Plain Talk

State Rep. Rick Becker (R-Bismarck) caused some controversy when he posted an internet meme showing what some say is a mean-spirited depiction of prison rape. He responds to the controversy, calling his critics "hyper sensitive."

Congressman Kelly Armstrong joined this episode of Plain Talk for what will be weekly segments taking your questions. Submit them via Facebook or Twitter, or email them to rob@sayanythingblog.com. Also, should billionaires be illegal? That's a popular opinion among left wing activists and politicians these days, but does it make sense?

This episode of Plain Talk features what will be a regular segment with Senator Kevin Cramer answering questions from both you and me. Email your questions in each week to rob@sayanythingblog.com and I'll ask them. This week Cramer talks about donating shutdown salaries - he says it's not very noble - his reaction to Trump's State of the Union address, and his meeting with AG nominee William Barr. Also, North Dakota lawmakers shoot down a hike to the fuel tax, but shouldn't we be willing to pay for good roads?

Rob's appearance on the Jay Thomas Show on WDAY AM970 in Fargo/Moorhead talking about civil asset forfeiture legislation.

Big surprise, law enforcement turned out in force to oppose legislation to crack down on civil asset forfeiture. Why is it such a controversial idea to say the cops can't keep your stuff unless you're convicted of a crime? Also, Governor Doug Burgum has been passionately pitching an appropriation for the Teddy Roosevelt presidential library in Medora, but many are skeptical. He defends his position on this episode.

Legislation proposed in Bismarck would remove mandates for eight of North Dakota's 11 institutions of higher education from the state constitution. The Grand Forks Herald, in an editorial, argues this puts those universities at risk. But shouldn't universities exist because they're needed, and not because they're mandated by law? Also state Senator Nicole Poolman (R-Bismarck) talks about her bill to expand North Dakota's school anti-bullying policies to social media situations outside of school.

Is the biggest threat to free speech in America, in 2019, the government? Or us? Also Allan Dickerson, an attorney from the Foundation for the Freedom of Speech, talks about his group's opposition to implementing Measure 1.

On this episode of Plain Talk, Senator John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) talks about his role on a conference committee which is tasked with finding a compromise on border security to avoid another government shutdown. Also, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) is under attack from supporters of Heidi Heitkamp (who he replaced in the Senate) because he is...co-sponsoring a piece of legislation she supports?

On this episode of Plain Talk, state Rep. Tom Beadle talks about his bill - one of two before the Legislature in Bismarck - to legalize sports betting in North Dakota. His would be restricted to professional sports. The other, introduced by Rep. Jason Dockter, would also include amateur sports like collegiate athletics and the Olympics. Also, two free speech groups have come out in opposition to implementing Measure 1. Should lawmakers do it?

Ag Week publisher Katie Pinke talks about North Dakota's corporate farming ban. A bill before the Legislature would widen the ban to let second cousins farm or ranch together, but should it really take an act of the Legislature for you to farm with your second cousin? Also, there is an effort to water down North Dakota's food freedom laws, and it seems to be coming from the grocery industry.