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.

We jump straight into the headlines and controversies shaping both Ohio and the nation. The conversation opens with breaking news about President Biden’s cancer diagnosis, sparking a candid discussion on transparency, leadership health, and the responsibilities of both elected officials and political parties.

Digging deeper, we draw thought-provoking parallels between historical crimes, moral philosophy, and the shifts in America’s foundational values—referencing everything from Crime and Punishment to Nietzsche, the role of religion, and what happens when societies lose their moral compass.

Turning to the legal front, we tackle Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship and immigration, unpacking the implications of recent rulings, the intent behind the 14th Amendment, and the complicated realities for children of undocumented immigrants.

Ohio issues get the spotlight as well, with lively debate on property taxes, the challenge of keeping taxes fair, and the possible ripple effects of abolishing the property tax altogether.

Of course, no episode would be complete without a look at the latest from the national political circus—Trump’s business deals in the Gulf, the scrutiny over accepting international gifts, and honest takes on the ongoing Trump/Biden saga, media narratives, and party loyalty.

From philosophical deep-dives to the hard realities of law, politics, and policy, this episode is packed with the lively, unfiltered Common Sense Ohio perspective you know and love.

A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.

Key Moments

00:00 Crime, Guilt, Redemption in "Crime and Punishment"

05:01 "The Dangers of Authoritarianism"

07:16 Atheism as Religious Belief

11:55 SCOTUS Decision Sparks Controversy

13:23 Injunction Lifted: Deportations Proceed

16:36 "Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship"

19:56 Trump Secures Gulf States Investments

25:12 "Appearance vs. Actual Impropriety"

26:37 "Biden's Prostate Cancer Timing Discussed"

29:46 Cancer Confusion in 2022 Speech

32:14 "Voting, Friendship, and Democracy"

35:16 Who's Running the Country?

40:53 Misinterpreted Intent and Influence

44:08 Ohio Considers Property Tax Elimination

46:10 "End of Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty"

48:25 Seat Belt Paradox Explained

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

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.

Mentioned in this...

From debating the roots and realities of American immigration history and the evolving complexities of cultural assimilation, to unpacking the impact of the 1965 Immigration Act and discussing whether our system is truly as "systemically racist" as some claim, the conversation pulls no punches.

We examine everything from the shifting demographics of immigration and the recent arrival of South African Afrikaner refugees, to the persistent media narratives around race and discrimination.

But that's not all—this episode covers a wide range of topics including Pete Rose’s complicated case for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the shifting landscape of drug pricing and Trump’s latest moves on pharmacy benefit managers (BPM), and the ongoing debates over healthcare and government involvement.

We also touch on local stories like Columbus’ approach to renter representation and a shocking crime wave, as well as national and cultural phenomena, such as the rise of AI girlfriends and shifting attitudes in younger generations.

Packed with insightful debate, historical perspective, and plenty of unfiltered opinions, this episode of Common Sense Ohio is your front-row seat to fact-based, common sense talk on today’s most complex issues—served up with the wit and candor you’ve come to expect from the team. Buckle up and join the conversation!

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Common Sense Moments

00:00 Immigration and Assimilation History

07:41 Immigration Policy Shift in 1965

13:34 Desmond Tutu's Forgiveness Mission

18:53 Explaining Crime & Remorse

25:17 "Trump's Drug Pricing Reform"

28:49 Discussion on Free Market and Antitrust

36:11 "No EV Subsidies in Bill"

40:52 Son's Conservative Shift in Ohio

47:21 Alleged Abuse and Legal Controversy

48:54 Missing Evidence Raises Retrial Concerns

54:56 "Ohio Serial Killer Arrested"

01:03:00 American Apathy: Human Rights Concerns Ignored

01:06:47 "Madman Theory in Politics"

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

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

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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