Episode 29: Roadkill for everyone! New laws in Virginia, immigration-crime fear-mongering, and driving while stoned. In this week’s episode, Brian, Chris & Andy explored current events through a liberal lens as they discussed: a new CATO study, immigration and crime; cannabis legalization and driving; and, a lightning round reviewing new laws in Virginia – from claiming road kill to ending child marriage. Lastly, they teased up next week’s focus, a dedicated episode looking at the upcoming presidential election and the candidates.

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Episode 28: Go Bolder! State-sponsored religion, MDMA therapy, privacy rights in the digital space & more. Brian, Chris & Andy discussed applying a CLPVA, liberal perspective to some current issues including the mandatory teaching of the Bible in public schools, the war on drugs, and privacy rights. As part of the discussion, they explored the dangers of compulsory religious indoctrination in public schools, the potential of psychedelics as a legal and regulated substance, the need for incremental progress towards desired goals, and the implications of age verification requirements for online services, before closing with some recent Supreme Court rulings and a Virginia government corruption event. The Commonwealth Classical Liberal Podcast and the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia  promote open markets, open minds, and free people.

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Episode 27: Better labor negotiations, privacy rights, and a big bipartisan win for nuclear energy! In this week’s episode, Brian and Andy welcomed back Chris and the team discussed free-market ideas around labor-management relations, considering the potential for alternative solutions that go beyond an “us vs. them” mentality. They also delved into the privacy issue surrounding the US Postal Service's sharing of information with law enforcement and the need for increased privacy measures, including in the digital sphere. Lastly, they discussed the ADVANCE Act and bipartisan support for this legislation, which encourages the development and deployment of nuclear energy as a means to greater energy independence, addressing climate change challenges, and creating job opportunities.

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Episode 26: Virginia’s Alcohol Monopoly, Election Debates, and a Win for Reproductive Rights! This week’s episode starts a new format for the podcast as Brian and Andy began looking at current issues in the Commonwealth of Virginia and around the nation through a liberal lens focused on open markets, open minds and free people. Among the issues discussed, recent layoffs at the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, the Chesapeake City Council's rejection of a voting system change, local elected officials voting for pay raises, and the recent legal challenge to the FDA's approval of abortion drugs. Brian and Andy advocated for privatizing alcohol sales, a fair and representative electoral system, and the importance of focusing on real necessary legislation. The discussion also highlighted the continued need for vigilance and action among voters to ensure their right to bodily autonomy, reproductive rights and the prioritization of women's reproductive freedom.

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Episode 25: Liberal Party USA, Richmond’s Corporate Welfare. Brian and Andy talk about the launch of the national Liberal Party USA, the group’s recent convention, and how the Commonwealth Classical Liberal Party (CLPVA) and other states’ parties have joined as affiliates. They also discussed the term "liberal" as used in relation to the Liberal Party USA. The guys shift from national efforts to local politics and look at recent actions in Richmond to subsidize a local baseball team. The podcast closes with a call for action for listeners to get involved and emphasizing the importance of boldly being willing to vote differently to see real change in the political system.

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Episode 24: LGBTQ+ Rights: Respect, Equality & Dignity in Virginia – Without Exception.  Brian, Chris and Andy discussed the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia (CLPVA) position on LGBTQ+ rights, reviewing the platform position and some of the background and current situation on LGBTQ rights in the Commonwealth. Looking at the Virginia Constitution, the team highlighted the importance of protecting individual rights, updating archaic laws, and fighting against legislation that targets and discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community. The CLPVA calls for respect for the inherent dignity, worth, unique attributes, and human rights of all individuals as a fundamental principle that brooks no exception. The Party supports LGBTQ+ people’s right to live openly with open rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association without discrimination, either by the state or state-like entities, and calls upon the Commonwealth and all subordinate jurisdictions to protect the equal rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The discussion reviewed three specific positions on LGBTQ+ rights, addressed ongoing Culture War battles, the need for a constitutional amendment in Virginia for equal protection under the law, and the importance of challenging one’s own beliefs and positions.

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Episode 23: Housing Supply and Opportunity for All (Housing and Commercial Reform). Chris, Brian, and Andy returned to discuss the high cost of housing in Virginia and proposed solutions to alleviate the housing stress by simplifying zoning regulations, removing regulatory obstacles, and promoting infill construction. They also highlighted the potential of tiny homes and other creative housing solutions to increase the housing supply and affordability. The group advocated for a free-market approach to housing development, and expressed concerns about government policies favoring a select few at the expense of the majority. The group also lamented the current state of American politics and presidential candidates, as they look back to better options in years gone by.

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Episode 22: Occupational Licensing Bupkis. Brian, Chris, and Andy discussed the need for occupational licensing reform in Virginia, focusing on four specific recommendations including the elimination of unnecessary requirements, reciprocating other states’ licenses, streamlining health and safety processes, and removing restrictions on cash-based non-insurance practices. While addressing some of the common objections about simplifying licensing, they argued that many licenses are set up to benefit special interests at the expense of the people and that simplifying these systems could lower barriers to entry, boost competition, increase quality, and improve overall outcomes.

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Episode 21: General Assembly 2024 Review. In this episode, Brian, Chris and Andy reviewed some of the wins and frustrations coming out of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly's activities. Topics included touching on marriage equality, election audits, drug legalization, reproductive rights, with disappointment expressed over some of the politics and delays from this session. The meeting also covered tax cut proposals, climate change, and the importance of local news resources.

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Episode 20: Criminal Justice Reform, part 2. Brian, Chris and Andy return to conclude this two-part series on criminal justice reform in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They looked at two big recommendations which are part of The Classical Liberal Party of Virginia (CLPVA) platform, specifically looking at:

They discussed the potential impact of these issues on society and proposed reforms to address them. The conversation also touched upon the idea of law enforcement “scope creep,” the tie in of the war on drugs and police militarization, and other relevant ideas. They wrapped up debating daylight savings time, the Virginia state budget, and the upcoming presidential election. 

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