Welcome to WSRadio!

Show Times:

Wednesdays

10 a.m. EST (7 a.m. PST)

About The Show:

Republicans Abroad Radio: The Voice of Americans Overseas

About The Host:

"Cynthia Dillon joined Republicans Abroad in Washington D.C. as Executive Director in June 2007. Cynthia’s volunteer work in Spain for the organization included being Country Chairman during the 2004 elections. In 2005, RA-Spain organized the Regional Meeting and invited former Maryland Lt. Governor and GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele.

Cynthia’s international career and background is in the field of design, and began in 1980 while working alongside one of Tiffany & Co.’s designers, Elsa Peretti. In 1983 she became president of Ms. Peretti’s company in New York. In 1989, under contract with a Japanese company, Cynthia Dillon designed and sculpted several collections (1,000 pieces) as finished metal models in Sterling Silver, 18Kt. Gold, and pave diamonds. Cynthia's other skills include writing and editing. As a volunteer and Director of the Navy League Madrid Council she created, edited and published the 2005 Navy League Magazine. (An example of her jewelry designs can be seen in the ad that appears in the magazine). With her vast experience in high end advertising in print and the internet, she has designed and developed several websites, (including www.republicansabroad.org), created and developed the 2008 and 2010 advertising campaign for Republicans Abroad Voting League which appeared in The Herald Tribune, (Print and Internet),Stars & Stripes, The National Post (Canada) and Drudge.

Cynthia was born in New York and spent part of her childhood in Buenos Aires and Tokyo. A graduate of Marymount College, Tarrytown, New York in 1978 she lived and worked for many years in New York City and Madrid. Fluent in English and Spanish, Italian and French."

Show Contact Info:

Republicans Abroad Radio

Host: Cynthia Dillon

Politics

Upcoming Episodes:

02/15/12 - Republicans Abroad Radio

Recent Episodes:

02/08/12 - Republicans Abroad Radio

02/01/12 - Importance of "term limits."

Rep. Stephen Fincher, (R-TN), is a seventh generation farmer and a managing partner of Fincher farms, a family business that grows cotton,corn, soybeans and wheat in more than 2500 acres in western Tennessee. From a district that had been represented Democrats ("Yellow dog" democrats-a term applied to those voting straight party line.) Mr. Fincher Committee assignments include :Cttee on Financial Services, Sub-cttee.on Financial institutions and Consumer Credit, Sub-Cttee. on Oversight and Investigations, Republican Study Cttee and Tea Party Caucus. Congressman Fincher speaks of his membership in the organization "Ducks Unlimited" involved in the 'wetlands conservation since 1937, and responsible for protecting 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat in North America alone. As a member of the Tea Party Caucus Congressman Fincher speaks of the movement that "holds citizen legislators" accountable and stresses the importance of "term limits." For Mr. Fincher the "Payroll tax" bill will still be debated in the coming months and criticizes the "Sarbanes-Oaxley"Act which has hurt American businesses. Regarding the President's policies, Mr. Fincher points to the fact that they are not working: the deficit, unemployment and his use of language that is "dividing and not uniting" us. When asked if it was important that non-lawyers (half of the members of Congress are lawyers) and businessmen like him should serve in Congress, Mr. Fincher spoke of people with "real world experiences," who will not become "career politicians."

Gabriela "Gabby" Saucedo Mercer, Republican candidate for the US House of Representatives, (Az-7), speaks to RAR why she is running against liberal Democrat Raul Grijalva. "Concerned about the direction of her adopted country," (Ms. Saucedo Mercer was born in Mexico and emigrated to the US in 1986 becoming a US Citizen in 1991), she decided to run for office because her opponent "consistently voted against the interest of businesses and families in her district." Ms. Saucedo Mercer describes Mr. Grijalva as a "progressive" and a member of the Communist Party in the US and who opposes the mining explorations in Arizona for (copper) for "environmental" reasons; an area now being used as a "drug cartel corridor." The issues that concern her the most are: socialized healthcare (as in Obamacare) and how it does not work citing Mexico as an example; Border Security, from the time of Reagan until today and the numbers in "illegal immigration, 12million, 20million-nobody knows." She cites San Diego and Duncan Hunter who had the fence built and how the passage of illegals stopped... For her, politicians have taken an oath to protect us...and the US is a sovereign country...every country has borders." Ms. Saucedo Mercer is pro-life, supports the 2nd Amendment and individual rights, supports a "free market" economy and Energy security.

Ambassador John Price returns to RAR to speak about Gov. Mitt Romney whom he knows well. Ambassador Price who came to the United States with his family escaping Nazi Germany in 1939, settled in Utah and became a successful entrepreneur and businessman. (Ambassador Price describes his life in his recently published autobiography "When the White House calls."). Ambassador Price speaks of the recent win in the Florida Primary and what it means for Gov. Romney... For him "all the Republican candidates are working very hard" and emphasizes that he "has great respect for all of them." But is proud to mention how he met Governor Romney in 1988 and describes the problems he solved while at the helm of the Olympics, a role he took with no salary. The Ambassador speaks of the Governor's "business acumen" and points to the fact that "nobody works to pay taxes,but rather, to build something, to succeed..." He also recounts how the Governor, while at Bain capital, helped find the daughter of a Bain executive who had disappeared (in 1996) by organizing his staff and providing all the resources available to find her. If he were to advise Gov Romney, Ambassador Price would tell him to "stay on message, on target with domestic issues, and stay relaxed and be himself, enjoying the process." Ambassador Price also speaks of Obamacare and how Gov. Romney, who also believes in healthcare at "state level" has been criticized for "breaking new ground." For Romney, the Ambassador concludes, every American should have "quality" care.

Cherylyn Harley LeBon, lawyer, author, Fox News contributor and activist speaks to RAradio about CPAC (Conservative Political Action Committee) meeting in Washington, D.C from February 9th-11th. Ms. LeBon also speaks of the Republican contest, the primaries and to "pay particular attention" to the coming caucuses in Nevada (Romney won) , Michigan and Maine all the way to "Super Tuesday" in March...

01/25/12 - Republicans Abroad Radio

01/18/12 - All Politics is Local

Robert J. Kabel is an attorney and senior advisor with an international law firm in Washington with expertise in the financial industry and trade and investment in Brazil and Mexico, In the late 80's he led efforts to educate Republicans on Aids issues and was appointed by President Bush in 2006 to the Advisory Council on HIV /Aids (established in 1995, but its charter renewed by President Bush in 2001). Mr. Kabel is the founder and editor of the "Kabel Intelligence Letter" a weekly newsletter that provides strategic insight and analysis on political, legislative and regulatory forecasting from the US to businesses in Brazil. In the past he worked for Senator Richard Lugar, and in the White House under President Reagan, where he worked on domestic issues.
Mr. Kabel speaks with RAradio about his four-2 year terms as Chairman of the DCGOP and his race to become the next Republican Nationalcommitteeman. Involved in DC politics for many years, Mr. Kabel explains why he became involved. As the only "urban" party the DCGOP formulated in 2008 a Republican Urban Agenda (to be revised) focusing on issues and policies affecting cities such as school choice, charter schools and discusses how the Party worked with Speaker Boehner to continue the charter school programs that were abandoned by the Obama Administration pressured by the teacher' unions. Regarding any changes or "advances" made in DC Politics in the last few years, Mr. Kabel decries the "One Party" rule (Democrat) and the corruption that exists with "sitting members of the Council having to plead [guilty] to felony charges..." (Mr. Harry Thomas) The DCGOP acts like a "watchdog" keeping an eye on their every move....

Corruption and politics...The DCGOP acting as a watchdog and effecting change. Mr. kabel speaks of the DC Primary on April 3rd and what is at stake: the DCGOP has 16 delegates to the Republican National Convention. Mr. Kabel also speaks of his international work, specifically in Brazil and Mexico and what he is doing to bridge many of the gaps that exist within the Business communities. For instance, any people are unaware that Ford Motor Co. has been in Brazil since the early 1900's...

Ms. Joslin has been the National Committeewoman for Alaska since 2008 and is in the Committee on Presidential Debates amongst others. She is also a Founding Member of the Republican National Conservative Caucus and Member of the Republican National Steering Committee. In the past she held the position of President of Eagle Forum Alaska, a conservative pro-family group. Ms.Joslin describes the status of republican politics in Alaska and her involvement over the years. She also speaks to RARadio of a cause that concerned her so much that she sponsored a Resolution that was overwhelmingly supported by fellow members of the RNC. She explains what The National Popular Vote (Interstate) Compact is and who are its supporters: left leaning associations and mostly democrats. This initiative started after the 2000 election, with the intent of abolishing the 220+ year Electoral College. She speaks of the lobbying efforts behind this initiative and the pressure exerted on legislators to "eliminate the Electoral College method of choosing a President." Eleven States have already signed up to it and a total of 38 are needed to do away with it. Who is behind this effort? Who does it benefit? What are the ramifications if it were to succeed? Only the states with the biggest populations would be deciding our fate...

Ms. Joslin concludes the interview by stressing the importance of continuing the fight against the National Popular Vote Initiative by "educating" the legislators at state level. Calling the initiative "unconstitutional," Ms. Joslin urges people to learn about it and cites Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who said it was probably the most important issue in our time...one that would definitely prove to be "transformational."

01/11/12 - "When the White House calls..."

Ambassador John Price was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve in the Republic of Mauritius, the Republic of Seychelles and the Union of Comoros,(three Indian Ocean Island nations) from 2002-2005.
Mr. Price, who recently published his autobiography, a journal of his life, which begins "with his birth in Germany and his success as an entrepreneur and real estate developer in the State of Utah..." Ambassador Price speaks about what he is doing today and since the day he left office. He speaks about the 3 year task to "compile 3,000 pages of notes and journals" into a book that describes his very interesting, hard working and "adventurous" life. Recently he started writing his own blog in which he discusses current events and those pertaining to the Sub-Saharan Region he knows so well. Ambassador Price, has been going to Africa since the 1970's, and knows the continent quite well. For him, it is of great concern, that some, in government in Washington, for example, become familiar with the golf courses in Africa, but not the real problems affecting the villages... And cites the recent visit of certain movie stars to Somalia for an advertising campaign for Louis Vuitton... Since 1991, the Region has suffered great instability and has become a "safe haven" for terrorists...

Ambassador Price speaks of the reasons that compelled him to write his autobiography and describes his life, since arriving in the US at the age of five with his family, escaping Nazi Germany. "A traumatic experience" is how he describes traveling by a "banana" boat from Germany to the shores of Panama and a year letter entering the United States with his parents and brother and sponsored by a relative. He speaks candidly of his parent's efforts, his schooling in New York and his decision, "inspired by a college professor," to "Go West." From Oklahoma to Utah, from geology to real estate. Ambassador Price also speaks of his exatrordinary pursuits: climbing Mt. Everest and Mt. Aconcagua...

Ambassador Price describes his relationship with the Bush family and his involvement in the campaign of President George W. Bush. He also speaks of the coincidence of being sworn into office on the same day of the opening of the Olympics, surrounded by family and friends... He speaks of his involvement inthe 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah and being part of the committee that "helped convince Mitt Romney, with no salary," to take over the management... Ambassador Price gives a detailed description of the countries that he was accredited to represent the United States: Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles and points to the problems encountered and tells of some that were resolved while in office and others that remain a threat to our National Security. Unfortunately, some countries in Africa see the United States as a "fair weather friend," called on whenever a vote is needed at the UN.

Ambassador Price dedicates his book to the children of Africa- and believes that the US should look ahead, with "sustainable programs in healthcare and agriculture," and entice young Americans to join the Peace Corps and serve as mentors to the young in Africa. He speaks of what he is doing to help: in Somalia,through the Colin Powell Institute in New York (City College) he is helping build (with funding) one school at a time, giving the tools to the villagers themselves to build their own schools. With his wife Marcia, Ambassador Price is supporting the Arts- and has funded the Museum of Fine Arts building at the University of Utah. Another of his passions, is the museum dedicated to vintage race cars...Ambassador Price is constantly on the move.... and influencing others by example...

01/04/12 - Media matters - All the News That's Fit to Print

Dr. White, a communications specialist, Emmy Award winning journalist, producer, writer and anchor for programs at CBS, CNN, FOX, PBS, speaks to RARadio. Dr. White also served in the US Air Force Reserves retiring in 2006 with the rank of Brigadier General. During his military career he helped rebrand the Air Force. He is a Member of the Board of the Buffalo Bill Historical Society in Cody Wyoming where he maintains a residence. Dr. White is originally from Michigan and received his PhD from the University of Maryland. Dr. White comments on the Iowa Caucuses, the results and what it means for the winners and losers. He speaks of his support for center/middle of the road Republicanism and the need to find common ground for the sake of the country For him the 2012 election will not be for “those far to the right or far to the left, but for the independents…” Dr. White is critical of the term “class warfare,” reminiscent of the French Revolution… For him, the current MSM, “encourages the fight, portrays the conflict,” in order to get the ratings (TV, print, Internet)

Dr. White, an expert in communications discusses the meaning of what is News, and explains that “nobody can define what it is…but it must elicit an emotional response…(see tabloid /politics).. For him, in the case of the Presidential candidates, and as a result of how they are presented by the MSM we only come to know them superficially…and not for how they perceive the important issues, “of taxation, how do they feel about Iran’s nuclear aspirations?...” The new Media…”in many ways, is dangerous to democracy and the 1st Amendment,” and recalls WF Buckley, the “elemental conservative” and how he engaged “the left” intellectually.

For Dr. White it is essential to see “both sides to every story” and recounts how he gave his college age daughter subscriptions to National Review (Conservative) and The Nation (liberal) magazines, in order to help and guide her in understanding the issues from different angles…,with the ultimate purpose to have her form her own opinion. Dr. White then speaks of the military and its mission, with “its principal role not to fight wars, but if you must, to win.”

Dr. White concludes the interview by speaking of his service in the Military and his involvement in Recruiting and Public Affairs. He also speaks of the two Republicans he admires: former Senator Alan Simpson (WY) and former Governor of Michigan, John Engler, a friend from College.

12/28/11 - Republicans Abroad Radio

12/21/11 - Republicans Abroad Radio

12/14/11 - Faith-based & Community Initiatives

Former Secret Service Agent for President Barack Obama and now Maryland Republican candidate for the Senate has received the endorsements of Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Joe Walsh (R-Ill), but not from the President for whom he would have given his life had he been “in the line of fire…” Mr. Bongino is going against the “blue Democrat” tide which has not let a Republican take the Senate seat since 1987. A former New Yorker and officer of the NYC Police department where he started his career and with 12 years as a Secret Service Agent and three in the elite Presidential Protection Division, Mr. Bongino is ready to make a difference. Mr. Bongino explains what drove him to resign from a prestigious and secure career … For Mr. Bongino is listening to the people of Maryland, who crave for “the educational system that [should] work,” the jobs, the security, they deserve..;

Dan Bongino speaks about his background and experience. Mr. Bongino comments on the 800 volunteers that have signed up to his campaign and answers a question posed by Vince Bennett, a junior at G W University and intern at Republicans Abroad. Mr. Bongino comments on the reasons why he decided to enter the race, how he got started and why. He describes his campaign, his message and asks for the citizens of Maryland to take a look at his ideas and projects for a new beginning…;

Terri Hasdorff, Vice President of the 100X Development Foundation served as the Director for the Center for Faith- Based and Community Initiatives at USAID. She first organized such an office in her home state of Alabama and was involved in many humanitarian organizations, overseeing volunteer programs. She also worked in the White House Office of Public Liaison, was Legislative Assistant to Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and at the Department of Labor under former Sec. of Labor, Elizabeth Dole. Ms. Hasdorff speaks of the purpose of FBCI, and its history…first established in 1996 as “Charitable Choice” under the Clinton Administration but developed and expanded during the Bush years, as “armies of compassion, addressing the needs of helplessness, homelessness, HIV/Aids and Africa…” Ms. Hasdorff explains how this transformed the way government tackles some of the human problems/tragedies within the States and overseas, by working together with Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and non profits;

Teri Hasdorff concludes the interview by discussing the differences and similarities between the Bush-Obama Administrations with the FBCI. For Ms. Hasdorff, President Obama has focused on the assistance on healthcare although it has been exposed by conservative news organizations that they are being used for the promotion of “climate change..” Ms. Hasdorff explains the mission of the 100X Development Foundation and the specific projects they are working on, for example, in Malaui.

12/07/11 - Worldwide & Border State Republicans

The three Chairs of RA join in the conversation: SAL AHUMADA, Chairman, RA Thailand, a former member of the US Armed Forces, he is Chief Operating Officer of “Asian Aerospace International,” a Thailand based consulting consortium. A former Congressional staffer for Senator John McCain, Mr. Ahumada served as Campaign Manager for Thailand, in the Americans Abroad initiative for the McCain/Palin ticket in 2008. EDWARD PATRICK FLAHERTY, Chairman, RA Switzerland is an American lawyer and senior partner in the Swiss law firm of Schwab, Flaherty, & Associés in Geneva, and is co-founder of IO Watch (www.iowatch.org) and the Centre for Accountability of International Organisations (www.CAIO-ch.org). JAMES LEVY, Chairman, RA Spain, has been an investment advisor to leading Spanish business owning families for twenty years, firstly in the Madrid office of Merrill Lynch International Private Banking, and later as a Founding Partner in Private Wealth Advisors (PWA ) In 2009, PWA was acquired by Madrid based Banco Inversis. Today, he is CEO, Founding Partner at Open Source Asset Alliance. From Thailand, Mr. Ahumada explains that “American expats are not happy…and in 2012, they plan to put America back on track..” In Switzerland, Mr. Flaherty comments on a poll taken before the 2008 election where President Obama then enjoyed an 88% approval rating (amongst the Swiss) but could be somewhat tainted today because of the IRS treatment of the Swiss banks! And…”the bloom is off the rose… with FATCA…going into effect in 2013..” James Levy, mentions that Spain is “in the eye of the storm,” and comments on the recent elections and the conservative win despite the tight collaboration between the socialists and the Democrat Party, with special assistance from Move On, Soros and an array of leftist organizations..”;

The three RA Chairs comment on the political situation in their respective countries and how their governments view the US, particularly this Administration. Edward Patrick Flaherty comments on Secretary Clinton’s controversial LGBT speech in Geneva-especially when people are being killed while protesting in Arab countries… For Sal Ahumada, the political situation is complex and unpredictable…the chief concern, America’s expanding and massive debt ..and while Obama visited the region (Indonesia) he skipped Thailand…, despite being the US’s oldest friend in Asia, since 1833….James Levy comments on the parallels between Spain and Thailand, that Obama has “not set foot in Spain,” and concurs with Mr. Flaherty, that the “bloom is off the rose..” For him, it’s alright for Secretary Clinton to call attention to the LGBT human rights issues but finds it “curious and disturbing” that nothing is being said about the 5 million Coptic Christians being persecuted and killed by Islamists-and calls it the new “Holocaust.”;

The three chairs discuss the political process in the US-specifically, the Republican debates. For Sal Ahumada, the press in Thailand is not focusing on the debates but on” the fact that the US should first put its fiscal house in order.” For Edward Patrick Flaherty, the Swiss are oblivious to the debates although, being the progressives and liberals that they are..he expects the same reactions towards the 2012 nominee…” and James Levy comments on the striking differences between Obama and Bush, in fact how the latter stayed in the WH during Christmas, so that his staff would spend this time with their families in the area…”;

A successful businessman and lawyer Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco spoke with RAR on October 7th, 2010 in the finishing line of his campaign and at the time was critical of his opponent because he had voted 98% of the time with Pelosi and for every spending bill, including Obamacare… A year later, as a member of the government, Mr. Canseco speaks of how things have changed, and it is no longer “how much more we will be spending, but what we will be cutting.” For Mr. Canseco, of paramount importance is repealing Obamacare, “the focus should be on small businesses and the priorities on getting Americans back to work again.” He then mentions the 25 job creating bills that the democrat majority Senate is not advancing… As a Member of Congress, Mr. Canseco speaks of the legislation he has introduced and supports, that he believes is important for his constituents, the country. Since his District shares 800 miles with Mexico, the border issue is huge and a top priority. Security is what is at stake and is critical of this Administration’s actions. For that, he has introduced HR2124…

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