Follow DeLay?
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has been indicted,and Senate Leader Bill Frist is now under investigation for possible insider trading. FTCR has been speaking out about Frist's ethical lapses for the past two years. By FTCR President Jamie Court
September 21, 2005 - A Crude Offer Exposes American Oil Profiteers
OPEC has offered American oil refiners all the crude oil they want to to help restrain prices at the pump. OPEC's offer exposes the truth about the American oil industry: it intentionally keeps supplies low to keep the pump price high. By FTCR President Jamie Court
September 2, 2005 - Gas Gouging is Real
Oil companies have profited wildly with the jump at the pump. Here's what the president should do. By FTCR President Jamie Court
August 4, 2005 - Fighting Conflicts of Interest in City Hall
This week the Pasadena, California City Council voted to implement the toughest conflict of interest law in the nation - sponsored by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. FTCR President Jamie Court talks about the one catch...
July 13, 2005 - File a Claim, Lose Your Home Insurance?
Under a common insurance industry practice known as �Use it and Lose It,� many insurers punish customers by raising premiums or refusing to sell or renew a policy simply because the policyholder filed a claim in the past. The industry now tracks claims history through a national database much like a credit reporting agency. Insurance reformer Harvey Rosenfield talks about this industry scheme and why rules are needed to protect the public from being penalized simply for using their policy.
July 7, 2005 - The Case Against Cox to Head the SEC
Before entering Congress, Representative Chris Cox helped a client cover up one of the nation's biggest investment rip-offs, costing small investors up to $130 million. The man who protected a Wall Street swindler cannot be trusted to protect investors as the industry's top regulator. The Senate should reject Cox's nomination to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Fax Your Senator Today!
