Radio, Sept. 3: Labor Day set right

    Update, Sunday night: Our critique of the Liebeskind architectural infestation of Denver, with Susan Barnes-Gelt, had to be postponed to a future show. In its place we welcomed State Rep. Matt Knoedler, running hard for a Dem-held Senate seat in Lakewood. That segment ended with every candidate's dream, a supporter (Ellie, whom we ascertained was not a plant) calling in live to learn how she could send a check. Should you wish to do the same, or just read up on this fine young conservative, go to www.mattknoedler.com.

Join us on radio every Sunday, 5-8pm on 710 KNUS, Denver and now also on 1460 KZNT, Colorado Springs To listen online from anywhere, click 710knus.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When you think about it, Labor Day's not quite right. One last long weekend to say goodbye to summer is fine. But the day itself has an anti-capitalist edge that we should also say goodbye to, for good. The amazing opportunity and prosperity machine that is 21st century America has no place for the class antagonism of bygone union struggles.

Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Committee, is my guest this Sunday for a discussion of how to set Labor Day right. Certainly we should honor those among us who do the tough jobs and work the long days. But let's also be real about the way organized labor often disserves the best interest of working Americans. When markets, individual freedom, and Econ 101 are violated, everyone suffers.

"Backbone Radio with John Andrews," every Sunday from 5-8pm, now boasts two years on the air and two good places to listen, 710 in Denver and 1460 in Colorado Springs. I hope you'll be listening to our September 3 show when Krista Kafer and I interview not only Mark Mix, but also...

** Marvin Olasky, who's written an important new book about the lessons of Katrina for conservatives, and

** Mike Littwin, the Rocky Mountain News columnist who this week scalded DA Mary Lacy and GOP candidate Bob Beauprez, and

** Susan Barnes-Gelt, with whom I share space on PBS and in the Denver Post, turning thumbs down on the Liebeskind makeover plan for Denver's proud old Civic Center, and

** Andy McKean, the Colorado citizen activist who has made Liberty Day into a national movement for renewal of civic knowledge among America's kids.

Please tell your friends about "Backbone Radio with John Andrews." America and the West, still not fully aroused to the threat we face five years after 9/11, need a lot more backbone right now. We're committed to helping. How about you?

Yours for self-government, JOHN ANDREWS ------------------------------------------------------------- Speaking of that threat, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is right when he diagnoses "moral confusion" in those who minimize it, Sen. Ken Salazar unfortunately among them. Read Rumsfeld's speech and see for yourself that it's altogether patriotic, not in any way partisan.