Radio, Feb. 12: Birth of greatness

Join us on radio every Sunday, 5-8pm on 710 KNUS, DenverTo listen online from anywhere, click 710knus.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I never had a feeling, politically, that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence." So said Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was yesterday. He was speaking at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Washington's birthday in 1861, a few days before becoming our 16th President.

The Declaration of Independence, Lincoln added, "gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all the world, for all future time... I had rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender [allegiance to] it." Prophetic words indeed, both for the world's future and his own.

We at Backbone Radio remember and revere Lincoln's birthday, even though Congress has unwisely discontinued its official celebration. Greatness in the man, and timeless truth in his politics, deserve homage from all Americans on February 12 each year, we believe. Our show this weekend offers that homage.

** Brian Kennedy, president of the Claremont Institute, is my guest once again to talk about the continuing relevance of Lincoln in a time when Republicans seem adrift, and when presidential war powers are in question.

** Rep. Steve King of Iowa, one Republican in Congress who's not adrift at all , checks in with a report on the Immigration Caucus where he's a leader along with Tom Tancredo.

** Dr. Jay Lehr, energy and environment expert for the Heartland Institute, gives us his critique of President Bush's strange claim that "America is addicted to oil."

** We'll also talk about some of the hot issues in Colorado, including the Petition Rights Amendment with Dennis Polhill and Doug Campbell, and the growing importance of toll roads with CDOT's Peggy Catlin.

** My mike partners this time are Krista Kafer, who covers education policy for our website, and Joshua Sharf, whose blog at View from a Height has stayed on top of the latest jihad against freedom of speech and press.

That's 5-8pm this Sunday, Feb. 12, on 710 KNUS in Denver and 710knus.com around the world. (A web listener emailed us from Aruba during the show recently.) Call in with your two-cents at 303-696-1971. Or comment by email, during the show or right now, at backboneradio@aol.com.

There's nothing else quite like Backbone Radio, the most principled, most patriotic, most faith-based, most Colorado-proud spot on the dial. I invite you to join us for another lively Sunday evening of fact, opinion, and insight.

Yours for self-government, JOHN ANDREWS