Pete’s Big Mouth invades the classroom! Pete is still luxuriating in Sicily and Mr. Ellis Henican is keeping the seat warm. During Monday’s show Ellis discussed the new plan that the board of a small community in Texas, unanimously approved, which allows their teachers to carry concealed weapons.  We heard some interesting opinions during the show but we need to hear what Todd in Florida and the rest of the PBM bloggers think. I recall one day in Elementary School when there was a threat of a drive by shooting on the school. It turned out to be total bullshit but I wonder if some of the students would have felt safer in that situation if they knew that the teachers were packing heat. Knowing some of my teachers I probably would have been more afraid.

First and foremost, check out our guest Debbie Burak’s website, www.veteranaid.org/store  and please help her raise the money she needs to get her message about the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit that our veterans and their families need and deserve.

Secondly, is America dying?  Is focusing on strengthening the dollar the best way to revive America and its economy?  I am a little confused by this myself.  If we strengthen our dollar does that mean oil prices may go down?  Obamanomics seems to think yes.  “Americans know instinctively that something is wrong when the Canadian loonie is worth more than the greenback.”  Do we?

What other show could bring you Matt Taibbi, a Catholic Priest (Father Dan from the Sirius Catholic Channel 159) and Douche of the Week all on the same day? Pete’s Big Mouth is truly Dynamic! Taibbi, was on to discuss the campaign contributions that the presidential candidates are getting and also the very complicated issue that is offshore drilling.  He seemed to believe that the Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less mentality was flawed, misleading and basically a political stunt. Let’s put some more thoughts and ideas out there on this subject.

Father Dave had a heart warming talk with Pete about religion, some of the devisiveness involved with it and his life journey in Catholicism. If you enjoyed Father Dave you can check him out on The Sirius Catholic Channel 159. His show is called The Busted Halo.

And Finally, The Douche of the Week. This weeks winner was from a caller (Dan in Iowa) who nominated John McCain for mocking Obama and his suggestion for people to properly inflate their tires in an effort to conserve oil. So congratulations callers you won this time.   Now if you’ll excuse me I have to update my Facebook Status.

Two Jim’s joined us today…  one with Talent, the other a Senator! 

We did have two guests today.  Pete’s Uncle Jim and Former Missouri Senator Jim Talent.  Senator Jim Talent brought to our attention something we didn’t think was a huge issue, but it really is something that concerns all of us - and also is something that seems like a quicker fix than health care, the economy and the war.  If you find you’re having problems with the roads in your communities, be it a pothole or a condition of the bridge you cross everyday to work, then check out www.getamericamoving.com and do something about it.

Uncle Jim covered a lot in education.  In essence, I agree with his overall argument, that there is a dumbing down of America.  Test scores are low and schools are being put on watch due to No Child Left Behind.  We’re in serious trouble America.  What should we do here?   Should we adopt A-PLUS?  I think we seriously need to leave “No Child” behind.

Pete has our Uncle Jim Lobdell on the show today, and we’re all looking forward to two hours of talk and debate about our education system. One of the best ways to figure out what we want out of educators is to reflect on the teaching styles, personalities and other factors that have made a difference for us as individuals.

So think back and let us know: Who was your best teacher ever (in or out of formal schooling), and most importantly — why?

If you answer during the show, Pete will consider reading your response on the air.

We strayed off the usual path today with a visit from motivational speaker and comedian Matt Bellace. Pete went through a mini therapy session which was quite interesting and entertaining. They even got me in the mix to talk about the possibility of meeting my biological father for the first time. I am definitely not looking for pity so please don’t go that route. I am however, considering going to see a therapist and I’m finding that the more I talk about my issues the better I feel.  So what I’m asking for is for anyone that’s willing to share their thoughts on therapy to do so here in the comments. Have you gone? Did it help? Would you recommend it for other people? Do you think that Pete should go back to therapy or is he too far gone?

Republican Candidate John McCain has broken his promise.  Such a politician.  He claimed he would run a clean campaign, saying the American people deserve to hear what candidates think about the issues and shouldn’t have to pick a president based on the mudslinging campaign ads.  His latest ad, “The One,” paints Barack Obama as the chosen candidate who has proved his popularity, but, is he ready to lead?  Um?  Wait a minute…  I am really confused.  People like this guy.  It seems like he is the choice of the majority.  I am voting for this guy!  But this ad is paid for by the opponent?!  Hmm…  I should get Pete to hire the advertising company John McCain hired to make an ad bad mouthing me.  Maybe I wouldn’t come off as such a douche.