The Michael Ostrolenk Show

Ostrolenk speaks with Matt Fay, Foreign and Defense Policy Analyst for the Niskanen Center on Defense Reform. Fay comments on the Pentagon’s claim that a readiness issue resulted from sequestration. However, Fay argues that such an assertion is difficult to prove, given that the Pentagon does not utilize adequate metrics to measure readiness, relying on input, rather than output, indicators. Furth...

Ostrolenk speaks with Paul Saunders, Executive Director of the Center for National Interests, on US military intervention. Saunders sets out by explaining how American conventional wisdom has become set on fixing every problem and righting every wrong. This ambitious foreign policy, however, is based on intentions rather than results. Saunders argues that we should intervene only when the cost is...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on why predator drone strikes must be eliminated to increase America’s safety. Predator drone strikes, Fein argues, are often carried out on faulty intelligence, leading to more civilian deaths, and becoming a symbol of American’s indifference to the killing of Muslims. This, in turn, fosters resentment and ultimately breeds more anti-America...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on the debate over what qualifies as cyber warfare, versus what qualifies as a cyber criminal attack. Bruce suggests a definition of his own, and further advocates that congress, rather than the president, should have the authority to create the criteria of, and response to, both categories. To learn more about Bruce and his work, check out h...

Ostrolenk shares his thoughts on the structure of the United State’s education system. Through his own experience in formulating interdisciplinary education programs, Ostrolenk describes how he has explored the origins of the U.S.’s system, the current critiques, and what alternatives are available. Focusing on various alternatives, Ostrolenk shares how education can be structured to advocate for...

Ostrolenk talks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on why the American Empire can be categorized as one “too-big-to-fail.” By permitting businesses to grow so large that the economy relies heavily upon them, the government becomes quick to bail out even the most mismanaged business to prevent economic collapse. Such a system has led to income inequality based not on differences in innovation,...

Ostrolenk talks with Patrick Eddington, a Policy Analyst in Homeland Security and Civil Liberties at the CATO Institute, and former CIA analyst, who shares his views on the importance of passing the Surveillance State Repeal Act. This bill, originally introduced by Former Representative Rush Holt, would essentially repeal all 150(+) provisions of The Patriot Act, including troubling provisions all...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein concerning the United State’s complex entanglement in the Middle East, which currently includes fighting with the Iranians in Iraq against ISIS, against the Iranians and Hezbollah in Syria, and protecting Hezbollah against ISIS in Lebanon. The intricacy of our current entanglement, Bruce comments, is proof that we need to return to the fundam...

Ostrolenk shares thoughts on the many elements that a person diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder may want to alter before taking medication, including: dietary choices, sleep habits, and stress levels. Further he shares his personal experience in being diagnosed with ADD and what treatments worked, many of which we teach at the Unbeatable Mind Academy. Note from Ostrolenk: I am not a license...

Ostrolenk talks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein who is currently writing up articles of impeachment for South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Graham, in his aspirations to become president, stated in a recent speech that he would coerce Congress to increase the military budget by using military force. Fein discusses why this is an impeachable offense, and the process that must take...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein about how our country’s present-day leaders are traitors to the American cause. Prioritizing the supremacy of the state and military over civilians, today’s political order more closely resembles the monarchy that our founding fathers rose up against. Rand Paul, Bruce points out, is one of the few leaders who’s ideology runs contrast to this....

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton using her personal email for work-related communication. Most troubling to Bruce is the lack of transparency, as well as lack of security, in Mrs. Clinton’s actions. This behavior, he concludes, is an example of our government’s trend towards unchecked power. To learn more about Bruce and his work,...

Ostrolenk talks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein who offers his views on the upcoming debate in the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee over AUMF. Fein speculates as to why President Obama would even request the AUMF, given the fact that he is already unilaterally waging war on ISIS. Furthermore, Fein argues that the AUMF provision allowing for ground troops will lead to an escalation of US inv...

Fiscal conservatives have urged Price to draft a budget resolution keeping the caps in place, rightfully noting that the BCA has “effectively curbed excessive spending.” They also called on him to scrutinize the use of the war budget slush fund. - See more at: http://rightondefense.org/#sthash. ClPt3MwX.dpuf

Bruce Fein shares his thoughts on intellectual development, from our training through public education to our personal search for virtue. He comments on various lifestyle choices that either foster or impede intellectual development, including consumerism versus minimalism, and the desire for creature comforts versus the search for truth. Ultimately, the deficiencies of our educational system, Fei...

Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein discusses the human nature behind groups like ISIS. He comments that ideologically-void, power-seeking groups like ISIS are not new to human history, and will ultimately self-destruct. To learn more about Bruce and his work, check out his website at: www.brucefeinlaw.com, or follow him on Twitter: @BruceFeinEsq

Ostrolenk discusses with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein the flawed U.S. approach towards ISIS, and the Middle East at large. Fein points to the fact that the United States has both propped up oppressive regimes, and chronically inflated the threat of international terrorism, ultimately undermining our efforts. He concludes by analyzing the U.S.’s moral obligation to help establish stability in...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on why it is unconstitutional to rescind the citizenship of an American who decides to fight with ISIS. To learn more about Bruce and his work, check out his website at: www.brucefeinlaw.com, and his books: American Empire Before the Fall; Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, or follow him on T...

Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein to discuss his views on American-Iranian relations in the context of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech before Congress. Fein argues that the PM’s assertions are an exaggeration of both Iran’s intent and capabilities. Furthermore, Fein provides historical evidence as to why it is likely nuclear deterrence will work on Iran. To learn mo...

In the context of Netanyahu’s upcoming address to the U.S. Congress, Ostrolenk speaks with Constitutional Scholar Bruce Fein on why the U.S. should not seek the Prime Minister’s advice in charting policy towards Iran. Rather, the U.S. should seek bilateral relations of interest, lead by example instead of pursuing regime change, and recognize that Iran is likely to respond to the incentives that t...

Ostrolenk answering a great question from @CoachKiki about the possible dangers of psychedelic psychotherapy. It’s important to note that this form of therapy is not for everyone. However, for those who do wish to pursue it, note the following recommendations: proceed with caution, namely being in the correct place in your treatment plan, feeling safe with your guide and location, as well as knowi...

Ostrolenk sharing @RachelCW question on how not to be so reactive emotionally to the various insults to one’s dignity big and small.

Following up on my previous mental musings on technology as an extension of our nervous system, I answer follow up questions by @CoachKiki on memory and knowledge acquisition as they relate to our use of smart devices

Bruce Fein discusses his theory of man – what motivates us to think and act the way we do – as well as the less commonly asked question: are these actions virtuous? Through a lifetime’s literature review on the topic, Bruce addresses how these basic motivations are influencing events in today’s world. He concludes with advice on how we can become a “Learn-Thrill,” better distribute power, and unif...

Answering a question from @WriteCoachKiki on my thoughts on how social media and online life might be contributing to lack of civility in the modern work. I discuss technology as an extension of our nervous system/ brain/mind and how at its present immature state of development can lead users to objectivity other human beings.