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.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

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Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio, where hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock cut through the noise to talk about the hottest issues affecting Ohio—and the nation at large. In this June 11, 2025 episode, the guys dive headfirst into the recent wave of riots spreading across cities like a contagion, unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes, and debate the government’s response. They draw fascinating connections to history—think Magna Carta—and discuss its continued impact on American law and governance.

Steve and Norm don’t shy away from controversy. They tackle explosive topics like the chaos following targeted ICE arrests in LA, the politics behind deploying the National Guard, and the persistent double standards in how law enforcement actions and protests are perceived by the media and politicians. They also take a look at broader societal shifts, such as the landmark Supreme Court decision in Ames vs. Ohio Department of Youth Services and what it means for anti-discrimination law in America.

Switching gears, the episode delves into the big changes on the college sports front, with Ohio universities now legally paying athletes under new NIL agreements, and the challenges this brings. Plus, they poke at some big philosophical questions—from the legalization of gambling and marijuana to the privacy risks of DNA testing companies like 23andMe selling genetic data during bankruptcy proceedings.

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As always, Steve and Norm wrap things up with their weekly outrages and wins—touching on recent law enforcement issues in Ohio, the importance of recognizing military service in schools, and surprising moments of accountability in public service. It’s thought-provoking, sometimes fiery, and quintessentially Common Sense Ohio.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s show, recorded on May 28, 2025, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock deliver their no-nonsense take on everything from historical scandals to hot topics right here in the Buckeye State.

They kick things off with a look back at the infamous Watergate break-in—unpacking the enduring legacy of political coverups—and quickly draw parallels to the modern controversies swirling around today’s leaders. From the ongoing questions about accountability in the White House to new revelations about COVID-19 policies and vaccine recommendations, no stone is left unturned.

The hosts then pivot to free speech, comparing American First Amendment protections to the increasing crackdowns across Europe and the UK, where people are being arrested for social media posts and even silent prayer. If you’ve ever wondered what separates American liberties from those abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Closer to home, Steve and Norm get fired up about everything from controversial school bathroom policies in Upper Arlington, the changing safety climate in Columbus’ Short North, to whether schools do enough to honor new military recruits. There’s also spirited banter about the NBA’s “doctors,” LeBron James’ newly minted honorary degree, celebrity activism, and a heartfelt farewell to Ohio musician Rick Derringer.

Rounding out the episode, the guys tackle Chinese-owned businesses in Ohio, local government cyberattacks, the fallout from the Jussie Smollett case, and, as always, their picks for outrage and triumph of the week—including chipmunks wreaking havoc, and a tribute to the legacy of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson.

Grab your coffee and settle in for a fast-paced, sharp-witted discussion that covers the headlines, the history, and everything in between—from the heartland’s common sense perspective.

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00:00 Nixon's Watergate Cover-Up Attempt

05:55 "Current Scandals and Historical Parallels"

09:14 "Imagining U.S. Without First Amendment"

11:43 "Hyde Park Soapbox Origins"

16:21 London Police Chief's Online Speech Warning

17:36 Liverpool Parade Incident

23:18 Short North Seeks Tax Authority

25:15 "What Went Wrong?"

27:40 NBA Legend's 1980s Dominance

32:25 Ohio House Bill Targets Foreign Ownership

36:43 Deputy Killed by Recidivist Shooter

39:48 Columbus Data Breach Lawsuits

42:19 Jussie Smollett Case Closure

46:44 "Impact of Faked Race Crimes"

50:09 Upper Arlington Graduation Highlights

51:52 Memorial Day: Honoring Fallen Heroes

56:19 Chipmunk Conquest Costs Friendships

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.