Introduction:

This is a short and unedited podcast, responding to viewer mail. Matt, our sound editor, is off, enjoying the 4th of July Weekend. There are some pauses between sections where I took a break. I tried to remove those the best I could.

Letter and Chocolates from Jim

Jim, the name given to a Norwegian wishing to remain anonymous, wrote me a letter and even sent a donation that we are on the right track and I should keep up the good work. He listens to our podcasts while driving to work. He told us that the truth was refreshing. I was very happy. We met for a drink in downtown Oslo, discussing current events and monetary policy.

Before we started talking, he gave me a box of Anton Berg chocolates for my wife. Although working behind the scenes, she is becoming quite popular.

He told me that Norwegian media, in general, is very one sided and the opposition is too extreme, so much so their policies would be impossible to implement. There is nothing in the middle, taking into account reality. We hope to fill that gap with rational conservatism based on the principles of the American Founding Fathers.

I would like to thank Jim for his time and support. My wife sends her thanks for the chocolates. It’s really great to see that we are striking a chord with hardworking people.

Responding to Post about the 4th of July in Oslo Article

I received a valid critique on our Facebook Page from a local Democrat after posting a story about the 4th of July Picnic at Frogner Park, mostly making fun of the Democrats for living in the past, selling Hillary t-shirts and having Obama photos.

Nick,

I initially thought this page was going to be something a bit different than what the title suggested.

Did you think this was going to be a blog about Fjords and Bunads and how I am finding my way here? That assumption is partly true. I don’t write about the generic stuff. There are dozens of blogs out there doing that. They all talk about the same boring stuff, how Norwegians are anti-social and the weather is great in summer and sucks in winter. I want to talk about stuff that matters and affects us. We live in a democracy and everyone must be engaged to uphold it.

I liked the idea of an American perspective of living in Norway and their experience.

However, upon further review I see that it is fairly one-sided, misguided, and a baseless attempt to explain Norway and other topics.

Can you be more specific on what exactly where I am misguided and baseless?

I cite sources or my own personal accounts of what I have seen with my own eyes. I actually offer both sides of the story and what I think are the root causes. I have been living in Norway for the past four years, paying my taxes, taking the required language and social studies courses and passing the exams required for citizenship. I am not sure what is baseless in my explanations.

I go back to the US only once every two years and spend most of my holidays in my apartment. Therefore, I eat sleep and breath Norway.

Although you try to play it fair and balanced, (re: your voting record), I see this as primarily a far-right soap box in the making.

My voting record and background (Engineer with an MBA) should be inviting conversations from Democrats. Why did this Minnesota born, originally, hard left liberal turned to Trump. The short answer is that the Democrats decided to put the world’s problems ahead of American ones. The whole principle of elected leadership is that we delegate responsibility to represent or interests.

I saw Chicago go down the toilet with Obama in power. I studied at The University of Illinois at Chicago.