Hello everyone, thank you for tuning in. This is another episode of Oregon matters. Today, we're discussing Salem's taxpayer rate 2.0. It's a laugh or cry situation, really. I predicted last week that the city council would financially burden the citizens of Salem, and unfortunately, I was right. We're being taxed, and it's going to continue.

The city council seems to have a prevailing mindset that if they say they're funding the police, the general tax-paying base of Salem will accept any proposal. But it's not about what we want, it's about what they want. These good citizens are under the delusion that the city council cares about their opinion. But if you do terrible, backstabbing things, people like me are going to call you out.

The city council doesn't care about the will of the citizens or the people. They're about their own will and taking care of their own interests. What matters is what people do, and this is what they did. They ignored the concerns of the citizens and taxpayers of Salem.

The city council is obsessed with security, and they're throwing money at the police. But hiring more cops isn't going to make us safer. The factors driving crime have to do with the economy, poverty, and social ills. More cops just make it a more authoritarian place, which is scary in its own way.

The city council also allocated money to help the homeless and the fire department. I respect firemen and believe they are necessary in society. As for the money for the homeless, I think it's a good thing, but the city council should be addressing the causes, not just applying a Band-Aid.

In conclusion, the city council is shaking us down for money. They're taking about an additional $500 a year from each person, and the biggest chunk of it goes to the police. But this isn't going to make us safer. It's a sad, slow-motion train wreck, and it's hard to know whether to laugh or cry.

If you're pissed, you should be. You know who to contact. Or better yet, leave a comment with me, and we might actually accomplish something. Until next time, take care, and remember, there are no bad words, just bad actions.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

In episode 234 of my show, "To Hell in a Handbasket: How Every Human Life is Precious, Simple-Minded Beliefs That Are Killing Us," I, Earnest Mann, tackle some of the societal issues that I believe are causing harm. I question the widely accepted belief that every life is precious, arguing that a significant portion of the population are merely "walking redundant protoplasm," consuming resources without making substantial contributions to society. This mindless consumption is a key concern.

I also highlight the problem of overpopulation, noting how it's impacting our natural environments and outdoor recreational activities. I've observed that our favorite outdoor spots are becoming overcrowded, disrupting the peace and tranquility these places once offered. I suggest that this overcrowding is causing a strain on both the environment and the wildlife inhabiting these areas.

Furthermore, I express my dissatisfaction with the current political landscape. I argue that our politicians are not addressing the real issues at hand, such as the increasing violence and crime rates in cities across the country.

In conclusion, I urge you, my listeners, to reflect on your existence and contributions to society. I challenge the notion of mindless consumption and reproduction, advocating for a more mindful and purposeful approach to life. I end the episode by reminding you that actions, not words, define a person's worth.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello everyone, thank you for tuning in or for tuning in again. This is Friday, and in this episode, I dive into the recent police shooting of a black teenager in France, challenging the prevailing narrative of racism and shedding light on alternative perspectives. The incident has sparked widespread protests and unleashed a wave of violence in Paris, with thousands of arrests made and additional police deployed. While the media narrative presents the incident as racially motivated, I question this assumption and raise thought-provoking questions about the potential consequences if the teenager had caused harm due to his reckless driving.

Amidst the chaos, it is crucial to address the underlying issues of anti-establishment sentiment and bias deeply entrenched within French society. It is not enough to solely focus on the immediate incident; we must examine the overall population's reaction and mindset. A significant portion of France's youth is seemingly eager for an opportunity to protest and rebel, revealing a deep-rooted discontent with the government and fellow citizens.

In this analysis, I emphasize that Macron, the French President's response is ineffective, as he merely urges peace and passivity without offering concrete solutions. This response is telling of the root causes fueling the protests. When facing mass violence and knee-jerk reactions, it becomes less about the ability of the people to comprehend the situation and more about the citizens' biased attitudes.

Moreover, we should explore the silent division that exists within the youth population, where some individuals choose not to participate in protests due to social pressures and fear of saying the wrong thing in supposedly progressive or woke communities. This points to a need for deeper introspection and understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to the unrest.

In summary, the police shooting of a black teenager in France serves as a catalyst for pre-existing tensions, rather than being the sole cause of the protests. By challenging the prevailing narrative and examining underlying societal issues, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. It is crucial to address the complex interplay of racism, anti-establishment sentiment, bias, and discontent in order to move towards a more harmonious society.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello everyone, it's Earnest here, discussing the Salem City Council's financial decisions. Today's topic is the budget crisis in Salem and the new tax proposal that's causing a stir among residents. The City Council, influenced by Governor Kotex, is proposing a new payroll tax to cover their overspending, particularly with regards to the police department. However, the likelihood of this new tax proposal being put to a public vote is slim to none.

A few years ago, the Salem Police Department went over budget by 11 million dollars on their new headquarters. Yet, there's no talk of them paying back this money. Instead, the City Council is proposing a new tax, ignoring the impact on the residents.

In my opinion, a better solution would be to deduct the overspent amount from the salaries of everyone working at the Salem Police Department. This could potentially reduce the amount needed from the proposed payroll tax, or even eliminate the need for it altogether.

But the City Council doesn't seem interested in this solution. Instead, they're focused on increasing the number of police officers, despite the dire need for road repairs in Salem. It seems like their priorities are skewed towards protecting their own interests, rather than serving the public.

In conclusion, the Salem City Council's financial decisions are causing more harm than good. They need to start listening to the public and making decisions that benefit everyone, not just themselves. Remember, there are no bad words, just bad actions. Until next time, this is Earnest, signing off.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Welcome to episode 231 of Ernest Truth, where we're addressing the pressing issue of increasing violence, particularly in the US, and how you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones. In today's world, understanding the root causes of violence is crucial for personal safety.

We dive into the complexities of human nature, exploring the behavioral laws that often lead to conflict. Our discussion reveals that humans, neither inherently evil nor good, can exhibit ugly aspects under certain conditions. Interestingly, we find a correlation between abnormal behavior, psychopathy, and the rise of capitalism, shedding light on the chaos capitalism can sometimes create.

A key aspect of this chaos is the power differential complex. Research confirms that individuals tend to inflict harm when they're confident of facing no repercussions. This disturbing trend is a significant contributor to the escalating violence we witness today. Unless we implement transformative policies, the situation is likely to worsen.

The first step towards change is understanding and acknowledging these truths. Whether the aggressor is an individual, a small group, a police force, or a military, unchecked aggression only leads to more harm. This pattern, deeply rooted in human nature, is not confined to the US but is a global phenomenon.

The absence of payback or retribution often emboldens people to continue their destructive behavior until their targets are either completely subjugated or eliminated. Recent incidents in France, where a teenager's death at the hands of the police triggered massive civil unrest, underscore this point. It's a stark reminder that people, especially the youth, are on a hair-trigger with authority figures.

To protect yourself and your family, it's essential to understand the dynamics at play. Law enforcement agencies, contrary to popular belief, are not always your allies. Their primary goal is to restore order and ensure the smooth functioning of businesses. Recognizing this reality is the first step towards effective self-protection.

In conclusion, the escalating violence is a complex issue rooted in human nature and societal structures. Understanding these underlying factors is the first step towards personal safety and societal change. Stay tuned to Ernest Truth for more insights into pressing global issues."

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, it's me, Ernest Mann, and today I want to share some thoughts about a tradition that's deeply ingrained in American culture - the Fourth of July. Now, I'm not what you'd call patriotic, but I'm not anti-American either. What I am, however, is anti-ritual.

I've seen over 50 cycles of this holiday in my lifetime. As a kid, it was all about the fireworks, the excitement, the thrill. But as I grew older, I began to question the meaning behind this celebration. I realized that bombs and fireworks are only cool depending on your point of view. If you're the one doing the bombing, it's exciting. But if you're on the receiving end, it's a nightmare.

This realization made me think about the rituals we follow. We celebrate our independence from Britain, but it's been almost 250 years since then. The ritual has lost its meaning, its relevance. It's become a spectacle, a caricature of itself. We need to get rid of these ritualistic practices.

I've been around for over five decades, and I've seen the same old tired ritual play out year after year. It's time we question the harmfulness of these rituals. Why do some rituals prevail while others die out? It's because these rituals fall under certain economic and social rules. They're profitable to keep going.

But just like Hollywood has destroyed its dignity by squeezing every last bit of substance out of its blockbusters, so too have we destroyed the meaning of our rituals. We've become so mindless in our participation that we can't even see the contradiction in our actions.

We're too afraid to freely exchange ideas or criticize our government, yet we engage in this ritual of celebrating our freedom and liberty. It's a contradiction that we need to address.

So, as we approach the Fourth of July, I urge you to give some thought to the rituals you follow. Are they meaningful, or are they just empty slogans? Remember, there are no bad words, just bad actions.

That's all for now. This is Ernest Mann, reminding you to question everything and live authentically. Until next time.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, it's another episode of Oregon Matters. Today, we're discussing a tragic incident that occurred recently - the killing of Kathy S. Green. This story is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety of individuals within communities.

Kathy, a 64-year-old woman living on 68th Avenue in Portland, was found with severe life-threatening injuries. Her son, Austin K. Green, was at the scene and was cooperative with the authorities. He was initially charged with attempted murder and domestic violence. However, two days later, Kathy passed away, and the charges were upgraded to second-degree domestic violence murder.

This incident struck me hard because of my personal experiences with similar situations. I believe we need to be proactive in identifying unsafe individuals in our lives and taking necessary steps to protect ourselves and those around us. 

In many cases, the perpetrators are mentally unstable individuals, often self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. I've personally known two such cases, and in both instances, I advised the parents not to let their unstable children live with them. Unfortunately, one of them didn't heed my advice and was brutally killed by his son.

We need to understand that our homes are not clinical settings. People with serious mental health issues need to be in a monitored environment where they can't harm others or themselves. We need to invest in infrastructure that can provide such environments, instead of pouring money into ineffective therapies and medications.

In conclusion, we need to confront this issue in a realistic manner. We need to stop the rituals that follow such tragic incidents and start taking action. We need to prioritize the safety of individuals over the profits of professionals in the mental health field. It's time we took care of ourselves and our loved ones. Remember, there are no bad words, just bad actions.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

Hello, folks! This is me, sharing some earnest introspection on how to make your life better amidst the chaos of world events. This week has been a whirlwind, with numerous global incidents that can make one feel overwhelmed and hopeless. But I'm here to tell you that there's hope, and it lies in changing your mindset.

We often feel that the world's problems are beyond our control, leading to a sense of despair. But what if I told you there's a different way of dealing with this situation? It's about survival, both mentally and physically, and the key to it is a shift in perception.

For instance, consider the concept of fate. Many people believe their fate is sealed due to external circumstances. However, I argue that what we often interpret as fate is actually a matter of relative chances. If we make reckless decisions, we increase the chances of negative outcomes. But by making sensible choices, we can navigate through life more effectively.

This brings me to the concept of 'time lag.' Just as there's a time difference in when my podcast reaches different parts of the world, there's also a time lag in the consequences of our actions. Recognizing this time lag can give us an advantage, allowing us to prepare for and adapt to changing circumstances.

Now, let's talk about global trends. There's a significant shift happening in U.S. trade, moving away from China and aligning more with Mexico, Canada, and India. This shift could lead to desperate times for China, potentially leading to war. But even in the face of such drastic changes, there are ways to safeguard ourselves and our families.

In conclusion, it's crucial to understand that our actions and decisions today will shape our future. By changing our mindset and making sensible choices, we can navigate through life's challenges and improve our lives. Remember, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. So, let's embrace change and strive for a better future.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

In episode 227 of my show, I address a tragic incident involving the Titanic tourist submersible. I feel compelled to share this early broadcast due to the gravity of the situation. The submersible has not been found, and the oxygen supply is estimated to have either run out or will soon. Based on the technical information available, the submersible was a death trap on multiple levels. It is astonishing that people agreed to enter such a dangerous vessel.

Reports of noises resembling banging on the submersible's hull have been circulating, but I am skeptical about their validity. False hope can be cruel, and finding the people alive is highly unlikely. The search area is relatively small, given the available technology and precise knowledge of the submersible's diving location. However, I doubt they will be discovered. It is more probable that the submersible, being a death trap, succumbed to the pressures at extreme depths.

The submersible was made of carbon fiber, which has limitations and can disintegrate under slight variations in pressure. Unlike metal debris, it would be challenging to locate the shattered pieces. Incidents like this occur due to the lack of strictly enforced regulations. The submersible was not adequately tested at the intended depth, and the owner disregarded necessary inspections and regulations.

I am deeply affected by this tragedy, particularly because those on board had no chance of escape. Even if they managed to exit the submersible, the pressure alone would have killed them instantly. The submersible had numerous flaws, such as untested oxygen supply systems and the absence of carbon monoxide sensors. It is disheartening to witness people lose their lives in such preventable circumstances.

I wish I could be proven wrong and that they are still alive, but my belief is that they are not. Investigations will uncover the failures in the systems and the owner's irresponsible actions. It is incredibly sad, and besides the reported banging noises, there seem to be no other signs of their survival. The submersible should have had redundant communication systems, but they failed to utilize them. The delay in reporting their absence and the lack of preparedness for rescue efforts are additional failures.

This tragedy was entirely avoidable, with numerous factors contributing to its occurrence. These people paid the ultimate price for these oversights. I hope that this incident will lead to stricter safety protocols and prevent such tragedies in the future. It is unlikely that the submersible will be found intact, as it would have disintegrated instantly upon rupture. The only consolation is that the victims would not have suffered prolonged pain since the destruction would have been instantaneous. That is all I have to share for now.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show

In this episode of "Oregon Matters," I delve into the concerning state of education in Oregon, specifically regarding our dismal reading proficiency. Over the past 25 years, an astounding $250 million has been spent on improving reading, but the results have been abysmal. I came across an article in our local paper, the Salem Reporter, titled "Special Report: Oregon Fails to Turn Page on Reading." Frankly, the title was an understatement.

The article shed light on the distressing reality that nearly 40% of fourth graders and 20% of eighth graders in Oregon are struggling readers. It's a grim statistic that highlights the failure of our education system. Governor Tina Kotex proposes yet another solution, the "early literacy success initiative," which involves a $140 million grant program for evidence-based literacy instruction. However, throwing more money at the problem won't solve it.

In my honest opinion, the core issue lies in the lack of parental involvement. Parents need to take responsibility for teaching their children the fundamental skill of reading. I recall my own upbringing, where my parents dedicated an hour and a half every day to read with me. It wasn't just reading at me; it was reading with me, discussing words and their meanings, ensuring comprehension. This regular practice made a significant difference in my reading abilities.

Unfortunately, we've shifted towards an education system that expects schools and teachers to single-handedly fill the gaps left by parents. It's as if dropping off our children at school absolves us of any responsibility. But the truth is, reading proficiency is the foundation of knowledge and academic success. If children enter school without basic reading skills, it puts them at a severe disadvantage.

Rather than relying on government programs and pouring more taxpayer money into failed initiatives, we need to refocus on the role of parents. It's not about complex methodologies or expensive programs; it's about parents making time to read with their children, instilling a love for reading and providing a solid foundation. I understand that life gets busy, but as parents, we need to prioritize our children's education.

Blaming teachers or the education system is not the solution. The onus is on us as parents to ensure our children are adequately prepared before stepping into the classroom. It's time to acknowledge our shortcomings and dedicate ourselves to actively participating in our children's educational development.

In conclusion, another round of funding and government initiatives won't address the root issue. We need a change in mindset and a return to parental responsibility. Let's prioritize reading and comprehension, dedicating time to read with our children and empower them with the necessary skills to succeed. It's time to take charge and give our children the educational foundation they deserve.

Please go to my website - https://theearnestmannshow.com - to listen to this, or any of my many other episodes. You can engage by leaving a comment, or you can reach out to me personally, via my contact page. You will find other interesting things on my website as well, but the main thing, is you will be supporting the show, not some mega corporation. Perhaps most importantly, by leaving a comment, your opinion or advice may help another person in this world more than you know!

© 2025 The Earnest Mann Show